Angel Falls and Auyan Tepui Helicopter Expedition

FLIGHT TO CANAIMA

The expedition has been carefully designed around the scheduled commercial flights between Caracas and Canaima, which operate on Thursdays.

We are escorted from our hotel to Caracas airport where we check in for our flight to Canaima, leaving the Caribbean coast behind as we journey deep into the remote landscapes of southern Venezuela.

On arrival in Canaima Village, we transfer to our local posada and have the remainder of the day to begin exploring this spectacular region.

Depending upon our arrival time, we can visit some of the beautiful waterfalls close to Canaima, including Sapo Falls, an enormous curtain of water where, conditions permitting, it is possible to follow a path behind the cascade. If we do not have time today, we have an entire day to explore Canaima Lagoon and the waterfalls when we return at the end of our trip. This is our first introduction to the remarkable landscapes of Canaima and the perfect beginning to the expedition before tomorrow’s helicopter journey to Auyán Tepui.

In the evening, we enjoy dinner in a local restaurant before returning to our accommodation.

Overnight: Local posada, Canaima.

HELICOPTER PAST ANGEL FALLS

Today we leave Canaima behind and begin our
extraordinary journey onto Auyán Tepui.

After breakfast, we board a private helicopter for the spectacular flight from Canaima to the summit of this immense table mountain. Our destination is the plateau immediately above Angel Falls, where the waters plunge from the towering cliffs into the forests almost a kilometre below.

Weather permitting, we fly past Angel Falls before landing, providing an unforgettable opportunity
to see and photograph the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall from the air. As we approach Auyán Tepui, we also gain a remarkable perspective of the mountain’s immense cliffs and remote summit landscapes. We cannot guarantee seeing Angel Falls, but we have a very good chance.

Waiting for us on the summit is our team of experienced local guides and porters, who have trekked up Auyán Tepui in advance to meet us at Angel Falls. Once united with the team and our equipment, we establish ourselves on the plateau
and begin exploring the extraordinary landscape surrounding the top of the falls.

As evening approaches, we settle into our first camp on Auyán Tepui and enjoy dinner prepared by our expedition team, surrounded by one of South America’s most remarkable wildernesses.

Overnight: Expedition camp, Auyán Tepui.

Note: We have deliberately allowed flexibility within the expedition in case poor weather temporarily prevents the helicopter from flying from Canaima. Conditions on the tepuis can change quickly, and our itinerary incorporates buffer time to accommodate possible delay while still allowing us to experience the mountain properly.

EXPLORE THE TOP OF ANGEL FALLS

Today is dedicated to exploring the extraordinary landscapes surrounding the top of Angel Falls, high on the summit of Auyán Tepui.

With no need to move camp, we have a full day to explore this remarkable part of the plateau and spend time around the head of the falls. Here, water gathers on the summit before reaching the immense eastern cliffs and beginning its dramatic descent into the forests far below. We cannot see the full cascade from the perspective of the summit, but we see where the water flows into the abyss to fall 979 m into the Devil’s Canyon below.

We explore the area on foot with our local guides, discovering the strange summit landscapes
and taking time to photograph Angel Falls from above. The scale of the escarpment and the vast wilderness stretching away from the tepui make this one of the most spectacular locations of the entire expedition.

This additional day also gives us valuable flexibility following yesterday’s helicopter flight. Weather on Auyán Tepui can be unpredictable, and the itinerary has been deliberately designed with buffer time should poor conditions delay our arrival on the summit.

Later, we return to camp for another evening surrounded by the remote landscapes of Auyán Tepui. Tomorrow, we leave the Angel Falls area behind and begin our journey across the heart of this immense Lost World.

Overnight: Camping atop Auyán Tepui.

ACROSS CENTRAL AUYÁN TEPUI

Leaving the area above Angel Falls behind, we begin our journey across the vast summit of Auyán Tepui, trekking deeper into one of South America’s most remote Lost Worlds.

Over the next three days, we cross the central plateau through an extraordinary landscape of blackened stone, isolated valleys, unusual vegetation and strange rock formations. The terrain and scenery continually change as we journey through parts of the tepui visited by very few people.

The summit is far from lifeless. Amongst the strange vegetation and ancient rocks, we keep watch for amphibians, insects and birds while experiencing landscapes dramatically different from those of Mount Roraima. Golden, tannin-stained rivers flow across the plateau, adding another distinctive feature to this extraordinary environment.

