Family expedition with biologist Ivan Kvasov to the animist priests of the Maria Lions cult, to the dancing demons at the Feast of the Body of Christ, and a photo safari in search of giant anteaters and anacondas in Los Llanos
VENEZUELA

June 2 – 11, 2026
Venezuela
tour to venezuela

tour venezuela the animist priests of Maria Lionsa cult to the dancing demons of Corpus Christi festival and photo hunt for giant anteaters and anacondas in Los Llanos

Dassanech Karo tribe Bulls jumping ceremony Assale Afar
Grab the tail of the anaconda or marvel at the majestic giant anteater? Will we witness horned demons dancing in celebration during the Corpus Christi festivities? Or perhaps, embark on a pilgrimage to the revered sanctuary of Maria Lionza, a clandestine bastion of syncretic faith, rumored to have had Hugo Chavez among its devoted adherents?

All these enthralling experiences, and countless more, await you on our summer expedition to the enchanting Venezuela!

Join our family expedition led by Ivan Kvasov, a seasoned explorer and passionate biologist!
SCHEDULE & COST:
Dates: June 2 11, 2026

Duration: 10 days / 9 nights

Number of participants: 8 18

Cost per person:
  • 2 650 USD for 16 18 participants,
  • 2 890 USD for 13 15 participants,
  • 3 090 USD for 10 12 participants,
  • 3 390 USD for 8 9 participants, based on double accommodation.

* 10% early booking discount (in case of booking before December 2, 2025).

** 20% discount for children up to and including 12 years old (the discount is combined with the early booking discount).

Everything is included (including domestic flight and full board), except for:
• international flight to Caracas and back,
• Venezuelan visa (not required for Russian citizens),
• medical insurance,
• partial lunches and dinners.

Estimated cost of the Moscow – Caracas – Moscow flight: from 1 700 USD

Single accommodation: 540 USD (available for the entire route)


TRAVEL PROGRAM: TOUR TO VENEZUELA

Day 1. June 2, 2026 (Tuesday). CARACAS

Arrival in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. Meet your guide at the airport, followed by a transfer to Hotel Villa Playa Grande. Briefing session. The rest of the day is free time.

Meals included: no
Accommodation included: Hotel Sebas 202 or similar

* Recommended flights to Caracas:
– Turkish Airlines, flight TK 183, departing Istanbul on June 2 at 2:30 AM, arriving in Caracas at 1:05 PM, or
– any other flight from any city arriving in Caracas on June 2.


Day 2. June 3, 2026 (Wednesday). CARACAS – CHORONI (170 km, 3 hours)

After breakfast, we head to Choroní. On the way, we’ll visit the Venezuelan Aeronautics Museum, which showcases over 40 aircraft from various eras.
Next, we’ll drive through the cloud forests, passing several waterfalls nestled within the lush landscapes of Henri Pittier National Park. If we’re lucky, we may spot red howler monkeys.
After lunch, those interested can embark on a short trek to a scenic waterfall. The hike is not difficult, but it involves crossing a few streams, some of which may be waist-deep.
In the evening, we’ll ascend to a viewpoint to witness a stunning sunset.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Hostal Nova Colonial


Day 3. June 4, 2026 (Thursday). CHORONI – CHUAO (170 km, 3 hours)

In the morning, we’ll visit a local cacao plantation to learn about the process of growing and processing cacao beans, which were once used as currency during the Aztec era.
After lunch, we’ll witness the vibrant Corpus Christi festival, a UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage event.

The “Dancing Devils of Corpus Christi” is a popular Venezuelan religious festival celebrated on the Catholic feast of Corpus Christi. In 2012, UNESCO declared this festival part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

Brotherhood groups associated with the festival date back to the mid-17th century on farms in the Aragua and Vargas regions. By 1749, the Corpus Christi feast was already celebrated, with men, women, and children dressing as devils to fulfill promises made during Holy Communion.
Legend has it that 400 years ago, a priest lacking resources for a Corpus Christi procession said, “If there are neither funds nor faithful to carry the Blessed Sacrament in procession, then let the devils come.” Following a storm, several devils appeared outside the church.
Today, 11 brotherhoods perform hierarchical dances annually, pledging devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. Each community independently organizes its celebrations, but a National Association of Dancing Devils of Corpus Christi unites most of the brotherhoods.

During the festival, the “Dancing Devils” wear bright red costumes, grotesque masks, striped fabric layers, and accessories such as crosses, rosaries, and other amulets. Celebrations begin on Wednesday with memorial prayers, fulias (local music), and decimas (local poetry), continuing through the night.
On Thursday, brotherhood members dressed as devils dance in the town square, march through the streets to rhythmic corridos (eight-syllable verses), and perform a mock battle with guardians at the church entrance. The ritual ends with the devils surrendering to the Eucharist, symbolizing the victory of Good over Evil.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation included: Local Posada Casa Mori


Day 4. June 5, 2026 (Friday). CHUAO – CHORONI (170 km, 3 hours)

After breakfast, we’ll relax on the Sepe Beach, one of the best along the Caribbean coast.
In the afternoon, we’ll return to Choroní to visit the tomb of Joan Pujol Garcia, a British double agent from World War II known as Garbo, and learn how he successfully misled Nazi Germany with his fabricated spy network.
In the evening, we’ll enjoy another colorful sunset from the viewpoint on Pan de Azúcar Hill.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation included: Hostal Nova Colonial


