The eco area of the Catatumbo, (South America) moist forests lie geographically, in the Venezuelan states of Zulia, Lara, and in Colombia; they are one of Venezuela’s richest forests in terms of floral diversity, and are abundant in bird life. The largest area of forest spans the inter-Andean valley region in a "V" shape between the Cordillera de Merida and the northern extension of the Andes. The two remaining outliers are located on the eastern side of the lake on Cerro Cerrón along the foothills of Mérida.

Amongst these forests can be found the unique and mysterious lightning of Catatumbo, a natural and shocking phenomenon that exists only in this part of the world, and you can experience the phenomenon as part of a 2 or 3 day excursion arranged from one of the many travel agencies in Merida, Venezuela. The Catatumbo area in Colombia, has been subject to on-going conflicts among guerrillas, and is best avoided, so the safest and most convenient way to enjoy this once in a life time experience is from the safer zone of Venezuela. The phenomenon can be viewed from the mouth of the River Catatumbo, where the river quite literally feeds into the Lake Maracaibo (one of the largest fresh water lakes in South America).

The Catatumbo lighting is the world’s largest single generator of ozone and there are various unproven theories as to why this phenomenon occurs, but one such theory stands out more than most and is regarding the topography of the region, and the clash of two astoundingly different environments and climates. The theory states that the phenomenon is due to the collision of the intense heat rising from the marshlands where the river lies, the vast sea level lake (Largo de Maracaibo) and the impenetrable cold winds coming down from the 5000 metre altitude mountains of Los Andes.

The result is an almost permanent storm, and is a kind of cloud to cloud lightning which is more than 5kms high and occurs up to 160 nights of the year up to 280 times an hour, with about 1.2 million lightning discharges annually. The silent and eerie storm can be so strong at times, that you could easily read a book at night without the aid of a torch.

Cataumbo is a destination that few have heard of, including local Venezuelans, so when enjoying a 2 or 3 day trip here, you will be truly spoilt by the tranquillity of the area.

The easiest access is by car from Merida, a roughly 3 hour journey, along the Jaji road. During this spectacular journey, there is the chance to visit some of the highest waterfalls in the area, La Palmita and one very large and interesting cave, Cueva de Guacharo, keep a torch and suitable footwear handy.

Finally arriving late afternoon to the hot Maracaibo basin, an oil rich area, and specifically to the town of Puerto Concha, a small and peaceful fishing village, whereby you will be met by local guides. Shortly after stocking up on supplies, the highlight of this journey will begin with a boat safari through the moist forest of Catatumbo, and the first sights of this area are guaranteed to impress, the sights, sounds, smells, and colours are simply sensational.

On the journey through the mangroves, swamps and river channels one can expect to see an expansive variety of bird and plant life, differing species of monkey including the Cappuccino Monkey and Howler Monkey, fresh water dolphins, Iguanas, Baba crocodiles and of course many a snake.

The night will be spent sleeping in hammocks, and there will be the opportunity to sit back and observe the infamous Relámpago del Catatumbo, a night sure to bemuse, baffle, and bewilder. You literally will be lost for words, as you witness one of the worlds strangest phenomenon’s, and sit all night without any proven explanation for why this incredible silent storm exists.

The following day there will be the unique and fascinating opportunity to visit the water villages of Congo Mirador and Ologas built entirely on the water, the villages come equipped with all features common to Venezuelan pueblos (towns), Plaza Bolivar, a church, supermarket and school; all of which have been built and are fully functional on the lake.

In the afternoon, there will be the chance to head off for a spot of butterfly hunting, and frog searching, as, in the forests, have been found numerous different species, some of which exist only in these forests.

The final evening in this mystifying location will be spent on a night safari, by boat, where there will be time to explore the remote corners of these rivers in search of nocturnal species such as caimans, potoos and tree boas, all with a second chance to witness the phenomenal Relámpago del Catatumbo.

The final day of this excursion, is, by no means an empty day, once you have returned to Puerto Concha, your final few hours of fun will begin. You will be met by a driver and your guide will take you to a number of sites including cloud forests and a remote Andean village for lunch, spectacular lagoons, the famous "chimon" (chewing tobacco) plantations, coffee plantations and finally sugar cane factories. The day and the excursion alike will finally come to a close in Merida, and you will, for sure, be in need of some rest after all of these incredible experiences.

Local guide Ender Diaz, can arrange everything, simply drop an email to enderdiaz@hotmail.es

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