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The Orinoco
The Orinoco River is a rarely visited paradise, flowing into the Atlantic in the form of endless creeks and channels. The entire delta is protected by the Venezuelan government as the Orinoco Delta Nature Reserve contains luxuriant mangrove forest that harbours endemic species of flora and fauna. The delta can be explored by motorised canoe, passing by small communities of subsistence farmers scattered along the riverbanks.
In the outer delta live the Warao Indians whose ancient culture has changed comparatively little in recent times, and is estimated to be over 12000 years old. Their rectangular houses are built on stilts made from virtually indestructible Moriche palm trunks. Walkways, also on stilts, connect the houses, which generally have Moriche palm floors covered in clay. The name Warao comes from War-aroa, “people of the canoes”, where their children are able to swim and paddle canoes almost as soon as they can walk.
The journey there takes you through the mangroves, enjoying exotic flora and a variety of birds along with dolphins and the rare manatee. In visiting the Warao Indians we get a privileged look into their way of life, all our guides are Indian and ensure that you respect this fragile environment and help you understand how their culture survived in this remote tropical paradise. They will demonstrate how their food is grown and cooked, (including huge edible worms hidden in Moriche palm trunks),and how they prepare medicines from indigenous plants, of course, you get the opportunity to try all of the above!! THINGS TO SEE AND DO
The Orinoco basin is a remote place, though lodges are comfortable with all amenities. Below is an example of a 3 day / 2 night itinerary, though this could be longer or shorter depending on your interests.
Day 1. Pick up at airport/hotel, transfer by bus to San Jose de Buja port and then by boat and airboat to your camp. In the afternoon there is an excursion by canoe to Guina Morena to visit the Warao Indian settlement and onto Love Parrots Island for sunset over the delta. Day 2. Expeditions by boat and foot through the creeks and jungle. Your guide will show you some of their survival techniques and walk you along the medicinal trail. There will then be time for a spot of piranha fishing and a night trip to look for caimans and night birds. Day 3. Before breakfast a short trip to observe the howler monkeys. After breakfast a nature walk spotting strange varieties of flora and fauna or alternatively relax and swim at camp. Following lunch you return by airboat and bus back to the airport.
Recommended lodges in this area:
Los Roques
Posada Caracol is one of the few posadas in Los Roques located directly on the beach. This finely decorated posada has four rooms, all with private bathrooms and equipped with ceiling fans and air conditioning
Los Roques
The owner Elena Battani personally sees after her guests. White washed, the posada is has been decorated with great taste and attention to every detail, all of which is in a Mediterranean style
Los Roques
The Posada Natura Viva is one of only a handful of posada which is situated right on the beach. They have 16 spacious rooms with private bathrooms which are located around the inner courtyard of the hotel
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