Delta del Orinoco

A deep green labyrinth of islands, channels and mangrove swamps engulfing an area almost the size of Belgium, the Delta del Orinoco is one of the world's great river deltas and a mesmerizing region to explore. Roaring howler monkeys, ravenous piranhas and screaming clouds of parrots are some of the wildlife that make this a naturalists' mecca.

The Río Orinoco reaches a width of 20km (12mi) in its lower course before splitting into about 40 major channels (and perhaps 250 smaller ones), which flow out along 360km (216mi) of Atlantic coast. As well as a rich natural environment, the delta is home to the indigenous Warao Indians, known as the 'canoe people'.

Tucupita is the state capital and a base for Delta del Orinoco adventures, where you can hire independent guides or organize tours and boat trips.