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The
Orinoco is not just any kind of river, it is the third most important river
of the world and definitely very important to Venezuela.
Into
it flow at least 2.000 rivers and streams, big and small, while it crosses
the country from the far south-west to the Atlantic Ocean, a trip of about
1.300 miles, providing water to most states of Venezuela.
Where
river and Atlantic meet, the Orinoco measures about 13.5 Miles across and
is divided into Islands, channels, small and big outlets - in other words,
it is a real big delta!
This
of course makes it a perfect home for all kinds of animals as well as Moriche
palms and other tropical plants. It is common to see Monkeys, Herons, Terns,
Caymans and a great variety of insects and spiders, and with some luck
one of the rare Manatees or Jaguars.
The
people who live here are the Warao Indigenous, who have build their huts
on stilts above the water (Palafitos) which communicate by walk-ways from
one hut to another.
They
all posses canoes (Curiaras), which are by all means the only way to get
around , even small kids pilot them with astonishing know how. The Waraos
are known for making beautiful baskets of Moriche palms, and some of them
have made it to international Galleries and Museums, because of their beauty
and rarity. The Moriche palm is also somewhat like a free “Life Insurance”
for the whole tribe, since it always offers food enough from bark flour
to worms, or palm hearts. Be our guest!
On trips in the labyrinth of the Delta you'll be thrilled to see Dolphins jump right in front of you and where River and Atlantic meet, a mixture of salt and fresh water fish are dancing in the waters trying not to be caught. But fishing here is one of the main occupations of this area.
Tucupita,
which represents the capital of this region, is located inland from the
coast and is the only town which deserves to be called that. Some of the
Missions have settled here, and one of the most important is the Capuchin
Mission, which by now has existed for more than 50 years. The Warao do
not hesitate to travel for hours by boat to get here, since this means
trade and business for them. About 50 Miles south of Tucupita you may get
to know another town, Barrancas, which means “high cliffs”, formed by the
deposits of uncontrolled floods and its tremendous accumulations of sand
and rock. This town also is a main trading port and site to buy provision,
primarily gas for the boats.
It
is here where the very rare pre Hispanic pottery was made 500AD.
Today it is forbidden to excavate for what might be left from this very
rare and exclusive heritage. As you can see, a lot of surprises and beauty
awaits you here and we hope that you will not regret to have come.
Note:
From Pto. Ordaz to Tucupita transport takes about 3 hours. Not included
in the price.
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| Day
1: A fast boat will take us from Tucupita
in a bout 1 ½ hours to the camp – Orinoco Delta Lodge. After arrival
lunch is served, followed by a short rest. Activities for the afternoon
may be a choice of either Piranha fishing, a swim in the bay in front of
the camp or just enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Late afternoon we'll
take a boat ride to watch the spectacular sunset and get to know
the lively Dolphins (Toninas) of the Orinoco. Dinner will be served at
8:00 pm.
All visitors may buy all kind of liquor at our bar located alongside the river. Day
2: Very early in the morning you'll be awakened
by a pretty noisy concert of the many birds from the jungle around us.
Breakfast is served and off we go to an exciting trip discovering the remote
corners of the Delta. On our way we pass many communities of the Warao
tribe as well as multiple small channels and islands. It is here where
you'll appreciate the rare fauna and meet up with animals like monkeys,
snakes, and a great variety of birds such as Macaws and Parrots, and many
others. For hiking into the jungle we furnish boots to all participants.
As we arrive at a very simple but typical Warao-Camp, we'll be served lunch.
Day 3: Breakfast at 08:00 am. Boat will leave for Tucupita during the morning. Until departure all tourist may do any activity in our installations. All
rooms in the camp are equipped with beds, private bath /toilette, Mosquito
protection.
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4 days / 3 nights: $ 388 single room supplement on request.. special group prices on request.. |
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3 people: $ 88 each 2 people: $125 each |
Included
Optional: Transfer from Puerto Ordaz to Tucupita and return |
| Equipment
to bring along:
light jump suit for cool nights, solid walking shoes, swim suit, rain protection, sun-glasses, hat or scarf, small backpack, flash-light, small water bottle, sun protection / sun blocker (factor 20 for nose and lips), insect repellent. |
| Bookings:
Tour possible any day, Tour start: around 08:00 to 09:00 am from Tucupita - previous reservation necessary. Tour end normally: in the morning |
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small Warao "captains"
all rooms are spacious huts with mosquito protection, bathroom and private shower, simple but fine for your stay in the Delta
try out a small trip in a "tree boat" (Curiara)
on excursion
often you'll see a carpet of plants floating on the river - the "Bora Bora" plant
Warao house
we are visiting a Warao family
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they offer us beautiful handicrafts
Warao girl
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our guide explains us about the curiosities of this region
the bar of our camp
situated on the river front
tropical sunset in the Delta
