Tuesday 7th October – Caracas, Venezuela

• Arrive at your own leisure into Caracas. The capital city of Venezuela is well connected with many South/Central American Countries, Europe and Istanbul. Self-transfer to our centrally located hotel. Pre-tour accommodation and airport pickup can be arranged for a fee.
• Recommendations on what to see or do in Caracas can be given for early arrivals, or you can simply relax at the hotel.
• Pre-tour meeting will be held at the lobby of our hotel at 6:00pm to discuss the tour itinerary and to meet your fellow travellers and YPT guide.
• We’ll head out for dinner followed by drinks to enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Caracas.

Wednesday 8th October  – Caracas

Morning

• Start your journey at 10:00am in the historical heart of Caracas – the largest and capital city of Venezuela. Once a hotspot for tourists drawn to its colonial architecture, today it’s mostly locals going about their day. That makes it the perfect spot to soak in the atmosphere, snap some classic shots, and enjoy some prime people-watching.
• Explore the immense city of Caracas – the population has up to 4 million people. The huge class difference is a noticeable characteristic of the city. While a lot of the sometimes provocative socialist street art has been removed in the past few years, you’ll still be able to spot pictures of Chavez on some walls.
• Visit the Mausoleum of Hugo Chávez – located at Cuartel de la Montaña in the heart of 23 de Enero. This is more than just a monument – it’s a deeply symbolic site for Chavistas and a key part of understanding modern Venezuela. You’ll see guards standing watch and messages left by supporters and. Take a short walk through the neighbourhood, which was a stronghold of socialism during the Chavez era with strong implications for the locals – learn why!
• No journey is complete in Caracas without paying a visit to Simón Bolívar – here you’ll see his birth and resting place. He was a key influential figure that fought for the independence of today’s Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Panama and Bolivia against the Spanish Empire, and is affectionately referred to as ‘El Libertador’ – the Liberator of Latin America.
• Continue the walking tour through the beating heart of Caracas with a stop at Plaza Bolívar – the city’s main square and a symbolic centre of Venezuelan identity featuring a bronze statue of Bolívar dressed in military attire.
• The journey continues to Caracas Cathedral where you’ll learn about the notable and historical figures that influenced South America. Also located within the area is the City Hall and the National Assembly.

Afternoon

• Lunch at a local spot with Arepas and Cachapas, both made of corn flour and filled with tasty ingredients.
• After lunch we’ll drive to the military core of the city – Avenida de Los Próceres. Lined with tanks and military symbols, this street is the stage for Venezuela’s grandest parades.
• Visit the avenue where two colossal stone walls etched with reliefs of Venezuela’s independence heroes. This monument pays homage to the country’s revolutionary lineage, from Bolívar to Chávez and showcases the state’s emphasis on historical legacy.
• As the sun sets over the capital, we’ll head out for dinner and drinks in one of Caracas’ lively local spots. This is the perfect chance to unwind with some classic Venezuelan hospitality. We’ll be digging into a national favourite, arepas. Delicious cornmeal pockets stuffed with everything from shredded beef and cheese to black beans and avocado. Washed down with a cold Polar beer or a refreshing papelón con limón (a traditional sugarcane and lime drink), it’s the ultimate way to experience the city’s nightlife like a local.
• Overnight stay in Caracas.

Thursday 9th October– Caracas – Canaima National Park

Morning

• Rise and shine for an early start! We’ll grab a quick breakfast at the hotel before heading to the airport.
• Board our 1 hour flight departing at 8:30am to the heart of Venezuela’s Gran Sabana. As we soar over dense jungle and towering tepuis (tabletop mountains), the sense of entering another world truly begins.
• Touch down in one of the most remote and spectacular corners of the planet. We’ll be greeted by our local team who knows the terrain, the river, and the myths of this region like the back of their hand.
• we’ll board our motorized canoe and begin the river journey. We’ll travel upstream along the Carrao and Churún rivers, flanked by dense jungle and mist-shrouded cliffs, with the towering tepuis rising like stone giants in the distance. Expect a raw, immersive journey lasting around 4 to 5 hours. Part jungle safari, part cinematic epic.

Afternoon

• We’ll break the boat journey with a lunch stop at a secluded waterfall, where you can cool off, stretch your legs, and soak in the surreal scenery while we enjoy a freshly prepared meal.
• we push on to our jungle camp, located right next to Angel Falls – the tallest uninterrupted waterfall in the world, plummeting nearly 1km from Mount Auyán-Tepui. The sight and sound of the falls crashing down is something that’ll stay with you forever.
• Settle into camp as we prepare a hot, hearty dinner – jungle style.
• Drift off in your hammock, strung up in a covered shelter. A once-in-a-lifetime overnight experience in the depths of Venezuela’s lost world.

