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!!
