Playa La pared VenezuelaVenezuela is a republic in South America it is bordered on the north by the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, on the east by Guyana, on the south by Brazil, and on the south-west and west by Colombia.
Venezuela has an incredibly diverse landscape with 43 National Parks and 21 Nature Reserves and provides habitats for varied and exuberant flora and fauna. Venezuela's most unusual natural formations are the Tepuis, flat topped mountains looming more than 1000m above open savannas, with moonlike landscapes and unusual flora.
The capital, Caracas, has many historical sites including the cathedral and Simon Bolivar's birth place, theatres, art galleries and museums as well as popular bars and restaurants. Caracas is said to be a huge, vibrant, energetic South American city, that is known in bringing together the tremendously wealthy and the desperately poor. In Caracas, gravity is defied by the city's skyscrapers and the teetering shantytowns that cover the hills around it.
When to go
The tourist season in Venezuela runs year-round so, really, anytime you visit is OK. However, the dry season is more pleasant for travelling, although some sights including the famous Angel Falls are certainly more impressive in the wet season.
Currency
Venezuelan currency is the Bolivar. The Bolivar is divided into 100 centimes. There are 1/2, 1, 2 and 5 bolivar coins and 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 bolivar notes.
Getting Around Venezuela
I found travelling by bus around Venezuela the best option. As there is no passenger train service in Venezuela, most traveling is done by bus. Buses are generally fast, and they run regularly day and night between major population centers. Bus transportation is reasonably cheap in Venezuela; you probably won't go wrong if you allow US$1.50 to US$2 per hour (or roughly 60km) on a bus. Although if you prefer to travel in more comfort such as by car you will find the country is reasonably safe, and the network of roads is extensive and usually in acceptable shape. Gas stations are numerous and fuel is just about the cheapest in the world - US$0.03 to US$0.06 per liter, depending on the octane level. You can fill up your tank for a dollar!
Food in Venezuela
The food in Venezuela has a lot of European influence. (Especially Italian, Spanish and French) and you will find it quite flavorful. You can also find indigenous as well as African influence. Venezuela is a large and diverse country, so you will find each region has its own distinctive regional cooking.
On the coast high quality fish, shellfish, crayfish, fish soups as well as fish stews are found. But if you travel to the Andean region you will find the food to be quite different. Even the most famous dish the Arepa, is not made of cornmeal but wheat. Here you can find cured meats and sausages which are sold in many rural villages.
Things to see and Do
Amazon JungleAmazon Jungle
The southern Amazonas region is thick with tropical rain forest, criss-crossed by rivers, and home to a number of isolated Indian tribes. The charming, balmy town of Puerto Ayacucho is rife with tour operators ready to whisk you deep into the Venezuelan Amazon on the Orinoco, Sipapo or Autana rivers.
Archipielago Los Rocques
Los Roques is a beautiful archipelago of coral islands comprising the Archipiélago Los Roques National Park. It consists of some 40 islands big enough to deserve names, and 250 other unnamed islets, sandbars and cays. The archipelago's white-sand beaches are clean and lovely (although shadeless) and the coral reefs offer great snorkelling and scuba-diving.
Cueva Del Guacharo
Cueva del Guácharo (Guácharo Cave) is Venezuela's longest, most magnificent cave. Depending on when you come, you'll find between 8000 to 18,000 (oilbirds) here. The birds inhabit only the first chamber of the cave, the 750m/2460ft-long Humboldt Hall. The cave also has amazing geological formations. All visits are by a 90-minute guided tour.
Angels fallsAngel Falls
Salto ángel or (Angel Falls) is the world's highest waterfall. Its total height is 979m (3211ft), of which the uninterrupted drop is 807m (2646ft), about 16
Sierra DePerija National Park
Another imposing feature of the Venezuelan landscape, the park gives birth to most of the country's rivers, as well as housing some of its most amazing flora and fauna, including Capuchin and Howler Monkeys, and the brilliantly-named Spectacled Bear. Organized tours are available, while camping below the mountains (which soar to 3,500 meters high), is also permitted.
Los Llanos
Once home to the intrepid llanero cowboys, the vast plains stretch further than the eye can see, and are completely transformed by the changing of the seasons. During the rainy season, much of the region is underwater, with some unforgettable sights provided during sunset. The dry season sees the animal population converging with capybaras, jaguars, foxes and crocodiles all living (at least vaguely!) contentedly alongside one another.
Passports and Visas
A Passport is required in Venezuela and is valid for six months on arrival required by all nationals. Whereas Visa are not required by all nationals.
Accommodation In Venezuela
Hotels are easily found throughout the country in a wide range of prices, with the exception of Caracas where budget accommodations are scarce. Book ahead if you plan to visit Isla de Margarita, Archipiélago Los Roques, Canaima or other major destinations during holiday periods
One of the many Posadas in venezuelaAn appealing alternative to hotels, in Venezuela are posadas are generally low-key family-operated inns, often in atmospheric colonial homes. Amenities vary widely, with the smaller establishments offering humble accommodations and the larger ones sporting swimming pools and volleyball courts. Posadas are found in both urban and rural areas.
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