This tour takes you through the mountainous Andean region and the surrounding areas, including Los Llanos, whose plains promise adventure among some of the most diverse wildlife in the world, and Maracaibo Lake, where the Catatumbo ozone-regenerating lightning storm illuminates the night sky.

Fitness level: Moderate
Destinations: Mérida City, Maracaibo Lake, Los Llanos
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
You can add an optional 3-day/2-night beach package to this program.

Day 1. Caracas - Mérida

From Maiquetia airport, take an early flight to Mérida. Upon arrival in Mérida, take some time to explore the beautiful Andean city - an easy-going town surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery! Visit places such as Bishop's Palace, the City Hall, The University buildings, the Cathedra recognized for its handsome architecture, colorful parks. Most important of all, take some time to meet its charming well-bred population. Overnight at Posada Casa Sol. (- / - / -)

Day 2. Mérida's Surroundings

After breakfast, tour the páramo (a high-altitude region with a neotropical ecosystem). The páramo is located between the upper forest line (about 3800 m altitude) and the permanent snow line (about 5000 m). The ecosystem consists of accidented, mostly glacier formed valleys and plains with a large variety of lakes, peat bogs and wet grasslands intermingled with shrublands and forest patches. This neotropical ecosystem hosts about 5000 different plant species where 60% of these species are endemic, adapted to the specific climate characteristics of the place. Vegetation you will get to see in this trip are: tussock grasses, ground rosettes, dwarf shrubs cushion plants and conspicuous giant rosettes such as Espeletia (frilejon) and Puya (in the family Bromeliaceae). Visit the beautiful Mucubaji lagoon and the picturesque towns on the way. Overnight at Posada Casa Sol. (B / L / -)

Day 3. Mérida City

Free day. Take this opportunity to go up the famous cable car! Take in the views of this beautiful city from the comfort of the world's highest cable car. Overnight at Posada Csa Sol. (B / - / -)

Day 4. Mérida – Maracaibo Lake

Leave Mérida early in the morning for Maracaibo Lake. Bird and butterfly watching. In the evening, take a night safari and watch the Catatumbo lightning. Overnight in Palafitos (basic services, sleep in hammocks). (B / L / D)

Day 5. Maracaibo Lake – Mérida

After breakfast, trips to see landscapes and wildlife. After lunch, drive back to Merida City. Overnight at Posada Casa Sol. (B / L / - )

Day 6. Mérida – Los Llanos

Early departure for Los Llanos, driving the beautiful Transandina highway to Barinas, and then to Hato Cedral. Overnight at Hato Cedral. (B / - / D)

Day 7. Los Llanos

Morning and afternoon wildlife-watching excursions. Overnight at  Hato Cedral. (B / L / D)

Day 8. Los Llanos and Caracas

Early breakfast and morning excursion. Drive to airport and take return flight to Caracas. (B / - / -)

Total meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)
B = 7 / L = 5 / D = 3

Prolong your trip by adding an optional 3-day/2-night beach package.

The Andes, Llanos & Catatumbo Discovery tour includes:

• transportation as indicated
• flights as indicated
• bilingual tour guide (a specialist guide will be provided as required)
• meals and drinks as indicated
• accommodation in double rooms (double occupancy)
• transfer to and from airports.
  

The Andes, Llanos & Catatumbo Discovery tour does NOT include

• charges for optional excursions
• personal expenses, tips for local staff
• airport taxes
• national park fees
• alcoholic drinks.

Best season for this program: All year round. Note, however, that the wet season is very different from the dry season in Los Llanos; the dry season is best for wildlife watching.

Note: Turpial Travel & Adventure reserves the right to change the program for significant reasons such as weather conditions or changes in flight schedules.