Bolívar state, one of the least populated area of Venezuela, was the scenario of a dream...

The National Park of Canaima is one of the largest of the world. On the south of Bolívar state, the capital, and Orinoco River, are the High Lands of Guyana where three million hectareas make up the park in a wild condition. Canorí River, affluent of the Orinoco, borders the latter on the east and on the south in the midst of the course becomes Cuquenán River to later turn into the Arabopó River, born at the bordering area between Brazil and Guyana known as Roraima Tepui. Canaima is different from other places in the world because of "tepuis". The "tepui" is an indigenous term meaning mountain, is a rocky formation of vertical walls and plain tops. These plateaus, the oldest rocky formations of South America, ranging from 2,000 to 1,500 years reach altitudes of 3,000 meters. Their tops are covered with forests and jungles, rivers follow their courses along the area forming waterfalls as that of the impressive Angel Falls, a waterfall of 980 m high. The horizontal feature of the Gran Sabana (Great Savanna) is lost thanks to tepuis, almost inaccessible until 1970's when the construction of the road between Santa Elena and El Dorado was concluded. The road extends over 319 km of the eastern section of the Park. The eastern route begins at Piedra de la Virgen and leads to: Camoirán Rapids, Kama Falls, twin cascades of 50 m high; Yaruaní Falls, a waterfall reaching 5 m high and 50 m wide; Jaspe Ravine, Apowao Falls of 105 m high. This route also leads to Roraima Tepui that with 2,763 m high is one of the few that can be climbed. The starting point to set out for Roraima is usually San Francisco de Yuruaní village. The other section of the Park, the western one, is the most visited. The access sites are Canaima Lagoon, Kavac Camp to which visitors can go by plane from Caracas and other cities. Here a hostelry complex by the name of Hortuvensa is located as well as some camps. From Canaima, Isla Margarita, Bolívar City and Puerto la Cruz, visitors can reach Kavac Camp by plane. This is a camp, made up by indigenous constructions. Packages include accommodations and expeditions from both sites. Some can be made by foot, others aboard a small plane; however, some spots are only reachable sailing on the rivers. Canaima Lagoon and Kayac are located on the northeast and southeast respectively from Auyán Tepui, the Mountain of the Avernus. According to Pemones' mythology, deity Tramán Chitá lives there along with the evil spirits, the "marawitón". This plateau of 700 km2 comprises a number of terraces whose top is usually clouded and preserves the wealth of its vegetation. Over 800 vegetal species are found at Canaima and most of them are unique in the world, over 70% are found in jungles and forests. Carrao River surrounds the north and south sides until reaching Canaima Lagoon. Its waters are almost black due to the strong mineralization and vegetal decay, but the sun light turns it brown and pink. "Curiaras" are indigenous vessels made of an empty trunk always sailed by Pemones. The Park management always tries that the indigenous population also benefits from tourism. The routes, laid out with their cooperation, are always guided by the local population as a means of preserving the surrounding area. With the exception of the power generators located at the Canaima Lagoon, there is no artificial light, nor roads, nor any other kind of wiring in this area. Except for some indigenous villages as that of Kamarata, only some villages of Pemones are found. Pemón means people. This ethnic group comprises three groups: Arekuna, Taurepán and Kamaracoto. They live in churuatas, some trunks piled together with a vegetal-woven roof that they move as soon as they feel that the site where they are is not convenient. They plant in the plots plantain, cambur, cassava and other fruits and make "kachire" with the juice extracted from the cassava: a beverage similar to the gazpacho of a vinegar-like flavor, sugar is fermented with their saliva and this drink accompanies men in every moment. The oral culture of Pemones is being transcribed by some missionaries who work in some schools. They speak Pemón to communicate among themselves and Spanish with tourists. Their wisdom is out of the common. Canaima is a unique place since there is no trace of unfriendly use of the environment and no litter from tourists. Fortunately, the declaration that granted it the condition of National Park has prevented the risk of desertification that was threatening the site. From the plane, along the borders of the Park, in the form of arid circles, the presence of gold mines is revealed.

Near Kavac Camp are some caves, some ravines sculpted by Kavac River at the foot of Auyán Tepui, going through a forest, a deep pool is found with high stone walls that should be passed swimming to reach a narrow trail leading to a cascade of 25 m high. From the Camp is necessary to set out for Kamarata to start sailing on Carrao River. On the course of the river, bordering the Auyán Tepui, surrounded by the thick vegetation of the banks, herons, macaws, parrots and other birds are seen, and then the Isla de la Orquídea (Orchid Island). Opposite are the tepuis (mountains) of Kurún, Venado and Kuravaina. A little further, opposite Wei Tepui, Churún River is located, this river is small and its course is found between the Cañón del Diablo (Devil Canyon) and Angel Falls, the largest waterfall of the world. Kerepakupai-Merz which means a fall from the deepest spot or Angel Falls was in fact discovered by Ernesto Sánchez, an officer from the Venezuelan Marine Forces in 1910. The volume of the water from the Falls largely varies between the rainy season from June to December and the dry season from January to May. During the first term, the Falls are a huge water wall whose mouth seems to be among blurred images. In summer, at a distance, the Falls look like a long silver belt, it is in this season when visitors can reach Laime Look outgoing up through the jungle surrounded by tall trees, darkness, humidity and silence. You can keep on going up until reaching a sort of small falls close to the spot where the cascade falls and have a cold shower. You can also fly over the Auyan Tepui, near its western wall is the Valle de las Mil Columnas (the Valley of One Thousand Columns) and see the panorama from above Angel Falls. Canaima preserves many other incredible places where nature has been plentiful, just a look around is enough to prove it. Each inch sailed, walked reveals a stunning view. The Earth in its natural state shows us diversity, color and silence. Canaima is for sure the world that once was.