Tour Overview
Welcome to Curaçao & Venezuela!Considering its small size, contemporary Curaçao has a surprising ethnic and religious diversity. For much of its written history the island was home to just three major groups: the black majority, which was largely Catholic; the small Dutch Protestant aristocracy; and small Sephardic Jewish elite (the first permanent Jewish settlers, a group of seventy Sephardim Jews of Portuguese descent, arrived in 1651 from Holland). With the opening of the Royal Dutch Shell oil refinery (nowadays Isla) immigrants poured in from all over the world, recasting Curaçao as a multi-ethnic, diverse island. Each immigrant group has brought its own customs, food and religious practices, which have intermingled and adapted to local realities, creating a unique culture.
Angel Falls- the tallest waterfall in the world! Angel Falls is located in the Guyana highlands, one of five topographical regions of Venezuela. It plunges off the edge of a "Tepuy", or table-top mountain, and free falls 2,421 feet to the river below, making it the tallest waterfalls on earth. In total it is 15 times higher than Niagara Falls with a total of 2,937 feet. The falls are named after Jimmy Angel, an adventurous bush pilot from Missouri (Used to fly with Lindbergh's Flying Circus), today a modern legend. Jimmy Angel first saw the falls in 1933 with McCracken while searching for a legendary Gold Ore. Jimmy returned again in 1937 with his wife, Gustavo Henry, and Henry's gardener, they landed on top of the tepuy. Jimmy's Flamingo monoplane settled down into the marshy ground on top of the Auyantepuy and remained there for 33 years before being lifted out by a helicopter. Jimmy Angel and his three companions managed to descend the tepuy and make their way back to civilization in 11 days.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive CuracaoWelcome to Curacao! You will be welcomed at Hato International Airport by our Caribbean representative for a private transfer to the extraordinary Lodges Kura Hulanda Beach Club. Breathtaking Coral Cliffs surrounded by a sugary white sand beach created the ideal setting for Curacao’s newest luxury resort, Lodge Kura Hulanda and Beach Club. A member of Leading Small Hotels of the World, this peaceful, tropical getaway offers the tranquility of a secluded island hideaway coupled with a relaxing and alluring beachfront retreat located on the Island’s West End. Located only 30 minutes from Curacao’s international airport, the new beachfront haven offers spacious villas, suites and guestrooms, all elegantly appointed, featuring balconies or patios with stunning panoramic views of the ocean or gardens and exquisite patio furnishing. The balance of the day is at your leisure. Lodges Kura Hulanda Beach Club Day 2: Curacao
Today you will be picked up at the hotel for a full day off-road adventure on the north shores and through Mt. Christoffel National Park- a beautiful mosaic of nature and amazing historical sights from the time of slave trade and plantations. Stop at mysterious caves and areas filled with orchids, birds of prey, and deer- not to mention the most scenic views from high above. Breakfast, Lunch
Lodges Kura Hulanda Beach Club Day 3: Curacao
This morning, enjoy a half-day walking tour through Curaçao’s historical capital, Willemstad. Willemstad is designated a Unesco World Heritage site. The people of the Netherlands established a trading settlement at a fine natural harbor on the Caribbean island of Curaçao in 1634.
The modern town consists of several distinct historic districts whose architecture reflects not only European urban-planning concepts but also styles from the Netherlands and from the Spanish and Portuguese colonial towns with which Willemstad engaged in trade. Learn of the history of Willemstad, walk along of America’s largest harbors, and enjoy unique and colorful architecture, and a visit to the Floating Market.
Later you will see the oldest synagogue in western hemisphere in continuous use.
Return to your hotel and enjoy the balance of your day at leisure. Breakfast
Lodges Kura Hulanda Beach Club Day 4: Curacao- Caraccas, Venezuela
This morning we head to the airport for our flight to Venezuela. You will be met at Caracas International Airport and escorted to the domestic terminal for your flight to Puerto Ordaz. From there, transfer Ciudad Bolivar for overnight at the Hotel Laja Real Offering stylish and contemporary accommodation, this property is the perfect base for business as well as leisure travellers. Located just 5 minutes drive from the downtown, Laja Real Hotel Ciudad Boliva is close to the Orinoco River and the airport. The hotel offers 73 comfortable guestrooms that are stylishly appointed and come with the host of modern amenities to ensure you a pleasant stay. Guests can dine at the on-site restaurant that serves delicious national as well as international cuisine. The hotel offers well-appointed conference rooms for organising your business meetings. Health conscious guests can workout in the state-of-the-art gymnasium or have a bracing dip in the swimming pool. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Breakfast
Hotel Laja Real Day 5: Angel Falls Expedition
After an early breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up and taken to the airport for a short flight to Canaima. Angel Falls is located impenetrably deep in Canaima National Park. Your tour begins with an impressive flight in a light aircraft to the camp, close to the Laguna de Canaima, with a view of the beautiful Hacha Falls. After a tasty lunch in the indigenous village, a small boat takes you across the lagoon, past the falls, to the pink sand banks where we continue by foot through the jungle to the majestic Sapo Falls. Here you can swim in the lake and of course walk behind the falls to enjoy the scenery through the powerful curtain of water. After, we head to the lodge for dinner before falling asleep to the sounds of crickets. Ucaima Lodge is located just 2km from the Camaina Lagoon with an exceptional location by the Carrao River. The lodge was founded by Rudolf Truffino, known as “Jungle Rudy” who was charmed by the scenic beauty of this land of tabletop mountains, also known as Tepuys. He named the camp “Ucaima” which is the Pemon word for “what the water attracts”. Today this family tradition continues in his daughter’s hands, for the enjoyment of all visitors. 5 cabins with 14 comfortable rooms. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ucaima Lodge Refuge Day 6: Angel Falls
Hike through the jungle before taking a motorized canoe along the Carrao and Churun Rivers to the spectacular Angel Falls. We stop for a light lunch and to collect impressive views of the lush rain forest and dramatic Tepuys. But its only after having arrived at Devil’s Canyon that you can spot Angel Falls cascading 3,212 feet from the top of Auyan-Tepuy to the Rio Churun. From here, an hour hike through the jungle takes us to the Mirador Laime vantage point and then down to the rock pools near the base of the falls where you can swim in the clean, cool fresh water. Tonight enjoy a delicious freshly prepared meal at the camp.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ucaima Lodge Refuge Day 7: Angel Falls- Caracas
After breakfast you will travel back down the river, and after lunch at base camp, take a final flight over the jungle to Caracas via Puerto Ordaz. Arrival in Caracas is about 7:00pm. Transfer to the Hotel Ole Caribe for overnight. Hotel Ole Caribe is a luxury hotel just 20 minutes drive from Maiguetia International Airport, overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel Ole Caribe Day 8: Caracas- Depart
On time transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Breakfast
