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Luxury Venezuela Group Trip: Angel Falls + Catatumbo Lightning

Venezuela. ANGEL FALLS (the world’s highest waterfall, 16x Niagara!). Catatumbo Lightning. Lake Maracaibo. Jungle, tepuis, stilt villages, waterfalls and one of the wildest natural phenomena anywhere on earth. Ooooph. Now THIS is a trip.

I rarely head to the Americas, but I have personally never been to Catatumbo lightning lake, so it’s time to go back, this time with a luxury twist.

BOOK IT HERE! Or here:

Bucket List!

Each year, I choose one or two proper bucket-list adventures that I personally want to do. Not generic tours created in an office. Not another week sitting around a resort. Trips that make me open Google Maps, stare at some remote corner of the world and think, “How the hell do I get there?” In 2027 that will be the wild bonobo trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo (JOIN ME!) and this Venezuela Trip, with a luxury twist.

I visited Angel Falls years ago, and it has stayed with me ever since. Almost one vertical kilometre of water falling from the top of Auyán-tepui, deep inside Venezuela’s Canaima National Park. No road access. No easy day trip from some tourist city. You have to fly into the jungle, travel upriver and hike to reach it. This time, though, I want to do Venezuela properly (and by properly I mean with much less stress and discomfort!).

We’re combining Angel Falls with the Catatumbo Lightning over Lake Maracaibo, the area with the highest concentration of lightning on earth. Then we fly into Canaima National Park, visit the Sapo and Hacha waterfalls and travel deep into the jungle to see Angel Falls, the world’s highest waterfall. All via Caracas, where we stay a 5* hotel to recover each time. And because I’m 42 now and getting soft, we’re doing it with some comfort too!

Lovely hotel in Caracas. One night sleeping in a hammock over Lake Maracaibo (I know, I know! I promise it’s the only way!) followed by three nights at one of the most beautiful Lodges in all of Canaima national park. This is wild Venezuela, but done properly.

Why visit Venezuela?

Venezuela is one of the most naturally spectacular countries on earth. Honestly. It has Caribbean beaches, the Andes, the enormous Orinoco River, the wetlands of Los Llanos, the strange tabletop mountains of the Gran Sabana and some of the most dramatic waterfalls anywhere on our planet. But tourism here is still tiny.

Most travellers have heard the stories about Venezuela’s politics, economy and security situation, and simply never consider visiting. That means places which would attract thousands of tourists every day in another country remain genuinely remote.

This isn’t a trip where we’ll be fighting through crowds or queuing for viewpoints. It’s an adventure through a country that very few international tourists currently experience. And the two headline experiences are ridiculous.

First, we travel to Lake Maracaibo and sleep in a traditional stilt settlement while the Catatumbo Lightning flashes across the sky above us all night!

Then we fly into the three-million-hectare Canaima National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with jungle, rivers, waterfalls and ancient tepuis. Hidden inside it is Angel Falls, around 1,000 metres high, and officially the tallest waterfall on earth.

Two world-record natural wonders. One trip. COME ON!

Venezuela group-trip highlights

• Stay at 5* hotel in Caracas on arrival, between the lightning and Angel Falls, and again on the last night
• Fly deep into Canaima National Park
• Visit the Sapo and Hacha waterfalls
• Spend three nights at a luxury lodge near Angel Falls
• Leave at 5am for a full-day Angel Falls expedition
• Travel upriver by traditional motorised canoe
• ‘Hike’ through the jungle to the Angel Falls viewpoint
• Keep an additional day in Canaima as protection against bad weather
• Watch for the legendary Catatumbo Lightning over Lake Maracaibo
• Sleep in a hammock inside a traditional stilt cabin at Ologá Lagoon
• Explore Lake Maracaibo by boat
• Visit the remote stilt village of Congo Mirador
• Travel with a small group of people who genuinely want an adventure

Our Luxury Venezuela itinerary

Day 1: Meet in Caracas

Monday, August 30, 2027

Today the trip officially begins. We meet at our hotel in Caracas (the Melia or similar), get introduced to the group and run through the adventure ahead. We’re staying 5*, there’ll be plenty of time for rougher accommodation tomorrow!

