An exploration trip to Gran Sabana, Venezuela. Part 1

[Tucan viajero]

Among the activities for this summer, we got an invitation to a Little known area in the venezuelan Gran Sabana where some quartz mining concessions have been granted.

As a result, and due to the celebration of a couple of birthdays and the visit of a very dear friend from abroad, a group of friends decided to accept the invitation, and take a nice family vacation which would allow us to explore the region, get some rest and enjoy each other's company for seven days.

This area, mostly known by the highest waterfall in the world, also has the oldest mountains on earth. Besides being very beautiful, it is a mostly uninhabited and fragile region, which prompted the creation of a very large national park that covers most of the area for its protection.

And so, our trip begins

In the two photos above, Quebrada de Jaspe (Jasper Creek). Notice the nice red color

The border between Venezuela and Brasil

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[Tucan viajero]

An exploration trip to Gran Sabana, Venezuela. Part 2

We ended up being a quite large group

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[Tucan viajero]

An exploration trip to Gran Sabana, Venezuela. Part 3

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[Tucan viajero]

An exploration trip to Gran Sabana, Venezuela. Part 4

A small pause to chat along the way

Finally at the camping site, or base camp if you will. From here, we will move every day to explore new places, and return for a well deserved rest every afternoon

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[Tucan viajero]

An exploration trip to Gran Sabana, Venezuela. Part 5

What could be better in a hot day?

What can I say? A new Coleman tent, and we had to cover it as you can see here to keep its occupants from getting wet in the rain. Nice quality, isn’t it?

“I guess I’ll install some 80 series shocks in my Fortuner to gain some extra articulation” Great idea! except that the springs will start falling off!

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[Tucan viajero]

An exploration trip to Gran Sabana, Venezuela. Part 6

Nice group. We were almost unable to park all our Toyotas in this spot by the waterfall

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[Tucan viajero]

An exploration trip to Gran Sabana, Venezuela. Part 7

Double Birthday party!!!

And a movie show, only for kids

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[Tucan viajero]

An exploration trip to Gran Sabana, Venezuela. Part 8

The group barbecue, as usual…

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[Tucan viajero]

An exploration trip to Gran Sabana, Venezuela. Part 9

In the background, one of the oldest mountains in the world. With their particular flat top shape, they are known locally as “Tepuis”

Greetings from Venezuela!



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[Purple People Eater]

If you could just post stuff like this a couple times a month, that'd be great. Thanks.

Looks like an amazing trip, and the vehicles are truly drool-worthy. It makes me smile watching such refined (and expensive!) pieces of equipment going over rickety old bridges and the people in control having a great time. Usted vive la vida buena.

Seriously, it's been a while since I've been floored by a post. Thanks for sharing the photos and welcome to the Portal!

 

[ttora4runner]

Awesome.

 

[trailsurfer]

It looks like the LC 200's really performed well. Are they diesels or gas engines. And on your LC, did you lift it, and if so by how much? And one more question, what tires are you running and are you happy with them.

Thanks for the trip report, fantastic!

 

[Christian P.]

can,t wait to visit Venezuela! thanks for posting

 

[DarioCarrera]

Excelentes Fotos Tucan!!!! Congratulations on a great trip... Gran Sabana is te best, I wish people cared more for it.

 

[Sgt Grunt]

Wow!!! Great trip and photos.

The last picture; is that near Kavoc??? A few years back I drove to Canaima then took a plane to Kavoc and swam in the river and waterfall. Saw Angel Falls as well, what a beautiful area.