Visit Bolivar, Venezuela

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  • To travel from Simón Bolívar International Airport (Maiquetía) to Ara Merú Lodge in the Canaima National Park region, you must undertake a multi-leg journey involving a domestic flight to the jungle hub of Canaima, followed by a river expedition. Direct road travel is not feasible due to the remote, protected nature of the destination.

    Phase 1: Airport Transfer (International to Domestic)

    Upon arrival at Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS), locate the Domestic Terminal (Terminal Nacional).

    The terminals are separate buildings connected by a covered pedestrian walkway (10–15 minute walk) or a free shuttle bus. Follow signs for "Terminal Nacional" or "Domestic Flights."

    Allow at least 2 hours between your international arrival and domestic departure to clear customs, collect luggage, and transfer terminals.

    Phase 2: Domestic Flight to Canaima

    Board a domestic flight from the Domestic Terminal at CCS to Canaima Airport (CAJ). Check current schedules with carriers such as: Conviasa,‍ ‍RUTACA Airlines, or Aerolíneas Estelar, which operate routes to Canaima. Note that schedules can be irregular.

    The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. The flight offers scenic views of the tepuis (table-top mountains).

    Phase 3: River Expedition to Ara Merú Lodge

    Upon landing at Canaima Airport, you will not find standard taxis. Look for a representative from Ara Merú Lodge holding a sign with your name.

    If no representative is present, proceed to the main dock area in Canaima village (a short walk or local boat ride from the airport) and contact the lodge immediately using your pre-arranged contact details. Board a curiara (traditional dugout canoe) or motorized boat provided by the lodge.

    The river journey travels through the Carrao and Churún rivers, passing Angel Falls (weather permitting). This trip typically takes 3 to 4 hours depending on water levels and the specific location of the lodge within the indigenous community. Disembark at the lodge's private dock in Caserío Tururiwaipa.

    Ara Merú Lodge‍ ‍Caserío Tururiwaipa, Sector Canaima Comunidad Indígena Kanaimo, 8001, Bolívar, Venezuela

  • $466 total‍ ‍for hotel stay, for 1 nights (tax is included)

    $200.00 + Tip on from & to the Airport ($100.00 is the round-trip ride price)

    $400.00 + for other fees and shopping

  • Canaima National Park‍ ‍To reach Angel Falls (Salto Ángel) from Ara Merú Lodge, you must join a guided river excursion as there are no roads to the falls. The lodge is located in the Canaima sector of the park, serving as a base where tour operators arrange motorized canoe (curiara) trips up the river. Note that boat access to the base of the falls is only possible during the rainy season (June to December) when water levels are high enough for navigation.

    • Timing: Visit between June and December; boat trips to the falls do not operate in the dry season (January–May) due to low river levels.

    • Booking: Reserve a 3-day, 2-night tour (or similar package) through the lodge staff or a local operator in Canaima town, as independent travel to the falls is not permitted.

    • Essentials: Bring USD cash (no ATMs available), insect repellent, light clothing, water shoes, and proof of yellow fever vaccination.

    • Coordinate with the Lodge: Upon arrival at Ara Merú Lodge (located in the Kanaimo community), inform the staff of your intent to visit Angel Falls; they can book you onto a group tour or connect you with operators like Osprey Expeditions or Angel-Eco Tours.

    • Transfer to Departure Point: Take a short walk or arranged transport from the lodge to the Ucaima Port or the main dock in Canaima town (approx. 5–10 minutes away), where the motorized canoes depart.

    • River Journey: Board the curiara (motorized canoe) for a 4 to 6-hour ride up the Carrao and Churún rivers; the trip includes navigating through Devil’s Canyon.

    • Final Hike: Disembark at the riverbank near the falls and complete a moderate 1-hour hike through the jungle to reach the main viewpoint at the base of Angel Falls.

    • Return: After exploring the area and swimming (conditions permitting), retrace your steps via the hike and canoe ride back to Canaima, where the lodge will arrange your return pickup.

    • Sapo Tour Operators‍ ‍are within 7 minutes walk from resort

  • Hotel has an on-site restaurant and Lounge Bar. This is very rural jungle area. Most activity is far away from the indigenous region. You will probably find alternative restaurants in near by lodges.

Neon sign for Ara Gumer Lodge on a wooden board at dusk, surrounded by landscaped greenery and a winding stone pathway.
Sunset over a mountain with a waterfall, surrounded by trees, with a river in the foreground.
A wooden sign that reads 'ARG
Outdoor patio with wicker furniture including a loveseat with beige cushions, two armchairs with beige cushions, a glass-top coffee table with a vase containing green leaves, a basket with decorative balls, a large potted plant, a hammock, brick and
Outdoor patio with wicker sofa, coffee table, potted plants, and a white hanging hammock with fringe, brick flooring, and lattice privacy screen.
Covered outdoor seating area with wicker couches and orange cushions, brick columns, a brick-paved floor, a wall-mounted TV, and plants, overlooking a lush garden.
A large artificial waterfall flowing over a rock formation into a pool, surrounded by lush greenery and garden structures.
Aerial view of a tropical resort with a large swimming pool, surrounded by lush green gardens and small buildings with red-tiled roofs, and a river with waterfalls in the background.
Resort pool area with lounge chairs, umbrellas, a large rock waterfall feature, and thatched roofs, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.
View of a lush garden with winding pathways, trimmed hedges, and small trees, surrounded by buildings with red-tiled roofs and thatched roofs, set in a tropical forest environment.
View of a tropical resort with a large swimming pool, lounge chairs, lush greenery, flowering plants, and rustic buildings with tiled roofs under a partly cloudy sky.
Lush tropical garden with neatly trimmed bushes, tropical plants, a waterfall feature, and a building in the background.
A serene outdoor swimming pool area at sunset, surrounded by lush green trees, colorful flowering plants, and rustic buildings with red-tiled roofs.
Clear water flowing over rocks into a small waterfall amidst dense green vegetation on a riverbank.
A waterfall cascading over rocks surrounded by green trees during sunset.
Outdoor romantic setup with a white blanket on grass, surrounded by candles, lanterns, pillows, and decorative items at sunset, with trees and rooftops in the background.
A decorative stone structure with water cascading down, situated in a garden with lush plants, trees, and a dirt path under a partly cloudy sky.
Close-up of a colorful macaw perched on a branch outdoors with green foliage in the background.
Close-up of a plated gourmet dish with seared meat topped with herbs, eggplant, zucchini, and asparagus, served with rice and a sauce, outdoors with blurred background.
A close-up of a green parrot perched on a wooden log with a blurred outdoor background including trees, a pond, and structures, during sunset or dusk.
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