The self-drive tours give you the freedom to relax and enjoy your tour at your pace. These tours are designed exclusively for tourists who speak Spanish well enough to ask for and take directions. “Self-Drive” tours use rental cars. On these tours you stay in accommodations booked in advance to an itinerary you design with us.
The following tour takes you on a journey along the western front of Venezuela. It begins in the Caribbean village of Choroní and ends in the Llanos plains of the south. You will be making stops in villages such as Tucacas, Sanare, and Mérida, and in the national parks of Henri Pittier, Morrocoy and Yacambú.
Choroní and Henri Pittier National Park: Located approximately three hours West of Caracas on the coast of Venezuela, Henri Pittier National Park covers an area where the Andes foothills meet the warm Caribbean Sea. With impressive mountains and cloud forests that house over 400 species of birds, Henri Pittier National Park is world renowed for its bird watching appeal.
In Choroní you can swim and sunbathe at the Playa Grande or take a boat to a nearby island. You do not want to miss the tambours dance every Saturday night, a cultural remnant of Africa from when slaves were brought here to harvest cacao.
Tucacas is a small town located near Morrocoy National Park. From here you can charter boats to take you to the nearby keys. The national park consists of a strip of coast and some of the surrounding islands; You can also visit the mangrove forests while in the area.
Sanare is a small Andean colonial village, considered the gateway to Yacambú National Park. Yacambú is located in the Sierra de Portuguesa area of the Venezuelan Andes and spans 145 square kilometers. Here you will find the country’s only active Volcano, La Fumarola; many endemic and/or endangered species such as the Oso Frontino (a.k.a. Spectacled Bear) and the Jaguar inhabit here as well.
Mérida is well-known for its outdoor activities such as horseback riding, hiking and camping in the mountains. It boasts one of the most colorful markets for local handicrafts and fruits in Latin America, Mercado Principal. From the city, you can reach local highlights such as the Sierra Nevada National Park or local lagoons within an hour and a half by bus.
Hato Cedral and the Llanos: The Llanos are expansive and untamed plains with a unique ecosystem that revolves around a flood/ drought cycle. They house an extraordinary concentration of plant and wildlife, including more than 400 species of birds, giant anteaters, wild horses, iguanas, red houler, and capuchin monkeys as well as capybaras, the world's largest rodent. The rivers are full of exotic species such as the fresh water dolphin, piranhas and anacondas.
The Hato Cedral is a wildlife refuge ranch with air-conditioned cabins and private baths with hot water.
No special physical condition is required for this tour.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Upon arrival in Caracas you will be provided with rental vehicle. We recommend staying the night in Caracas.
Day 2: Choroní and Henri Pittier National Park Tour. Accommodations provided in a standard superior Posada. Driving: Approximately 100 km, 5-6 hours.
Day 3: Visit Henri Pittier National Park. Accommodations provided in a standard superior Posada.
Day 4: Spend the day relaxing on the beach in Choroní with a visit to Puerto Colombia village. Accommodations provided in a standard superior Posada.
Day 5: Tucacas and Morrocoy National Park. Drive from Choroní to Tucacas. Visit Morrocoy National Park. Accommodations provided in a standard superior Posada. Driving: Approximately 90 km, 5-6 hours.
Day 6: Visit the islands of the Morrocoy National Park. There will be a full day boat excursion. Accommodations provided in a standard superior Posada.
Day 7: Sanare and Yacambú National Park Tour. Drive from Tucacas to Sanare. Accommodations provided in a standard Posada. Driving: Approximately 150 km, 6-7 hours.
Day 8: Sanare and Yacambú National Park Tour. Visit the Yacambú National Park. Overnight accommodations provided in a standard Posada.
Day 9: Sanare and Yacambú National Park Tour. Depart to Timotes. Overnight accommodations provided in Bungalows. Driving: Approximately 360 km, 6-7 hours.
Day 10: Mérida and the Andes Tour. Drive from Timotes to Mérida. Overnight accommodations provided in Posada Casa Sol. Driving: Approximately 150 km, 3-4 hours.
Day 11: Visit the Teleférico, Mérida's cable car. Open Mo-Fr (if not available, alternative program).
Day 12: Mérida and the Andes Tour. Visit the Sierra La Culata National Park. Overnight accommodations provided in Posada Casa Sol.
Day 13: Hato Cedral and the Llanos Tour. Drive from Mérida to the Venezuelan plains. Overnight accommodations provided in Centro Turistico El Gabán. Driving: Approximately 300 km, 5-6 hours.
Day 14: Drive to Hato Cedral. Overnight accommodations provided in Hato Cedral. Driving: Approximately 100 km, 2-3 hours.
Day 15: Partake in day tours in Los Llanos at Hato Cedral.
Day 16: Drive from Hato Cedral to Barinas Airport. Return rented vehicle. Driving: Approximately 200 km, 3-4 hours.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price includes:
- “Rental vehicle”
- Guide book
- All necessary maps
- Mobile telephone
- 24-hour assistance
- Hotel accommodation
Price does not include:
- Meals
- Guided trips
- Entrance fees to national parks
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Venezuela
Local Culture
Self Drive
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