Pricing & Expeditions

3D/3N Plan: Catatumbo Lightning Expedition

$380 per person | Overland Option (Round-trip private van transport included).
$320 per person | Flight Option (Starts at El Vigía Airport + airfare cost).

4D/4N Plan: Catatumbo, Mérida & Apartaderos Expedition

$470 per person | Overland Option (Full journey included).

Choose your ideal itinerary below to discover the Global Capital of Lightning.

The Catatumbo Lightning Phenomenon

This unique meteorological wonder develops over the Lake Maracaibo basin in Venezuela, primarily in its southern zone, 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 thermal walls of the Andes Mountain Range, which traps and stalls the northeastern winds, producing 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 howler monkeys, reptiles, river dolphins (toninas), and a vast variety of birds and native flora.

Day-by-Day Itinerary (Plans 3D/3N & 4D/4N)

Day 1: Arrival & Night Safari

We arrive by land at Puerto Concha, a traditional fishing village where we board private speedboats—our primary transport across the lake. After a two-hour cruise through channels teeming with birds and wildlife, we arrive in Chamita.

Here, we will spend our first night in a comfortable, fully equipped stilt house (palafito) featuring a boat dock, a common area for our hammocks, a spacious dining room, bathrooms, a kitchen, and two beautiful terraces. These decks are perfect for watching the lightning, witnessing majestic lake sunrises or sunsets, and enjoying a special evening with the group.

After dinner, we will embark on a night photography safari to spot nocturnal species. We will then get ready for our first night under the lightning before resting in comfortable hammocks equipped with mosquito nets.
*Tip: Bring a light blanket, as the lake breeze can get chilly at night.

Day 2: Stilt Villages & Peak Lightning

Following a delicious breakfast, we take a 1.5-hour boat ride toward the communities of Ologa and Congo Mirador. We will enjoy a refreshing swim in the waters of the Ologa Lagoon, have lunch, and then cruise to Congo Mirador—a village filled with local folklore and a powerful lesson in environmental sustainability.

On our way back, we will walk through Ologa to meet the locals and share donations and treats with the children. Tonight, we stay in an authentic native stilt house in Ologa, the closest zone to the core of the lightning strikes. After dinner, with a bit of luck and proper gear, you will capture the ultimate shots of the Catatumbo Lightning.

Day 3: Return Route & Alternative Destinations

At dawn, we have breakfast, stop by the Chamita stilt house, and navigate back to Puerto Concha.

For the 3D/3N Plan: We embark on our return journey overland directly to Caracas. (Passengers who chose the flight option will be dropped off at El Vigía Airport).
For the 4D/4N Plan: Our land transport takes us up from the hot plains of the lake into the mountain peaks of Mérida City for a scenic city highlights tour. We then continue our ascent to the town of Apartaderos, visiting the most iconic landmarks and natural monuments of the Mérida Highlands (Páramo). We will spend the night at a cozy mountain inn before starting our journey back to Caracas the following day.

Logistics & Booking Information

Mérida Accommodations (4D/4N Plan): Traditional mountain inn stay based on shared-room occupancy. (Private rooms are available for an additional fee upon advance request).
How to Book: For more details, please complete our Contact Form or reach out directly via WhatsApp at (+58) 424-1918243.
Direct Purchase: If you have already contacted us and have all the information you need, feel free to add this trip to your cart and place your order now, indicating the number of travelers accompanying you.

Get in touch with us, and we will guide you through finalizing your reservation.

Catatumbo Lightning Expedition

Name: Catatumbo Lightning Expedition
Brand: Wayumi Expediciones
Price: 380 USD
Availability: InStock

$380.00

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.

Catatumbo Lightning Expedition

What's included

Traveling options