Date: 06/08/2012 a 08/08/2012

Saímos of: Merida - Venezuela

Stop em: Ciudad Ojeda, Venezuela

Final destiny: Santa Marta - Colômbia

Total distance: Just over 750 km (in 2 days)

Path: Mérida follow toward Ciudad Ojeda undergoing Valera and Agua Viva. We passed Maracaibo, San Rafael of the Mojan, Já Paraguachón na Colômbia, ate chegar em Santa Marta.

Where to sleep: Ciudad Ojeda (tents inside a motel), Santa Marta (Hostel La Brisa Loca on first night and rented tents at Cape San Juan, within the Tayrona park).

What we eat good: Fried potato dumplings, stuffed with ground beef. Bom custo benefício.

Filled Tire : The soccer field at Cape San Juan, within the Tayrona park, which allowed us to have our second soccer game, integrando pessoas de diferentes paises com uma mesma paixão.

Tire murcho: The price charged to tourists from other countries come in Tayrona National Park, quase três vezes mais caro que o cobrado para colombianos.

Venezuela Border – Colômbia and Santa Marta

We left Merida one afternoon in order to cross the border with Colombia the next day. We spent the night in Ciudad Ojeda, a roadside motel after we tried to stay for free in the parking lot of a hospital and a club, unsuccessfully. Agreed the following Manhã, to 7:00 Morning and 30 minutes we were all ready, inside the car, towards our second border. Halfway, we passed 2 situations that are worth reporting. The first occurred in the city of Maracaibo, second largest city in Venezuela, well known for their business meetings related to the vast oil region. At our stop for breakfast, We were met by Brenda, a friendly lady who served us a bread stuffed with cheese and an apple juice. She reminded us of a practice we are doing along the journey: ask a local person, that somehow has collaborated or at least spent a pleasant time with the expedition, colar a bandeira do país na Tanajura.

With hunger satiated and pasted the flag, follow toward the border. Em San Rafael, almost on the border, we were forced to stop the car, já que a pista principal estava fechada. Buses and cars had crossed the runway, some tires on fire and several people shouting together for another group farthest we could not see. We decided to return and go for an alternative path, the first street parallel to that of the manifestation. To our surprise, had several people with ropes crossing the street, charging a kind of toll. Depending on the weather that was in the neighborhood, do not hesitate to pay 10 bolívares (R$ 2,50 approx.) motoboy suggested by the path indicated that there were. Worse than pay a toll that does not exist, was having to pay 4 times, já that each 10, 15 meters had such a rope. In the last barrier that was missing was not biker, trying to rua. It was a tense moment that lasted a short time. As soon as we approached the car window, asked where we were, Brazil and talk and make jokes about football, soon we were liberated to follow our path. A few meters ahead, and we encounter another group, we had not seen before. They were policemen who were trying to contain the demonstration. In our view the reason was related to the trafficking of fuel that exists around the border. Indeed, locals were upset with the review which is done by the police and eventually prevents the illegal trade. Although the Venezuelan side, near the boundary, were surprised with an output rate of the country in the amount of 90 bolivars per person, equivalent to R $ 20,00. By paying this fee, we received a card that would ensure the exit stamp in the passport a few miles further on. JA to release out of the car, não foi necessário pagar nada.

With all the red tape solved the Venezuelan side, chegamos em only Colombian, More specifically Paraguachón, to 13:00, local time. This is the main land border, both foot traffic and in terms of cargo. The entry process was simple and cheap, both for us and for the car. In all, spend a little more than 12.000 Colombian pesos, equivalent to R $ 13,00 about, used to draw some xerox and pay a guy who "recorded a plastic" chassis number of the car. From there we straight to Santa Marta, Our first destination in Colombia. With the help of the guide, find or Hostel La Brisa Loca, que possuía uma ótima localização e era super bem recomendado.

After presenting the project to the two owners, que são irmãos, we got a free night. The hostel was set in a kind of old mansion. There were three floors, with numerous rooms and a central span that ended in a pool on the first floor. In coverage, had some gym equipment, where one could get a good view of the city while we burned some calories purchased with arepas. From the little we visited the urban area of ​​Santa Marta, what else caught our attention was the Cathedral Basilica of Santa Marta, uma das mais antigas da américa do Sul e onde foi enterrado Símon Bolívar.

After leaving the hostel, we went to the Tayrona National Park, conhecido por suas belas praias e trilhas.

