DestinationGuayana Shield

Caura River

The most untouched forest in the Americas, and a cascade that opens into seven waterfalls.

At 725 kilometres the Caura is Venezuela’s third longest river and the Orinoco’s second largest tributary. Its basin is protected by a five-million-hectare forest reserve, the country’s largest — one can fairly say the Caura forests are the most untouched in all of America.

Why it works for your clients

Salto Pará is the headline: a cascade that opens into seven grand waterfalls whose volume in the rainy season can surpass Victoria and Iguazú. For clients who have done the well-signposted South America, this is the chapter that still requires effort to reach — and the Ye’kwana, the “men of the river”, make it a cultural journey rather than a scenic one.

How we operate it

Flight to Puerto Ordaz, an overnight in the city, then a four-hour 4×4 transfer across savanna and through thick forest to Caura Lodge, from where the river excursions run. Programmes are typically four days and three nights.

Highlights

  • Salto Pará — a cascade opening into seven grand waterfalls
  • A five-million-hectare forest reserve, Venezuela's largest
  • The Ye'kwana or Makiritare, “men of the river”, who have lived here for centuries
  • Boat excursions to Ceiba Grande and Yokore island
  • A genuine expedition chapter for experienced travellers

At a glance

Region
Guayana Shield
Distance
1 h flight Caracas–Ciudad Bolívar + 4h30 car transfer
Best time
December to April
Where guests stay
Caura Lodge, on the river

Journeys that include this destination