Bernal

WorldWander to the WorldWonders

From the travelers at www.worldwander.com:

Angel Falls was the first stop on our around-the-world adventure. We did our research for getting to Angel Falls using the South American handbook. We wanted to use Bernal Tours to see Angel Falls based on recommendations from numerous guide books. For Karen and I, it was an amazing experience. We only planned to stay two days but loved it so much we stayed for a week. During this time we got to know Tomas and the problems that success brings. Tomas has the best location in Canaima National Park and offers a very relaxed but rustic atmosphere. The sleeping accommodations are in hammocks which is the traditional bed for Venezuelans. It is comfortable and probably the nicest camping you will ever do. The entire package offered by Bernal Tours can not be duplicated by any of the other local tour companies. He has earned the recommendation of so many guidebooks for a reason, it is the best way to see Angel Falls. However, Tomas is in a difficult position because his camp is on an Island with no phone. He has to rely on travel agents to work with his potential customers. What happens on many occasions is that local travel agents tell the customer they are booked with Bernal Tours and upon arrival they find that they have been placed with another tour company. The travel agent was more interested in directing customers to other tour companies who pay higher commissions or to a tour company owned by the travel agent. Tomas is working on this problem but the solution is not easy. It is almost impossible to have a phone put at the Bernal Tours Camp, which means setting up an office with staff. If you are unable to reach Bernal Tours via the number listed on the previous page, you really can just show up at the Canaima National Park head down to the bar on the beach and ask for Tomas. You will need to be flexible on your schedule and allow one or two days extra because a boat for Angel Falls may not be leaving everyday.

If you do make reservations with a travel agent in the area and you find out upon arrival that you have been placed with another tour company, head down to the bar on the beach and ask for Tomas. I can assure you Tomas will want to resolve the problem. It is important that your travel documents list the name of the travel agent, the amount paid and it should confirm that you were booked with Bernal Tours.

Have a great time and say hello to Tomas for us:

Karen and Scooter

For a little extra information this is an email I received from a recent customer of Bernal Tours:

I learned that I would be going to Venezuela with only a few days lead time to make
arrangements. I wanted very much to see Angel Falls, and had read about Tomas Bernal. I
searched his name using Yahoo and found the "worldwander.com/bernal" web page, and from there
was able to make all my arrangements.

Two quick comments on the web page:
(1) The page should explain that you do not need to make reservations in advance of reaching
Canaima, Venezuela. You can simply ask for him at the airport and either you will find him
there or someone will call him on a walkie-talkie.

(2) If you want to make advance arrangements, you need a correct telephone number.
Unfortunately, the fax telephone number indicated on the web page did not work. It turned out
to be a voice-line for another tour company which, if you insist, will make contract Tomas
Bernal and let him know you are coming. They may try to convince you to use another tour
company.

However, I strongly recommend that you go with Tomas, especially if you are willing to trade off
a few creature comforts for a better overall experience. Tomas has been in business there for
many years, and he has by far the best location available. His camp is the only one located on
an island between two beautiful waterfalls. Indeed, Tomas excavated a trail behind one of the
great waterfalls with his own hands. You will be stunned by the experience of walking on his
trail.

If you decide to go up to Angel Falls by motor powered dugout canoe, which I highly recommend
over the airplane fly-by, he has the only camp with a direct view of Angel Falls. Be prepared,
however, for a back country experience. You will sleep in hammocks, which for the uninitiated
can become somewhat uncomfortable.

I had a terrific time with Tomas and the Pemon Indian guides with whom he works. They were all
friendly and quick to participate in conversation. They also know the terrain very, very well.
Also, I found Tomas to be very honest and reliable. For example, I was carrying a significant
amount of cash. I left it and my passport in his care for two days while I went up river with
the guides and lost nothing. This may seem like a minor thing, but it is significant when you
are in a new place.

Again, I cannot give a strong enough recommendation to Tomas Bernal's tour.

William Fischer
Traveler