Venezuela self drive tour

Self-drive tours give you the freedom to relax and enjoy your tour at your pace…no more stress over missing flight connections. We use rental cars and you stay in your choice of accommodations, which are booked in advance to an itinerary you design with us. You can add destinations and it is possible to extend this itinerary farther south into the Llanos.

This tour takes you on a journey along the western front of Venezuela, beginning in the Caribbean village of Choroní on the northern coast and ending in the Llanos plains of the south… making stops in villages, national parks and the Andes Mountains along the way. 

Choroní and Henri Pittier National Park: Located approximately three hours west of Caracas on the coast of Venezuela, Henri Pittier National Park covers an area where the Andes foothills meet the warm Caribbean Sea. With impressive mountains and cloud forests that house over 400 species of birds, Henry Pittier National Park is world renowned for its bird watching appeal.

Tucked between the mountainous cloud forests of Henri Pittier National Park and the sapphire-blue waters of the Caribbean, this colonial village reminds you of former times. In Choroní, you can swim and sunbathe at the Playa Grande or take a boat to a nearby island. You do not want to miss the tambores dance every Saturday night, a cultural remnant of Africa from when slaves were brought here to harvest cacao.

Tucacas and Morrocoy National Park: Tucacas is a small town with beach access that is located between the city of Valencia and Morrocoy National Park. From here you can charter boats to take you to the nearby islands and keys. The national park consists of a strip of coast and some of the surrounding islands and keys with white-sand beaches and coral reefs. You can also visit the mangrove forests while in the area.

Sanare and Yacambú National Park: Sanare is a small Andean colonial village that is considered the gateway to Yacambú National Park. From here it is a 30 kilometer drive to the national park. Yacambú is located in the Sierra de Portuguesa area of the Venezuelan Andes and spans 145 square kilometers. Here you will find many endemic and/ or endangered species such as the Oso Frontino (a.k.a. Spectacled Bear) and the Jaguar.

Mérida and the Andes: Located on a plateau in the heart of the Andes Mountains, Mérida is well-known for its outdoor activities such as horseback riding, hiking and camping in the mountains. It boasts one of the most colorful markets for local handicrafts and fruits in Latin America, Mercado Principal. From the city, you can reach local attractions such as the Sierra Nevada National Park or local lagoons within an hour and a half by bus.

Hato Cedral and the Llanos: The Llanos are expansive and untamed plains with a unique ecosystem that revolves around a flood/ drought cycle. They house an extraordinary concentration of plant and wildlife, including more than 400 species of birds, giant anteaters, wild horses, iguanas, red howler and capuchin monkeys as well as capybaras, the world’s largest rodent. The rivers are full of exotic species such as the fresh water dolphin, piranhas and anacondas.

The Hato Cedral is a wildlife refuge ranch with air-conditioned cabins and private baths with hot water. It has a swimming pool and dining room where Venezuelan and international food are available. The staff are friendly and you are sure to be treated like a traditional llanero concert.

There are two daily wildlife excursions and nighttime entertainment ranges from wildlife videos to scientific presentations.

This tour includes rental vehicle (Daihatsu Terios for smaller groups or Toyota Prado for larger groups; both with air conditioning and radio), guide book, all necessary maps, full coverage insurance, mobile phone (with $30 worth of national call time), 24-hour assistance and hotel accomodation.

Meals, guided trips and entrance fees to national parks are not included. These tours are designed exclusively for tourists that speak Spanish well enough to ask for and take directions.