An hour by air from Caracas, one of South America’s great nature experiences is a 12,000-square-mile UNESCO World Heritage expanse (about the size of Belgium or the U.S. state of Maryland) featuring tepuis (tabletop mountains), jungle rivers, and Salto Angel (Angel Falls), the world´s highest waterfall, dramatically plunging 3,212 feet from one of the tepuis Into a series of rivers (it´s named, by the way, for a U.S. pilot, Jimmie Angel, who was the first to spot the falls back in 1933). Most visitors book tours from Caracas and overnight in lodges in the village of Canaima. The hiking is exceptional – especially with the aid of local guides of the Pemón people who can explain and point out flora and fauna such as monkeys, river otters, toucans, parrots, and harpy eagles, carnivorous plants, orchids, bromeliads, and ancient plant species found only on tepui summits. You can also take sightseeing flights and visit Pemón villages to learn about their culture.

Read more in my post Can Venezuelan Tourism Bounce Back? If It Does, Here Are 9 of Its Top Destinations to Visit.