Day 5. June 6, 2026 (Saturday). CHORONI – SORTE – CHIVACOA (280 km, 5 hours)

Today’s highlight is visiting the sacred Sorte Mountain, where we’ll meet followers of the mysterious María Lionza cult and witness various magical rituals performed by the locals.
Sorte Mountain is not mentioned in any Venezuelan travel guides. Tourists are not particularly expected here, yet the mountain sees hundreds of thousands of visitors yearly due to its significance to Venezuelans. Hidden in 40,000 hectares of virgin forest lies the main altar of the pagan goddess María Lionza.
María Lionza’s legend dates back 500 years. According to the oldest version, she was a green-eyed daughter of an indigenous chief. A shaman prophesied that she must be sacrificed to a giant anaconda living in a nearby lake, or the entire tribe would be destroyed. The chief hid her in a mountain cave guarded by warriors. One night, she escaped to the river, where the anaconda, captivated by her beauty, fell in love with her. This union caused a flood, fulfilling the prophecy, and María transformed into the goddess of the forest.
Over time, the myth evolved. María became a Christianized figure, portrayed as a Spanish colonist’s daughter instead of an indigenous girl.
On Sorte Mountain, people perform rituals that include drawing constellations of religious symbols on the ground, dancing with machetes in a trance, and invoking spirits. Spiritual mediums, called banco, are essential for seeking the goddess’s favor.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation included: Hotel La Cocorota Cacao


Day 6. June 7, 2026 (Sunday). CHIVACOA – EL CEDRAL (380 km, 6 hours)

Today we journey to Los Llanos, one of the best wildlife observation areas in South America. This is the perfect place to spot anacondas and giant anteaters in their natural habitat.
In the afternoon, we’ll take a wildlife boat tour, watch caiman and crocodile feeding, and try piranha fishing.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Hato El Cedral


Day 7. June 8, 2026 (Monday). EL CEDRAL

The day begins with a wildlife safari in a specially equipped vehicle. We’ll search for anacondas, giant anteaters, and other species like capybaras, giant armadillos, peccaries, tapirs, agoutis, and perhaps even pumas or jaguars.
After lunch, we’ll continue our wildlife exploration.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Hato El Cedral


Day 8. June 9, 2026 (Tuesday). EL CEDRAL – BARINAS (200 km, 4 hours)

After a morning wildlife tour, we’ll head to Barinas.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation included: Hotel Cacique


Day 9. June 10, 2026 (Wednesday). BARINAS – CARACAS

Early in the morning, we’ll take a flight to Caracas. Upon arrival, we’ll embark on a city tour, visiting the city center, Simon Bolivar’s house, Plaza El Venezolano, Plaza Bolivar, and experiencing Caracas’ vibrant street art. We’ll also visit a “secret” parrot hostel in the city, getting a close-up view of macaws.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel Alex


Day 10. June 11, 2026 (Thursday). CARACAS – DEPARTURE FLIGHT

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: no

* Recommended flights from Caracas:
– Turkish Airlines, Flight TK 224, departing Caracas on June 11 at 10:10 AM, or
– any other flight departing Caracas on June 11.


** The order of the program may change while ensuring all major activities are preserved. If certain visits and/or activities cannot be carried out due to external conditions, they will be replaced whenever possible.
Cost includes:
  • Domestic flight Barinas – Caracas
  • All ground transportation according to the program in all cities, featuring air-conditioned vehicles and experienced drivers: Toyota Hiace minibus for groups of up to 8 people, or KAMAZ minibus for larger groups (over 8 people)
  • All boats with motor operators
  • Accommodation in hotels and posadas based on twin-sharing TWIN (or DBL upon request for families)
  • Full board meals throughout the route
  • Drinking water provided throughout the route
  • Local guides and helpers throughout the program
  • All entrance fees as per the program
  • All activities and excursions as per the program
  • All permits as per the program
  • Visa assistance
  • Local professional, specialized English- and Spanish-speaking guide
  • English-speaking team leader with Russian translation.

Cost excludes (to be additionally paid):

• International airfare to and from Caracas
• International medical insurance
• Venezuela visa (not required for Russian citizens)
• Single accommodation
• Soft and alcoholic drinks and personal expenses
• Tips/gifts to the local population

To take with:

• 3 sets of clothing (pants, long-sleeved shirt, T-shirt, underwear, socks, sun hat; synthetic materials preferred)
• comfortable trekking shoes, lightweight shoes (sneakers)
• lightweight jacket
• raincoat
• swimwear
• sunglasses and sunscreen
• personal first aid kit (analgesics, antiseptics, antibiotics, antivirals, multivitamins, rehydration solution, gastrointestinal medications, any medications specifically required for you
• personal hygiene items (including a towel, wet wipes, soap)
• headlamp
• warm-weather sleeping bag
• mosquito net
• various repellents for skin and clothing
• antimalarial medication (decision is yours, but recommended for Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax strains)
• yellow fever certificate
• waterproof document pouch
• photo and video equipment
• for photo and video equipment, an extra set of batteries and a power bank
• waterproof cover for photographic equipment (preferable)
• backpack for luggage
• small backpack for personal items.
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