Auyán Tepui is particularly remarkable for its carnivorous plants. During our traverse, we see beautiful orchids and some of the finest populations of the carnivorous pitcher plant Heliamphora minor var. minor, together with little-known locations for the remarkable Heliamphora minor var. pilosa, distinguished by its extraordinary hairy leaves.

We also search for insect-eating sundews including Drosera arenicola, D. roraimae, and D. felix, alongside numerous species of Utricularia and Genlisea. Carnivorous bromeliads are another feature of the mountain, with Catopsis berteroniana and vast numbers of Brocchinia reducta, while air plants (Tillandsia), remarkable ferns and other unusual plants add to the botanical diversity. We look out for the incredible iridescent-blue-leaved fern Elaphoglossum wurdackii.

Each evening, we establish camp in the wilderness, enjoy dinner prepared by our expedition team and settle in for another night surrounded by the immense landscapes of Auyán Tepui. Overnight: Camping atop Auyán Tepui.

TREK TO EL DRAGON CAMP

Today we continue our journey across the extraordinary summit of Auyán Tepui, trekking through increasingly remote landscapes towards El Dragon Camp.

Our route takes us through the strange and often stark scenery that makes Auyán Tepui so distinctive – expanses of ancient blackened rock interspersed with isolated vegetation, unusual plants and dramatic formations sculpted by millions of years of erosion.
As we trek, we continue searching for the remarkable flora of the plateau. Auyán Tepui is particularly rich in carnivorous plants.

There is plenty of time to stop and explore interesting botanical sites along the route, while also keeping watch for the amphibians, insects and birds that inhabit this isolated summit ecosystem.

Eventually, we reach El Dragon Camp, where we establish our tents and settle into another evening in the wilderness. After dinner prepared by our expedition team, we spend the night surrounded by the remote landscapes of one of South America’s greatest Lost Worlds.

Overnight: El Dragon Camp, Auyán Tepui.

TREK TO EL OSO CAMP

Today we continue our traverse across Auyán Tepui, leaving El Dragon behind and trekking deeper into the extraordinary landscapes of the plateau towards El Oso Camp.

Our route follows spectacular blackwater rivers and passes through unique gallery forests, providing a striking contrast to the more barren expanses of blackened rock encountered elsewhere on the summit. As we cross the plateau, the landscape continually changes between strange rock formations, valleys and isolated pockets of vegetation.

Botanical highlights are exceptional. We pass through enormous fields of the carnivorous bromeliad Brocchinia reducta, explore valleys filled with stunted Bonnetia trees and continue searching for the remarkable diversity of carnivorous plants and orchids that thrive across Auyán Tepui.

Several beautiful viewpoints along the route provide opportunities to appreciate the immense scale and remoteness of the mountain. We also keep watch for wildlife, including the elusive South American coati (Nasua nasua). Eventually, we reach El Oso Camp, named after a distinctive rock formation said to resemble a bear. Here, we establish camp, enjoy dinner prepared by our expedition team and settle in for another night in the wilderness.

Overnight: El Oso Camp, Auyán Tepui.

TREK TO EL LIBERTADOR CAMP

Today we continue south across the vast summit of Auyán Tepui, leaving El Oso behind and journeying towards the dramatic landscapes surrounding El Libertador.

This part of the plateau contains some of the most spectacular rock formations encountered during our traverse. We trek across the landscape of ancient stone, sculpted by millions of years of erosion and unlike almost anywhere else on Earth.

Along the way, we visit a series of spectacular viewpoints, where clear conditions reveal immense panoramas across the summit and towards the remote lowlands surrounding Auyán Tepui. After days spent deep within the plateau, reaching these viewpoints provides a wonderful reminder of the enormous scale and isolation of the mountain.

Eventually, we reach El Libertador, a dramatic rocky outcrop overlooking the wilderness below. Here, we establish our final summit camp in a spectacular position, with incredible views across the surrounding lowlands. As evening approaches, we enjoy dinner prepared by our expedition team and settle into camp for our final night on the summit. Tomorrow, we begin the dramatic descent from Auyán Tepui.

Overnight: El Libertador Camp, Auyán Tepui.

DESCEND TO GUAYARACA CAMP

Today we leave the summit of Auyán Tepui and begin the spectacular descent towards the lowlands.

