Our planet is like one of those “Russian Dolls” where, as you uncover or peel away one layer, another beholds itself to you. There’s almost too much to do, thanks to Mother Nature. One that has bubbled and simmered on the back of our travel stove is the
The Orinoco. It is one of the longest rivers in South America at 2,140 km. Its drainage basin, sometimes known as the Orinoquia, covers approximately 1 million km², with 65% of it in Venezuela and 35% in Colombia. The Orinoco itself is so well known that there was even a song (in English) by Irish singer Enya, that it became a worldwide smash hit. Now that’s what global travel is all about: we humans, traveling the planet, digging each other and making life -long friends. So, let’s dig into the Orinoco a bit more.
The Orinoco River, one of South America’s longest and most powerful rivers, flows primarily through Venezuela and Colombia. While less famous than the Amazon, it offers a profoundly unique and intriguing travel experience precisely because it’s a vast, wild, and less-visited region. It’s a place where nature is raw, indigenous cultures thrive.
The Casiquiare Canal: A Natural River Bifurcation to the Amazon This is perhaps the most fascinating hydrological anomaly in the world. The Casiquiare Canal is a natural distributary that branches off the Upper Orinoco River and flows directly into the Rio Negro, a major tributary of the Amazon River.
This creates a natural river connection between two of the world’s largest river systems, allowing water (and aquatic life) to flow between them. It’s a rare geological phenomenon that highlights the interconnectedness of South America’s immense river networks.
Unlike some parts of the Amazon, the Orinoco Delta feels largely untouched by commercial traffic. Navigating its labyrinthine waterways offers a profound sense of isolation and wildness, and this could be just what you’re looking for, especially since you get two countries in one trip. Bonus! See below for travel options.
Iberia Airlines fly from London Heathrow to Caracas. To look and book for your flight, click Our affiliate friends, OMIO have trains, planes, buses and more in South America. To book your transport, click here.