The Heart of Venezuela

Days 1 to 3. Outbound

Fly to Caracas and after a brief overnight stop, on to the historic and elegant city of Merida (1625 metres). Catch the teleferico which travels up to 4765 metres with views to the country's highest mountain, Pico Bolivar. Alight at La Aguada Station (3452 metres) and descend to the second station on a useful acclimatisation trek.

Days 4 to 6. Trekking the Condor Pass

The Sierra de la Culata National Park treats hikers to vast windswept vistas, panoramic views, a massive variety of wildflowers and endangered species such as the spectacled bear and condor. Drive to the highest road point in Venezuela at 4125 metres then hike through typical Andean villages along sandy scree, beneath jagged white peaks to Pan de Azucar. Descend from the summit through areas colonized by rare giant frailejon plants and coloradito trees in one of the most beautiful valleys in the Andes. Relax in the hot springs before returning to Merida.

Days 7 and 8. Ciudad Bolivar

Fly via Caracas to Ciudad Bolivar, an atmospheric colonial river town. Continue on to the frontier town of Santa Elena, starting point for your foray into the Gran Sabana.

Days 9 to 14. Roraima Trek

Roraima hosts an abundance of endemic flora and fauna species, half of which exist nowhere else in the world. Your fully supported trek will take you through Pemon Indian communities across savannah, grasslands and along ridges radiating out from the tepui. You will ford rivers and snake through dense cloud forest packed with lush plants, orchids, ferns and mosses to the base of Roraima. A ramp leads to the summit where a magical campsite awaits - a 'cave hotel' with mesmerising views of towering tepuis reaching far into the horizon and an amazingly clear night sky. A full day's exploration through this fantasyland of weather-eroded stone sculptures, lichen encrusted black rock and chasms filled with carnivorous plants allows you to explore the Valley of the Crystals and Triple Point to peer into Brazil and Guyana's jungles.

Days 15 and 16. Angel Falls

Fly from Santa Elena to the old gold-mining base of Canaima to embark on the final leg of your trip. Travel by canoe along the rapids of the Carrao River to your idyllic island camp. Native settlements and birds such as scarlet macaw, black vulture and green ibis can be spotted along the river banks. After a relaxing night spent in hammocks continue by river then foot through tropical forest becoming more wild and pristine, to eventually arrive at the base of Angel Falls. Here you can swim so close to the raging water that you can actually feel its refreshing mist!

Days 17 to 19. Caracas and Homeward

Return to Canaima to visit the handicraft shops before flying back to Caracas and on to the UK.