DAY 1: CARACAS.
Arrival to International Airport and flight to Puerto Ordaz.

DAY 2: PUERTO ORDAZ.
Visit to La Llovizna park with showy cascades. Wild capuchin monkeys (Cebus) are easy to see as well as a myriad of bird life. Here we will seek for the living jewel of Venezuela, the poison dart frog Dendrobates leucomelas. In the way to Triunfo or Imataca other herptiles to be seen are Caiman crocodylus, Bufo granulosus, B. marinus, Hyla microcephala, Phrynohyas venulosa, may be Phylomedusa hypocondryalis, P. bicolor, Hydrops triangularis, Crotalus durissus ssp. and many other species.

DAYS 3-7: IMATACA OR TRIUNFO
Charter flight to one of biodiversity's hotspots north of Sierra de Lema, where the forests can yield Epipedobates pictus, Allobates femoralis and Phobobates trivittatus, as well as undescribed species of Colostethus; Phyllomedusa bicolor, P. tarsius, P. hypocondrialis  and P. tomopterna, and with luck, Allophryne ruthveni, one of the most bizarre and difficult-to-see anuran in the neotropics.

DAY 8: SIERRA DE LEMA.
Exploration in the "La Escalera" region (litt.= stairways), an important zone of  biotic endemism, having the frogs Stefania scalae, Hyla lemai, Colostethus parkerae, Bufo nasicus, Otophryne robusta...

DAYS 9-10: LA GRAN SABANA.
South of the "La Escalera" lies "La Gran Sabana". This region is still awaiting for herpetological surprises, which is yet only little explored, and a wide variety of paradisiac and unique scenarios and landscapes fulfills all expectancies: enormous waterfalls, crystalline pools, dense forests and the majestic tepuis that stands as perennial vigilants of the territory. Several fascinating species can be found there: the beautiful Hyla punctata and Hyla ornatissima, the huge gladiator tree-frog Hyla boans, some centrolenids (glass frogs), some Scinax, an endemic genus, Tepuihyla, Leptodactylus rugosus, Elachistocleis, Otophryne... Nights in hammocks at camp site.

DAY 11: WATERFALLS AND RAFTING.
A full day for nature tours and admires some of world's most beautiful waterfalls and cascades. We can enjoy these rivers swimming and rafting. We will stop at Quebrada de Jaspe (Jasper creek), which runs on top of an outcrop of this reddish semiprecious rock. We will be able to see the glass frog Hyalinobatrachium iaspidiensis, apart from Hyla multifasciata, Scinax trilineatus, Elachistocleis sp. Leptodactylus rugosus among many other species... In these rivers inhabits one of the most beautiful turtles in the world, Phrynops geoffroanus. Arrive at Santa Elena de Uairén for a night in a Hotel.

DAYS 12-15: EL PAUJI.
A far away hamlet which is surrounded by lush forest. The anuran fauna of this region has not been documented yet, but a large reddish dendrobatid is said to live here. Let's find out and try to disclose this rumor!

DAY 16: CUEVA DEL GUACHARO (OILBIRD'S CAVERN).
Back to Puerto Ordaz. We will visit one of the largest and most surprising cave of the world, which was first announced to scientific community by Alexander von Humboldt in late 18th century. This is where the largest colony of nocturnal oilbirds (Steatornis caripensis) lives.

DAYS 17-19: PARIA PENINSULA.
The rain forests seems to sink into the ocean in Paria, which will set a delicacy for a deserved bathe in dreamful beaches, specially being so close to the habitat of Colostethus (Mannophryne) riveroi, one of the largest dendrobatid, C. (M.) trinitatis, one of the most common species in Venezuela. This forests are also inhabited by other interesting frogs, like Phyllomedusa trinitatis, the gigantic Leptodactylus labyrynthicus, the bizarre broad headed Eleutherodactylus biporcatus (red morpho) and the tiny marsupial frog Flectonotus fitzgeraldi. The place is worth for a rest since it is not highly toured.

DAY 20: CARACAS.
Return to CCS and transfer to Europe. Farewell!!
 
 

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT:
- Hat
- Insect repellent
- Sun protector
- Jungle boots (water proof)
- Light shoe wear (sandals)
- Raincoat
- Binoculars
- Camera and films enough.
- Jersey, and at least two long-sleeved shirts
 
 

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