The Great Venezuelan Transect
From Cloud Forests to Neotropical Wetlands

10-Days Expedition through the Biodiversity Hotspots of Northern South America

This expedition is a masterclass in Neotropical diversity, linking the vertical cloud forests of the Coastal Cordillera with the RAMSAR-protected marine sanctuaries of Falcón and the seasonal flooded savannahs of the Llanos. It is a journey designed for those who seek the «Big Three» of Venezuelan birding: the rare Northern Helmeted Curassow, the vibrant Scarlet Ibis, and the prehistoric Hoatzin, all while traversing some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Southern Caribbean.

Day 1: Arrival & The Coastal Foothills

VIP meet-and-greet at Maiquetía International (CCS) followed by a private transfer to Maracay. We settle into our lodge at the edge of Henri Pittier, the oldest National Park in the country. Technical briefing over a welcome dinner to discuss the endemic targets of the Coastal Range.

Includes: Dinner & Airport Transfer.

 

Day 2: The Portachuelo Pass: A Migratory Gateway

05:00 departure. We ascend the north-eastern route towards the summit (1,600m asl). This pass is a world-renowned bottleneck for migratory species. After a field breakfast at the peaks, we descend through the cloud forest toward the Caribbean, visiting the colonial gem of Choroní.

Includes: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner.

Logistics: Private Transport & Expert Guiding.

 

Day 3: The Andrew Field Legacy & Rancho Grande

Early coffee followed by an exploration of the north-western sector. We visit the iconic Rancho Grande Biological Station and trek the Andrew Field Trail, home to the majestic Gyranthera caribensis. Afternoon descent to the coast for a traditional fish lunch in Ocumare and shorebird spotting.

Includes: Picnic Breakfast, Traditional Coastal Lunch, Dinner.

Logistics: Biological Station Access & Guiding.

 

Day 4: Transition to the Cuare Wildlife Refuge

After breakfast, we head west towards the arid coast of Falcón State. This transition zone is excellent for spotting dry-forest specialists. We arrive at the Cuare Wildlife Refuge, a vital wetland for migratory birds. Evening sunset session in the Morrocoy vicinity.

Includes: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Logistics: Regional Ground Transfer.

 

Day 5: The Pink Sanctuary: Cuare In-Depth

A dedicated day exploring the lagoons and mangroves of Cuare. We focus on the high-density colonies of American Flamingos and the stunning Scarlet Ibis. The calm waters provide exceptional conditions for high-speed avian photography from our boat.

Includes: Breakfast (Picnic), Local Gastronomy Lunch, Dinner.

Logistics: Private Boat Expedition.

 

Day 6: Sanare Woodlands & The Nocturnal Shift

We move inland to the wooded area of Sanare for a morning trek. After a traditional ranch lunch and a brief rest, we explore the forest edges at dusk. Following dinner, a nocturnal expedition will track the owls and nightjars that dominate the Falcón night.

Includes: Full Board & Night Safari.

Logistics: 4×4/Walking Expedition.

 

Day 7: The Long Route to the Deep Plains

A strategic 09-hour overland journey to Apure State. This is «road-birding» at its best as we enter the infinite horizon of the Llanos. We arrive at Hato El Cedral, a 53,000-hectare conservation stronghold. First late-afternoon safari upon arrival.

Includes: Breakfast, Road-trip Picnic, Dinner.

Logistics: Long-distance Private Transfer.

 

Day 8: Terrestrial Safari: The Realm of the Jabiru

Early morning field session followed by a deep safari into the heart of the ranch. Targets include the majestic Jabiru, the Agami Heron, and the ubiquitous Capybaras. We witness the raw interaction between predators and prey in the flooded savannah.

Includes: Full Board.

Logistics: Custom 4×4 Safari Vehicles.

 

Day 9: Fluvial Navigation & The Feline Quest

A morning boat expedition through the «caños» (tributaries) to observe Anacondas, Orinoco Crocodiles, and the prehistoric Hoatzin. After a final sunset session, we head out for a spotlight safari in search of Jaguars and Pumas.

Includes: Full Board.

Logistics: Boat & Spotlight Tracking Equipment.

 

Day 10: The Explorer’s Return

Final breakfast at the Hato before our return transfer to Caracas/Maiquetía. We will review our final species checklist and coordinate airport drop-offs for evening flights.

Includes: Breakfast & Lunch.

EXPEDITION SUMARY

This expedition offers a high-intensity biological transect across three of South America’s most diverse ecosystems. We begin at the Henri Pittier National Park, a global birding mecca, crossing the Portachuelo Pass to witness active migration. The journey transitions from the arid Caribbean coast and the pink lagoons of Cuare to the final frontier: The Llanos of Apure. Here, at Hato El Cedral, we track the continent’s «Big Five» (Jaguar, Orinoco Crocodile, Giant Anteater, Capybara, and Anaconda) in a private 53,000-hectare conservation sanctuary.

Packing List: The Great Venezuelan Transect

Explocation – Expedition Preparation Guide

1. Technical Apparel (The Layering System)

Conditions fluctuate from the misty, humid mornings of the Portachuelo Pass to the intense, dry heat of the Apure Plains.

  • Colour Palette: Stick to earth tones: khaki, stone, or olive green. Avoid white (highly visible to birds) and dark blue/black (notorious for attracting biting insects like horseflies).

  • Upper Body: 4–5 long-sleeved technical shirts with UV protection and moisture-wicking properties (e.g., Craghoppers Nosilife or Columbia).

  • Lower Body: 3 pairs of lightweight trekking trousers (zip-offs are highly practical). Avoid heavy denim; it is cumbersome and slow to dry.

  • Outerwear: A high-quality, lightweight waterproof shell or breathable mac for the cloud forest mist in Rancho Grande.

  • Footwear:

    • Sturdy trekking boots with excellent grip (Vibram soles) and ankle support.

    • Closed-toe adventure sandals (e.g., Keen) for boat excursions in Cuare and the wetlands.

2. Optical Gear & Photography

This is the most critical kit for a successful expedition.

  • Binoculars: Suggested 8×42 or 10×42 (waterproof/fog-proof). 8×42 is superior for low-light forest birding, while 10×42 excels in the vast Llanos horizons. (Top picks: Swarovski, Zeiss, or Leica).

  • Photography: Lenses of at least 400mm are essential for wildlife. A monopod is highly recommended for stability on boat safaris.

  • Protection: Dry bags or waterproof covers are non-negotiable. Humidity in Henri Pittier often exceeds 90%.

3. Health & Personal Protection

  • Insect Repellent: A high-DEET formula (30%+) or Picaridin for wetland areas.

  • Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, UV-rated lip balm, and a wide-brimmed safari hat with a chin strap for windy boat rides.

  • Hydration: A reusable 1.5L water bottle or a Camelbak reservoir. We provide filtered water for refills throughout the journey.

  • Personal Medikit: Antihistamines (for stings), painkillers, and any specific prescription medication.

4. Field Tools & Technology

  • Headtorch: Essential for the Sanare nocturnal shift (Day 6). Minimum 300 lumens with a red-light setting to avoid distressing the wildlife.

  • Power Bank: High-capacity (20,000 mAh) for the long-haul overland segments.

  • Reference Apps: Please download the Merlin Bird ID and eBird Venezuela packs for offline use.

Explocation Tip: 

<< In the Llanos, dust can be an adversary for camera sensors and lenses. I suggest bringing a manual air blower and sealed microfibre cloths to maintain your optics after the 4×4 safaris.>>