But before speaking of our experience within the park, worth reporting the discrimination that exists between local and foreign. It is true that in some places they charge different prices at the entrance of the tourist attractions. But, a foreigner to enter the park the amount to be paid is approximately three times that paid by a local. The amount charged to us by people was 36.500 Colombian pesos, equivalent to approximately R $ 40,00. Moreover, charged 10.500 Colombian pesos to enter the car park and more 7.000 Colombian pesos per night which car gets parked in wool. This situation left us quite dissatisfied because, despite being an expensive place still exists and that differentiation among tourists, the service is not up to snuff in the park. We took more than one queue 1 time to go, tracks has not always signaling and the restaurant we eat not accept credit card in certain situations, As for breakfast eg. The park is huge, with closed vegetation, lembrando em alguns momentos nossa mata atlântica.

After almost two hours of walking, arrived in Cabo San Juan, the last beach park. Havia uns 4 areia meters, between the campground and the crystalline sea water. The length of the beach did not reach 500m. O visual era realmente fantástico.

We spent the night camped in a tent, aluagada lá mesmo, as the cheapest option was to sleep in network, was already exhausted. A differential of camping for us Brazilians and South Americans as a whole, football lovers, era o campinho de terra batida de frente para o mar.

One evening, soon after a few kicks and pro embaixadinhas goal among us, soccer players came from all over: Argentines, Colombians, Venezuelans, besides Spanish, Australian and Bulgarian. The meshing of the time 4×1 and their aggregates, nos ajudou no placar.

Before in the park despedirmos and Santa Marta, the beauty of the place and the pleasant moments we spent, não deixamos de registrar nossa insatisfação no livro do parque em função do que chamamos de abuso e exploração aos turistas.

For more photos of Santa Marta, click here!

The post Venezuela Border – Colômbia and Santa Marta appeared first on 4x1.

Date: 03/08/2012 a 06/08/2012

Saímos of: Ciudad Bolivar – Venezuela

Stop em: Valencia and Merida

Final destiny: Ciudad Ojeda – Venezuela

Total distance: little more than 1.800 km (in 4 days)

* Path: Ciudad Bolivar follow towards Barcelona and then to Caracas until we stopped to sleep in Valencia. Valencia continue to Merida. Merida to Ciudad Ojeda passed by Valera and Agua Viva (different way of moving to Mérida). Roads in good condition with general, entanto not, in general, em mão dupla.

*obs.: We realize that Venezuela would be more appropriate follow signs than the actual GPS. The GPS pointed shortest paths, but we make sure to Venezuelans on road conditions, risks, etc.. with respect to the path pointed, They recommended the roads indicated by the plates. Thus drove 90% do tempo à luz do dia e seguindo as placas.

Where to sleep: Valencia (Tents in a motel), Merida (Posada Switzerland), Ciudad Ojeda (tents inside a motel).

What we eat good: As trout and as cutters with crema (strawberry with whipped cream) em Mérida.

Filled Tire : The views of the mountains Sierra Nevada National Park on the way to Merida, with beautiful houses, restaurants, frutas e doces no caminho.

Tire murcho: The road signs that forces us to cross the "middle" of Caracas where we took a huge traffic on a Friday late afternoon! À lá São Paulo em saída de feriado prolongado.

The move by Venezuela was a very full experience in various optical. There were approximately 2.800 km percorridos. We went through savannah, beach and high montanhas. We saw a country stifled by an authoritarian socialist government, but still with very strong traits of American imperialism in its culture. We suffer from abrupt changes in altitude and temperature, and we enjoyed beautiful views and homes in European style. We live facets of a Venezuela that seeks a change, mas que ainda sofre de certos paradigmas que assolam o país.

We left Ciudad Bolivar in the morning after we discourage driving to El Tigre overnight. That morning we realized why: the road has 100km of straight!! That's it, there is only one curve. So we explained that sometimes drivers doze "bored" by the slowness of the way making the stretch a little dangerous. El Tigre proceeded to Barcelona and from there we decided to take a break 20 min in Boca Uchire to see the beach, since we were "glued" to the Caribbean Sea. Mouth Uchire is a clear sand beach, with the sea slightly open and, By being close to an urban center, There is nothing very special. No entanto, it is located in the state of Anzoategui in a region known as the Route of the Sun Country, for its beautiful beaches and being strongly moved by tourism, mainly from Caracas. Puerto La Cruz is one of the major cities and resort still shown with rides to other beaches and islands near the coast. Ficará para uma próxima.