From El Libertador, we trek into increasingly lush, misty cloudforest, where the stark landscapes of the plateau give way to layers of moss-covered vegetation. We pass through Bonnetia forest and groves of giant bromeliads and tree ferns as we make our way towards the immense cliffs surrounding the tepui.

Eventually, we reach a gigantic natural crack in the cliffs, which forms our extraordinary route down from the summit. This dramatic natural staircase provides a passage through the otherwise formidable escarpment, with spectacular views opening across the surrounding lowlands as we descend.

The descent through the cliffs takes approximately four to five hours. No technical climbing skills are required, but the route is steep and a good level of fitness and stamina is essential.

Once beneath the cliffs, we continue descending through the lowlands, crossing open savannah and pockets of lowland rainforest. The vegetation changes again, with beautiful woodlands rich in bromeliads, including the carnivorous Catopsis berteroniana and Brocchinia reducta.

Eventually, we reach Guayaraca Camp, situated close to a river. After a long and immensely rewarding day, we establish camp and enjoy dinner prepared by our expedition team.

Overnight: Guayaraca Camp.

DESCEND TO KAVAK

Today we complete our journey from the summit of Auyán Tepui, trekking from Guayaraca Camp to Kavak, a remote Pemón Indigenous village situated beneath the immense landscapes of the tepui.

Leaving camp, we continue through the lowlands towards Kavak. After so many days trekking across the remote summit and descending through the forests and cliffs of Auyán Tepui, reaching the village marks a wonderful milestone in our expedition.

On arrival in Kavak, we can enjoy a very welcome
hot meal and cold drinks. After the simplicity of our wilderness camps, the village also provides electricity and Wi-Fi – a welcome return to a few comforts after our journey across the Lost World. We have time to relax, enjoy our surroundings and experience life in this remote Pemón community.

Overnight: Camp in Kavak Village (hammocks and lodge accommodation available at extra cost).

EXPLORE KAVAK

Today we have a full day to explore the spectacular surroundings of Kavak, beneath the towering landscapes of Auyán Tepui.

Our main adventure is a visit to the Caves of Kavak, one of the natural highlights of this remote region. Accompanied by our local Pemón guides, we set out from the village
to explore this remarkable landscape through a narrow stone canyon. We can also visit Avispa Falls, and along the way, the yellow-banded poison dart frog (Dendrobates leucomelas) is often seen, along with the carnivorous plants Drosera communis, D. sessilifolia and Genlisea guianensis.

After the demanding journey across Auyán Tepui, today also provides a welcome change of pace and an opportunity to spend more time in Kavak and enjoy the
magnificent scenery surrounding the village. From Kavak we can see many of the surrounding plateaus, including Aprada Tepui and the Los Testigos chain.

Later, we return to Kavak, where we can relax, enjoy a hot meal and spend our final evening in this remote corner of the Lost World.

Overnight: Camp in Kavak Village (hammocks and lodge accommodation available at extra cost).

FLY TO CANAIMA

Today we say farewell to Kavak and board a Cessna light aircraft to fly to Canaima.

From the air, weather permitting, we can look across the vast landscapes surrounding Auyán Tepui, appreciating the extraordinary scale of the plateau, its towering escarpments and the forests and savannahs stretching away below us. We may be able to fly over Angel Falls to view the world’s tallest cascade a further time.

We land in Canaima, returning to the village where our adventure began almost two weeks earlier. After many days of wilderness trekking and camping, we check back into our local posada and have time to relax and enjoy the comforts of the village.

The remainder of the day is deliberately kept relatively flexible. This also provides useful contingency within our itinerary should weather or other conditions have caused delays earlier in the expedition.

In the evening, we enjoy dinner in a local restaurant and settle in for a comfortable night in Canaima.

Overnight: Local posada, Canaima.

EXPLORE CANAIMA

Today we have a full day to explore the spectacular landscapes surrounding Canaima Village and Canaima Lagoon.

The lagoon is one of the most beautiful locations in Canaima National Park. Its distinctive reddish-brown waters are stained naturally by tannins, while pale pinkish sands and distant tepuis create an extraordinary backdrop. Along one side of
the lagoon, a succession of waterfalls forms a spectacular curtain of water, fed by the Carrao River.

Depending upon water levels and local conditions, we can explore the lagoon by traditional Pemón curiara, travelling across the water for close views of Hacha, Wadaima, Golondrina and Ucaima Falls. Each cascade has a different character, and together they create the iconic waterfall panorama for which Canaima Lagoon is famous.

