Colombian nature: following Alexander von Humboldt's footsteps
German biologist, humanist, geographer, and astronomer Alexander von Humboldt explored a part of America that revealed many unknown dimensions of the continent. Some consider him the last universal scientist, and many geographical features still bear his name, such as the cold current that runs along the coast of Peru, rivers, bays, waterfalls, natural parks, even a crater on the moon, in addition to numerous species of plants and animals.
Across six days, discover the Alto Orinoco, part of the expedition Humboldt made in the 14th century, passing through Puerto Inírida, Guainía, Raudales de Atures and Maipures, The Mavecure Hills, El Tuparro National Natural Park, and La Estrella Fluvial del Sur.
Please be aware, due to technical limitations, the map displayed for this itinerary may not fully reflect your route. A more accurate version will be provided at the time of planning.
Services
Included:
- Three nights accommodation in camps (camping or hammock)
- Two nights accommodation in standard hotels
- Five breakfasts, five lunches, five dinners
- Land & boat transfers as per the itinerary
- Activities & admission fees to sites as per the itinerary
- English-speaking guide on excursions
- Medical assistance card
- Power source at the camp to recharge equipment
Excluded:
- International & domestic flights
- Any meals & drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses
- Any extra expenses not mentioned in the itinerary
Optional:
- Ability to expand the duration of your trip, add more travelers & customize your itinerary during the planning stages
Itinerary at a Glance
Puerto Carreño
Welcome to the Orinoco!
El Tuparro
Amazing nature & indigenous lifestyle
Matavén Rivers
Marvel at unique riverscapes
Mavecure Hills
An ethnic experience with the Puinaves
El Remanso
An educational community-guided walk
Puerto Inírida
Farewell, Orinoco
Detailed Itinerary
Puerto Carreño
Day 1: Welcome to the Orinoco!
On arrival at the Germán Olano Airport in Puerto Carreño, you will be welcomed by your host and immediately start the Orinoco River Tour from Puerto Carreño to the town of Casuarito, located 90 km away.
On the way, you’ll experience different ecosystems like riparian forests, rocky outcrops, and gallery forests. At Casuarito, you will board a boat to the mouth of Caño Mesetas from where you will take a one-hour walk to the port of El Tablón. The impressive Raudales de Atures and Palo Masón rapids will accompany you along the way.
After another boat ride on the Orinoco River, you will enjoy lunch with the Garcias Community. Afterwards, catch a boat to El Tuparro National Park, head to Base Camp and settle in and relax for the walk to the Maipures rapids, which Alexander von Humboldt called the 8th wonder of the world.
El Tuparro
Day 2: Amazing nature & indigenous lifestyle
After breakfast, you’ll start a tour along the Tuparro River towards the indigenous Raudalito community Caño Lapa of the Sikuani ethnic group. Watch the traditional processes of making cassava and maniok as well as the churuatas sunroofs, hand-crafted from wood and palm.
The following hike to the Caño Lapa waterfall could end with a refreshing splash into crystal-clear waters to revive tired muscles after an eventful day. Back at the camp, you can admire a breathtaking sunset at Cerro del Guahibo, and say goodbye to the beautiful landscapes of Vichada.
Matavén Rivers
Day 3: Marvel at unique riverscapes
After breakfast, you’ll leave the camp to move to the Maipures Visitor Center along the Orinoco River. A walk of approximately 1.5 km will take you through the rocky outcrop to the Atarrayadero where your river journey to Puerto Inírida continues.
Admire the landscapes and animals along the riverside, and pass the mouths of several rivers. At one of them, you’ll stop for lunch and a refreshing bath, and visit the monument to the Virgin of Coromoto, patron saint of Venezuela, in Castillito.
The next highlight, Estrella Fluvial del Sur, is the meeting point of three rivers: the Orinoco, Guaviare, and Atabapo. Navigate the Guaviare River to the mouth of the Inírida River and to Puerto Inírida, where you’ll check into your hotel, rest, and have dinner.
Mavecure Hills
Day 4: An ethnic experience with the Puinaves
After an early breakfast, enjoy your boat exploration along the Inírida River bound for the rocky outcrops of the Cerros de Mavecure. This part of the Guyanese Shield is sacred to various ethnic groups such as the Puinaves since they are home to several culturally important plant species.
Your base camp will be set up in the area of the indigenous El Remanso community.
Depending on the weather conditions, you will visit Cerro Mavecure. If conditions are unsuitable, it will be postponed until the next day.
Enjoy some other activities with the members of the community such as touring the savannah of the Inírida flower or visit Caño San Joaquín whose characteristic red wine color is due to the tannin of the tree leaves.
El Remanso
Day 5: An educational community-guided walk
After breakfast, you will follow local guides of the indigenous community of El Remanso up to Cerro Mavecure. After a traditional lunch, you will start the journey back to Puerto Inírida, via a stop at the mouth of Caño Matraca to encounter freshwater dolphins. Their sighting is not guaranteed - keep in mind that they are an unpredictable natural phenomenon, but the chances of observing them are good.
At the end of the afternoon, you’ll settle into your hotel in Puerto Inírida, have dinner, and rest.
Puerto Inírida
Day 6: Farewell, Orinoco
After breakfast, and depending on the time of year, you will visit the indigenous community of the Coco to see the petroglyphs or Caño Vitina.
During a tour of the urban area of Puerto Inírida, you have the opportunity to buy typical crafts and souvenirs of the region. After lunch in your hotel, you will be transferred to Cesar Gaviria Airport. From there you can fly back home or to your next destination.
We hope you enjoyed following in Humboldt's footsteps. We hope to see you again!
