FROM THE CONDOR TO THE CROCODILES

Hiking in the footprints of our ancestors; this trip becomes a time-trek taking you back into an era when there were no tents nor gas-or fuel kitchens. 
This over 80 Km long and challenging trek leads us from Mérida (1600 m) up to 4200 m and then down to Acequias in the Barinas state (400 m). The 5 different climate zones and the very varied vegetation make this trip what they call in the Bradt-guide "EXCEPTIONALLY REWARDING"!
This is not a Sunday stroll and should only be attempted by serious hikers. 

MÉRIDA /BARINAS - ( 6 days / 5 nights). Difficulty degree: 4 (scale 0 to 5)

Day 1: Raiz de agua - El Rodeo( 10 Km / 2650 m - 3650 m / 4 - 7 hours walking) A 1 hour jeep drive takes us to our starting point - Raiz de Agua. A long day with mostly uphill walking through Páramo vegetation and some nice views back to Mérida before we reach El Rodeo and the cave which will be our night's shelter. 

Day 2: El Rodeo - Los Aranguren ( 15 Km / 3650 -4100 -2900 m / 5 - 8 hours walking)Steep uphill for approx. 2 hours to reach "el alto del Tonito" from where one can enjoy the view of  Pico Humboldt and it's glacier or at the northern side "La Culata" (weather permitting). Then downhill following the Siniguis river into the fairy tale valley of Los Aranguren. A poor farming family offers us it's hospitality ( very rustic - but remember you slept in a cave the day before). 

Day 3: Los Aranguren - Santa Rosa (approx. 25 Km / 2900 - 950 m / 7- 10 hours walking) One hour of strange Páramo- mixed vegetation and impressive waterfalls and then we will be absorbed by dense and humid cloud forest, followed by virgin tropical forest of unique beauty ! Some ruins, waterfalls, huge plants, bizarre leaves and finally at the end of a bone cracking day an almost ghost village - Santa Rosa. We sleep in a 150 year old farmhouse. 

Day 4: Santa Rosa and surroundings ( rest day) Time for a swim, explore the forest, imagine the village's history, take pictures of plants, butterflies, birds and ruins. Relax. 

Day 5: Santa Rosa - Caño Grande ( approx. 22 Km / 950 - 350 m / 5 - 8 hours walking) Another day in the forest, up and downs (this time there is a real path) till we reach the exit of the woods. A fabulous sight down to the seemingly endless plains ( los llanos). Sweat on our face we walk down to the lowlands, where a pre-Columbian petroglyph witnessed live some 3000 years ago. A vehicle awaits us and takes us to a cattle farm close by. 

Day 6: Barinas - Mérida ( 210 Km / 5 - 6 hours bus drive)
Optional 3 - 5 hours, white water raft on the Siniguis river (level 4). Wild thing to do. Not included ! 
Or starting point for an exciting 3 day wildlife-Safari in the Llanos with Arassari Trek your adventure doesn't have to end so soon...! 

INCLUDED:

• - All transports
• - All good meals
• - Qualified mountain guide
• - All top Mountain equipment