When the Venezuela adventure was being planned and analyzed I identified three good reasons for braving a mission:3) Visit the tallest waterfall in the world, Angel Falls. NEXT UP!
Two out of three down, and one to go. I don't want to say I planned it all perfectly, but really, what other explanation is there?
Angel Falls is not in the bag yet though. This is no road side attraction. Just getting there is a complicated affair. The falls are located in an isolated jungle on the border of Venezuela and the Brazilian Amazon. Originally our plan was to drive there, however I dismissed that idea after realizing the epic access issues involved.The Guiana Highlands are vastly inaccessible, full of steep slopes and impenetrable jungle. In reality the only way to actually get there is by small plane and then by boat.
One alternate option we had was to book a one hour scenic plane ride over the falls, which happens to be the most popular tourist attraction in Venezuela. That tour is just not for me. I want to go Big.
I searched for a bad ass boat tour and signed us up. Here is our itinerary for the next 5 days...Day 1 - From Merida we will fly to Caracus. From Caracus to Ciudad Bolivar.
Day 2 - A cessna plane from Ciudad Bolivar delivers us into the Venezuelan Parque Nacional Canaima. This is the starting point for river trips to the base of the falls..
Day 3 - Led by indigenous Camaracoto guides we take a wooden curiarasused boat up the Rio Gauya toward the Angel Falls. A hike through the jungle will then deliver us to the base of the waterfall. We camp that night in the jungle.
Day 4 - We reverse the hike and boat ride.
Day 5 - Plane trips deliver us back to Merida late at night.
Given Stevie's fear of flying and hatred of creepy insects, I'm quite sure that any brownie points I have saved up with her will soon be gone.
My philosophy has always been, if you have brownie points with your significant other, spend them! Spend Spend Spend!
And so by the time you read this post we will be well into the adventure. I'm taking the SPOT GPS so you can track our location...
Track Sprinter Life's exact GPS location!
Here is some additional info on Angel Falls...
-Located along the border between Venezuela and Brazil, Angel Falls is the highest waterfall in the world.
-Angel Falls in Venezuela is considered to be one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and is a World Heritage site. -Salto Ángel, which is the name of Angel Falls in Venezuela, is located in Venezuelan Parque Nacional Canaima (Canaima National Park).
-The waterfall drops over the edge of the Auyan Tepui mountain, (which means “Devil's Moutain”).
-It is the world's highest waterfall. When water goes over the edge of Angel Falls, it doesn’t stop falling for 3,212 feet!
-The discovery of Angel Falls is attributed to American pilot Jimmy Angel. His Flamingo mono-plane got stuck during an attempt to land on top of Auyan Tepuy, the sandstone, tabletop mountain that houses Angel Falls.
Angel Falls is definitely one of the marvels of the world and a spectacular sight. Therefore it could NOT be missed on the Sprinter Life World Tour.
Words cannot describe my stoke level right now. All I can say is, "These Go To Eleven"
TREE
ps. Thank you Stevie, for once again rolling the dice on another hubby-adventure. I love you! xoxoxo
16 comments:
I was going to suggest a trip there, but thought it was too far out of your way. What an adventure! I went there with my family when I was just a kid, when "Jungle Rudy" was still there - must have been 1964 or something. His daughters still run a lodge on the property where we stayed. I've always dreamt of going back - glad to see that you're going! Have a blast, amigos!
Yesiree - you're a big spender! But it appears the rewards are AWE.SOME!
(Can't wait to see how you earn those next Brownie Points!)
You sort of remind me of "Dr. Who," the Time Lord. His companion always had absolute faith that any jam they got into, the Doctor would save her. And he did. And I know that you will too.
Love ya both.
Tree, you are going to owe Stevie sooooooooo big. Forget one museum tour. Better start thinking spa tour!
Oh YEA - Still on my bucket list !
love the SPINAL TAP quote. you guys are hilarious
Angel Falls truly is supposed to be breath taking. Careful in Caracas though! Take lots of pictures!
AMAZING! What a fantastic adventure! I am happy that you aren't riding those falls in a kayak, though:) Be careful not to go into brownie point deficit, Tree. You are escorting precious cargo. love you, cheryll
Very cool - look forward to this chapter! My grandparents lived in columbia and traveled extensively all over - stayed with Jungle Rudy, etc... Have fun!!
The awesomeness is hurting my brain! You guys continue to be my heroes :) I am seriously constantly inspired to be a more positive person, in travel and in life- it's all about perspective. And you're super funny! Venezuela- we will see you one day! The Galapagos was completely mind blowing and you will adore every second of it when you get there, guaranteed. Speak soon I hope, lovelies! xoxox
Spot @ 2pm, your time, has you close to the Falls. Unfortunately, the Goog Earth satellite photo is blurry. Sucks
This adventure is only exceeded in its intensity by the Cartagena Museum tours. :)
Hope you took the video camera.
Cheryl - Tree is not about to launch a boat off those falls, you should know better, he's waitin' for them to freeze so he can climb 'em *grins*
Uncle Mick
SUP descent?
please don't drink the Kool-Aid...and btw you will be in one of the top birding places in the world...keep looking up!
Love Madena
Words cannot describe how incredibly jealous I am - what a trip!
Ah, I still regret not taking the tour to the falls when I was on Margarita Island off Venezuela mainland.. but it was dry season and still super expensive. Glad you guys got some good shots!
Hi Everyone. Thanks for all the great comments. We're back in Merida and we're safe. The Angel Falls trip was without a doubt one of the coolest things we've ever done. That place is like the land of the lost. It's like another planet. It's crazy cool!
We'll have photos and a new post up soon. The pics are amazing.
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