ANGEL FALLS JUNGLE & TROPICAL ANDES ADVENTURE


Led by John Benus

2002 DATES OFFERED:
Oct 19-27 • Nov 16-24 • Dec. 21-29

9 Days/8 Nights - $1,750 p.p. all inclusive & includes flights to 2 destinations in Venezuela
(Airfare to Caracas is additional)

***SPECIAL AIRLINE INTERLINE RATES AVAILABLE: contact John Benus at 415-331-0100***

Saturday • Day One
Morning flight via your choice of American, United, Delta or Continental Airlines with one stop before arriving and being greeted at Caracas Airport. We can arrange special fares on these airlines. Overnight at Hotel Quince Letras.

Sunday • Day Two
Morning flight via Avior Airlines to Canaima Airstrip, then transfer via safari style vehicle to our Canaima Lodge. That afternoon we'll hike to and behind Sapo Falls and later swim from the pink sandy beach of the Carrao River. After dinner we'll take a walk below a million stars. Overnight at our Canaima Lodge.

Monday • Day Three
Morning departure via 40-foot motorized dugout up river four hours, passing through several rapids in an area similar to the Grand Canyon covered by jungle. We'll also see several waterfalls before reaching our camp, within view of Angel Falls. Once we arrive or the next morning, depending on the clouds and weather conditions, we'll hike one hour through tropical jungle to photograph and bathe at the base of this spectacular waterfall. Overnight at Angel Falls Camp.

Tuesday • Day Four
Departing down stream three hours to the famous Ucaima Lodge founded by one of the first explorers to this area, Jungle Rudy, an old friend of John Benus. Rudy's daughters Gaby and Sabina now carry on his tradition and hospitality. Before dinner we'll take a refreshing swim in the river and sunset cruise via dugout. Overnight at Ucaima Lodge.

Wednesday • Day Five
Morning hike through the surrounding jungle and open palm lined grassland to the Canaima Airstrip for our flight to the Andean city of Merida. Upon arrival we'll take a one-hour scenic route through the tropical Andes to the colonial village of La Mesa. Overnight at Posada Papa Miguel.

Thursday • Day Six
Morning walk through the village of La Mesa to visit the local metal and dried flower artisans plus nearby sugar cane plantation. Afternoon excursion to view the picturesque countryside and visit a coffee plantation with lunch in the colonial village of Jaji. Overnight at Posada Papa Miguel.

Friday • Day Seven
Morning departure to the city of Merida for our ride up to 15,000 ft. on the longest and highest tramway in the world. Once at the top we'll take a slow hike to photograph these majestic Andean mountains and lakes while experiencing complete silence. Afternoon we'll visit a colorful public market famous for local handicrafts from this region. Overnight at Posada Luz Caraballo.

Saturday • Day Eight
Breakfast listening to folkloric music by local musicians. After breakfast we'll take an hour hike in La Culata National Park and visit a local trout farm. Afternoon flight to Caracas. Once we arrive to Hotel Avila, built by John D. Rockefeller, we can relax poolside before our jeep ride up nearby Mount Avila for our sunset dinner at the Granja Natalia Restaurant with spectacular views of Caracas and the Caribbean coastline. Overnight at Hotel Avila.

Sunday • Day Nine
Morning transfer to Caracas Airport for our flight back to the United States with many memories and photos of Nature's Paradise.

For specific information, color brochure or video, please call John Benus at (415) 331-0100.

We look forward to having you join us.

Other Special Interest Adventures for Mountain Biking, Bird Watching & Diving are available year-round.

Venezuela. . .Nature's Paradise. . .your next destination!

Contact us for specifics & dates. P.O. Box 3010 • Sausalito, CA 94966 • USA • (415) 331-0100