DAY 2: HACIENDA
We can look over this huge land, seeking turtles. A variety of herpetofauna exist in the area, including common green iguanas (Iguana iguana), the Jesus lizard (Basiliscus basiliscus) and the dark spectacle caiman (Caiman crocodylus fuscus).

DAY 3: DESERT-MERIDA
At morning we continue looking for more animals. After lunch, transfer to Mérida, de Andean capital, stopping in a very different landscape, the inter-Andean desert, where we can look for some interesting snake species (Micrurus meridensis, Crotalus durissus, and a lot of colubridae). Rest at night in a typical colonial posada or hotel.

DAYS 4-6: LLANOS
Early in the morning, we take a comfortable micro-bus and start our travel to Los Llanos, the Orinoco floodplains. Stop at Páramo level (over 10000 feet) in order to see some typical elements, as vegetation and some fauna (páramo tarantulas, frogs, rabbits or paramo deers). This is also the habitat of the Andean Cóndor (Vultur gryphus), of which there are only 7 in Venezuela, the mountain lyon (Puma concolor) and the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus). Arrived to Barinas, we enjoy one of the best barbecue steaks in the world. From here we continue deep into los Llanos where we arrive to a huge Hato (another kind of Cattle farm), our base camp for the next days. Here there exist turtles as Geochelone carbonaria, Podocnemis vogli, P. unifilis, Chelus fimbriatus, apart of other interesting herps, as the spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodylus) and the largest snake in the world, the famous anaconda (Eunectes murinus). This was the habitat of the second largest croc in the world (after the indo-pacific salt-water croc), called Orinoco´s Crocodyle (Crocodylus intermedius) although  actually it is almost extinct. Every day we will dedicate some time to explore different zones in the hato, and to share the way of life of the "llanero", the real cow-boy of los Llanos. We can ride on horses and enjoy with one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, seeing peculiar South American animals like the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), deers (Odocoileus virginianus), or the capybara (Hydrochaeris hidrochaeris), the largest rodent in Earth. We will enjoy also with fishing time, upon local pieces as peacock bass, catfish, piranhas, even some freshwater monster like the electric eel (Electrophorus electricus) or sting rays (Potamoptrygon). In boat trips, at day and at night, we can observe the huge diversity of fauna (especially birds: herons, egrets, eagles, ospreys, cormorans, terns, lapwings, parrots, macaws, hawks, falcons, vultures, and many more, in addition to some of the most incredible animals in the world (pink river dolphins, giant otters...) Other animals that we can observe relatively easily are monkeys (red howlers and capuchin), tamandua, foxes, ocelot, and even a puma or the king of this realm, the jaguar.
The hato offers all kind of commodities, as the private lodges with double and triple rooms, with private baths, Air Conditioned and roof fans; swimming pool.

DAY 7: SAN FERNANDO-PUERTO AYACUCHO
Transfer by road to Puerto Ayacucho, capital of the Venezuelan Amazonas. Visit to the surroundings, where a diverse herpetofauna exists. Visit to the Breeding Centre of the Giant orinoco’s turtle Podocnemis expansa (FUDECI).

DAYS 8-18: CASIQUIARE: HUMBOLDT´S ROUTE
We start a great expedition to the Upper Orinoco, following the steps of Humboldt to San Carlos de Rio Negro through the Casiquiare arm. In this zone, the Guide conducted in 1998 a project about the use by local people upon chelonians, as the better way to know the actual pressure on these animals. There inhabit 12 species of turtles (Rhinoclemmys punctularia flammigera, Kinosternon scorpioides, Geochelone denticulata, Chelus fimbriatus, Mesoclemmys gibba, Batrachemys heliostemma, Platemys platycephala, Peltocephalus dumerilianus, Podocnemis erythrocephala, P. expansa, P. unifilis), and three more that are very probable (Batrachemys raniceps, Phrynops geoffroanus, Rhinemys rufipes). Just in this season is when almost all species are laying eggs on the beaches of the rivers. This is the major problem because people follows the prints until found the nest and then take all eggs for food. We must documentate this action and try to stop this costume, contributing with alternatives for this people. Aside from turtles and herpetofauna (one of the richest in the world) we can visit some indigenous communities (yanomami and yek´wana), to observe petroglyphus, proofs of old Indian cultures, and enjoy the change of year with a super party in the middle of the Amazon. During this expedition we will sleep in hammocks with mosquito nets in improvised campments in the river bank or directly on the beaches. This is one of the most wild and uninhabited places in the world, so there no exist lodges. Indigenous villages must be respected (actually by low) and is not possible to stay more than some time with them.

Day 18: RETURN
Return to Pto. Ayacucho in planes, rest and relax the rest of the day.

DAY19: PUERTO AYACUCHO-CCS-CHICHIRIVICHE
We take a flight to CCS and then a micro-bus to Chichiriviche, one of the most beautiful beaches in Venezuela, and type locality of one of the rarest subespecies of Trachemys scripta, T. s. chichiriviche, described by Pritchard and Trebbau in 1984.

