TOUR TO MANTOPAI & GRAN SABANA

A JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF LA GRAN SABANA, DEFINITELY ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CAMPS AT THE SO CALLED LOST WORLD.YOU'LL VISIT THE MISSION VILLAGE OF KAVANAYEN AND THE APOWAO FALLS, THE MOST IMPRESSIVE WATERFALL OF LA GRAN SABANA!
"Araguato Expeditions" Tour Mantopai & Gran Sabana - Venezuela
"Araguato Expeditions" Tour Mantopai & Gran Sabana - Venezuela
Description: 

The camp "Mantopai" is undoubtedly one of the best of La Gran Sabana, because of its remote location and the scenic value, being in the heart of this magical region. Only accessible by 4x4 vehicles, this itinerary gives an adrenaline rush that only the most remote places in La Gran Sabana can offer. This tour is presented as an attractive alternative to the classic tour of La Gran Sabana of 3 days, staying longer inside the savanna landscape and therefore in constant contact with nature, as the inhabitants of this mystical place. Visit the most emblematic waterfalls, the Kavanayen mission and sleep under the  starfull sky of the "Sabana" at camp Mantopai

Laying on the eastern half of the territory occupied  by the Canaima National Park, with an area of ​​10,800 km2, is a region where we find the oldest geological formations on earth: 2.000 million years of tectonic activity and erosion have resulted in a landscape  full of special formations, valleys, rivers, plateaus known as "tepuis", waterfalls and natural baths that host to countless species of flora and fauna. Since the opening of the national road #10, which connects the major cities of Bolivar State with the Brazilian border, the visit to this beautiful region of the country has popularized. It has been the setting and inspiration for movies and documentaries about the prehistory, including Jurassic Park and the popular novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Lost World". Come along and enjoy yourself in a landscape that can only be described as magical!

AVAILABLE TOUR TO MANTOPAI & GRAN SABANA

 

TOUR TO MANTOPAI CAMP & LA GRAN SABANA

Length: 4 days and 3 nights
Difficulty: Medium - Hard - good physical conditions recommended
A program that offers a nice twist to a Gran Sabana tour, the unique and isolated location of the Mantopai camp!

 

Day to day program: 

  1. Early morning departure from Santa Elena to the town of Kavanayen, one of the most successful missionary settlements of La Gran Sabana. After about 45 min of travel, we make our first stop at the photogenic "Jasper Creek", a waterfall, mainly consisting of a single enormous rock of jasper, with its impressive live reddish color. It is a perfect place to take a bath. Once refreshed, we continue the journey that will lead to Kavanayen, it will take about 4 hours to arrive. The missionaries , who have been living with the natives of the area for the past 70 years, have developed construction techniques in rock and brought their agricultural knowledge, giving the town a distinctive appearance to the rest of the villages in the area. After visiting Kavanayen and having lunch, we'll continue our way to the camp Mantopai, stopping to see some endemic varieties of carnivorous plants and orchids among many others. Reaching Mantopai we can admire the imposing Sororopán Tepuy, the camp is located at its foothill. You'll tell on your own why is this considered one of the best spots in La Gran Sabana, the site it's amazing! enjoy the rest of the day and dinner and accommodation. (L/D)

  2. Today we will go into the forest at the foot of Sororopán Tepui, we will be accompanied by a Pemon Indian, who will show us their techniques of both, hunting and survival, he'll also show alternative livelihoods such as agriculture, harvesting, use of medicinal plants and production of "Cachire" a fermented drink made from cassava with an average alcohol content. Its a day to learn as much as we can from the Pemón and their natural environment. Return to Mantopai to search our swimsuit and we go to a nearby river to give us a deserved swim. Dinner and overnight. (B/L/D)

  3. After breakfast we'll leave the camp at Mantopai, to go to the small village of Iboriwó starting point to visit the majestic Chinak Meru, also known as Aponwao Falls. Here we take a small boat that will bring us to the fall. Then we'll go on a small hike along a path amidst a lush vegetation, allowing a stunning view of a spectacular waterfall of 107 meters. We'll lunch at Iboriwó, to then contine exploring this area until arriving at Kavanayen, were we'll overnight. Dinner and overnight. (B/L/D)

  4. We leave Kavanayen to visit the quaint and fun Salto Kawi, which offers natural springboards and from which you can jump into the water from up to 8 meters high, the site is a perfect natural swimming pool. Continuing in the main Gran Sabana road we'll stop at some other waterfalls and natural pools, in our way to the village of San Francisco de Yuruaní, where we'll stop for lunch and to visit the community. We leave to Santa Elena making a stop at The Curtain Falls "Salto La Cortina", a strong waterfall under which we can walk, an experience that will leave you breathless! Our guide will decide at the time if the water level is sure to make the trip. Travel back to Santa Elena to reach the end of the afternoon. (B/L)

     MANTOPAI & GRAN SABANA GEAR LIST:
You can copy and paste this list into a text file and use it as a "checklist" before the trip
  • [ ] Passport or original identity document 
  • [ ] Swimsuit 
  • [ ] Sun protection (cream, sunglasses and hat) 
  • [ ] Anorak - or rain jacket 
  • [ ] Flashlight 
  • [ ] Hiking shoesand sandals 
  • [ ] Towel 
  • [ ] Light clothes and a long-sleeved garment for nights 
  • [ ] Insect repellent . Against jejen or " puripuri " as is known the sand fly in Gran Sabana, we found that the mixture of baby oil and a vial of vitamin complex "B " is undoubtedly the most effective repellent . Approx 100 ml baby oil , 1 vial of injectable B complex. You apply it directly to the skin, It wont be the best fragance you'll wear but it'll keep you save from the annoying "puri"
  • [ ] Ensure sufficient charged batteries and storage for photographic equipment to cover your trip. (Generators are not always available)

 THE MANTOPAI & GRAN SABANA TOURS INCLUDE:
  • 4 x 4 vehicle transportation during the four days
  • Bilingual guide
  • Drinks and all meals indicated in the program (B: breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner)
  • Radio communications in emergencies and first aid.
  • All activities described in the program.
  • 3 nights accommodation, in rustic camps, in twin rooms with toilettes, for 2 or more occupants.

 THE MANTOPAI & GRAN SABANA TOURS DON'T INCLUDE:
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Tips
  • Any form of transport or activities not mentioned in the program.

REMARKS & NOTES:
  • This itinerary may change depending on weather conditions at the time and the influx of visitors. This region can be visited throughout the whole year
  • It is forbidden to collect rocks, plants and other living species within the National Park, we strongly urge the participants of our tours to follow these rules. Let's not spoil this very special environment.
  • The tour departs from Santa Elena de Uairén. Transportation to Santa Elena is not included in the price. Do not hesitate to ask about the various transport options we can offer. You can also specify in your booking where you would like to start from.

 POSSIBLE TOUR COMBINATIONS:

The Mantopai & Gran Sabana tour can be combined with a climb to Mount Roraima (+5-6 days), a tour to Canaima & Angel Falls (+2-3 days), the Orinoco Delta (+2-3 days) or the Caura River (+5 days). Depending on your available time and interests we can help you out desinging a combination of tours, so you’ll get the most out of the region!

 GEOGRAPHIC SITUATION:
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