catatumbo

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astridvdd
astridvdd

catatumbo on your own: easy, we did it.

From Merida you go to the terminal and ask for a bus to VIGIA (7BS)
vandaar naar SANTA BARBARA (6BS)
en vandaar met taxi/por puesto naar Puerto Concha BS
the transport is very easy and you have a good connection to each place, you don t have to wait long, and it doesn t cost a lot. We were in Puerto Concha in 4 hours.

We advice you to go in Merida to a market and by some food because you can cook on the lakehouse.

In Puerto Concha ask for a boot to bring you to a lakehouse. You pay for the boat: 150 BS
and for staying in the lakehouse 20 BS.

We were unfortunate, we didn t see the lightning and it was the end of april. The best time should be june.
So we were glad we didn t pay tmuch and we had a small adventure getting there.

I would advice: Don t go with a tourcompanie, it cost four times more, and even more.

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toadoftoadhall
toadoftoadhall
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This is exactly the post I was looking for - thanks for the info.

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atravelist
atravelist

My words. Great info, just what I also was looking for. Thanks!

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alanconda
alanconda

Hi Guys,Im one of those people who cost four times more to go to the Catatumbo.I think triple is more correct if my numbers dont fail me.Unfortunately you missed the best of the region.Just another hour away you have the villages of Congo and Ologa where more than 500 people live in an amazing water world.The lightning can be seen much easier from there.A watch must be set to be up all night to catch it.The wildlife can match the llanos in the rainy season if you go with a specialist.Plus on the route to the Catatumbo you can visit cloudforest,villages and see great culture and scenery.Its not my intention to dissapoint you on your trip;please forgive me if I have.I love and believe in the Catatumbo tour.Ive been there 500 times and still love it.
Alan Highton
alanconda@gmail.com
www.cocolight.com

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atravelist
atravelist

There are a more detailed description of how to get there on your own (including the stilt villages of Congo and Ologa) on this thread.

P.S. I'm not posting this to spoil your business Alan, just to share the travel information so people can choose what kind of trip suits them :-)

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alanconda
alanconda

I totally agree that all info should be considered.Apart from the fact that I offer this trip,I know that staying at Chamita is just the tip of the iceberg.Considering that the cost of the boat is so much more to Congo,it becomes less advantageous to go on your own.Boat,food,landtransport,6 different bus terminals and no sure place to stay at Congo and no hammack to sleep in,are the considerations.Anyone who has known me over the years knows that if there is a better or cheaper way,Alan will show it to you rather than offer a tour.This is why I have invested in this region and specialised in this tour;because its a good call for the traveler.The road down has great options in the mountains and for the wildlife is worth having someone who knows it.
For the budget traveler yes,do Chamita.On a lucky night,if the power point near to Congo and Ologa is big enough,you can enjoy the lightning from Chamita.
alanconda@gmail.com
www.cocolight.com
www.forestfeet.com

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