Route to Río Brito

Río Brito is a destination located in the state of Sucre in Venezuela. This area is ideal for hiking routes of low difficulty, with few elevation changes, on which hikers will have to cross the river several times (at least five times or more) if they wish to reach the camping areas, which lie approximately 4 hours into the trek. During the walk they will come upon a series of houses located near the riverbanks and, little by little, at an undemanding pace, they will move away from civilization and into an area privileged by nature, where crystal-clear waters, pools, and small waterfalls await them. A place is only as good as its people, and what you will surely find in the residents throughout your adventure will be kind, hardworking, and cheerful folk. How to get there? The most natural way to reach this destination is by setting out from the state capital, the city of Cumaná; from there you take the road toward the city of Cumanacoa, a little farther south in the state, near the foothills of the Turimiquire mountain range. By private vehicle or public transport it will take no more than 30 minutes. To arrive by public transport you must depart from the Cumaná passenger bus terminal; ask for the bus stop toward Cumanacoa, and once the seats are filled the vehicle will set off. Once on the road you must stay alert, because you will need to get off in the Barrancas sector to begin the route. Cost? The cost of the activity can vary depending on the duration or the scope of the excursion. If your intention is to camp for only one day, you will basically need to take into account in your budget: food for one day of hiking and round-trip transport to the city. A good approximation of the cost of the excursion is 4$ USD per person. What to bring? You should bring a liter and a half of water for hydration; once upriver, drinking water directly from the streams is safe. As for hiking gear, at the personal level: (1) good-quality boots or athletic shoes for walking, since you will have to cross the river several times — water shoes are ideal when walking over the stones, as they tend to be flexible and do not slip easily, and alternating them with your boots is a good option to keep the boots from getting wet. (2) light, quick-drying athletic clothing; avoid jeans or garments that hinder mobility, and aim for long trousers and long-sleeved shirts to avoid insect bites or scrapes with the vegetation. (3) a bathing suit. (4) a camera. (5) insect repellent. (6) a waterproof jacket. (7) sunscreen. (8) a sleeping mat. (9) a sleeping bag. (10) a hiking backpack. At the group level, the usual: a tent, plates and cutlery, a flashlight, soap, toothpaste, plastic bags, knives, toilet paper, a first-aid kit, and anything else you consider pertinent to your comfort. Recommendations (1) The trails on the route are not difficult to traverse for a person with no prior experience of it; nevertheless, it is recommended that you go with a guide or someone who has gone before, in order to avoid mishaps. (2) Avoid going during the rainy season, as the rivers can rise quickly and cause disasters that may endanger your safety. (3) Swim or cross the rivers with caution, since there may be unpredictable drops in depth. © Alejandro Guipe | All Rights Reserved.