already en route from Caracas to Ciudad Bolivar, a stop for a drink at the height of Cantaura. In 1987 Canaima we reached our first 4x4.
Using available maps for the National Mapping time since we had tried earlier from the town of Manteca, in view of the information we had was thinking that this was possible approaching from the east.
However, once in the area, we found that following the construction of the Raul Leoni, access once existed apparently were under water. This time, for reasons of time, we had no choice but to spend the trip to wander around and let the dream come to Canaima in our 4x4 for another time.
Just another time that this post is, when looking for alternatives to the previous failed attempt, we get to Canaima from the north.
were traveling with little information and poorly equipped, but driven by a huge sense of adventure and desire to discover new places and unknown. 
La Paragua in 1987. In this town, all we participated to our plan, we predicted a complete failure. Everyone, including pipoteros miners and made us know categorically, that our cars could not get us to Canaima. 
Barge Waiting to cross the Rio Paragua. 
The people of La Paragua are used to advantage the barge to cross and swimming across the River. 
Such were our maps, to which we added some color with crayons to give some life and to highlight some topographical features. 
Rolling off-road. Finally. 
That was the crossroads of Chiguao before the Guri Lake flooded the area. 
Roll was so much faster our progress, to prevent chafing of the "coconut" to the floor, as central uplift, in many parts exceeded the height of our vehicles. 
many One stop to admire the scenery. 
Since that first time, and we laughed with what that "all roads lead to Canaima" 
the area's landscapes are always impressive. 
Deep down the pike, the alternator of 40 got stuck completely. However much we try, we fail to do that revolved, representing a huge setback in the circumstances. We finally had to reinstall it well and let loose straps, so that glide over the stationary pulley on the alternator. At night, given that the battery 40 is not loaded, tie a rubber flashlight CJ7 spare roll and very, very slowly.
The step is seen in this Group photography we did it at night without lights in 40, and appears here photographed during our return. It turns out that this step was no longer in use for some time and villagers had arranged a detour to avoid it. In the dark, we never saw the diversion, assuming that this was the only way we crossed without knowing the risks they exposed us. The next day was very funny to see the faces of people in the nice to know that we had been here. 
Finally we get to Las Bonitas after midnight. 
Overcome by exhaustion the day before, ate anything and slept on the floor, just inside the village. 
Here in Las Bonitas we met some gentlemen who had ventured down this road to board a Range Rover and a Wagoneer. Because of damage to both vehicles, had already decided to get one up here, and as far as we knew, started back after making some repairs. As for us, was incredibly bodeguita the bearings needed to repair the generator of the FJ40. So, very carefully, for fear of breaking any of the tapas, disarm the alternator and replace them with what we were ready to resume our journey.
Las Bonitas. 
This map shows our progress (drawn freehand in crayon brown) and traced the trail to Canaima in the same way, based on our assumptions. 
Taraipa The village, located between Nice and San Salvador de Paul. 
Looking to get to Canaima, we Taraipa. Then we learned that we could return a stretch to try to cross the Rio Caroni if \u200b\u200b"crossing to the right when you see a path just after starting the morichales" 
Another of our detailed maps . 
Following our captain. An Indian who took us to the port where coordinate our crossing Caroni River in canoe. 
Following the instructions, find the point recommended for the crossing of the Caroni, and some Indians willing to help us cross the river in exchange for a modest payment. Given that at that time nobody visited the area, hide the cars on the mountain and covered with branches and sticks to hide from the sight of the inhabitants of the area. In the end, we were lucky that we only stole a machete.
But before departure, one bath. 
On the other side of the Rio Caroni, we had to overcome a mountain jungle small step on our way to Canaima. 
Once up the mountain pass and jungle, all that was a long walk across the savannah until " Avensa camp " 
A break in the road. I remember at that time consider having walked about 17 kilometers from the river to camp Avensa. Today, with the means available, this estimate has been reduced to about 8 kilometers. 
camp and hotel, and sight. We night Avensa camp. The faces of surprise people to see us reach the bar, was priceless. Treatment received nothing short of heroes, and we were actually almost as well, having accomplished our mission.
The National Guard gave us permission to camp on the beach, "trying not to see them both from the hotel, but the first night, exhausted again, we just throw away to sleep in the sand. 
normal way people travel. 
few beers are always necessary to celebrate success. 
face of the iconic three palms, in the Canaima Lagoon. 
This corner of the Laguna de Canaima became our bathroom during our stay here. 
Our camp hidden from normal view of tourists. 
The return trip was much easier, since we got the tail on board a scenic Jeep until the end of the savannah. Our driver was known throughout the area to perfection, and took the Jeep to a step proportional to that knowledge. Here we are running at high speed, parallel to the runway. I think that was the moment of greatest risk throughout the trip.
And there goes our speedy transport back to camp. 
On the other side of the mountain, having crossed to the other side of the river, we encountered a small group on a bike that only come this far by not wanting to risk the crossing of their machines on board the curious, the only means available to cross the Caroni at this point. 
already on the trail, back. 
Back in Chiguao camped in Chalanero house. 
Running back to civilization, to the satisfaction of having accomplished our mission. http://tucanviajero.blogspot.com
