It´s a bit far afield - take a 50-minute flight to Puerto Ordaz, then drive another eight hours or so to the town of Santa Elena de Uairén (pop 14,000). But Gran Sabana is certainly impressive, an expanse of more than 4,100 square miles of wide open savanna, rivers, waterfalls, and tepuis (it´s actually part of Canaima National Park). Best done as part of an organized tour, the main allure here is hiking, from savanna walks and day hikes to scenic waterfalls like Salto Aponwao and Salto Kawi for a range of fitness levels to multiday treks to tepuis such as Mount Roraima and Tepuy Kukenán which offer views of dramatic cliffs and otherworldly rock formations but are much more physically challenging. Along the way, hikers spot wildlife such as capybaras and howler monkeys, as well as myriad bird species, among them hawks, parrots, and toucans. The local rivers, meanwhile, are perfect for natural swimming, river walks, and canoe excursions. Camping options are available, along with cultural visits to Pemón communities. Best visited during the dry season (December–April).
Read more in my post Can Venezuelan Tourism Bounce Back? If It Does, Here Are 9 of Its Top Destinations to Visit.
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