Depending on everyone’s arrival times, we’ll explore a little of Caracas, eat together and have a few drinks. Then an early night. Tomorrow we head west in search of lightning.

Day 2: Into Lake Maracaibo and the Catatumbo Lightning

Tuesday, August 31, 2027

Early morning flight toward Mérida before driving to Puerto Concha, our jumping-off point for Lake Maracaibo.

From there, we board our boat and travel through the wetlands toward Ologá Lagoon. This is a completely different Venezuela. Full of waterways, mangroves, birds, wildlife and communities built directly above the lake. Tonight we settle into a traditional stilt cabin. And yes, we sleep in hammocks (I don’t love it either, but we’ll bring some booze!)

Luxury trip? Mostly! But there are no five-star hotels sitting in the middle of the Catatumbo wetlands, and I’m not going all the way to Venezuela and then watching the lightning from a concrete town three hours away. After dark, we wait for the Catatumbo Lightning.

Lake Maracaibo experiences more lightning than anywhere else on earth, with storms occurring on as many as 300 nights in some years. Huge flashes can illuminate the clouds and horizon for hours. Nature never offers a 100% guarantee, of course. But when it performs, this is one of the greatest natural light shows on the planet. Tonight we switch off, look up and hope Venezuela puts on a show.

Day 3: Lake Maracaibo, Congo Mirador and return to Caracas

Wednesday, September 1, 2027

We wake up on Lake Maracaibo and head out by boat to explore more of the region. We’ll visit Congo Mirador, one of the area’s famous stilt settlements, see how people live on the water and look for birds and other wildlife around the lake.

This isn’t a polished tourist attraction. These are real communities in a remote and environmentally fragile part of Venezuela. We visit respectfully, photograph responsibly and learn about a way of life that very few outsiders ever see. After our morning on the lake, we return via Puerto Concha and Mérida before flying back to Caracas. Hot shower. Proper bed. Air conditioning (cocktails anyone?). Never taking any of those things for granted again!

Day 4: Fly into Canaima National Park

Thursday, September 2, 2027

Today we leave Caracas and fly into Canaima National Park. Flying into Canaima is an experience by itself. Jungle stretches below us, broken by rivers, waterfalls and enormous tepuis rising vertically from the landscape.It genuinely looks prehistoric.

After landing, we transfer to our luxury Lodge, our home for the next three nights. Lovely rooms, proper beds, hot showers and air conditioning. We’ve earned it. But we’re not here to sit around the lodge.

This afternoon, we visit Canaima Lagoon and the Sapo and Hacha waterfalls. Depending on the water level and local conditions, we may even walk behind the falls. Prepare to get soaked! Tonight we return to comfort for dinner and an early night. The alarm is going off at a pretty disgusting hour tomorrow.

Day 5: ANGEL FALLS!

Friday, September 3, 2027

This is the big one. We leave at approximately 5am and begin our full-day expedition to Angel Falls. Reaching it is part of the adventure. We travel upriver by motorised curiara, passing jungle, rapids and towering tepuis before continuing on foot through the rainforest. Eventually, the trees open and there it is.

ANGEL FALLS.

The highest waterfall on earth, dropping almost one kilometre from the summit of Auyán-tepui into the jungle below.

Photos don’t properly explain the scale of it. The waterfall is so high that much of the water becomes mist before reaching the bottom. And because accessing this region takes real effort, we won’t be sharing the experience with thousands of tourists or queuing for an Instagram platform.

We’ll hike to the viewpoint, take it all in and, if conditions allow, have time around the falls before beginning the long journey back. Most Angel Falls itineraries make you sleep in another hammock near the falls.

Not this one! We return to our Lodge, take a hot shower and sleep in a real bed. A huge, exhausting and genuinely unforgettable day.

