4D/4N Plan 
Catatumbo Lightning, Mérida & Apartaderos Expedition 
 
 $470 per person (Includes round-trip ground transportation). 
 *Optional add-on: One-way flight available upon request (additional fee). 
 
The Journey 
This thrilling expedition takes you to the Global Capital of Lightning before ascending on the third day to the mountainous city of Mérida and the high-altitude town of Apartaderos. 
The Catatumbo Lightning Phenomenon 
This unique meteorological wonder develops over the Lake Maracaibo basin in Venezuela, primarily in its southern zone and reaching the lower Catatumbo River basin. It is historically known as the Lanterns of Saint Anthony or the Maracaibo Beacons. 
 
 The Origin: This phenomenon is caused by a precise convergence of natural factors. The vast waters of Lake Maracaibo generate high moisture condensation due to regional temperatures. This warm air clashes with the cold thermal walls of the Andes Mountain Range, which traps and stalls the northeastern winds. The result is the formation of massive vertical storm clouds (cumulonimbus) concentrated over the Catatumbo River basin. This is enhanced by the lake bed's high concentration of minerals and hydrocarbons, alongside intense local heat that accelerates evaporation. 
 The Lightning: While visible from hundreds of kilometers away, the lightning is seen in its greatest magnitude from the stilt-house communities we will visit. Flashing between 200 to 300 days a year, it offers a prime opportunity to capture epic photographs, especially during the peak months of April to November. 
 The Eco-Adventure: A deep-dive exploration into the southern shores of Lake Maracaibo where the Catatumbo River empties. We will visit the authentic local communities of Ologa, Congo Mirador, and Chamita to witness their unique lifestyle in palafitos (stilt houses) and their traditional fishing culture. We will navigate scenic channels and lagoons to spot diverse wildlife, including monkeys, reptiles, dolphins (toninas), and a vast variety of birds and native flora. 
 

 
Logistics & Additional Options 
 
 Accommodations in Mérida: Staying at a traditional mountain inn based on shared-room occupancy. (Private rooms are available for an additional fee upon advance request). 
 Optional Flight Upgrade: We can manage a one-way flight ticket to El Vigía Airport (additional cost). You will explore the lake and then return overland with the group in our private van, enjoying the stunning landscapes of Mérida and Apartaderos. 
 3D/3N Plan Alternative: For the 3D/3N version, we return overland to Caracas. If you chose the flight option, we will drop you off at El Vigía Airport to fly back to Maiquetía. Premium executive home-to-airport transfers are available upon request for added comfort. 
 
Book Your Adventure 
For more details, please complete our Contact Form with your inquiry or reach out directly via WhatsApp at (+58) 424-1918243.

Catatumbo, Mérida y Apartaderos

Name: Catatumbo, Mérida y Apartaderos
Brand: Wayumi Expediciones
Price: 470 USD
Availability: InStock

$470.00

Plan 4D/4N *Catatumbo / Mérida

Number of days and number of people *(Custom trips) (optional)

0/500

Quantity

Private Land Transportation: Round-trip transfers from Caracas to Puerto Concha in a comfortable, air-conditioned van. (Note: The 4D/4N Plan also includes a guided scenic route to Mérida City and the town of Apartaderos).

River & Lake Navigation: All water transfers in private, high-speed motorboats.

Authentic Accommodations: Overnight stays in traditional palafitos (stilt houses), experiencing an authentic night sleeping in comfortable hammocks equipped with mosquito nets.

All-Inclusive Dining: All meals fully covered throughout the expedition.

Expert Expedition Team: Guided by local wilderness experts and professional porters.

The Main Phenomenon: Two dedicated nights for prime observation and photography of the world’s most striking meteorological wonder.

Stargazing Dinner: A special dining experience under the stars on the lake terraces.

Wildlife Photo Safari: Guided nature excursions for spotting river dolphins (toninas), spectacled caimans (babas), howler monkeys (monos araguatos), native fish, mollusks, and a vast variety of exotic birds and flora.

Cultural Connection: Immersive visits to the stilt-house communities of Ologa, Congo Mirador, and Chamita to appreciate their traditional fishing culture, local customs, and unique floating lifestyle.

Scenic Views: Breathtaking, epic sunrises and sunsets over Lake Maracaibo.

The Plan Does Not Include:

Meals during road transit. (We will make regular stops at local restaurants along the highway).
OVERLAND PLAN (By Private Van): Travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned private van departing from Caracas. Available connection and pickup points include Valencia, Barquisimeto, and Puerto Concha (ideal if you are traveling from Maracaibo).

