EXPLORING VENEZUELA

Charles Brewer Carías is 78 years old and he is an explorer. He explored many different places in Venezuela. He discovered new plants, animals and even caves in mountains and jungles of Venezuela.

He is one of the most famous explorers in Venezuela. He often explores the “tepuis.” These are plateaus of Venezuela. They are above Venezuela’s rainforests and plains. One of those is Angel Falls. This is the world’s tallest waterfall. He flew in a helicopter over the waterfall many times to learn more about it.

Five years ago Charles made a great discovery. He discovered a giant cave. The cave is about 4.5 kilometers long and 40 meters high. They gave his name to the cave.

He also explored underwater. In 1998 he found a fleet of 17th century French ships under the sea near Venezuela’s Las Aves Islands.

Brewer’s father was from Britain. He married a Venezuelan woman and stayed in Venezuela. His father was also interested in science. His father wanted Charles to be a dentist when he grew up. But Charles didn’t want that so in 1961 he went to live with Indians in Venezuela. He learned their language. He also began exploring wild areas of Venezuela while he was there.

The 78-year-old man still continues working. He has eight books about his travels. His books have pictures that Charles took.

He says it is important to be curious to be a great explorer. He also says that you can’t learn more if you don’t know what you want to learn.