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Angel-Eco submitted the following “walk” for the
“World’s Top Ten list of Walks” for Walking Magazine – it actually
made the top ten.
La Gran Sabana, Canaima National Park – Venezuela
Uruyén – Kavak – Kavak Cave – Kavak
Uruyén and Kavak are two Pemón lodges in the Gran Sabana region of
Canaima National Park, Venezuela. The trip can be broken up in two
if necessary and started from either Uruyén or Kavak. Upon reaching
either destination, lunch is served and the hikers have the option
of continuing their hike to breathtaking waterfalls in Yurwan Canyon
or the sacred Kavak Cave.
1) What makes this walk unique?
 To get to Uruyén one flies over the world’s highest waterfall, Angel
Falls and some of the parks 160 tabletop (tepuys) mountains before
landing on the same grass strip that Jimmie Angel did not so many
years ago (1937) before he went on to discover Angel Falls. The
scenery is breathtaking. It is also the site were Ruth Robertson
landed in 1949 and set up camp before her epic journey to Angel
Falls by river / foot in 1949. She and her team were the first to
make this journey to the base of Angel Falls when four other teams
failed - some never returning.
Canaima National Park is unique, combining Sabana (grasslands) with
canopied jungle and huge tabletop mountains (tepuys). These
mountains are believed to be the oldest rock formations on this
planet and it is said that the most UFO sightings in the world have
been recorded in this region. Coupled with the scenery is the
wonderful insight into the culture of the indigenous peoples of the
region – the Pemón.
2) Please share some details of the scenery of the
walk(s). What sights, sounds, scents and feelings does this walk(s)
evoke?
 Sights – scenery unlikely rivaled anywhere. Grasslands, rainforest,
jungles, Pemón villages and farms, all overlooked by huge, awe
inspiring tabletop mountains. Throw in a couple of river crossings
by dugout canoe (curiaras) and man-made bridges, the hikes in the
ancient canyons of Uruyén and Kavak that end with spectacular
waterfalls and pools below them just ripe for a refreshing swim.
On the hike from Uruyén to Kavak (or vice versa) we will pass by the
famous rock where it is said that an ancient shaman “Kaikárua (Piasán)”
performed a spell to “lock together” for eternity his cheating wife
and lover.
It is worth mentioning that at night one can experience pristine
star studded skies overhead and lightning over the tabletops in the
distance – especially during rainy season. The fireflies too are out
in force seemingly glowing in sync with the far off lightning over
the tepuis.
The hike to the waterfalls of Kavak or Yurwan combines hiking,
wading and swimming (short distances) into the canyons that tower
high above you on either side. Finally, one is confronted by the
sight of the falls in the distance – a sight that cannot be
described in words. Before entering the sacred cave of Kavak
visitors must make the customary chant to the “Indian” spirits to
allow them to enter.
Sounds – the cicadas and crickets are constant, with the occasional
birds overhead like the green parrots, toucans, humming birds and
Caracara.
Scents – the air is very clean, the grasslands and jungles have a
very distinct smell to them really not unpleasant at all.
Feelings – this is a very spiritual area and if anyone with an open
mind can really feel the energy. Besides which solitude and
gratitude spring to mind – it is a humbling experience invoking
happiness to be alive and present to experience this place. At the
same time one can’t help but be in total awe of the landscape, which
is always changing around you.
3) Describe the terrain and the approximate length of
the walk(s) and the time it takes to walk it. How much physical
ability does one need to complete it?
 Uruyén to Kavak – around 5 miles in length, time-wise two to three
hours at a leisurely pace. This section of the hike is very moderate
and the paths are all very well marked on an even terrain.
Kavak / Kavak Cave / Kavak - around 1 1/2 miles with slightly
steeper terrain, again on well marked paths alongside Kavak River.
Part of the hike takes some quite steep paths through canopied
rainforest before ending up alongside the river in a small canyon.
Here the hikers rest a while before wading / swimming the last leg
to the incredible Kavak cave with its towering waterfall and pool.
Uruyén / Yurwan Cave / Uruyén - similar to Kavak above but seldom
visited by tourists, around a mile and a half with reasonably well
marked paths along Yurwan River. As for Kavak canyon the hike
incorporates climbing through some canopied rainforest and crossing
the river a number of times before reaching the final destination
another towering waterfall and pool. Well worth the visit and
effort!
For the latter expeditions one needs to be reasonably fit, however,
the first part of the days hike is far from strenuous.
4) Describe the practicalities of the walk(s): Is it
well marked? Is it accessible to lodging and food? Is there a time
of the year that is best? Is there any special gear/clothing a
visitor needs? Any precautions (bears, ticks, etc.)?
 The paths are well marked but they are guided with a multi lingual
guide and one or two Pemón guides always present. Spanish is a
common denominator with the guides and Pemón.
Accommodations are provided in the lodges of Uruyén and Kavak. It is
advisable to carry water and maybe something to snack on along the
way since not everyone will sample the manioca bread etc. available
on the walk at some of the Indian communities visited.
The walks are planned all year round since the climate is pretty
constant in this region.
Regarding precautions, sunscreen lotion is recommended and a
mosquito repellant for the legs if wearing shorts. The mosquitos are
not plentiful or dangerous, but for extra comfort repellant is
advised. Suggested clothing: baseball cap or something to cover the
head, shorts, tee shirts, hiking boots, poncho (in case of rain) and
of course swimming costumes.
5) Please share with us anything else that makes the
walk(s) special.
 Apart from the incredible scenery we visit a couple of Pemón
communities seeing for ourselves how they farm and live in harmony
with their surroundings. The Uruyén and Kavak lodges are run by the
Pemón who are very gracious hosts. Maybe they will play local music
and perform ceremonial dances for us if we are lucky. The dances are
somewhat spontaneous but they like to do this to show off their
culture, which is unfortunately dying - the elders are the “keepers”
of the myths and legends; they really have no written language that
is passed on. Angel-Eco Tours and Angel Conservation are working
directly with the Pemón communities of Kamarata Valley to help
sustain and bring alive their culture through responsible tourism
and projects that enable the Pemón to restore their dignity and
history once again.
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New Itinerary!
Discover The Valley of the Lost World. A
brand new expedition from Angel-Eco hosted by the indigenous Pemon
of Kamarata Valley. Spend a whole week exploring the valley's
natural wonders, the myths and legends of this spiritual place and
much more! Click here
for the full description. |
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