As is to be expected, Expedition 4×1 provides us with some interesting feelings that we had before. One is the fact that we do not give much account of what day of the week we are living. Constantly on the road and without rules or defined routine, the difference between 'weekdays' X 'weekend', now and again goes unnoticed and often we find ourselves not knowing what day of the week we. Sooner or later this inattention preach in one piece…We took the sand from feet and jumped inside the Tanajura. We left Boca Uchire following signs toward Caracas and Valencia (although longer, this was the best way to Mérida in the opinion of many Venezuelans who talked). But that day was a Friday and when we realized we were entering in Caracas 17:30!! Pra that?! Those who live in SP knows well what is crossing the marginal at this time, that day of the week. In Caracas was like: approx shot. 60 km em 4 hours!! The worst traffic of the expedition so far! It was already night when we left Caracas and that forced us to stop sleeping in Valencia. With the crowded city (probably because of a speech by Chávez in next days) montamos as barracas em um motel na estrada já saindo de Valencia.

The next morning, yield logo, we went toward Mérida. It was time to enter for the first time in the Andes, which to our astonishment, came to Venezuela - must confess that even before investigation more about the region, most of us are unaware of this information. Mérida é o principal polo turístico das cordilheiras venezuelanas e fica localizada a 1.600m de altitude.

The town he lived in agriculture today has its main tourism and economic activity, still, Los Andes University attracts many students and investment in science and technology. Mérida has approximately 300 thousand inhabitants and FICA between Sierra Nevada Sierra La Culata ea. The road that leads there has many curves, some amazing views of the valley and the region's rivers and, when we see less, we were a little more 4.000 meters altitude. It was 11:30 am and the temperature was in the house of 14 ˚ C when we decided to take a break for some photos and buy some sweets that were sold in various shops tidy roadside. There we were approached by a friendly Venezuelan doctor who traveled with his entire family and was surprised by the Expedition 4×1.

He offered us some beers and hit a chat with him for over half an hour! We take that was still clear and we decided to take a quick tour through the National Park of Sierra Nevada, where many tourists were picnicking. The park has many trails and peaks with very high altitudes above 4.000 m. The highest peak in Venezuela - Bolivar Peak, 4.981 m – fica na região.

We arrived in Merida late in the afternoon and after much trying and we run partnership decided to stay in the hostel Posada Suiza that had great prices since the city was full due to the weekend. Mérida is also known for having one of the largest and longest cable car in the world (unfortunately that is down a few years ago due to maintenance). Unfortunately our time in the city ended up being short. Primarily because we had even a lean period, because we had definite date to be in Cartagena for sending Tanajura. Moreover, we had to take advantage of the rare moment of good connection in Venezuela to spend a few hours updating our website and meet our activities with some sponsors. But there also had a fright when, on the second day there in the city, Gustav had fever and headache in time very similar to yesterday, when we. That night he vomited a few times and was worried enough to stay, because after all, few weeks ago we were in the Amazon and those symptoms were very similar to Malaria. So the next morning - after speaking by telephone with Dr Karina (Outpatient Travellers in HC, with whom we had contact) - It was early with Andre to the hospital for the specific exam constataria whether he was with the disease. Após muitas horas ali e muita apreensão recebemos a boa notícia de que ele não possuía o protozoário da doença.

Although the passage was short get to know the city well and enjoy a beautiful view on the rise moor The Butt, próximo à cidade.

The peak has much frequented, beyond the amazing visual, local handicraft barracks, typical twelve (as delicious as cutters with crema – strawberry with whipped cream), and zipline rides horses for children. In one of the stalls of handicrafts talked for a long time with a Venezuelan who had lived in Brazil and that gave us some costume jewelry made by him – curious was the name of his lovely daughter 12 years - Rodaluna, where the 'Wheel' was in honor of capoeira!

The move by Venezuela was intense and very few things we called attention:

1) The country still lives strong political influence of the authoritarian government of Hugo Chávez. There are more than 14 years in power, President - who took office with ideas for improvements to the poorer classes, such as eradicating illiteracy and malnutrition - could be reelected more than once through plebiscites, taking advantage of its very strong influence these classes before, that makes up the majority in the country. With a strong government with socialist characteristics and nationalized companies, Chávez also has - of course - with broad support from large class of public servants. In a presidential election year could witness a big campaign moving throughout the country and some things we "shocked", such as: songs sung at a gas station in a region humble, close to the borders with Brazil and Guyana, that their lyrics shouted against U.S. imperialism and globalization. Evoking the socialist revolution and armed struggle, talking about the achievements of Chavez in favor of the poorest communities; claiming the likes of Simon Bolivar, Che Guevara, between revolutionaries and other South American countries calling for "sold" to the policies of 'Uncle Sam'. Flyers, paintings on walls and billboards with the image of Hugo Chavez are seen numerous times throughout the country - especially now that the elections are in October - and more frequently as it is the city's economic development. In other words, em cidades maiores e mais urbanizadas essa incidência cai um pouco e imagens de seu atual concorrente – Capriles Radonski – começam a aparecer um pouco mais.

