My daughter, two grandchildren and I spent three days at the Arekuna Lodge. We flew in a 12 seater plane and landed on a tiny runway (amazing). We were not prepared for what we were about to experience. To get to the waterfalls, one must take a boatride down the Caroni River and its various tributaries. Our boatman was highly skilled and familiar with every nook and cranny of the river. It was the rainy season so the river was high and the water covered up all of the islands in the river. We went down some rapids and generally had an amazing ride.

THEN, the boat docks and we went went on a 3 mile trek through the jungle, about an hour or two of walking up and down a rocky, slippery, path, through marshes, over savannah. It was not for sissies. Also, our guide, Luis Moreno, likes to go FAST. It was about 85 degrees and humid. HOT, but not extremely hot. It is a good idea to wear long sleeves and long pants to protect yourself from the sun, the bugs, and the folage but not everyone did. We also wore bathing suits so that we could swim in the Falls.

The Lodge itself is lovely and overlooks the Caroni River. The food was good and the service pleasant. I highly recommend this trip to adventurous people in good physical condition who are willing to rough it.

The electricity comes from solar panels and is only available from 5 to 11 p.m. There is water but no hot water but the cool shower that I had after returning from the first day's march was heavenly.

The other highlight was the visit to the Indian village (really a camp) where a family of about 15-20 people live without running water, indoor plumbing or electricity. We bought beautiful jewelry at a very low price. They keep birds as pets. The feathers are clipped so they don't fly away and they live freely in their camp.