Day 6: Canaima (luxury) weather-contingency day

Saturday, September 4, 2027

Angel Falls sits deep inside a tropical wilderness. Flights, river levels, cloud and rain can all affect the programme.

So I’ve deliberately built an additional day into Canaima. If yesterday’s Angel Falls excursion operates perfectly, brilliant. Today becomes a relaxed adventure day with optional activities around Canaima.. Perhaps kayaking, time around the lagoon, a local community visit, another waterfall excursion or simply enjoying the lodge.

But if the weather causes problems, we have another opportunity to make Angel Falls happen. I don’t want to drag everyone all the way to Venezuela, leave ourselves one tiny weather window and then say, “Bad luck, guys!” The buffer costs more, but for a trip built around the world’s highest waterfall, it’s the sensible way to do it.

Day 7: Return to Caracas

Sunday, September 5, 2027

One final morning in Canaima before taking our scheduled flight back to Caracas.

If the flight timing behaves itself, we’ll have time for a half-day Caracas tour or a final meal together before returning to our 5* hotel for the night. Tonight we celebrate. If the flight timing behaves itself, we’ll have time for a half-day Caracas tour and a final meal together before returning to our 5* hotel for the night.

Tonight we celebrate.

Day 8: Trip finishes

Monday, September 6, 2027

Breakfast together before the trip officially finishes. We did it! Catatumbo Lightning, Lake Maracaibo, stilt villages, jungle rivers, tepuis and Angel Falls. Venezuela DONE! Now, I’m off to the 3 Guianas (Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana) JOIN ME! I missed French Guiana on my ‘every country in the world’ trip. So i get to visit a new place again!

Venezuela group-trip dates

August 30–September 6, 2027

8 days and 7 nights

The trip officially begins on Monday, August 30, and finishes after breakfast on Monday, September 6. The trip starts and finishes in Caracas, at our 5* hotel lobby.

How to reserve your place

This is a small OneStep4Ward group trip . You can reserve your place using the booking link below, OR HERE:

Or DM me on Instagram at @onestep4ward if you have any questions.

Venezuela group-trip price

8 days/7 nights: $3,999

Secure your spot with a $399 non-refundable deposit

The final inclusion list and payment schedule will be shown on the booking page. This isn’t a cheap trip. You can do it cheaper if you hike for days, sleep in hammocks in the Angel Falls park etc etc. I’ve done that. I don’t want to do it again. Tarantulas, bugs, people snoring in my ear. If I can do it more comfortably this time, I will. So I am! Also, Venezuela is operationally difficult, domestic flights are expensive and both Catatumbo and Angel Falls require specialist local teams, boats and remote logistics.

But it includes two of the greatest natural phenomena anywhere on earth. For me? Proper bucket list. So whatever!

FAQs about the Venezuela group trip

Is Venezuela safe?

Venezuela has genuine security and logistical challenges, and I’m not going to pretend otherwise. That is exactly why we’re travelling as an organised group with experienced local partners, private transport and a carefully controlled itinerary. We won’t be wandering around unknown areas independently or improvising overland journeys.

As with any expedition-style trip, everyone must follow the local team’s instructions, avoid unnecessary displays of wealth and maintain some common sense. No destination is risk-free, but this trip is being designed to manage the realities of travelling in Venezuela properly.uaranteed?

How hard is the hike to Angel Falls?

We visit Angel Falls as a daytrip from the lodge. For a ‘normal’ (whatever that means?) person it’s a 5/10. For some out who struggles with hikes, or is 70+ then maybe an 8/10. The hardest part is perhaps the length of the day. 4am wake up, and not back until 6pm or later. 4 hours in a canoe thing each way. There is also a 1hour, 3km optional hike to a better view point. You can skip that, and still see angel falls of course.

The alternative is to do the trip with me, but book a private helicopter journey (about $2k, ooooph) from the lodge to do a flyby instead.

