Payments & Bookings for Canaima: What You Need to Know

Why is Canaima expensive?

We understand that for many travelers, prices might seem high—but there are important reasons behind this. Canaima is a remote and isolated destination: there are no roads or land access, so everything must arrive by air—including food, fuel, and building materials. Many camps rely on solar energy or generators, and maintaining operations in such conditions involves high logistical costs. That’s why a trip to Canaima may be more expensive than to other, more accessible tourist destinations.

Can I pay in foreign currency or only in bolívares?

Yes, you can make payments in U.S. dollars (USD) or other foreign currencies using the methods listed below. It is not required to pay in bolívares, and in fact, most tourism services in Canaima are quoted and paid in USD.

What payment methods do you accept when booking?

We offer several payment options to make booking easy and flexible. You can choose whichever method works best for you:

• Zelle: If you have a U.S. bank account.

• National or international bank transfers, or platforms like Wise or Revolut. In this case, there is a $15 banking fee per international transfer.

• Credit card via Stripe: Adds a 4.7% fee to the total (Stripe processing fee). No account is needed; you’ll receive a secure payment link and just enter your card details.

• Cash payment: Can be made at our home-office in Los Palos Grandes (Caracas) by appointment, or we can arrange a meeting point in the city if needed.

Note: Payments via bank transfer or credit card typically take about 2 business days to process. Payments via Wise or Revolut usually take just 1 business day. Once the funds arrive, we will confirm your booking and send your flight tickets and service voucher.

Can I book without paying everything upfront?

Yes, in most cases it is possible to secure your reservation with an initial deposit and complete the payment later, as long as the total balance is paid within the required timeframe set by the camp operator. One of the main camps we work with even allows the final payment to be made in cash upon arrival in Canaima. The deposit amount depends on the travel season, booking lead time, and the specific camp chosen. We’ll let you know the exact amount and deadline at the time of booking.

How do I know if my booking is confirmed?

Once we receive the full payment, we will email you the flight tickets, service voucher, and full reservation details. If you only made a deposit, you’ll receive a payment receipt, and we’ll keep you updated throughout the process. You will always have a direct contact person available via email or WhatsApp to answer any questions or assist with coordination.

How much is the entrance fee to Canaima National Park?

The entrance fee must be paid in cash upon arrival at Canaima Airport. Current rates are:

• $40 per adult

• $20 per child

If you're doing the Kavac Caves excursion, there are additional fees:

• $20 per person for the entrance to the indigenous community

• $10 for the return airport fee

All of these must be paid in cash only.

Can I use credit or debit cards in Canaima?

No. There are no electronic payment terminals or bank branches in Canaima. Everything must be paid in cash, preferably using low-denomination bills ($1, $5, $10) in good condition.

Is there an ATM in Canaima?

No. There are no ATMs or access to cash in Canaima. It’s essential to bring all the cash you’ll need for your stay.

What if I need to cancel my trip?

Cancellation policies vary depending on the season, how far in advance the cancellation is made, and the conditions of the operator. Most providers do not offer refunds. In some cases, we may be able to arrange a credit toward a future trip, but this depends on the specific camp’s policy. We will always inform you of the applicable terms at the time of booking and do our best to assist you. For full details, you can also check our Terms & Conditions page.