Friday 10th October  – Canaima National Park

Morning

• Breakfast at the campsite.
• We’ll cross the river and begin our 1.5 hour hike through thick jungle trails, surrounded by exotic flora and the sounds of tropical birds. This trek is part of the real adventure – muddy boots, humid air, and untouched wilderness.
• Our first stop is the iconic Mirador Salto Ángel, offering a postcard-perfect view of Angel Falls in all its glory. The falls cascade nearly a kilometre from the clouds above – you’ll feel like you’re standing at the edge of the world.
• We continue our trek to the lesser-visited Japanese Viewpoint, named after a nature-loving Japanese photographer who frequented the spot. From here, you’ll get a dramatic side profile of the falls with a unique perspective of the surrounding tepui cliffs.
• Time to cool off! We descend through the jungle to the natural pool at the base of Angel Falls, where you can swim in the same waters that plunge from the top of Mount Auyán-Tepuy.

Afternoon

• We hike back to camp for lunch.
• In the afternoon, we hop back into our motorised canoe, cruising down the river as the sun begins to dip.
• We’ll stop at Mayupa Village – a remote Indigenous settlement. Here, you’ll get a glimpse into the simple, traditional way of life – a perfect opportunity to engage with the people who call this part of the world home.
• We end the day with dinner, and climbing into our hammocks for the night.

Saturday 11th  October – Canaima National Park

Morning

• Breakfast in the village
• We make our way back to the main village of Canaima by boat.
• After a short ride and a hike through lush greenery, we arrive at the mighty Sapo Falls. First, we take in the view from above – a panoramic shot of the jungle. Then comes the adrenaline: we descend and walk directly behind the thundering curtain of water. It’s loud, it’s wet, and it’s absolutely exhilarating. You will get soaked.. and love every second of it.
• We’ll then hike toward the shores of Canaima Lagoon – where you can take a refreshing dip surrounded by jungle and tepuis. After cooling off, we hop in the boat for a close-up view of Hacha Falls – too powerful to swim near, but awe-inspiring to witness from the safety of our canoe.

Afternoon

• We’ll check into a local posada, where this time, you’ll swap your hammock for a traditional room with a proper bed – a touch of comfort after days of adventuring.
• The afternoon is yours to explore the village of Canaima, meet locals, browse handmade crafts, or simply chill at the nearby beach and soak in some serious rest and relaxation. Optional activities can be arranged on the spot.
• As night falls, the residents of the posada will serve up a local feast – think grilled fish, yuca, fried plantains, and other traditional flavours, all made fresh and shared family-style.
• Overnight in our cozy beds in Canaima village.

Sunday 12th October  – Canaima –  Caracas

Morning

• Our final morning in Canaima with a relaxing breakfast, one last moment of serenity before we return to the buzz of the capital.
• We head to the small airstrip and board our 9:30am flight back to Caracas.
• Lunch at a local spot in Caracas before completing our Caracas visit.

Afternoon

• You’ll spend the rest of the day in the San Agustín area of Caracas. This favela style neighbourhood, in the past a very dangerous place, now serves as the cultural centre of the city, boasting several art museums and a vibrant salsa culture in many of its bars. Explore its intriguing and colourful alleys with all the sounds, smells, and impressions of contemporary Venezuelan life. 
• Make sure to sample traditional treats like Cocuy, an agave-based spirit, which will connect you even more easily with the local communities.
• We wrap up our final night in style, heading to one of Caracas’ trendy bar districts for a night of great food, cold drinks, and lively conversation.
• For those inclined, we will go to dance salsa with the locals in the rebel neighbourhood 23 de Enero.
• Overnight stay in Caracas.

Monday 13th October – Caracas – El Vigía – Lake Maracaibo

Morning

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Group A members: Tour concludes with airport transfers according to your flight out this day.
• Group B members: Head to the airport and board our 9:00am flight to El Vigía, which is situated close to Lake Maracaibo.
• On arrival you’ll take a road trip to Puerto Concha – a harbour village on Lake Maracaibo – the largest lake in South America. It is rich in oil and gas resources and also known as the “oil lake”. The first Spaniards who arrived used tar seeping from the lake to fill ship cracks.
• Transfer to a boat in Puerto Concha (no cracks here) and stock up on food and drinks to prepare for the big adventure of the next 24h!
• Start the boat trip and, with a bit of luck, spot some pink dolphins while cruising along the beautiful and picturesque scenery.

