| As this program begins we see there are many outdoor activities to enjoy in Venezuela, including paragliding, canyoning, mountain biking and bridge jumping. But one of the most amazing and thrilling experiences has to be rafting the rivers coming down from the Andes to the floodable plains of the Orinoco. This eco adventure takes place on the Sinigüis River guided by the most experienced operator in the area. First we see the rafters train with instructors from New Zealand; then a rehearsal run in the Acequias River. Next is the trip upstream with the boat to the launching site, the preparation with the gear; then the moment of truth. Rapid after rapid shows that rafting can be the experience of a lifetime. Here we see the landscape, the archaeological sites, the people, the camp, the emotion and discover the meaning of rafting fever. 08DR JSCA 30 min. |
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"Highly Recommended. The bulk of the documentary follows
a tour group aboard a Canaima Tours' dugout canoe through the natural
wonders of Canaima National Park. The scenery is absolutely stunning along
the way. The final section of the program takes the viewer to their ultimate
destination, Angel Fall, which are breathtaking and truly awesome." EMRO
Review Angel Falls (Kerepacupai-Merú in the Indian language) is the tallest waterfall in the world - sixteen times taller than Niagara Falls. Named after the pilot, Jimmie Angel, who discovered the falls when he landed his plane atop Auyan tepui (mesa) in a remote corner of southeastern Venezuela, the 3,212-foot-tall waterfall is part of the 12,000 square mile Canaima National Park. This unforgettable eco adventure starts in the Canaima lagoon with a dozen waterfalls coming down from the Carrao River highs; from there, the expedition to Angel Falls takes place. Here we experience rushing rivers, peaceful savannas, dangerous rapids, immense massifs, lush vegetation, orchids and rare animals. 08DR JSCA 30 min. |
| The mighty Orinoco River drains the Amazon region of Venezuela together with the rivers sweeping down through the unexplored jungles of the Guayana Shield highlands. "Amazonas" is the wildest and least populated region of the country and perhaps the continent. To visit this region one leaves civilization behind and enters the world of ancient indigenous cultures, pristine rain forests and meandering rivers. In this program we navigate up the Orinoco, Sipapo and Autana rivers to meet a magical, tabletop mountain, the Autana, the sacred "Tree of all the Fruits" of the Piaroa Indians. Along the way we encounter Indian fishermen, as well as an Indian market and cemetery. 08DR JSCA 30 min. |
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Cozumel, Grand Cayman and the Bahamas are among the best
diving sites in the Caribbean. Cozumel is the largest inhabited island of
Mexico and legendary since Jacques Cousteau made it famous in the
60s. It is noted for its underwater visibility and the health of its reefs;
also a trip to Chichén-Itzá offers one of the best-preserved Mayan
ruins in the whole empire. The Cayman Islands are renowned among divers
because of its vertical walls, and diving in Stingray City is one of
the most thrilling experiences in the world. Here too one will want to visit
to the Turtle Farm and the Botanical Gardens. The Bahamas is a
well-known destination for divers due to the many chances to see sharks and
other big animals. Here we board the Nekton and experience diving
along the course of the northern Bahamas, seeing dolphins, rays, turtles,
sharks and thousands of fish in several wrecks. 08DR JSCA 30 min. Associated Programs: The Marine Biology Series; Los Roques 1: Diving in the Caribbean; Los Roques 2: The Blue Paradise; Diving the Reef (In the Red Sea); Scuba Diving: A World of Discovery; Deep Sea Venezuela |
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"Highly Recommended. South America is called the bird
continent, and for good reason. 40% of 9,000 species of birds are found in
South America. Southeast Venezuela is particularly known for its great
variety of bird species and is home to several ecosystems. Some of the most
unusual avian species can be found here, including La Baranquilla de Fresa
(translated means Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Inn); the Capuchin, which sounds
like a chainsaw; the White and Bearded bellbirds could pass for a
blacksmith; the noiseless, but beautifully colored Cotingas; also the
Scarlet-Fronted Manakin, Trogons, Toucans, Finches, and Flycatchers. One of
the most spectacular moments in this breathtaking program is the coverage of
a young Harpy Eagle, the most powerful eagle on the earth. The final footage
pays homage to the ten species of hummingbirds found in this region.
