Why Venezuela?

It is simply a jewel that is waiting to be discovered, a nation
with so many natural wonders and treasures. It is also very
accessible, being so close to North America in the northernmost
region of South America - less than 3 hours flight time
from Miami.

How safe is Venezuela?

All of our preferred destinations are in National Parks, and by their location alone, are segregated and not exposed to any of the pressures and political climates that exist in the big cities. Venezuela, is classified as a third world country, an oil-producing nation, interspersed with wealth and beautiful historical cities, such as Caracas. They are absolutely worth a visit, however, some of these civilized cities house many underdeveloped, less fortunate communities, that are not surprisingly, exposed to relatively high crime rates. Consequently, these cities must be visited with consciousness and alertness, in fact an organized / supervised visit would be our recommendation.

How "ecologically correct" is the tour?

Very! We respect the laws of the land totally, no collection of
fauna / flora, rocks etc., no graffiti of any kind, hikes are
confined to paths, rubbish / garbage is collected and recycled.
In short, we have total respect for the indigenous communities and their unspoiled environment.

Do I need any special visas to travel in Venezuela?

If you are a citizen of Canada, the EC or US, all you need is a
valid passport. To travel for up to 30 days a visitor's pass will be
given to you on your international flight. Important - please ensure you have at least 6 months left before your passport expires - any less, can lead to problems at the point of origin.

How friendly are the Pemón Indians?

Very! Their very name Pemón means 'people' or 'friends'. Many
of the guides have lived for long periods within their communities,
partaking in their culture and even playing football (soccer) in
some of the villages (see Antonio's biography).

Since we are sleeping in hammocks do we have to worry about tropical storms in Canaima?

All overnight accommodations are under cover in Churuatas
(Indian dwellings). There are occasionally storms throughout the
year, but nothing that should cause any concern.

Should I have any concerns once I am on the trip?

You will be under the care of experienced and knowledgeable
guides like Antonio, who have been guiding in these parts for
years. In Canaima the Indians too will take good care of you. You should receive comfort in the fact that many have preceded you, from all over the world, from the ages of 8 through 80! From their feedback over the years, we know that they all would return to Canaima - in a heartbeat.

What happens in the case of medical emergencies?

Each camp is in radio contact with the outside world and they also
have a medical post within close proximity, with a nurse and an Indian doctor.

How strenuous is the Canaima National Park/ Angel Falls trip?

It can be a little challenging occasionally, if you want to experience
all of the options available on the expedition.

Do we have to carry our bags?

There is some hiking involved and we will be on the move almost every day but transport of bags and supplies etc. will be supervised in jeeps and on boats. It will only be necessary to take essentials (sun block, cameras, swimwear etc.) on individual jaunts at each location.

Do I need special inoculations before I travel to Venezuela?

Malaria tablets - at least - are recommended for the Orinoco Delta. If visiting the Amazonas jungle regions it is advisable to check with your physician regarding which inoculations are recommended.