Activities of Previous Trips

The following are activities you are likely to do while in Venezuela; of course, it is possible that the itinerary may change a bit from year to year.

Coastal Lowlands

A great way to familiarize yourself with Venezuela and its ecology is to take a day ride down the mountain from Rancho Grande to the coastal lowlands in the vicinity of Ocumare de la Costa. Along the way, you can stop at streamsides, waterfalls, fruit-tree stands, or any spot that may hold your attention. You may begin to understand the ecology, topography and climate of the area. Be prepared to taste various new fruits, and inspect various kinds of plants for insects. Kinds of plants you may see in the lowlands are: breadfruit, papaya, annatto, cassava, annona, cashew, mango, calabash, seagrape, and many other plants and their insects.

Hiking the Trails

There are several trails in the vicinity of Rancho Grande. The huge, buttressed trees are festooned with lianas, tree ferns, strangler figs, bromeliads, Heliconia, Zingiber, Calathea, and Cecropia plants. You will find many types of insect associated with these plants, and many insects that you may have never seen before! Even mushrooms may have insects associated with them. Other insects to look for are leaf-cutting ants and termite nests. You may also hear and see howler and capuchin monkeys, agoutis, peccaries, and many tropical bird species. At Rancho Grande, you may find bats roosting in the unfinished part of the building, and there is also a bird feeder, which attracts many brilliantly colored birds. There is also the opportunity to converse with other visiting biologists from various countries. At night, you may find other arthropods such as phengodids, fireflies, and red millipedes -- or even an "antbear." You may also set up a m.v. and/or u.v. light on the roof at Rancho Grande and inspect the various insects as they arrive to it. There are many kinds of carabids, scarabs, saturniids, and sphinx moths - to name just a few.

Commercial Plantations

You will visit commercial plantations such as banana and sugarcane plantations near Maracay. Here you will learn about their cultivation, pests, and pest management strategies. Be warned: it can get very hot in the valley! Near the historic town of Choroni, you may visit a cacao plantation and hear about its cultivation, harvesting, pests, and studies on them. Look at coconut trees, and hear about their cultivation, harvesting, and pests.

Colonia Tovar

Founded by German settlers, this colony looks rather like a Bavarian town. There is German cuisine and plenty of tourist shopping. The town is rather isolated and getting there requires driving up a very windy road with spectacular views at every turn. At this elevation, the vegetation is very similar to that of the Temperate Zone. You may visit an elfin forest at Parque Macarao.

Departamento de Zoología Agrícola

You will visit the Departamento de Zoología Agrícola at the UCV campus and its very large insect collection at the Museo del Instituto de Zoología Agrícola. You will have the opportunity to meet some of the curators and students who work there. There may also be time to walk around campus and get a glimpse of student life in Venezuela.

Portachuelo Pass

This pass is located in Parque Henri Pittier and is used as a flyway during certain seasons by migrating birds and insects. There is a nice trail along the ridge and you will have many chances to find insects and other wildlife. The ridge also boasts a scenic view.

Mangrove Swamps

From Ocumare de la Costa, you may take a boat westward to a tranquil bay surrounded by red and black mangroves. You may see marine veliids, iguana lizards, and the mangrove insect fauna (so bring your bugspray). You may have the opportunity to picnic on the shore or go for a swim in the clear water.

Other Activities

Bring your bathing suit for an afternoon on the beach at the beautiful Bay of Cata. There is a shopping center in Maracay where one can go shopping for gifts, postcards, and snacks. There is a small but interesting wildlife museum near the entrance to Parque Henri Pittier at El Limón.

Your Field Projects

During the times between day trips and in the evenings, work on your selected projects. You will give a short presentation of your project on the final full day of your stay in Venezuela. The presentation will be given to your fellow students and your instructor, Dr. Howard Frank. A written report of your project is to be submitted after your return to the U.S. by no later than 10 days before the end of "Summer B."

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