What about Visas? Also OK for USA passport and others?

IT’S EASY NOW! Many of us just simply fly and show up. Americans/Canadians etc, still easy. A simple e-visa done in advance. No embassy trips etc. Great! I provide documents for your application of course.

Is the Catatumbo Lightning guaranteed?

No. It’s weather! Catatumbo is the most lightning-active area on earth, but nobody can honestly guarantee a storm on one particular night. We’re travelling during an active part of the year and working with local people who understand the lake and its weather patterns. That gives us a strong opportunity, but nature ultimately decides. Anyone promising you a 100% guarantee is talking rubbish. More like 95% in September.

Do we really sleep in a hammock?

Yes (I hate it too) but only for one night. The Catatumbo Lightning occurs above remote wetlands and communities on Lake Maracaibo. Staying in a stilt cabin puts us in the right location to experience it properly. Facilities will be basic, it’ll probably be hot and sleep may not be amazing. But it’s ONE night. The rest of the trip uses comfortable hotels and a beautiful lodge. We suffer briefly, earn the experience and then return to air conditioning and luxury.

Where do we sleep?

In Caracas, we stay at the Meliá Caracas or a similar high-quality hotel.

At Catatumbo, we spend one night sleeping in hammocks inside a basic stilt cabin over the lake.

In Canaima, we spend three nights at a luxury Lodge, with comfortable rooms, private bathrooms, air conditioning and hot water.

Is this really a luxury trip?

It’s luxury by adventure-travel standards. Caracas and Canaima will be genuinely comfortable. Ara Merú is a beautiful lodge and, unlike many Angel Falls programmes, we return to the lodge after the excursion instead of sleeping in hammocks near the waterfall. The Catatumbo night is basic because that’s the nature of the destination. So: mostly luxury, with one night of proper adventure.

How difficult is the Angel Falls excursion?

It’s a long day rather than a technical one. Expect a very early start, several hours travelling by motorised canoe and a humid jungle walk over uneven and potentially muddy terrain.

You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be capable of walking for a few hours and getting in and out of small boats. Good footwear and a reasonable level of fitness will make the day much more enjoyable.

What happens if Angel Falls is covered by cloud?

Cloud and rain are always possible in Canaima. That’s why we have three nights there and an additional contingency day. If conditions disrupt our first planned excursion, the local team will assess the best available alternative. No itinerary can control tropical weather, but we’re giving ourselves a much stronger window than the usual rushed Canaima trip.

Will Angel Falls have enough water?

We’re intentionally travelling during Venezuela’s wetter season, when Angel Falls and the surrounding waterfalls should normally have a strong flow. Rain and river levels vary from year to year, but these dates give us a much better chance of seeing the falls properly than travelling deep into the dry season.

Will there be internet?

Caracas should have normal mobile coverage and hotel Wi-Fi. In Catatumbo, expect little or no reliable connection.

Our lodge will have Wi-Fi, but we’ll be deep inside Canaima National Park, so don’t expect city-level speeds or perfect reliability.

Tell work you’re going into the jungle. They’ll survive!

What is the food like?

Caracas has plenty of good options. Food around Catatumbo will be simpler and locally prepared. At our lodge, meals will be considerably more comfortable, with the lodge providing food throughout our stay.

If you have allergies or strict dietary requirements, tell us before booking so we can check what is realistically possible in the remote sections.

Why is this trip special?

Because almost nobody combines these experiences, and even less so in as much comfort as possible!

Catatumbo is the most lightning-active place on earth. Angel Falls is the world’s highest waterfall. Canaima is one of the most extraordinary landscapes in South America.

We sleep above Lake Maracaibo, travel through stilt villages, fly into the jungle, journey upriver beneath ancient tepuis and hike to a waterfall that drops almost one kilometre from the sky. It’s comfortable where comfort is possible, raw where it needs to be and completely different from a normal group tour. This is Venezuela. And it’s going to be EPIC.

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