We honestly believe that Venezuela offers an amazing experience for independent travellers looking for a variety of landscapes and wildlife. However, the production of oil has overshadowed other sectors of the economy including tourism. Apart from charter packages to Margarita island, tourism in the country is still in its infancy and therefore we would like to stress that it may not suit everyone.
Even other countries within Latin America are considerably more developed and professional in terms of general standards. It should be noted that English is not widely spoken around the country. A basic grasp of Spanish will be appreciated by the locals but you can still enjoy the country without it.
It is vital to approach the country with some humour and patience - do not expect things to run like clockwork! However, we have appointed an excellent local company on the ground which will always do its best to ensure your holiday is enjoyable and address any issues that may arise.
You should dress down, not wear expensive jewellery or watches, or carry large amounts of cash. If you have a digital camera or video camcorder, please be discrete. One of these items may represent 6 months wages for a local. The shanty town districts on the outskirts of Caracas are definitely no go areas. If you want to skip the crowds and high prices, we recommend you avoid the month of August, Christmas, Carnival periods and Easter.
Accommodation
Good lodges are in short supply and service can sometimes be slow and indifferent. Generally, properties are very rustic and simple - although there are some notable exceptions such as Waku lodge in Canaima.
In a number of places, we have selected ‘posadas’- small, charming family run guesthouses. These offer a more personal service than the hotels which tend to focus on weddings and large parties. Please note that some of the properties do not have hot water. Where there is a good choice of restaurants nearby, we will book your stay on bed and breakfast - otherwise, we include meals
where appropriate. A number of the lodges do not have English speaking staff.
Getting around
Driving can be unpredictable and there is an absence of road signage. Therefore, we have decided to not offer self-drive itineraries as an option at the present time. Instead, our holidays are based on private transfers and internal flights.
Travelling around the country requires considerable patience as internal flights are often chaotic and delayed and roads in more remote parts are in a poor condition. A number of the internal flights are on 6 seater Cessna aircraft where you may end up as co-pilot! If you are nervous of flying, please ask us for further details. Airport terminal screens can not be relied upon as they are often incorrect. Listen carefully to airport staff who wander around the terminal (near the gate) casually calling the name of the flight - keep asking if the flight is ready to depart! Seats are not allocated on internal flights.
Please note: Flights within Venezuela are relatively expensive. Approximately $160 per person per flight (£84). However, due to the vast distances and absence of a good road network, flights are largely unavoidable. Road checks conducted by the National Guard are very common throughout the whole country. Please carry your passport at all times otherwise you may incur a minimum $100 fine.
Internal flights - baggage allowance
Internal airlines in Venezuela only allow a maximum of 10 kg per person. They will charge approximately $1 for each extra kilo above 10 kg (some airlines will charge more). It is possible to leave excess luggage with our local ground agent in Caracas. However, please note we will not accept any liability for the contents of the suitcase. Soft rucksacks/bags should be used for internal flights so these can be manipulated into small plane holds. The small charter flights to/from Santa Elena and Canaima will only accept a maximum of 10 kg per person. Large, hard backed cases will not be accepted by the domestic airlines.
Excursions
Care should be taken when booking excursions locally - a number of operators do not operate within professional guidelines and also charge high prices. We recommend that you ask around locally or contact our local agent in Caracas for guidance.
Currency
In early 2008 Venezuela added a new currency called the Bolivar Fuerte in addition to the Venezuelan Bolivares. We recommend that you take USD $ cash and change $100 at frequent intervals during your stay. Travellers cheques are not widely accepted with the exception of the main banks in Caracas. Credit cards are accepted at shops and hotels - however, the exchange rate will be poor and there will normally be a charge made by your bank. Exchange rates change frequently but at the time of going to press approximately 2.15 Bolivar Fuerte = 1 $ USD. The annual rate of inflation is between 12-16%.
Visas
If arriving by air, travellers with British passports can enter the country for up to 90 days on a tourist card (supplied for you to complete on the outbound flight). You should have a valid return ticket with you. You must not overstay the 90 days as you may be arrested and fined when departing. Please ensure that your passport has 6 months to run. Your passport should be carried around with you at all times as it may be required at the numerous road check points. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is stamped in and out when you cross frontiers. The absence of entry and exit stamps can cause serious difficulties. Do not lose your entry card or the carbon copy of your tourist card, as this has to be surrendered when leaving the country. Please note when travelling overland into Venezuela a visa is required (regardless of your nationality) and your passport must be valid for 1 year. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is also required. If you are a foreign national living in the UK, please ensure that you have all the correct papers before leaving the UK. If your paperwork is not in order, you will be refused entry back into the UK and fined a minimum of £2,000 per person and we cannot be held responsible for the consequences.
Language
The official language is Spanish. English is not widely spoken outside Caracas.
Some knowledge of German and Italian can also help.
Vaccinations / Health
Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio, and Hepatitis ‘A’ vaccinations are advisable, as well as a course of anti-malaria tablets. Reduce mosquito bites by the use of a good skin repellent with ideally 50% Deet content.We also recommend use of a sun block to protect your skin against the strong tropical sun. In places such as Los Roques, a total 100% sun block is advisable as the sun is very intensive. The heat and humidity of the tropics make you sweat profusely and can also make you feel lethargic - to avoid cramps and heat exhaustion it is important to maintain a high fluid intake and ensure your food is well salted. Please ensure you use bottled water rather than using tap water (avoid ice in your drinks). You should always check with your doctor for the latest health requirements no later than four weeks before your departure. Altitude sickness may be a problem in the Andes and Canaima National Park so please take the following precautions: upon arrival rest and acclimatise to the altitude. When climbing hills walk slowly. Drink extra fluids and eat light meals.
Food & Drink
The varied culture is reflected in the cuisine combining Indian, European and African touches. The local dishes are pabellon (a dish consisting of black beans, rice, meat and fried plantain), cachapas (a round thin bread made of ground maize), trout and the traditional arepas (Indian bread made of maize). On the coast, you will find fish soup, crayfish, small oysters and prawns. The cost of a typical 3 course meal per person ranges from $25 (Approximately £13.00) in the Andes to $48 Bs (approximately £25.00) in Caracas (excluding wine/beer). Polar beer is good and readily available. Imported wine tends to be very expensive.
Hotel Gradings
There is no official class or star system for accommodation. The accommodation is generally rustic and simple - all rooms have private facilities but in some lodges only cold water is available. Breakfasts usually comprise of toast, eggs, cold meats, cheese, orange juice and coffee.
Weather / When to Go
Venezuela is a year-round destination. Most regions enjoy good weather for large parts of the year. Although it varies slightly area by area, the dry season runs roughly from November to May which is a better period for hiking and other outdoor activities. However, the falls are inaccessible by boat during this period. The wet season normally provides plenty of sunshine as well as regular tropical downpours and landscapes are fresh and lush and waterfalls are at their most spectacular. Temperatures are fairly constant all year round with most regions between 28-30 °C August, December, January, Easter and Carnival periods are considered the high season months when the resorts are at their busiest and the prices are higher.
Time
Venezuela is 5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time.
Recommended Reading
Venezuela guides published by Footprint and Lonely Planet provide useful tips and insight into the country.
For more information please see the Venezuelan Embassy website >