Spectacular camera work provides close-up visuals of the many birds, while
good music creates an appropriate backdrop to the narration." -EMRO
Review The southeastern part of Venezuela is well known for its tremendous variety of avian species. It has several special ecosystems, and is the home of some of the most bizarre species in the country. The Tepuis (Tabletop Mountains), the Gran Sabana, the Sierra de Lema and the Orinoco Amazonian rainforest house many endemic species and is the Mecca of Birdwatchers from all parts of the world. Guided by an expert host, here we see fantastic birds in outstanding close-ups singing, calling or displaying its unique behavior. The blacksmith sound of the White and Bearded Bellbirds, the chainsaw call of the Capuchin bird, the splendid colored cotingas, the fabulous Cock-of-the Rock, the dance of the Scarlet-Fronted Manakin, ten species of hummingbirds, trogons, toucans, finches, flycatchers, flowerpiercers, and many more. Also we go to the Orinoco Delta in search of the most powerful eagle on the planet, the Harpy Eagle. 08DR JSCA 30 min. |
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"Recommended. This program follows a group of five people
kayaking the Orinoco Delta, a labyrinth of waterways through the Venezuelan
jungle that ultimately leads to the Atlantic Ocean and the coast of
Trinidad. The film is a day-by-day depiction of the group, who averages 30
miles a day on their arduous journey. Local wildlife, such as capuchin and
howler monkeys, scarlet ibis, toucans, jaguars, otters and dolphins are
shown in their habitats. Warao Indians are willing and accommodating hosts
for the travelers, playing music for the kayakers on their homemade
instruments and demonstrating their handmade toys. The scenery is quite lush
and beautiful throughout. The final sixty miles are a challenge as weather
conditions, difficult channels of the waterways, sore muscles, and general
fatigue take their toll on the weary travelers before they reach their
destination." -EMRO Review This program documents the adventure of five daring people, Chris, Phil, Brenden, Alexandra, and Piña, a Warao guide, who test their limits in a never-before-made journey to kayak 200 miles across the Orinoco Delta to the coast in front of the island of Trinidad. Bringing minimum luggage and just enough support gear to fight the elements, they visit and stay in Warao houses, share the native people's lifestyle, enjoy the nature and wildlife, eat the local food, listen to little-known music, and sleep in hammocks; accomplishing their kayaking goal and learn more about life and themselves than they ever could have imagined. 08DR JSCA 30 min. |
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Los Roques is an archipelago of pristine coral islands
located 100 miles east of Bonaire, along the chain of the Lesser Antilles.
Because of the abundance and diversity of species in its waters, and the
healthy condition of its reefs, it is one of the most sought after places
for scuba diving in the Caribbean. This program documents a weeklong diving
adventure aboard the Antares Dancer, showing viewers the pristine and
healthy reefs, the varied and abundant fauna, lusty soft-coral forests,
caves, and thousands of fish. 08DR JSCA 30 min. Associated Programs: Los Roques 2: The Blue Paradise - See Below; The Marine Biology Series; Diving in Cozumel, Grand Cayman and the Bahamas; Diving the Reef (In the Red Sea); Scuba Diving: A World of Discovery; Deep Sea Venezuela |
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The Blue Paradise of Los Roques offers visitors the
opportunity not only to experience the Caribbean as a natural wilderness
under modern plans for strict conservation and management, but also as a
different kind of vacation, a different way of enjoying life, everything
you'd dream a Caribbean island should be. Here you will find the most
pristine areas of the southern Caribbean, with a protected Marine Park that
harbors all the marine and submarine ecosystems, along with birds,
mangroves, healthy reefs, splendid landscapes and unforgettable sunsets;
also you can enjoy sailing, sunbathing, snorkeling, kayaking, surfing,
windsurfing, kite surfing, free diving, scuba diving and championship
bonefishing. 08DR JSCA 30 min. Associated Programs: Los Roques 1: Diving in the Caribbean - See Above; The Marine Biology Series; Diving in Cozumel, Grand Cayman and the Bahamas; Diving the Reef (In the Red Sea); Scuba Diving: A World of Discovery; Deep Sea Venezuela |