We can also visit Sapo Falls, an immense curtain waterfall close to the lagoon. When conditions permit, a remarkable trail leads behind the cascade itself, allowing us to walk beneath the overhanging rock with the thundering wall of water immediately in front of us. Nearby Sapito Falls provides another beautiful waterfall landscape to explore.

There is time throughout the day for photography, swimming where conditions and our guides allow, and simply enjoying the remarkable combination of waterfalls, forest, dark water and ancient tepuis that surrounds Canaima.

This final day has also been deliberately incorporated into our itinerary to provide valuable flexibility. Should weather or other conditions cause a delay earlier in the expedition, we have contingency time available without affecting our scheduled Thursday flight to Caracas.

Later, we return to our posada and enjoy our final dinner together in Canaima.

Overnight: Local posada, Canaima

RETURN TO CARACAS

After breakfast, we say farewell to Canaima and begin the final stage of our extraordinary journey through Venezuela’s Lost World.

We transfer to Canaima Airport and board our scheduled commercial flight north to Caracas. These flights operate on Thursdays, and our entire expedition has been carefully structured around this important connection.

As we leave Canaima behind, we can reflect on an extraordinary adventure that has taken us by helicopter to the summit of Auyán Tepui, past the thundering waters of Angel Falls, across one of South America’s most remote table mountains and down through its immense cliffs to the Pemón village of Kavak, before returning by Cessna to Canaima.

We arrive in Caracas during the morning, allowing time for participants to connect with international flights departing later in the day.

For those requiring an additional night in Caracas, we can assist with arrangements close to
the airport.

Upon arrival in Caracas, our Auyán Tepui & Angel Falls Expedition comes to an end.

ANGEL FALLS BY CANOE

For those wishing to experience Angel Falls from below as well as from above, we offer an unforgettable three-day / two-night extension travelling deep into Canaima National Park by traditional motorised Pemón canoe.

Participants joining the extension follow the main expedition as normal, flying by Cessna from Kavak to Canaima on Day 13 (a Tuesday) and spending Day 14 (a Wednesday) exploring Canaima Lagoon and its spectacular waterfalls. Rather than flying to Caracas with the main group on Day 15 (a Thursday), we remain in Canaima and set out on our journey towards Angel Falls. The flights to Caracas operate Thursdays and Sundays, so this add-on trip works perfectly to coincide with the Sunday return flight.

DAY 15 (THURSDAY) — CANAIMA TO ISLA RATÓN
Leaving Canaima, we travel by motorised Pemón canoe along the rivers of Canaima National Park towards Isla Ratón, surrounded by spectacular rainforest and immense tepui landscapes. The journey itself is a major part of the adventure, taking us deep into a wilderness accessible only by river. As we approach Auyán Tepui, its gigantic cliffs increasingly dominate the landscape. We eventually reach our camp near Isla Ratón, where we enjoy dinner and spend the night surrounded by the wilderness.

Overnight: Camp near Isla Ratón / Angel Falls

DAY 16 (FRIDAY) — ANGEL FALLS

Today is dedicated to experiencing Angel Falls from below – an extraordinary contrast to the aerial and summit perspectives experienced during the main expedition.

Travelling by canoe and continuing on foot, we trek approximately 1 km through the rainforest towards the base of Angel Falls. From here, the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall plunges 979 metres from the summit of Auyán Tepui above us.

We have time to photograph the immense cascade and enjoy lunch at a scenic viewpoint. Conditions permitting, there may also be an opportunity to bathe in the cascading waters beneath the falls before returning to camp.

Overnight: Camp near Isla Ratón / Angel Falls.

DAY 17 (SATURDAY) — RETURN TO CANAIMA
After breakfast, we begin our return journey by canoe through the spectacular river
landscapes surrounding Auyán Tepui.

We retrace our route towards Canaima, enjoying a final journey through the forests, rivers and tepui landscapes of this extraordinary region.

On arrival, we return to our local posada and enjoy a comfortable final evening in Canaima. Overnight: Local posada, Canaima.

DAY 18 (SUNDAY) — FLY TO CARACAS
The following morning, participants transfer to Canaima Airport for the scheduled Conviasa flight to Caracas, bringing the extended expedition to an end.

Please contact sales@redfernadventures.com for further information and pricing.