AIR TRAVEL PLAN (By Flight): If you prefer to fly, we can fully manage your airline tickets so you can join the expedition directly from El Vigía Airport.*Hassle-Free Booking: Please request your flight tickets in advance; at Wayumi, we take care of all the logistics. Your package already includes all airport transfers from El Vigía.
*Important Note for the 4D/4N Plan: For the Catatumbo – Mérida – Apartaderos itinerary, the flight option is one-way only. This allows you to join the group and enjoy the scenic mountain tour through Mérida and Apartaderos. The entire group returns together overland in our private van.

Regional Pickups: If you are located in Maracay, Valencia, Barquisimeto, Carora, or nearby towns, we will provide you with specific, convenient meeting points along the route so you can easily join our adventure.
Our Premium Travel Services:

Group Transportation: Private land transfers in comfortable vans for groups.

Air Travel Logistics: Full flight booking and ticketing management.

Airport Shuttle: Hassle-free round-trip transfers (Caracas – Maiquetía Airport – Caracas).

Connecting Flights & Layovers: If you are coming from another city or require a layover, we offer premium accommodations in executive business hotels in Caracas or near the airports, including seamless hotel-to-airport transfers.

Choose Your Travel Style:

You can experience our destinations through two distinct travel modalities:

Custom Itineraries: Ideal for private groups of 2 to 9 passengers. This option lets you choose the dates, duration, and destinations that perfectly match the trip you have in mind. Contact us with your preferred destinations, availability, and group size (whether you are traveling solo or with friends).

Group Expeditions: Join our scheduled group tours on the specific dates published in our calendar. Turn on notifications or ask us to add you to the waiting list! This option features a fixed rate per person and operates based on a minimum requirement of 8 participants. Join the adventure solo or bring your friends along!
Day 1
We arrive by land at Puerto Concha, a fishing village where we board the speedboats that will be our means of transportation for the lake tours. After a couple of hours navigating through channels full of wildlife and beautiful birds, we arrive in Chamita. There, we will spend one night in a comfortable stilt house (palafito) featuring a dock, a common area for our hammocks, a spacious dining room, bathrooms, a kitchen, and two beautiful terraces—ideal for watching the lightning, the majestic lake sunrises and sunsets, and sharing a very special evening with the group. After dinner, we will go on a night safari to spot and photograph nocturnal species. We are ready for our first night of lightning before resting in our comfortable hammocks equipped with mosquito nets.

Bring a blanket because the breeze can get chilly at night.

Day 2
The next day, after a delicious breakfast, we will take a one-and-a-half-hour boat tour heading to the communities of Ologa and Congo Mirador. Upon arrival, you can enjoy a swim in the waters of the Ologá Lagoon. Then, we will have lunch and set sail to visit Congo Mirador, a village full of anecdotes, magical realism, and a great lesson that shows us the importance of respect and sustainability in natural spaces. On the way back, we will stroll around to meet the inhabitants of Ologá and leave donations and treats for the little ones. Tonight, we will sleep in a native stilt house in Ologá, the area closest to the lightning strikes. After dinner, with some luck and good camera gear, you will capture the best images of the Catatumbo lightning phenomenon.

Day 3
At dawn, we will have breakfast, stop by the stilt house in Chamita, and then navigate back to Puerto Concha.

Second stage of the trip: Mérida and Apartaderos
We begin our overland ascent from the South of the Lake (Sur del Lago) to the city of Mérida to visit its most iconic spots, before continuing to the town of Apartaderos, where you will see the most important landmarks and monuments of the Mérida páramo. That night, we will sleep in a small inn (posada) in the moorlands before starting our return journey to Caracas the following day.

The stay in Mérida is at an inn with shared rooms.

If you prefer a private room, it carries an additional cost; please let us know so we can arrange it in advance.

Upon request, we can also manage your one-way airline ticket to El Vigía Airport. You will return with the group in the van by land to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Mérida and Apartaderos.

In the 3D/3N Plan, we return by land from the South of the Lake to Caracas. If you arrived by plane, we will drop you off at El Vigía Airport to fly back to Maiquetía. For your convenience, we also offer executive transfers from your home to the airport.

Catatumbo, Mérida y Apartaderos

What's included

Catatumbo Travel & Logistics Options

Additional Wayumi Services (Available upon request)

Travel schedule