| The Orinoco Delta is a vast, intricate labyrinth of waterways weaving through a shimmering jungle to carry the waters of the Orinoco River to the Atlantic Ocean. The Orinoco Delta was formed over the course of thousands of years, as the mighty river has deposited millions of tons of sediment into the ocean. During the last century, some 400 square miles have been added to the delta, which continues to extend into the Atlantic at a rate over 100 feet per year. In this eco adventure we feel the flow of the tides, encounter flooded jungles, fish for piranha, and canoe the Orinoco; also we see a Warao Indian shaman ceremony, Warao houses and handicrafts, and hear jungle wisdom from a Warao guide. We learn of roots, trees, saps, leaves, barks, and vines that cure diseases; also we see how to dig canoes and make native handicrafts. 08DR JSCA 30 min. |
| The Caura Reserve is a fluvial system with dense forests, practically untouched by agricultural and other human commercial development, primarily because of its inaccessibility. As one of the most pristine ecosystems in South America, the Caura basin and its inhabitants remain a tantalizing mystery to conservation biologists. The lack of human activity in the region leads us to believe that the Caura is a thriving ecosystem that may contain many species unknown to science. In this program we travel to a little known spot in the Caura Reserve, the Pará Falls. About a dozen falls a hundred feet tall form a lagoon where the only noises heard are those of the water and jungle around it. Here we see fascinating landscapes of the river, jungle, and islands; as well as fauna of the region and Indian villages that make this an unforgettable eco journey. 08DR JSCA 30 min. |
| This program presents six different wild destinations popular with eco travelers and adventurers. First, the Gran Sabana Highlands with its countless waterfalls; then the Cueva del Guácharo (The Oilbird Cave) in the Caripe Mountains, where we learn about the amazing nocturnal bird, the Oilbird. The third destination offers hiking in the Morros de San Juan at the Llanos gateway; then we go on a birding adventure in the Henry Pittier National Park, where more than 500 bird species find their home, which is nearly 80% of the type of birds found in North America. Our fifth stop takes us to the Morrocoy National Park, one of the most popular destinations of eco scuba divers; then our last stop is the diving paradise of Bonaire, one of the three Dutch Caribbean jewels in the southern Caribbean. 08DR JSCA 30 min. |
| The Orinoco Plains, the Llanos, comprises almost 40% of Venezuelan territory, over 100,000 square miles, in the middle of the country, mostly north of the Orinoco River. It is one of the greatest fauna reservoirs of South America, home to nearly 400 species of birds and many mammals, including river dolphins, reptiles, and hundreds of fishes. On this eco adventure we experience the lifestyle of the Llanos, its people and its vast nature. We experience bird watching and looking at other animals in the rivers, plains and forests here; also we see horse riding, fishing, Casabe making, a cattle operation and a typical Fiesta Llanera (music and dance) with instruments and singers from the area. 08DR JSCA 30 min. |
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Associated Article: 28 Places to See Before You
Die -Smithsonian Magazine Venezuela is home to more than 25 different ecosystems, including the Andes Mountains, a long coastline, numerous islands and archipelagoes, the Orinoco Delta, the central floodable plains, and the vast Orinoco-Amazon rainforest system, which covers more than 40% of the country. The choice for the eco traveler is endless. This program presents many of the best wild areas that make Venezuela a paradise for the naturalist and the adventurer traveler. Here we take the Magical Autana trip to the sacred Piaroa Mountain; next, a breathtaking journey to the highest waterfalls in the world, Angel Falls; then we visit the surprising land known as the Orinoco Delta, where its native inhabitants, the Warao tribe, unveils the secrets of their jungle. We move on to the Los Roques archipelago, one of the most pristine submarine ecosystems in the Caribbean; then to the Orinoco, a smaller version of the Pantanal, which is famous for its bird life, especially the waterfowl in huge flocks; and we close visiting the Andes, showing off some of the extreme sports travelers can enjoy in this amazing land. 08DR JSCA 30 min. |