Venezuela: Overview
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is located to the north of South America and limits with Guyana and the Atlantic Ocean to the east; with Brazil, to the south and with Colombia, to the southwest. Besides these limits, it shares marine frontiers, in the Caribbean Sea, with Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, the Leewards Antilles, Aruba, Trinidad and Tobago, Martinique, the Virgin Islands and Guadalupe. This is a country of giants; it has the third-longest river and the highest waterfalls in the world, South America’s biggest lake and some of the best landscapes in the whole planet. To the west rise the snowy picks of the Andes, while to the east the Gran Savana plateau and its flat-topped mountains overlook the white sanded beaches, the turquoise Caribbean Sea and the coconuts palms. The south is immerse in the steamy and exuberant Amazonian.
Climate
The high tourist season in Venezuela last all year long, however, before planning a trip you should consider the country’s school vacations and the climatic conditions. The dry season goes from the end of November to the beginning of May, while the wet season takes over the remaining months. The finest moment to travel to Venezuela is during the dry season, especially if you want to enjoy some outdoor activities or long walks. However, if you want to visit the Angel Falls you should do it in the wet season, after the heaviest rains, when the waterfalls are in all their glory.
Besides this, it is necessary to keep in mind that Venezuelans love visiting their relatives and friends and going to the beach during Christmas time (until mid January), Carnival and Holly Week. So, to enjoy Venezuela in these colourful and cheerful times it is necessary to plan everything with enough anticipation.
Some recommendations
The used currency is the bolivar. In most of the main cities is easy to change traveller’s checks or American dollars at casas de cambio (money exchange offices). However, it is necessary to be careful with the American dollars’ black market; do not look for change at unofficial places. There are also many ATMs in the country; most of them work with Cirrus, Plus, Visa and MasterCard. The first Mondays of the month the ATMs lines can be too long since many banks are closed. Moreover, the previous day to holiday weekends it is probable that ATMs dry out before noon. Tipping is not an obligation neither it is expected; although in most high-end restaurants it is common tipping up to 10%.
Security level in Venezuela is not very reassuring, especially in Caracas, where non violent and violent crime’s rates are quite high. It is important to be informed about the areas that you should avoid, and to follow locals’ advice. The highway going from Caracas to the International Airport Maiquetía is one of the most common places for armed criminals, so it is not advisable to travel at night or during the less busy hours. Besides this, the political situation is not completely stable, which cause frequent manifestations and protests. The best thing to do is to stay away from them and the places where they are happening, since they can be violent. Stay informed about the political situation of the places you are planning to visit and be aware of possible disturbances.
Where to go
Caracas, the capital city of the country, is dominated by Cerro de Ávila and it stands out for its magnificent buildings, wide avenues, monuments and beautiful parks and public walks. Among other things, is worthwhile going to the International Theater Festival -carried out once a year- or to the Mercedes area, if you want to dance; walking along the Coast Area, to enjoy the nature; and visiting Casa Amarilla, the National Art Gallery, Museo de los niños or Caracas Sacred Museum.
The Amazon Forest, to the south of the country, will dazzle you with its beauty, exuberant plants, animals and rivers. There, the city of Port Ayacucho, the Orinoco River, the Sipapo and the Autana are some of the places that will not be forgotten.
Canaima is a remote town on an incredible stretch of Río Carrao, by a red wine colored lagoon and a pink beach.
The amazing Angel Falls fall from the flat-topped Auyantepui, one of the many mountains of the Great Savanna.
The Caribbean Coast is the ideal place for outdoor activities as snorkelling, diving, fishing, sailing or sunbathing on the idyllic white sanded beaches while enjoying the turquoise waters and the coconuts palms.
Isla Margarita is one of the best islands and it is also easy accessible from the mainland. This is one of the most famous vocational spots among Venezuelans.
Between soul-moving skies and the infinite plain is Los Llanos, with its shiny birds, amazing animal life and llaneros (Venezuelan cowboys). You cannot travel to Venezuela and not visit this place, where Virgen de Coromoto, patron saint of the country, appeared.
Festivals
The most important and exuberant festival in the country is the Carnival that takes place on the Monday and Tuesday previous to Ash Wednesday. In this party dances, music, and masquerades are plentiful and varied among the different regions of the country. The cities of Carúpano and Callao have the best Carnival celebrations.
Other Venezuelan festivals are related to Christian celebrations. Among them, Easter, Christmas and Corpus Christi are the most famous ones.
