Natural history
The entire area of Canaima National Park forms part of the ancient granite-rock formation known as the Guyana Shield, one of the largest blocks of granite in the world. It dates back at least to pre-Cambrian times and may be as old as 2 billion years. The huge granite outcrops that form the imposing table-top mountains known as tepuis, support a vast variety of flora and fauna that are endemic to their summits. Auyán Tepui, home to the spectacular Angel Falls, is over 2,500m (8,200ft) high and around 65% of its summit's plants are endemic.


Climbing & trekking
Most mountaineering and trekking is done in the Andes, using the lively town of Mérida as a base. Beautiful cloud forest and wild plateaux the main attractions. Venezuela's five highest peaks are all situated within the Sierra Nevada National Park where beautiful cloud forest and high-altitude plateaux preside. The country's highest peak, the rocky Pico Bolívar (5,005m/16,427ft), rather bizarrely sports a bronze bust of the famous Liberator himself at its summit. It is best climbed between December and May when there is little or no snow on the route. June to November provide more challenging conditions and requires specialist equipment and snow climbing experience. From the little hamlet of Los Nevados, there is a very challenging two-day trek to the Pico Espejo, best done from November to June.


Scuba diving
Venezuela's Caribbean waters offer excellent opportunities for seeing some
wonderful flora and fauna as well as shipwrecks. The main areas are the Morrocoy and Mochima coastal national parks, Margarita Island and for more experienced divers, the idyllic Los Roques archepelago, which has eight established dive sites around the islands. Divers can expect a veritable marine extravaganza which includes the spotted eagle ray, green turtles, blueheads, rainbow-coloured parrotfish as well as some magnificent underwater flora and coral formations.


Fishing
Lakes in the Andes and on the Llanos plains offer excellent possibilities for fresh water fishing. The Llanos is famous for its pavón (Peacock Bass) fishing, one of the most delicious species of fish found in tropical rivers and lakes. Another popular catch in this region, as well as in the Amazon basin in the south, is the notorious red-bellied piranha which can grow up to 30cm (12 inches) in length. The Venezuelan Caribbean provides some superb deep-sea fishing, mainly for white and blue marlin. Popular spots include the waters off Los Roques and Isla Margarita or Macuto and Río Chico on the mainland.


Mountain biking
Mountains that are ideal for mountain biking surround the Andean city of Mérida. Rides are not always easy but the rewards are outstanding for those who persist. The experience comes complete with stunning mountain scenery including cloud forest, waterfalls and natural swimming pools; remote villages of the Sierra Nevada de Mérida and not least, thrilling descents into lush river valleys. Mountain biking is possible all year round in the Andes although the summer months (December to April) can be very hot. Bike routes include Pico El Aguila (75km, 80% downhill); Jaji (35km, mixed terrain, all on-road); and El Valle Grande (45km/28 miles, big climb, big downhill).


Nature safaris
The Llanos grasslands are a wildlife lover's paradise, particularly during the dry season (December to April) when hundreds of exotic birds and animals congregate around the area's few waterholes dotted around the dried-up mudflats. The Henri Pittier National Park is a must for ornithologists, situated in the coastal mountains between Maracay and the Caribbean. For Marine birdlife, head for the Cuare Wildlife Sanctuary, north of Morrocoy, an important nesting area.