The Best of Venezuela in 2 Weeks

This itinerary will take you from the turquoise waters and white sands of Venezuela's Caribbean islands to the snowcapped peaks of Los Andes. In between you'll marvel at the amazing biological diversity of Los Llanos and swim at the foot of Angel Falls, the world's tallest waterfall. Some travelers opt to extend their time in any one of the destinations listed below, or have less than 2 weeks budgeted. If so, you'll have to make some tough choices, but you'll want to use this route as a reference point.

Day 1: Arrive and Head Immediately to Los Roques -- Venezuela's principal airport is right on the Caribbean coast, in Maiquetia. Don't even leave the airport. You'll visit Caracas later. Instead, hook up with a local commuter flight to Los Roques, and settle in to your posada in time for a sunset cocktail overlooking the sea.

Day 2: An Island for the Day -- Have your posada arrange for a morning transfer to your own private cay. Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and a shade umbrella, in addition to your packed lunch. Spend the day beachcombing and snorkeling, until the motor launch comes to pick you up in the afternoon.

Day 3: Head to Canaima -- Fly from Los Roques down to Canaima and check in to Jungle Rudy Campamento. You should have time to take an afternoon boat tour of Canaima Lagoon, with views of Hacha, Golondrina, and Ucaima Falls. Be sure to also allow time for a visit to Makunaima Arte Indígena, an excellent gift shop filled with local and regional arts and crafts.

Day 4: Visit Angel Falls -- This entire day will be devoted to visiting Angel Falls. Be sure to insist on some good quality time at the foot of the falls, for bathing and soaking in the sights. On the return trip you'll probably visit Sapo Falls. Be prepared to get wet again on the hike behind and under the waterfall.

Days 5-6: Spot Anaconda, Caiman & Capybara in Los Llanos -- Take an early morning flight out of Canaima to Ciudad Bolivar or Puerto Ordaz and connect with a land transfer to Hato El Cedral. You might arrive in time for an afternoon tour. If not, settle in to your room, and prepare to wake up early for a full day of intense wildlife viewing. In addition to the animals listed above, you'll see scores, or more, of bird species, and probably fish for piranha.

Days 7-10: Get High in Mérida & the Venezuelan Andes -- Head from Los Llanos to Mérida, either by land or air, and check in to Posada Casa Sol. Spend your time here taking advantage of the high mountain scenery and numerous tour options. Those who are physically fit and adventurous should definitely take a canyoning trip. Less extreme travelers can ride El Teleférico to the top of Pico Espejo, and tour some of the nearby mountain villages.

Days 11-12: Isla Margarita -- You've earned a little more beach time, so take a commuter flight to Isla Margarita and decompress on the beaches of this Caribbean island. Be sure to reserve a table at Casa Caranta for dinner 1 night. On the other evening head to Guayoyo Café, or do some gambling at the casino at the Hilton Margarita.

Days 13-14: Caracas -- Return to Caracas and take a crash course in this capitol city. Visit the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Sofía Imber and the Iglesia de San Francisco. Be sure to schedule a trip to El Hatillo, which will include a shopping excursion to the Hannsi Centro Artesanal. For your last dinner in Venezuela, head to Hoja Santa, the premiere Nuevo Latino restaurant in Caracas.