Venezuela

Andes foothills and plains Herpetologica

Day 3: Departure to Mérida, where we breakfasted, and proceeded to Los Frailes (3300 m), where we spent the night. Although very cold, if the weather is foggy and raining, an evening stroll can offer many surprises, like the frog venezuelense Centrolene glass or rain frogs Eleutherodactylus paramerus moorlands, E. lancinii, and E. ginesi.

Day 4: In the morning we explore the wilderness, a wonderful eco-region at 3300 masl, very cold, but habitat of many endemic, such as frogs mentioned, plus the apparently missing Mucubaji Atelopus harlequin toad and the frog Aromobates leopardalis skunk, both formerly very abundant, and now probably extinct. Any chance of finding these species is highly appreciated!

Lunch at Santo Domingo, and go down the Andean foothills, where it is easy to see the nanny Mannophryne collaris frogs. 600 m will visit a rain forest where you can see some interesting species such as lizards Polychrus marmoratus, Anolis chrysolepis, the gecko and G. concinnatus Gonatodes purpurogularis, and snakes common as Mastigodryas boddaerti, Bothrops colombiensis, etc ... Overnight at a beautiful inn in Barinitas and evening stroll through a neat little stream where you can see activity Hypsiboas the Giant Tree Frog (Hyla) boans, and the Rococo Toad (Bufo) sternosignata, the water snake Helicops pastazae .

Day 5: Departure to Barinas, and lunch on the way a fishing village, where we took a boat to navigate the Apure River in the afternoon and evening. We will observe not only herpetofauna, but a multitude of birds (raptors, waterfowl, kingfishers, cormorants ...), and try to find the famous pink river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis)! At night, look for some reptiles, such as sleeping iguanas (Iguana iguana), or active at night as the arboreal boa (Corallus ruschenbergerii) and possibly the famous anaconda (Eunectes murinus) and the spectacled caiman (Caiman Crocodylus). Overnight Hotel in Bruzual.


Day 6: Road to Hato Cedral, the most magnificent wildlife to cattle ranch in Venezuela. There are thousands of capybaras, deer, and all kinds of birds. In the dry season, we can see thousands of crocodiles and possibly the most spectacular predator Neotropics, the Orinoco crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius). Also note many lizards, and huge iguanas, the small Anolis auratus, lizards Ameiva runners as vogli, Cnemidophorus grammivagus, and South American Tegu, Blue tegu, and the gecko Hemidactylus palaichtus that feeds on moths on the walls of houses. There are four species of turtles (Podocnemis vogli the tortoise, the terecay P. unifilis, incredible Mata mata mata mata, and the land tortoise Geochelone carbonaria). There are many types of snakes, as the South American rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus), windbreakers and Chironius carinatus, Drymarchon corais), and many more (Leptodeira, Spilotes, Phimophis, Epicrates, Boa ...). The frogs during the drought are buried or refugees aestivating. But some can be found in moist areas such as bathrooms and showers, like the frog dairy Trachycephalus (Phrynohyas) venulosus, Hypsiboas (Hyla) pugnax, Dendropsophus (Hyla) microcephalus, Scinax "x-signatus" or Chaunus (Bufo) marinus.

Day 7: Another day at the ranch Cedral, with more opportunities to see other species, and a special search of Anacondas. This is the place where most studies have been made of the species. You can also see other animals like the giant anteater, anteaters, tapirs, jaguars, etc, etc. ..
Day 8: Departure after breakfast to Barinas. Flight to Caracas. Farewell dinner.

Information:
The tour begins in the city of Merida and culminates in the city of Barinas and Caracas.

What is included in the trip: Lodging in inns, hotels and farms (herd), transport by mini bus and 4x4 vehicles, boats with outboard motors, three meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner), beverages (mineral water, soft drinks) except alcohol.


Does not include: flights to Venezuela and return home. Travel insurance, personal expenses, laundry service and airport tax to leave.

It's good to bring:
We will alternate visits to cold areas (minimum of 5 º C), hot, like forests and savannahs, where the temperature is approximately 27 ° C (approximately 80 ° F). Take fresh clothes, pairs of inner trousers, shirts, some long shirts, swimsuit, hat, sun bloqueadro ... in general, it is suggested typical safari clothes. We recommend walking boots and sandals. Try to bring the bare minimum luggage. Take your own medicines, and not expected to find her special medicine in Venezuela. We count with a set of first aid, including antivenom serum. Also bring a powerful flashlight with alkaline batteries or rechargeable (can be found in Venezuela).

Plus:

- Waterproof

- Camera and accessories.

- A type Victorinox knife.

- Fairly insect repellent.

- Travel Alarm Clock.

- Glasses or sunglasses.

- Soap and shampoo.

- Towel

- Earplugs (optional).

- Pocket Dictionary Spanish-English (suggested).

-Binoculars


What we us?

- Serum antivenom (polyvalent anti-Bothrops, Crotalus and Lachesis)

- First aid kit.

- List of birds and reptiles.