Orinoco Delta, Venezuela

An intricate labyrinth, the waters of the Orinoco Delta weave through the jungle on their way to the Atlantic Ocean. The Orinoco branches off into over 60 waterways and 40 rivers in the delta, meandering through forested islands, swamps and lagoons.

The 24,000 Warao Indians, the second-largest indigenous tribe in Venezuela, are its native inhabitants. They spend most of their lives in canoes – fishing, hunting and gathering in the surrounding forests.

During our visit here, we stayed at Orinoco Delta Lodge, an ecolodge built on the banks of the river. Accommodations consisted of 37 cabins and a dining and bar area overlooking the Orinoco.

The camp is a two-hour boat ride from the port of Tucupita or Boca Uracoa. On our arrival, we were greeted by a baby vulture, toucan, several capuchin monkeys, baby tapir, giant anteater and jaguar – all orphaned babies who reside at the lodge (many of whom roam freely).

Our highlights included a day excursion of the surrounding jungle, where we witnessed river otters in action and visited homes of Warao Indians.