Talking to some Venezuelans feel that the middle class is the most dissatisfied with the authoritarianism of the current president and some of those accused him of exacerbated populism. Therefore the increase of the images of these cities Capriles more 'developed'. Also curious was the fact presenciarmos supporters Chavistas paint or tearing of images and Capriles, sometimes, pintarem ou colarem a de Chávez por cima.

2) A curiosity is that we did not know the name of the country contains a reference to Simon Bolivar: Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela - South American liberator important was born in Venezuela and had great political influence in the country. Therefore, many squares, streets, cities and to the highest peak in Venezuela, recebem o nome de Bolívar.

3) Another thing that caught our attention are very few customs "North Americanized" in the country. One of the country's most traditional meal is fried chicken with potatoes. But it is curious that many restaurants serve fried chicken in buckets or containers, accompanied with coleslaw (English, coleslaw) and fries - very similar to the model of major American networks. We were surprised, also, with strong market penetration of automakers Ford and GM. In a hasty analysis based on days that we were there, would venture to which the two together hold more than 60% market, especially with big cars (SUVs e Pickups) or older models, das decades 70 and 80 as, for example, or Ford Gran Torino. But of course they can afford the "luxury" of walking in big cars fuel consumption: gasoline price is ridiculously cheap!

And speaking of fuel subsidy, although the country has an economy heavily dependent on oil and still live an authoritarian regime, Venezuela is one of the countries most advanced in reducing social inequality in Latin America (according to a study by ECLAC in 2011 (click here If you want to see the study).

The move by Venezuela was very special for us, because we know more deeply a country with a "personality" policy so strong and with such different characteristics of reality that we are used to seeing in our country or in neighboring we are most familiar. We could also witness a nature rich and heterogeneous submitted to us by a people who - heard the very mouth of a Venezuelan - working seeking to change the old impression of a country that, unfortunately, ainda é visto por muitos como um estranho desconhecido.

For more photos from our visit to Merida, click here! =)

The post Some Pictures of Merida and Venezuela appeared first on 4x1.

Date: 31/07/2012 à 02/08/2012

Saímos of: Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela

Destination: Canaima National Park, Venezuela

Distance: 180 km

Travel time: About one hour

Path: Pegamos um avião monomotor do aeroporto de Ciudad Bolivar até Canaima.

Where to sleep: Acampamento by Tiuna Tours

Tire cheio: The look of the Canaima Lagoon is unique! The sequence of waterfalls flowing into a beautiful pond in front of the beach, com vista das mesetas de fundo foi uma paisagem inesquecível e nos marcou mais que o próprio Salto Angel.

Tire murcho: Poor accommodation and lack of preparation guides. The service provided by Tiuna Tours generally during the ride was not the best. The guide did not explain anything, the food was the same every day and the room was more or less. São detalhes que incomodaram um pouco durante a nossa visita àquele paraíso.

Canaima National Park (Venezuela) - Water Ballet

They say to go to Venezuela and Angel Falls do not know is how to go to Peru and Machu Pichu miss. The main postal card of the country really impressed by the grandeur. The Angel Falls is the highest waterfall in the world with almost 1 km is d'Água (979 meters, 807m of which are uninterrupted). With this business card, não poderíamos deixar de incluí-lo em nossa rota e decidimos que este seria nosso primeiro atrativo a ser visitado na Venezuela.

The waterfall is in the heart of Canaima National Park, located southeast of the country and relatively close to the border with Brazil. For most it was a great desire to get there with Tanajura, our friend we would expect this time, since the only way to access the park is by plane. I regularly partem Voos Ciudad Bolivar and Puerto Ordaz, cities located further north border (about 700 and 600 km into the Venezuela). We chose sair Ciudad Bolivar, since the city has a higher number of agencies that perform the walk. We found out later that it would be more business out of Puerto Ordaz, as the ride comes out cheaper for the proximity of the section made by plane. Vai ficar para a próxima.

To get a sense of the cost of this tour, we get the budget in an agency in the town of Santa Elena's Uarén, just across the border with Brazil. The girl who served us at Adventure Tours squandered sympathy and even risked a Portuguese. The laughter exploded when she, after explaining the contents of the package, gave us the price: Bs 3900 (bolivars venezuelanos)!!! It was either equivalent to R $ 870, with the exchange rate we got on the border (1R$ = Bs 4.5). Dear! The price was much higher than we had searched for 3 days and 2 nights in Canaima. At that price would not do the ride. We let the luck to Ciudad Bolivar, onde tentaríamos negociar algo mais em conta.

Walking through the historical center of Ciudad Bolivar, toward the city's cathedral, com trombamos to Angel Falls Tours, a small travel agency managed by a young couple, Rodman and Carla. Dessa vez, beyond sympathy to spare, the price was not scary: Bs 2500 (or almost R $ 560). Much less than the nonsense that has been offered in the Santa Elena Uarén. After some more negotiate, can close the deal for $ 240 (+- Bs 2100 or R $ 480). Moreover, would have to pay Bs 30 (+- R$7) the airport tax and more Bs 150 (+-R$33) not to park entrance. Also circulated by other agencies located at the local airport in search of a more affordable price, but not found. Rodman The break gave us stay in your home, at the branch. Não pudemos recusar.

It is election year in Venezuela and it was impossible to be there and not ask a Venezuelan its position in relation to the controversial president of the country. Moreover, it jumped in sight at every turn, Hugo Chavez had posters everywhere. "Heart of mi homeland" was their slogan to recover after the cirurgia. Some say he never had heart problems, and this was just another maneuver marqueteira. We will never know. His opponent Capriles Radonski was also present in some of the posts, mas em uma quantidade bem menor.

We talked about it with Rodman, opposing the current regime of Chavez. His view was that the lack of private investment in the country with the nationalization of companies from various sectors only increases the inefficiency of the state and prevents the country to generate jobs. Rodman believes that the welfare policy of Chavez ally to the greatness of the civil service in the country should re-elect him as economies. Pudemos hair perceber, Chavez represents a dichotomy of love and hatred among Venezuelans, with fanaticism pointing in both cases. Assunto delicado no país.

We dined at a restaurant that Rodman has indicated. Imagine a simple kitchen, full of old pots and other utensils, two or three small tables and some chairs. To complete, easy smile of a woman preparing dinner. The feeling was that we were in our grandparents' house, waiting for dinner to be served. The place was extremely warm. Imagine how a simple business that would succeed in Sao Paulo, where people, living in the hectic pace of city, no longer know what is a home cooked meal. Foi um belo jantar antes da nossa partida à Canaima na manhã do dia seguinte.

Wake up early. There was a taxi waiting for us out there. Rodman had already instructed to take us to the place they believe to be the best in town to sample the famous arepas, na typical iguaria Venezuela, before of following the airport. The masses of corn arepas are fried in disc format that Venezuelans usually eat breakfast daily at breakfast or with pure butter. Commercially, it is customary to add stuffing. In this place next to the airport were the options of filling several: meat, chicken, cheese, dust, among other. Very well served, were a delight!

We knew that our plane would be small, but did not realize just how tiny he really was. Our ride was a single engine of Canaima Rutaca, Venezuelan airline. Together with pilot, completávamos the plane that was capable of exactly five passengers. The butterflies in my stomach was inevitable, had never been on a plane so small. Engine running and the small plane starts to move. Even with the window open, felt the wind on the path of the runway. The plane was shaking constantly and engine noise was deafening. A small break to breathe and the plane accelerates in speed. While the sound and shaking intensifies the plane finally takes off. All quiet so far. Foi when these, the first sigh of relief, um scare! A vulture approaching faster than ever struck with violence the right wing of the plane, that rocked instantly. The small relief to takeoff led to the seizure. The silence came over us on the plane while the pilot analyzed the failure. A few minutes of observation and finally, to sorriso: "All good!"Finally, could breathe. From dai, the rest of the trip was with emotion, muita emoção.

The top view is wonderful. The Park is surrounded by vast plateaus of rock called tepuyes, cut by rivers and colored by dense vegetation. About an hour flight and down the small airport of Canaima. A guide already waiting for us to bring to camp Tiuna Tours, a alguns minutos a pé do aeroporto.

The accommodation is nowhere near the best, much less the food, but oh well, our main intention was not even eating and sleeping. We ended up being seated in a group that was already there and ride that should do the next day, would do that day. Mal chegamos e deveríamos partir para uma caminhada em direção ao barco que nos levaria à cachoeira mais alta do mundo.

The road is long, even for those who had taken a one-hour flight. After the walk around 40 minutes, a motorized canoe trip takes approximately 3 Rio Acima hours. We were advised that we could get wet on the way. Indeed, We encharcamos! The flow of rivers is very strong, so that sometimes seemed to be open at sea, waves in all directions. It was like a raft with no oars. Seria até divertido se não fosse tão longo.

Loin, in the mist, the figure of the Angel Falls began to appear. It is de impressionar. It was late afternoon when we arrived at camp, near the base of the giant waterfall. As it was late já, would be in the camp, since the visit to the closest point to the Angel Falls involves following a trail of approximately one hour. This would be done on the day following, bem cedo.

We played small talk with the staff of our group (a nice German couple, Venezuelans and two other couples composed of a Danish and an American) before going to sleep. We spent the night in hammocks, tied in a cabin in the woods. Just as we did in the Amazon, under this time spiders (at least those seen!).