Afternoon

• Lunch on an abandoned platform, once the entrance to the Juan Manuel National Park, before continuing to Ologo – the water village, providing at atmosphere almost out of a movie. Getting there will take around 4 hours by boat.
• Explore the unique culture of the water houses, also described as floating villages on stilts. You might be greeted by some curious faces, as the local communities only experience very few visitors. A great chance for an authentic interaction in a unique setting.
• Our base for the night will be a floating house on the water, where you’ll have a delicious barbecue for dinner as we set up our hammocks.
• Fingers crossed to experience the big highlight we are here for: the Catatumbo Lightning. If you are a sucker for numbers, then this will baffle you – this special phenomenon takes place 140-160 days a year, can take place up to 10 hours a day, and up to 280 times an hour. Or in our words: It will absolutely flash you!
• In the aftermath of this almost post-apocalyptic atmosphere, offering a humbling perspective on the power of nature, we’ll retreat to our hammocks for the night at Ologa Camp.

Tuesday 14th October – Lake Maracaibo – Merida

Morning

• After a rather short sleep (well worth it, due to the incredible lightning) you’ll pack your bags and have breakfast.
• Head for the almost abandoned Congo Mirador village. Due to the high level of pollution the local residents have moved to other areas. Some took their whole house and floated it to a different spot, others just left it there – nonetheless it’s a surreal place with a ghostly touch to it.
• Continue by boat to Puerto Concha. Watch out for some special animal species, including the aracari, otter, tiger cat, capuchin monkey, tamanduas, caiman and many more.

Afternoon

• Arrive back in Puerto Concha and have lunch before continuing ~3h towards Merida.
• Visit a sugarcane factory, coffee and cacao plantation along the way and sample the local products, full of aroma and as fresh as they can get.
• Our journey continues to Merida, which is situated in the Andes Mountains with its perfect climate. It is also well-known as the extreme sports capital of Venezuela, thus having its very own vibe to it.
• NOTE: if the first night the Catatumbo Lightning was unsuccessful, we will alter the programme so that you can try to catch it on the second night.

Wednesday 15th October  – Merida – San Rafael  

Morning

• After breakfast, we will take a walking tour through Merida – the city is famous for its role in revolts against the government and has experienced several significant episodes of civil unrest and opposition to government authority over the past few decades. Merida has some of the best socialist street art that can be found in South America.
• Our city walking tour will take you to Plaza Las Heroínas, a prominent landmark in Mérida. The plaza is dedicated to five brave women who played key roles in Simón Bolívar’s campaign for independence. Their courage and support for the revolutionary cause are commemorated with statues in the centre of the square, making this a powerful tribute to female resistance in Venezuelan history.
• Explore Plaza de Milla, one of Mérida’s most atmospheric squares, surrounded by colonial charm and mountain views. Just nearby, we’ll visit the Mérida Bolivarian Library — an impressive cultural landmark that celebrates Venezuela’s revolutionary history and houses rare books, archives, and art.
• Head for the mountains of the Andes – the landscape and scenery is spectacular and will make you want to abandon city life for good.

Afternoon

• Along the picturesque journey, you’ll have opportunities to visit local settlements – have a chat with them in the enchanting towns of Tabay and Mucuchies and enjoy a typical and heartful lunch.
• We’ll make time to include El Vergel, from where you’ll take a 1h hike towards a refreshing and soothing hot spring – is there any better feeling then gliding into the warm water after a little walk? Don’t forget to pack your swimwear!
• There’s an option for two different baths to try. These natural hot springs are located over the valley where you can simultaneously enjoy the spectacular views. A nature experience deluxe! Better plan to bring a cold beer to level up the game even more.
• Once you’re all relaxed and ready from the hot springs you’ll continue to San Rafael – the highest town in Venezuela at 3300 metres.
• We’ll end the day with an amazing two-hour hike between two glacier lakes, from Laguna de Mucabaji to Lago Victoria – the hike is chosen not only for its accessibility but mostly for the stunning natural scenery. An almost unreal and serene feeling will spread out while being surrounded by trees and silence.
• On our arrival you’ll check in and head straight out for dinner.
• Overnight stay in the village of San Rafael.

Thursday 16th October – San Rafael – Merida

Morning

• Enjoy breakfast before heading down again towards Merida enjoying the scenery and making stops along the way.
• Ride the cable car in Merida up to 4,765 metres with privileged views to Pico Bolívar, Venezuela’s highest mountain. A statue of Simón Bolívar was installed at the summit in 1951, serving as a tribute to his legacy.