DAY 20-21: CHICHIRIVICHE
We will dedicate the last days in Vzla to prospect rivers and seeking this animal. This area is the habitat of other of the most endangered reptiles in Latin America, the American crocodyle (Crocodylus acutus). Also we can explore remote keys looking for sea turtles nesting. Apart, we can enjoy in the most typical way of a Caribbean beach, taking some sun, snorkelling, and relaxing with a daiquiri in your hands... Last night we have a farewell party, including... turtle soap!!! (Joking!!)

Day 22: RETURN
Return to CCS to take your plane to Origin.
 

About the country: Venezuela is a geographycally-privileged country. We have Caribbean, Amazonas, Llanos, Andes, Guianan Shield... Nevertheless, we are still almost as a tourist destination. We are much more than Petroleum! And now is the moment to discover this country, through one of its richest expressions, chelonians.
Located in on the North of South America, Venezuela is bordered by Colombia (West); Guyana (East) and Brazil (South) and the Caribbean sea and Atlantic Ocean (North and NE). It has a surface area of 912.050 km², a population of 22 millions inhabitants. It is divided into 22 states and one Federal District (Caracas being the Capital). In our itinerary we avoid all insecure places (as big cities). Nevertheless, taking care with your personal objects must be an own responsibility all time.

About the Guide: César Luis Barrio Amorós has born in Barcelona, Spain, and moved to Venezuela in order to develop his PhD in Anthropology. He lived one year in Amazonas working about the impact of some indigenous tribes upon different endangered species. Now he is living in Mérida, with a grant to investigate the reasons of the declines of some species of bright coloured toads (Atelopus) in the Andes, and also describing new species of anurans. His interest in herpetology (studying amphibians and reptiles) and anthropology has been mainly the reasons to choose Venezuela, a country almost unexplored and unknown in these subjects, to live. He has one book (preparing two more) and more than 70 articles, including descriptions of new species to science. The fauna section in the 2001 edition of Lonely Planet Guide of Venezuela has been write by him. He arranges expeditions in all Venezuela with the goal of searching rare species. AndigenA (http://andigena.cjb.net) is a Foundation that he founded with other young professionals of Nature Conservation.

What we includes in the trip: Lodging in posadas, hotels and haciendas (hato); flights in the country; transport, all general (not personal) equipment for the expedition to Amazonas, three meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner), some snacks, mineral water all the time, fruit to make juices, some wine and champagne for the 2002 welcoming.

What is not included: Flights from Origin to Venezuela and return to origin. Travel insurance, expenses of a personal nature, laundry service, and the Venezuela exit tax.

Note: We suggest that all the party arrive in the same plane. If not, is possible to have some delays in our schedule.

What to bring: We are going to tropical rainforests and savannahs, where the medium temperature is about 27 °C (about 80 °F). This dates falls in dry season, when is not expected to rain a lot. Anyway, raincoats (not umbrellas) and plastic bags to protect your baggage are highly recommended (these are possible to obtain in Venezuela). Take fresh gear, shorts, long pants, t-shirts, some long shirts, swimming suit, hat, sun-block, jeans; in general, typical safari gear is suggested. Both sandals and water-proof boots are recommended. Try to bring as less clothes as possible, especially during the expedition (we have safe places where you can leave your extra-staff in Puerto Ayacucho). Take your own medicines, we have a first aid set, including snake anti-serum. Only Mérida has spring weather, and the páramo is cold, but with a sweater is enough. In order to enjoy our mainly herpetological trip, bring a potent torch with spare bulbs (is possible to find good batteries in all Venezuela).

Camera and accesories.
Swiss Army style knife.
Enough insect repellent.
Binoculars.
Travel alarm clock.
Sunglasses.
Soap and shampoo.
Personal towel
Ear plugs (if convenient)
Spanish-English pocket dictionary.

And a good disposition to collaborate and enjoy with this great adventure!
 

Next is a short suggested literature list reference about Venezuelan and Northern South American chelonians:

CASTAÑO MORA, O.V., 1997.- La situación de Podocnemis  erythrocephala (Spix, 1824)(Testudinata: Pelomedusidae), en Colombia. Caldasia 19 (1-2): 55-60.

CASTAÑO O. Y M. LUGO. 1981. Estudio Comparativo del Comportamiento de dos especies de Morrocoy: Geochelone carbonaria y Geochelone denticulata y aspectos comparables de su morfología externa. Cespedesia, 10: 55-122.

DONOSO-BARROS., R., 1965.- Distribución de las tortugas de Sudamérica. Publ. Ocas. Mus. Nac. Hist. Nat. (Santiago), 8: 1-14.

FIASSON, R., 1945.- Cinq chéloniens et deux suriens du Haut Apure (Venezuela). Cahiers Inst. Franc. Amer. Latine 3: 33-45.

