Orinoco Delta

The Orinoco river delta is located in the state of Delta Amacuro in Venezuela. It was decreed a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2009. Rivers and labyrinths of narrow canals flow through marsh forests, forming small islands and sandbanks. This accessible but yet still virgin area of the Orinoco delta is sparsely populated. The indigenous people of the Warao tribe still live in traditional huts on stilts along the banks, called Palafitos.

It´s not only the camps that attract nature oriented travellers but also the beauty of this rich ecosystem with its great variety of wildlife and exuberant vegetation. We offer our visitors the opportunity to experience every aspect of this spectacular nature reserve. We hold a small share of the “Orinoco Queen” camp to guarantee quality service. This is perhaps the smallest camp in the Orinoco delta with only five cabins, thus ensuring small groups with personal attention.

Orinoco Delta Itinerary

After an early start from Posada Don Carlos in the morning, it is about a two and a half hour drive to the port, where you will board the boat. After another 90 minutes you arrive at the camp called Orinoco Queen. You will be welcomed to a palm-thatched hut with private bathroom, electric light and beds with mosquito nets. After lunch it's time for your first safari. In the evening you meet the staff and other travellers in the common-house, to have dinner and swap stories. Waking to the unmistakable chorus of howler-monkeys makes for a truly unforgettable experience.

The itinerary of the Orinoco delta tour is flexible so you can choose a two, three or four day trip.

During your Orinoco delta tour you will participate in the following activities:

Jungle hike:
After handing out rubber boots, the tour guide will lead you on a hike through the dense jungle at low tide. He will give a detailed explanation of the many different plants and how they are used by the indigenous people. Since this is mosquito territory, long pants and a shirt are strongly recommended.

Piranha fishing:
The guide will show you how to catch piranhas safely, known locally as “caribes”. Back at the camp the cook can fry one for you, they are very tasty.

Bathing:
On the “Manamo” canal there are several spots where you can go for a refreshing dip before enjoying the spectacular sunset.

Bird watching:
There are some places, kept secret (jealously guarded) by the locals, where you see the blue-and-yellow macaws by the many (big flocks) and hear their sharp, curious screams. Also the red ibis and many other birds can be found here.

Boating:
Every day of your excursion you will enjoy boat rides to the different places of interest in the Orinoco delta, where with a little luck you can observe spider- and cappuccino monkeys.

Visit of communities:
With due respect we approach the members of the communities at their homes. They produce hammocks, baskets and other hand-crafts with nature’s materials which are for sale. They prepare the larvae of the moriche-palm, which are eaten raw or roasted.

Canoe paddling:
There is always a small canoe tied to the pier, which you can use at your discretion to explore the small canal near the camp. On such a silent approach you can spot butterflies and birds easily.

Night ride:
A beautiful experience is finding night-active caymans and snakes with flash-lights from the boat in the darkness. Maybe also catch them without being harmful for a short photo-session.

Visit the website of our main associate in the camp “Orinoco Queen”

Orinoco Delta Itinerary

Please bring: