An unforgettable experience that will stick with for the rest of your life.

The possibilities for adventure in Venezuela are almost in exhaustible and you’ll visit the very best places that Venezuela has to offer. Furthermore, we try and include as many options for adventure sport as possible.

You are looking for a lifetime experience?

Where better to learn Spanish than in a Spanish speaking country, submerged in her culture and surrounded by her seductive tongue. Our adventure travel + Spanish language program in Venezuela will take you from basic, ‘hola, una cerveza por favor’ Spanish, to an advanced level in as little as 3 to 6 months without even realising that you have been in class.

Our classes are informal and given in the open air; on Caribbean beaches, in steaming jungles and even on top of eerie Tepuys. In addition to teaching Spanish in a fun and useful way, we combine local culture, folklore and learn about the local fauna and flora.

Recently we’ve added short theoretical training courses to help prepare you safely for your adventure travel in Venezuela, as well as all following travels. These include, ‘navigation’ on land and at sea, ‘meteorology’, so you’ll be able to make weather predictions before heading out and ‘survival basics’, which will teach you how to make a shelter, find food and water regardless of the terrain and build a fire whatever the weather. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to learn how to cook various national and international dishes, using both the kitchen and bush-fires.

We’ll also teach you all the skills you need to be confident in a kayak for excursions at sea in the rivers of the Orinoco Delta and the skills you’ll need to enjoy mountain-biking to the max.

You’ll be part of the everyday-life of the fishing villages of the Mochima National Park and see the traditional ways of the farming people in Caripe visiting coffee plantations. In the Orinoco Delta you’ll immerse yourself in the wildlife learning all about the exciting flora and fauna and join the Warao Indians to experience a culture that has remained virtually unchanged for 20,000 years. In the Gran Sabana you’ll meet the psychic Pemon Indians in their land of mystical Tepuys and hear of their unusual visitors.

And most fun of all, (well we find it funny), Salsa, Merengue, Vallenato and Tambor lessons are given throughout the program to help arm you with the skills you’ll need to help seduce the Latinos.

Whether you choose a 3, 6 month or short term program it’s almost impossible not to gain a good command of the Spanish language, an understanding of Latin culture and have developed skills that you’ll find useful for all following adventures.

Adventure, education and personal development courses in Venezuela.

SPANISH + ADVENTURE is own unique, all inclusive, blend of adventure travel, training, language, all of which we run harmoniously together over three or six months. Groups consist of students, experienced group leaders, adventure guides and language teachers. Everything is included in the price, your food, accommodation, expeditions, guides, transportation and tuition.

Based in Venezuela, our local partner offers a unique combination of factors which lend themselves perfectly to adventure travel and education. Where else could you find a diversity of golden palm fringed beaches, exotic jungle, spectacular and mysterious mountains, lush valleys and a multitude of waterfalls, mixed with ancient indigenous cultures and an exotic Latino language. You’ll see and experience the best of what the country has to offer whilst learning Spanish and all sorts of other stuff to prepare you for adventures in South America.

Culturewise, this country surprises us every time with its mix of ancient indigenous tribes still intact and living fascinating and primitive lifestyles. Much still remains of the Spanish colonial culture with many historical sites and museums to visit. You’ll also find an abundance of artisans all over the country from the many indigenous groups, which are cheap to buy, or you can join in and create yourself.

From our bases at one of Venezuela’s best beaches Playa Colorada (the red beach!), and Merida (a vibrant, safe, student city) you take adventure travel expeditions while learning Spanish. You can have jeep safaris to the amazing Gran Sabana, walk to the top of Roriama (The lost world), leisurely sea kayak beautiful Caribbean islands and the exotic Orinoco Delta Jungle, and visit remote untouched areas. You can experience the culture of the Warao and Pemon Indians, and see incredible jungle and savannah wildlife. Your Spanish classes won’t be in classrooms but in the ‘open air’ of the real South America! There are between 10 and 20 students in each group. You don’t have to be very fit – just have a sense of adventure and want to experience life! All these trips, accomdodation, meals and and more are included in the program price.

From our headquarters alongside ‘the beautiful beach’ of Playa Colorada, it’s a hop step and a jump into the warm rich-waters of the Caribbean. At the lodge we sleep in beds and hammocks and on the move, use tents and hammocks depending on the terrain. All classes are given in the open air or on location whilst travelling, making the most of Venezuela’s tropical climate.

Apart from having continual doses of fun, project adventure is a full immersion into the best of Venezuela’s locations, her Latin-American culture and her seductive tongue. The six month program includes a spell of work experience of your choice.

LONG TERM PROGRAMS:

6 Month Program

Mochima National Park / Caripe / Orinoco Delta / Gran Sabana and Roraima / Canaima and Angel falls / and another location of your choice for work experience

- Spanish / Training / Adventure / Volunteer work program / Work experience.

Start Dates: 20th Jan, 15th April, 15th May, 15 June, 15th July, 15 August, 15th Oct

 

3 Month Program

Mochima National Park / Caripe / Orinoco Delta / Gran Sabana and Roraima / Playa Colorada

- Spanish / Training / Adventure / Volunteer work program

Start Dates: 20th Jan, 15th April, 15th May, 15 June, 15th July, 15 August, 15th Oct

2 Month Program

Mochima National Park / Caripe / Orinoco Delta / Gran Sabana and Roraima / Playa Colorada

Spanish / Training / Adventure

Start Dates: 20th Jan, 15th April, 15th May, 15 June, 15th July, 15 August, 15th Oct

SHORT TERM PROGRAMS:

1- 4 Week Spanish and Adventure!

Averaging 20 hours per week of Spanish Language classes from your qualified and experienced teacher. These classes fit around the Adventure activities with choices like: Mountain Biking (Huge down hills!),Canyoning (Adrenaline activity in amazing natural location), Paraponting/Paragliding, Horse riding (stunning country side), Rafting, Mountain Biking , Mountain Trek, Horse riding, Motocross, waterfall abseiling and Sea kayaking Caribbean islands

Locations are the vibrant Andean city of Merida (1st Mondays of the month), the beautiful Caribbean coast of Playa Colorada (3rd Mondays of the month) or combining the two for an amazing 4 week program.

Program includes: Language programs, Activities, Accommodation, two meals per day airport pick-ups

5 and 8 Week Spanish and Volunteer Service

1 or 4 weeks of Studying Spanish (20 hours per week) coupled with an additional 4 weeks of volunteer service work (5 or 8 weeks in total)

20 hours Spanish for the week. An introduction to ‘Amazing Merida’ with a choice of 3 from the following five: Paraponting/paragliding, Horses riding, Mountain Biking Canyoning, Day Hike, Salsa Dancing lessons.

Four weeks of important Volunteer service. This is a choice of either the Street Kids Fundación Don Bosco , or the zoo/animal sanctuary.

The Foundation Don Bosco is aimed at helping kids from particularly difficult circumstances. Many are street kids – and the aim is to get them off the streets and into a safe supporting environment. There are three-stages to this difficult task: Stage 1“Off the street” - The school provides food, clothes and shelter. Stage 2 “Making a Connection” – Helping Educate the children, including: social education, elementary school curriculum, physical education, art and craft classes and extra activities. Stage 3“The Next Step” - Foster homes. Eventually the children are offered the opportunity to return to family life. A variety of chosen families are ready to take kids into their homes and a new life.

The Zoo/animal Sanctuary was Initially only a zoo created as a tourist attraction and has now developed into an animal sanctuary helping injured and sick wild animals. All injured and sick animals are cared for with the ultimate goal of returning them to their natural, wild habitat.

Mochima National Park - 2 weeks

You’ll spend your first two weeks based around Playa Colorada, getting accustomed to the pace of life and the traditional culture. Intensive Spanish class should establish the basics quickly. We’ll introduce you to Kayaking then take you for a 3 day expedition to the offshore islands where you’ll encounter dolphins, snorkel on spectacular reefs, enjoy beach games like volleyball and try fishing to catch dinner. There are some great hikes to the top of the islands for spectacular views of the park and the chance to try sport-climbing or rappelling. On the islands you’ll learn how to make a shelter, a fire, find food and water and learn a few simple knots as well. During this time you’ll have an introduction to local cooking, visit neighboring villages and waterfalls and try your hand at Salsa and Merengue dancing. 

Caripe – 2 weeks

Just a few hours drive away is the ‘Eden of the East’, the lush and mountainous Caripe region famous for its coffee plantations and farming culture. Exploration of the Guachero cave and it’s inhabitants. Visits to coffee plantations, fruit and vegetable farms and local markets. Mountain trekking, horseriding and camping. Ongoing Spanish classes.

Orinoco Delta Kayaking expedition - 2 weeks

Your kayaking in the Mochima will have prepared you for one of the real highlights of your trip. Travelling and living as the Waraos have done for over 20,000 years, exploring the waterways, jungles and sabanas and being amongst an amazing abundance of wildlife and flora. Ancient Warao culture and language. Artesania, including Moriche weaving and wood sculpture. Visiting Warao families and settlements. Ongoing Spanish class. Savannah horse riding. You’ll stay in a Warao home, construct your own bush camp and even stay at a luxurious lodge. Sleeping is in hammocks.

Gran Sabana, the Lost World and Roraima – 4 weeks

Jeep Safari to the mystical and ancient highlands of Venezuela, visiting various indigenous Pemon settlements, spectacular waterfalls and the climax a week round-trip hiking to the top of Roraima. Ongoing Spanish classes. Camping in tents.

Playa Colorada – The Lodge – 2 weeks

Plenty of chill time, fun on the beach and farewell parties, time to work on your suntan and polish of your Spanish skills before going home. Tents and hammocks.

Mochima National Park - 2 weeks

You’ll spend your first two weeks based around Playa Colorada, getting accustomed to the pace of life and the traditional culture. Intensive Spanish class should establish the basics quickly. We’ll introduce you to Kayaking then take you for a 3 day expedition to the offshore islands where you’ll encounter dolphins, snorkel on spectacular reefs, enjoy beach games like volleyball and try fishing to catch dinner. There are great hikes to the top of the islands for spectacular views of the park and the chance to try sport-climbing or rappelling. On the islands you’ll learn how to make a shelter, a fire, find food and water and learn a few simple knots as well. During this time you’ll have an introduction to local cooking, visit neighboring villages and waterfalls and try your hand at Salsa and Merengue dancing.

Caripe – 1 week

Just a few hours drive away is the ‘Eden of the East’, the lush and mountainous Caripe region famous for its coffee plantations and farming culture. Exploration of the Guacharo cave and it’s inhabitants. Visits to coffee plantations, fruit and vegetable farms and local markets. Mountain trekking, horse riding and camping. Ongoing Spanish classes.

Orinoco Delta Kayaking expedition - 2 weeks

Your kayaking in the Mochima will have prepared you for one of the real highlights of your trip. Travelling and living as the Waraos have done for over 20,000 years, exploring the waterways, jungles and sabanas and being amongst an amazing abundance of wildlife and flora. Ancient Warao culture and language. Artesania, including Moriche weaving and wood sculpture. Visiting Warao families and settlements. Ongoing Spanish class. Savannah horse riding. You’ll stay in a Warao home, construct your own bush camp and even stay at a luxurious lodge. Sleeping is in hammocks.

Playa Colorada – 1 week

Return to the base Lodge for an introduction to the history and culture of Venezuela and some beach time. Intensive Spanish / history / culture classes. Beach volley ball and football tournaments with locals. Cooking classes. Snorkelling and freediving. Visits to historical sites in Barcelona and Cumana.

Gran Sabana, the Lost World and Roraima – 2 weeks

Jeep Safari to the mystical and ancient highlands of Venezuela, visiting various indigenous Pemon settlements, spectacular waterfalls and the climax a week round-trip hiking to the top of Roraima. Ongoing Spanish classes. Camping in tents.

Playa Colorada – 4 weeks - Volunteer work program

This month we dedicate to working on a community project. Working with local people we try to give something back to our host in this under-developed country. Spanish classes in the morning, volunteer project in the afternoon.

Work Experience (Merida or Los Roques Project) - 8 weeks

You can choose two different programs for 4 weeks from all sorts of incentives including, teaching English, National Park experience, photography, tour guiding, adventure sports training, journalism, tourism, barwork, restaurant and hotel management, building and construction, gourmet-cooking, amongst many other options. You will live with a host family or in a camp or posada.

Canaima and Angel Falls – 2 weeks

We spend one week hiking into Canaima from La Paragua stopping in isolated Pemon settlements along the way and sleeping in the wilderness. The second week you’ll live in the Pemon village of Canaima, exploring the area and studying Spanish. There’s an optional day trip to see the world highest water fall Angel Falls. Flight back to La Paragua.

Playa Colorada – The Lodge

Plenty of chill time, fun on the beach and farewell parties, time to work on your suntan and polish of your Spanish skills before going home. Tents and hammocks.

• Chris Patterson – Director of Operations / Extreme Guide
• Ada Rodriguez – Business Manager
• Hoanna Gonzalez – Accountant
• Allen McClay – Camp Manager / Guide / La Gran Sabana specialist
• Angel Gomez – Expert all-round Guide / Chef
• Richard Fox – Adventure Guide
• Joe Huckins - Guide / Extreme sports specialist
• Brendan Topp – Guide / Bar Manager / Delta kayak specialist
• Was White – Expert Watersports and Mountain Guide / White water specialist
• Niel Fox – Global Adventurer / Guide / Business Developer / Designer
• Christian Bichler – Meticulous Guide Botanist / Driver
• Johanna Iguanetti – Spanish teacher / Dance instructor
• Anymir Tovar – Spanish teacher / Dance instructor
• Manuel – Handy man
• Drini – Cleaning lady
• Andreina - Nurse
• Victor Medina – Ultra Guide / Delta Specialist

The palm fringed Caribbean base is amongst a procession of sandy beaches from where we explore the myriad of deserted offshore islands by kayak whilst interacting with dolphins. Snorkelling, fishing and diving opportunities are excellent. Our Andes operation is perfectly located for hiking, horseriding, rafting and mountainbiking and we have the world’s longest cable car ride on our doorstep.

At the lodges you’ll find tons of inspiration and information on travel around Venezuela. We have beds or hammocks and include a breakfast of fresh fruits and cereal and a main meal of national and international flavours each evening. Spanish classes are held daily and there are ongoing expeditions to the Orinoco Delta, Gran Sabana and other exotic destinations around the country.

Whether you’re wanting to chill, learn Spanish, soak up the sun or get into shape, as a single traveller looking to meet others, a group looking to meet other groups, or just looking for some inspiration there should be something here for you.

Students should all come equipped with the following:

Kit

60ltr backpack. sleeping bag, sleeping mat and sheet, pocket knife (swiss army / leatherman or similar), insect spray (deet best), sun cream, personal medical kit, mask and snorkel, flash light.

 

Kitchen

Knife, fork, spoon, plate, cup.

 

Clothes

Lightweight rain jacket, light weight trousers and long sleeved shirt, fleece, hat, lightweight hiking boots / shoes, teva or similar sandals, swim suit, town clothes for work experience months and partying.

 

Money

$50- $100 per week personal expenses / meals out etc.

 

Additional

All students will need a light-weight hammock and net which can be purchased on arrival.

Q. What’s included in the package?

All meals during all of the student activities, equipment, gear, cleaning stuff, tuition, transport, transfers, accommodation, expeditions, guides etc.

Not included

National Park Fees ( Los Roques $10 entry fee, Canaima $8, Cueva Guacharo $6.), meals in restaurants, taxis, beer and fizzy drinks, local bus fares during work experience months (max $1 per day).

Q. When is the rainy season and how much does it rain?

Venezuela enjoys a tropical climate, the temperature dipping slightly in the mountains and also in the rainy season, June through to September, when it usually rains for a couple of refreshing hours in the afternoon.

Q. Why can’t I flush toilet roll down the toilet?

Because the plumbing is sub-standard and having to clean up big blockages of poo and paper is no fun at all. Loo-paper in the basket please.

Q. What is a gringo?

The expression Gringo was developed by the Mexicans for the invading American Army in ‘green’ being asked politely to go’.

Q. Can I drink the water?

No. We filter all water for drinking and if we can’t filter we sterilise or boil.

Q. Can I catch Malaria?

Yes, though only if you are really unlucky. We have had no cases of students catching Malaria yet. You have a similar chance of being killed by a falling donkey.

Q. Is Venezuela dangerous?

Yes. There are dangerous places to be found in the cities and dangerous things to be found outdoors, as anywhere else in the world, if you want danger we can take you there. We prefer the safer locations of Playa Colorada and Merida where we are based. All the destinations we take you to are safe.

Q. How do I stop mosquitoes biting me?

You can’t really. It’s best to take good precautions against getting bitten. Long clothes, mosquito nets at night and plenty of good repellent (with a high concentrate of deet), but they’ll get you eventually somehow. N.B. Accommodation at the lodge is mosquito proof.

Q. Are there poisonous spiders and snakes in Venezuela?

Yes. Seldom a problem unless provoked or disturbed while mating as you would expect.

Q. Can my girlfriend / boyfriend visit?

Of course. (you won’t want to! says Brendan)

Q. Is the political situation dangerous?

Not really dangerous, it’s like it’s always been, comfortably corrupt.

Q. How expensive is Venezuela?

Right now it has never been cheaper.

Q. Does it rain much in Venezuela?

When it rains it rains cats and dogs. The rainy season only lasts for about 3 – 4 months and even then it usually only rains in the afternoon for a short while.

Q. Do we have to pay airport tax?

Yes. $10-40 depending on how long you’ve been in the country.

Q. Is it easy to sleep in a hammock and is it bad for my back?

Yes easy to sleep in and no, not at all bad for your back. Sleeping in hammocks is by far the most comfortable and convenient way of sleeping out here. Students usually toss and turn the first night, then settle right in thereafter. Some continue sleeping in hammocks when they get home.

Q. Are there sharks in Venezuela?

Yes. The fishermen sometimes catch them and they are excellent to eat. There are no dangerous sharks in these waters, you’ve more chance of being bitten by an underwater donkey.

Q. Do I need to be fit?

No not really, though the fitter you are the more you will benefit.

Q. How long before I can speak Spanish?

Depends on you. Most students have a good grasp of the language within a couple of months.

Q. Can I play local Sport?

Yes. The locals are always encouraging us to get involved, generally we are bigger and stronger and sometimes much more skillful than they are so they try to recruit us.

Q. Will I get much time for myself?

Yes, plenty.

Q. What is the food like?

Excellent, we never have any complaints about our food, we all like eating good food and you’ll learn how to cook different cuisines from all over the world. 2-3 meals provided per day depending on location.

You still have questions? Just send us an email or call us toll free from your country

More about Venezuela, Culture, Food

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