5 o'clock in the morning and everyone has standing to make the track. It was soon, the breakfast in the morning we would only later. There are about 40 minutes to the lookout of Angel Falls. There you can see more closely the giant Venezuelan. A pity that the weather is not favored in. Unlike the previous day, it was raining and a mist covered invariably the top of the jump. Lucky that we took some sharper pictures the day before the camp itself. Following a little farther on the trail, we dive into a pool formed in the midst of falling water of Angel Falls. It was cold and raining, but it was an opportunity of a lifetime. A little courage and we were in the water, pelo menos alguns de nós.

We track back and after breakfast in the morning packed up their bags for more 3 hours back down the river. The ride becomes a bit tiresome by the distance sitting on the wooden canoe, causing bursts of water in the face after spending a night on the network built in the middle of nowhere. Mas é o preço a se pagar para ver a maior cachoeira do mundo.

Back at camp Tiuna Tours, We had another trip scheduled for the afternoon. It consisted of a tour of the lagoon of Canaima, where one can observe a sequence of three waterfalls (Ucaima, Salto Salto Golondrina and Hacha), followed by a visit to Salto Sapo and Salto Sapito. The view of the waterfalls of the lake is difficult to describe. It was like a spectacle of water, the place is too beautiful. The tepuyes background gives a special charm to the landscape. The visit to Salto Sapo was even more surprising: we could walk under the waterfall, behind the wall of water. It's great fun, water for all side! Then we can have the view from the top of the waterfall. Another breathtaking visual. Sendo sincere, have more fun on this tour than the famous Angel Falls, mas essa seria uma bela discussão.

On the way back, we have seen some young people playing football on the beach that bordered the pond. Brazilians are, we could not go unchallenged. We took one of the Venezuelans who accompanied us on the sidewalk and played a game. Perhaps it was the football with more beautiful visual hitherto. Once more we will be able to admire a series of waterfalls on the beachfront between a play and other? It was a beautiful game. Even more we win!

The excitement of the ride in the evening could not end in anything other than a night of rum and salsa in a bar by the lagoon of Canaima. We found ourselves with some Venezuelans and the guys we camp for the party. Moreover, the party were almost. Besides we, two caisais completed the public bar that night. We could not be more surprised at the amount of Brazilian music that we hear. From backcountry to the university funk. Even the oldest of Olodum played that day! Priceless monitor Japanese, German, Danes, Venezuelans, people of different nationalities together enjoying. We took great laughs, danced until no more aguentarmos. Foi uma noite divertida.

Canaima is a special place of travel. Our first destination outside of Brazil ended up being one of the most turísiticos South America. We could meet and talk with people from all corners of the world, a very interesting exchange of experiences. It is a costly ride and sometimes exhausting the despreperaro in terms of service. But how would our friend Fenrnado Person: "Everything is worth if the soul is not small". E valeu mesmo.

To see more photos of Canaima and Angel Falls, visit our Flickr clicking here!

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Venezuela, the first border: 1s First impressions, 1º s perrengues

Date: 27/07/2012 a 30/07/2012

Saímos of: Manaus-AM

Support (sleep) in: Boa Vista-RR (10 hours of travel), Salto Kama-Venezuela (11 including almost hours 3 border), Upata-Venezuela (almost 12 including hours 4 consertando hours to Tanajura ) - All time include lunch and a few stops for photos!

Final destiny: Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela

Total distance: 1.683 Km (in 4 days)

Path: From Manaus to Boa Vista took the BR-174. The road is good at the beginning, but after leaving the Indian reservation Atroari some sections are pitted and well before the final miles are pretty bad Caracaraí. But passing this town the road is very good to Boa Vista and can even drive at night. Boa Vista to the border the road presents excerpts very bad. Already in Venezuela, except a hole or other, the roads are very good!

Where to sleep: Boa view (Inn), Salto Bed (tent, within a rustic lodge), Upata (tent, inside a hostel).

What we eat good: Our last Pirarucu no Brasil. As pies Venezuelan no café da manhã.

Filled Tire : Cross our first border! E a ajuda da Polícia Federal brasileira.

Tire murcho: "Poisoning" of our dear Tanajura on our first day in Venezuela. (more details in post)

Although we have already made several trips together and even some outside Brazil, this was the first time we entered the 5 juntos em um país estrangeiro.

"We were excited as children on first trip! But, just in its beginning, Venezuela has showed signs that a brand new stage in Expedition 4×1 iniave-is. Something very different from what we had lived up there. Risks even say that was something strange, or at least very different from what we could imagine. Although as next country (geographically), the reality of Venezuela is very far from our. Crossing its territory was a big culture shock since the 1st km after the border… and soon his face a great start already perrengue”.

