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The Orinoco River splits Venezuela across the middle, separating an extensive region from the rest of the country, as if trying to protect and preserve it. It is no wonder that many famous writers such as Jules Verne and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle found passion and inspiration in this mystical place.
To the south and southeast of the Orinoco you'll find the land known as Guayana, an expansive area that extends across three states: Amazonas, Bolivar, and Delta Amacuro where the Orinoco meets the Atlantic Ocean.
This land is endowed with rich and diverse ecosystems. The confluences of the Orinoco and Amazona rivers rule this land and the dense rain forests found here. In the expansive plains you'll find the mesas or tepuys. Best known among these is the Autana, or "tree of life" as it is known in the indigenous Piaroa legend, located in the highest parts of Guayana, in the state of Bolivar, are the Roraima, Keukenán, and the Auyanepuy.
Amazonas State - Water, Jungle, & Savanna
The state of Amazonas is situated in the southeastern part of the country, bordering Colombia to the west, and Brazil to the south and east. Although Amazonas covers approximately 184,000 square kilometers, its population barely passes 100,000 inhabitants. In this expansive territory you will find hundreds of rivers, dense jungles, rain forests, and open savannas where hundreds of unique animal and plant species live.
Approximately 90% of the more than 8,000 plants species found in Amazonas are indigenous. Deep in the jungle you will find various types of orchids, bromelias, and moss, which combine with other trees and plants to form seemingly impenetrable forests. These forests are home to feline species like the jaguar and ocelot. Other common mammals found here include the tapir, anteaters, deer, and half-a-dozen species of monkeys. Reptiles include the caiman, the Orinoco Crocodile, the anaconda and various other poisonous and non-poisonous snakes and frogs.
There are over 600 species of birds in the state of Amazonas. Among these are the toucan, macaws, and many types of parrots and eagles. Trekking through the jungle you are sure to observe the exuberant variety of insects that populate these parts: giant butterflies, scorpions and tarantulas are easy to spot, as well as various ant types. In the rivers you may see river dolphins, otters, turtles, piranhas, electric eels, as well as plenty of game fish such as Peacock Bass, and the toothy Payara.
Bolivar State - La Gran Sabana and Canaima
La Gran Sabana and Canaima are two of the most popular destinations for adventurers and ecotourists traveling to Venezuela. The spirit of this land lost in time is best captured by the magnificence of Angel Falls which is found here. This waterfall, the tallest in the world begins at the top of the Auyantepui, and spills into Cañon del Diablo (Devil's Canyon).
Delta Amacuro State - The Orinoco meets the Atlantic Ocean
Further east is the Orinoco delta, a labyrinth of more than 300 rivers and ravines that represent virtual water roads that can change direction and location at any given time. These waterways constitute the only mode of travel within the state of Delta Amacuro.
Guayana encompasses the largest quantity of indigenous communities in the country. Among these the most notable are the Yanomami, Ye'kuana, Pemón, Warao, Piaroa, and Panare.
Although there exists an abundant wildlife in Guayana, the essence of this region is best felt by observing the majestic panoramas where the relevance of man is marginalized. Visitors that come here hoping to observe dense concentrations of wildlife as depicted in Hollywood movies may leave disappointed. There's simply too much space here to find refuge, and animals tend to spread far and wide. However, if you come with defined goals, such as birding, you are sure to be mesmerized by the exuberant diversity that you'll encounter here.
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Sights & Activities