Afternoon

• We’ll have lunch with views from the cable car viewpoints.
• Merida is known as one of the best spots in the world for paragliding. If you’re keen to experience this amazing activity we can arrange a glide for you ($90 USD). We can also arrange a birdwatching tour, or free time to relax in Merida. This afternoon will be tailored to your desires.
• Dinner in Merida followed by relaxing drinks.
• Overnight in Merida.

Friday 17th November  – Caracas

Morning

• Enjoy breakfast at your own convenience. 
• Free time if you’d like to explore Merida, purchase last minute gifts or simply relax.
• Lunch in Merida.

Afternoon

• We’ll prepare for our departure to El Vigia for our afternoon flight back to Caracas.
• Check into our hotel which is, for reasons of convenience, a bit closer to the airport this time so we can have a relaxed transition day with minimized travel time.
• On the last night, we’ll have our farewell dinner and drinks. From here you can walk to the beach for a dreamy goodbye walk, or you can enjoy the pool of the hotel and add another cocktail.
• Overnight stay in a hotel near Caracas airport.

Saturday 18th October – Caracas – Port of Spain

Morning

• Group B members: tour concludes with breakfast.
• Group C members: head to the airport to catch our 10:45am flight to Trinidad and Tobago. After a flight of approximately 2 hours and dropping the luggage in our hotel, you’ll meet your local guide to start exploring Trinidad right away.

Afternoon

• Grab some street food and drive to the Caroni natural park, a dynamic estuarine system comprising mangrove forests, marshes, lagoons, and intertidal mudflats.
• Embark on a flat-bottomed boat to explore the Caroni Swamp, renowned for birdwatching and home to the Scarlet Ibis. and cruise through mangrove-lined waterways, spotting a variety of birds, caimans, and even anteaters.
• Reach the lagoon, where we’ll enjoy the magical and tranquil sunset before returning to Port of Spain.
• Traditional dinner in Port of Spain, a mix of Creole, Indian, African, and Caribbean influences. Drinks for those inclined to enjoy this whirlwind of culture – we recommend local rum!
• Overnight in Port of Spain.

Sunday 19th October – Chaguanas – La Brea – Port of Spain

Morning

• Get ready to explore the southern part of the Island. Stop in Chaguanas, where the majority of the Indian population lives, to visit the fresh produce market and bazaar street and taste the exotic fruits. This place is bursting with colour, flavours, smells, and a distinctive mix of chatter! 
• Head to The Pitch Lake in La Brea, Trinidad, is the largest natural asphalt lake in the world and a fascinating geological wonder. The lake formed at the intersection of two faults, allowing oil from deep underground to seep upward. As the lighter elements evaporate under the tropical sun, the heavier asphalt remains, creating the lake’s distinctive surface. Despite its solid appearance, the surface is semi-solid and can be walked upon, though it occasionally yields underfoot.

Afternoon

• Stop for an Authentic “roti” lunch stop, to try the food of the Indian community, one of the biggest on the island.
• The Dattatreya Temple and Hanuman Statue in Carapichaima, Trinidad, is a must-visit Hindu spiritual site and one of the most iconic religious landmarks on the island. Home to the tallest Hanuman Statue in the Western Hemisphere – standing at 26 meters. We can´t miss out on this one.
• Finish the tour at the top of San Fernando Hill, a great spot for views and photos which is popular with both, locals and visitors. The hill’s unique topography provides a dramatic reveal of the city below, with lush greenery framing the expansive views. There is also a story of public protest to it, which eventually halted the quarrying activities in the 1970s and the status of a protected area was granted.
• Back to Port of Spain for dinner and drinks for those inclined.
• Overnight in Port of Spain.

Monday 20th October – Port of Spain

Morning

• After breakfast, we’ll kick off our Port of Spain city tour.
• Begin at Independence Square, a bustling boulevard rich in history and local life, surrounded by colonial-era architecture and the pulse of modern Trinidad.
• Continue to Queen’s Park Savannah, the city’s sprawling green heart, and wander through the peaceful Royal Botanical Gardens, home to over 700 plant species and a favourite spot for locals to unwind.
• Check the “Magnificent Seven Houses” nearby, a row of extravagant colonial-era mansions built in the early 1900s – each with its own story and architectural flair (French, Scottish baronial, Indian). They’re quick to see from the outside and make for great photos.
• Drive up to Fort George, perched high above the city, offering spectacular panoramic views of Port of Spain and the shimmering Gulf of Paria. Built in the 19th century, the fort provides a perfect mix of scenic beauty and colonial history—ideal for photos and a touch of storytelling.

Afternoon

• We’ll head to the airport to have lunch and catch our flight at 3:35pm to continue on our Guyanas tour!

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