We left Manaus at around 10 am the day 27 July and went straight to Boa Vista-RR. The only stop was the tourist town of Presidente Figueiredo where we met two young college students who are opening, together, a tour company and adventures. Students Eng. Forestry and Geology they told us that is the second Geopark Figueiredo of Brazil until the World Cup 2014 a cidade – que possui diversas cachoeiras – receberá investimentos para alavancar o já movimentado turismo às suas cachoeiras.

We came to Buena Vista late and tired after 780 km and almost 10 hours estrada. It, despite being a Friday, the town was empty. So, we did our last dinner in Brazilian territory and left for the greater (and more "decent") gas station next to the road, to sleep last before the first boundary. But as soon as we stop Tanajura to assemble in our tents when we won by a drunk decided to pull over your nice car with a very high sound, packed by music somewhat "libertine". Give up! In the hostel we got closer to fourth 3 people, played two mattresses on the floor and, after negotiating, can 3 pillows! Yes, negotiate because they wanted to charge us more for pillows "extras"!!!

Well, at 7 am we left Boa Vista. As we walked away from the capital roraimense the vegetation changed slowly. They were the last remnants of the Amazon Forest. And at around 11:20 we reached Pacaraima. Estávamos quiet, after all, had just exchange bolivars for real (Venezuela is one of the few countries in the world where it is more advantageous to exchange their currency market "parallel" than official exchange offices) - Still Pacaraima - and had all the necessary documentation! We had already?! Well, at least we thought we had. First things first and details:

Etapa 1: Give low (output) the Brazilian Federal Police – The first police barrier at the border is the Brazilian Federal Police. There was no guard, plate or any explanations. Nevertheless, went to the police station to investigate and…yes! It was here that we had to stamp our passports (or could present the RG) for the record output of Brazil. Simple as that! Only one stamp and two policemen were released by thin people who beat up a conversation and gave tips for us. We entered Tanajura and we rumo the second police, us 200 metros à frente.

Etapa 2: Give input in Venezuela - Beside the police barricade was a Venezuelan customs building. And as we saw a car stopping there Brazilian, also decided to stop. Again no plaque or information available, follow the "brazucas" inside the enclosure. After a brief chat with them, Gustavo (which, not paper, or gift is from Tana) followed to validate the documents Tanajura in a booth and the others followed to stamp the passport entry in Venezuela, on another. The queue for the stamping of passports went pretty fast and after a few 2 or 3 questions (basically where it comes from and to where vai) the kind sir Venezuelan (who wrote down everything in its "ultra-strict-master-technological-notebook" that looked more like a concierge of the building) carimbava logo or portkey. Freed?! No, faltava to Tanajura! And wings to começava gymkhana!! Preparations? Valendooo:

Task to present the following documents: Copy and unique: 1) Passport of the owner of the vehicle, 2) vehicle documents, 3) Driver's license (CNH Brazilian same), 4) compulsory insurance of the vehicle (which in our case we had no, because our only asset in Brazil - but we knew that we could do at the border) and 5) a statement known as "contained nothing". Easy, nor? So here we go:

Obs.1: Tínhamos paid USD 50 (50 USD) in Sao Paulo next to the Venezuelan consulate to get a document that said there is essential and, border, the girl who served us said he was unaware and not necessary. (It was the only consulate that something was charged and eventually useless!). O documento era uma cópia do documento do carro autenticada pelo consulado venezuelano.

Thus, tínhamos to perform a missão 1 do give: go to Santa Helena de Uairen - first city in Venezuela - and buy the compulsory insurance of the vehicle. Challenge: accomplish the mission before the lunch break of the post that would last almost 2 hours. It was 11.55 in our watches and put closed at 12pm. It would be impossible!!! Ops, would, the difference was not 30 min spindle of Venezuela in relation to Manaus (which were our watches). Venezuela is strangely (GMT – 4h30). In other words, 11:25 am and we were actually 35 minutes. We were lucky to find a place selling insurance within 500 meters from the boundary. Paid 1.650 Bolívares, approximately R $ 366. We returned to the tax office with insurance in hand before 12pm and now with all the documents in hand!!! When suddenly arises Obs.2:

Obs.2: This document "nothing has" (that had not even been mentioned at the consulate in Sao Paulo and we found, unconsciously, by gentle friend Gustavo's father - Mr.. Decio) is referring to a statement that the vehicle in question is not in any pending, as fines, rates, crimes, etc.. And Brazil, just print the DMV site. But the border wanted it to be stamped by the DMV and our printed version we had with us, não valia.