FRAIR,W., MITTERMEIER, R & RHODIN, A., 1978.- Blood biochemistry and relation among Podocnemis turtles (Testudinata, Pleurodira, Pelomedusidae). Comparative Biochemistry and Physilolgy, 61: 139-143.

FRETEY, J., HOOGMOED, M.S., & LESCURE, J., 1977.- Etude taxinomique de Rhinoclemmys punctularia punctularia (Daudin)(Testudinata, Emydidae). Zool. Meded. 52(6): 63-80.
GORZULA, S.1989. Chelonides (sic!) Carbonaria (Red Footed Tortoise). Herpetol. Rev. 20 (2): 56.

GOTTE, S.W., 1992. Podocnemis vogli. Cat. Amer. Amph. Rept. SSAR: 537. 1-2.
HARLES M. AND MORLOCK H. 1979. Turtles: Perspectives and research. John Wiley & Sons, New York, 695 p.

HILDEBRAND, P, & LIEBERMAN, A., 1992. The flow of the rio Cahuinari: A story of the giant river turtle. Zoonooz (Rev. Zoo San Diego): 10-13.

IUCN.1989. Tortoises and fresh water turtles. An action plan for their conservation. Tortoises and fresh water turtles specialist group. Intern. Union Cons. Nature Nat. Res., 48 pp.

LAMAR, W.W. & MEDEM. F., 1982.- Notes on the chelid turtle Phrynops rufipes in Colombia. Salamandra 18: 305-321.

LESCURE. J. et FRETEY, J., 1975.- Étude taxinomique de Phrynops (Batrachemys) nasutus (Schweigger) (Testudinata, Chelidae). Bull. Nus. Nat. Hist. Nat., ser.3-337(239): 1317-1328.

MEDEM, F., 1983a.- La reproducción de la tortuga “cabezón” Peltocephalus tracaxa  (Spix), 1824, Testudines, Pelomedusidae) en Colombia. Lozania 41: 1-12.

MEDEM. f., 1983b.- Reproductive data on Platemys platycephala (Testudines: Chelidae) in Colombia. En: Rhodin & Miyata (eds.) Advances in Herpetology and Evolutionary Biology: Essays in honor of E.E.Williams. Mus. Comp. Zool. Harvard Univ.: 429-434.

MEDEM F., O. CASTAÑO Y M. LUGO. 1979. Contribución al conocimiento sobre la reproducción y el crecimiento de los morrocoyes (Geochelone carbonaria y G. denticulata, Testudines, Testudinidae). Caldasia, 12: 497-511.

MITTERMEIER R. 1978. South America river turtles: saving them by use. Oryx 14 (3): 222-230.

RHODIN, A.G.J., MEDEM, F., SOINI, P., HOOGMOED, M.S. & CARRILLO DE ESPINOZA, N., 1978.-Distribution of the South American chelid turtle Phrynops gibbus with observations on habitat and reproduction. Herpetologica 34: 94-100.

MOREIRA, G. 1989. Sympatry of the turtles Geochelone carbonaria and G. denticulata in the Rio Uatuma Basin. Central Amazonia. J. Herpetol. 23 (2): 183-185.

MOSKOVITS D. 1988. Sexual dimorphism and population estimates of the two Amazonian tortoises (Geochelone carbonaria and G. denticulata) in Northwestern Brazil. Herpetologica 44 (2) : 209-217.

MURPHY, J.C., 1997.Amphibians and Reptiles of Trinidad and Tobago. Krieger Publ. Co., Malabar, Florida, 245 pp.

PAOLILLO A.,1985. Description of a new subspecies of the turtle Rhinoclemmys punctularia (Duadin)(Testudines: Emydidae) from southern Venezuela. Amphibia-Reptilia 6: 293-305.

RODRIGUEZ, B. AND M. RYLANDER 1984. Notes on the biology of the tortoise Geochelone denticulata L. Perú. Amphibia-Reptilia, 5 (3-4): 323-327.

SANCHEZ-VILLAGRA,M.R., PRITCHARD, P.C.H., PAOLILLO, A. & LINARES, O., 1995.-Geographic Variation in the Matamata turtle Chelus fimbriatus with observations on its shell morphology and morphometry. Chel. Cons. Biol., 1(4): 293-300.

SMITH, N., 1974.- Destructive explotation of South American River Turtle. Assoc. Pacific. Coast Geogr., 36: 85-101.

PRITCHARD, P. & TREBBAU, P. 1984. Turtles of Venezuela. Society for the Studies of Amphibians and Reptiles: 403 pp.

THORBJARNARSON, J., PÉREZ, N & ESCALONA, T., 1993.- Nesting of Podocnemis unifilis in the Capanaparo River, Venezuela. J. Herp. 27(3): 344-347.

WILLIAMS, E., 1954.- A key and description of living species of the genus Podocnemis (sensu Boulenger)(Testudines, Pelomedusidae). Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., 111(8): 279-295.

WILLIAMS, E., 1960.- Two species of tortoises in Northern South America. Breviora. Mus. Comp.Zool.Harvard Univ., 120: 1-13.

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