WILDLIFE PLAINS & TROPICAL ANDES ADVENTURE


Led by John Benus

2003 DATES OFFERED:
Jan 18-26 • Feb 15-23 • Mar 15-23 • Apr 12-20 • May 17-25 • June 14-22

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 from Caracas Airport to Barinas, then ground transportation to the famous El Cedral Ranch, which covers 131,000 acres. Afternoon excursion via safari style vehicle to see multiple species of tropical birds and wildlife. Overnight at Hato Cedral Ranch.

Monday • Day Three
Morning and afternoon excursions to observe more birds and wildlife. Over 350 species of birds have been registered plus you'll also experience howler monkeys, deer, alligators, iguanas, reptiles and unique capybaras. Overnight at Hato Cedral Ranch.

Tuesday • Day Four
Morning excursion for more bird watching and local wildlife. Afternoon departure via ground transportation to Caceres, a colonial town at the foot of the Andes surrounded by tropical forests and coffee plantations. Overnight at Posada Caseres.

Wednesday • Day Five
Morning excursion to view tropical cloud forest birds and experience life in this historical town. Afternoon depart via ground transportation up and over the Paramo 12,000 ft. pass, above the timberline to reach the city of Merida and on to La Mesa, a colonial town surrounded by tropical Andean mountains. 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, bird life and visit a coffee plantation. 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 handicraft 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