Da obs.2: surge a missão 2: achieve such a document stamped by the DMV! Challenge: get a document by our dear DMV in full Saturday at 12h30 (Manaus time) em Pacaraima – uma cidade minúscula.

Ficamos frustrated! If indeed we needed this document signed by the DMV would not cross the border that day! Would have to wait until Monday! Thus, decided to apply the method to learn from other hikers in our pre-trip, in the Serra da Canastra and that was more or less like: "Boys, whenever any der "bullshit" on trip: feel, something to drink and relax, that a cool head if you think best!"It, so, we had lunch nearby. It, coincidentally, went to lunch at the same restaurant that the federal police who had stamped our passports output. We happened and what they found absurd the Venezuelans do about rules and requirements documents Brazilian jurisdiction. Thus, themselves made a statement and nothing contained stamped. Once the fiscal position of Venezuela reopened at around 14h back there to take a chance on the new document, and… Deu certo!! Authorization paperwork in hand, back to the road and, after a few meters, crossed the border into final! It was around 15h when adentrávamos the land of Hugo Chavez! Ufa!! Ufa!?!? In moments is more!!!

Well, As mentioned earlier in this chapter, cross the Venezuela caused us a great shock. Was estranho think that much of the recent 900 km, and only 1 or 2 days ago, were in the middle of the Amazon! E em poucos quilômetros em solo venezuelano a vegetação mudava de forma veloz.

The dense vegetation and tall trees of the Amazon once gave a great clearing of undergrowth with some spaced trees surrounded by large plateaus and a few isolated hills. Only a few miles on it and we were inside the famous Gran Sabana! Um visual de tirar o folêgo que mereceu pausa para uma bela foto.

We approximately 100 miles and stopped to sleep at Salto Kama. We set up tents in front of an inn "semi-abandoned" (semi, because, that "active", some of its dependencies are abandoned, as the restaurant and some outhouses) jump in front of the Kama, a waterfall 50 meters, unless 200 meters from the road, where we take a cold shower, comemos um lanche wings held, and, still early, fomos dormir.

The 5:20 a.m. the next day and we were standing on the road 6:30. We had more than 550km and approximately 7horas to drive to Ciudad Bolivar, a road with many curves on a stretch of mountain. We, therefore begin 9:30 second by Adventure…

Before telling this second part, are some curiosities: Petrol is subsidized in Venezuela. And MUCH! This means that the fuel tank almost the entire cost us less than Tanajura 75 cents (this same, R$ 0,75!!) 65 LESS custam liters 1 REAL!!! Fuel E is a very good quality. Thus, within a radius of several hundred kilometers from the border with Brazil and Guyana, most stations have long lines and are protected by the army to prevent "theft" of fuel smuggling (but do not worry, tourists in transit through the country present a passport and has the right to "jump the queue"). Such positions have posters, banners and pictures and paintings with references to Hugo Chávez. E but!! In one of these posts more "exalted" propagandists played loud music boasting Chavez, with lyrics that compare to Che Guevara and Simon Bolivar, calling him president liberator. Songs that cry out against George W. Bush and call the South American countries of "delivered" to U.S. policies. Some letters praising the armed struggle and say Chavez was the one to give opportunities and rights for all! (will comment more about our perceptions about this in later posts)

But back to tell about our second day in Venezuela and our early departure to Ciudad Bolivar and…already had a MEGA perrengue!! Within hours of the first city alcançávamos output path and needed supplies for the first time in Venezuela. It was 9 am and soon after cut the huge queue of cars, we filled our tank. Happy at very low price paid. Saímos dali and, 5 min depois, a light illuminates on the dashboard of Tanajura. Light havíamos never seen before. Even with Tana moving look at the manual which explained that the light indicated a little more water in the fuel filter and that, then, this water would be good drenarmos. But as we read the manual to Tanajura just stopped accelerating. COMPLETELY STOPPED. Fizemos o tal dreno como o manual indicava e não parava de sair água do filtro.

We try to direct the tank and siphon…only water! Poor thing's Tanajura was completely "poisoned" and had no more to do. Result, a guy towed us back to a shop near the station stocked and we had stayed there over 3 WHOLE hours to disassemble the tank and drain almost 60 litros de combustível que tínhamos enchido.

"Fuel", crap that it was in Tanajura was a liquid comprising at least 70% and water only 30% de diesel. Then we went back to the clinic and, for our "happiness" it was closed for a few hours to clean the pump that was with plenty of water!!!! Clear! We were the last "felizardos" supply before that "technical break"!!!

After perrengue follow up Upata arriving in the early evening (I could not get over to that day in Ciudad Bolívar). And the next morning there would. E Tanajura?! Ah, the girl's already good! Quick Cure =)

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