Tucupita

From Freepedia

Tucupita is the capital city of the Venezuelan state of Delta Amacuro. Delta Amacuro consists almost entirely of the swampy Orinoco river delta. Tucupita lies well into the delta on the Caño Manamo (one of the two major branches of the Orinoco river delta). It is approached by a road which runs along the top of a gigantic barrage constructed in the 1960's to create dry land. The project is considered a failure as little dry land was created and massive ecologocal disruption was caused by salt water penetration of the delta. The main income of the town comes from eco-tourism. Foreigners entering the town are waylaid by numerous touts and agents in order to secure their business. The attractions are the vast and varied bird life, mammal and reptiles of the delta. Also to be seen and visited the villages of the local indians, the [Waroa]. Fast motorised canoes take tourist into the remotest parts of the delta where a range of "lodges" have been constructed, ranging from simple rustic huts to more luxurious accommodation. Tourists can also stay in the stilted houses of the [Waroa] for a few days and see how they live and learn some of their skills in herbalism, food foraging, fishing, boatbuilding, firemaking etc. In the delta itself only travel by boat is possible. There is a range of basic accommodation in the town and several quite reasonable cafés and bars. There's little else for the tourist to see and do. However the delta wildlife alone is well worth a visit. There are good bus connections to Bolivar City and all towns in the North of Venezuela.

The climate is hot and humid.

Substantial amounts of oil hava been discovered in the Western parts of the delta which is being exploited regardless of ecological damage.

The delta is covered mostly by mangrove swamp but there is a huge range of other flora and fauna making it one of the worlds most ecologically diverse places.