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General Information

Venezuela boasts South America's largest lake and third-longest river, the highest waterfall in the world, the longest of all snakes, and some of the most spectacular landscapes you'll ever see. Add to this the varied landscapes of the snowcapped peaks of the Andes in the west, the steamy Amazonian jungles in the south, the beautiful Gran Sabana plateau that has several strange flat-topped mountains, and miles of white-sand beaches on the Caribbean coast; and many believe that this is a vacation paradise. Contact the Embassy of Venezuela, 202-342-2214, for information about Venezuela.  Venezuela was one of three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Ecuador and New Granada, which became Colombia). For most of the first half of the 20th century, Venezuela was ruled by generally benevolent military strongmen, who promoted the oil industry and allowed for some social reforms. Democratically elected governments have held sway since 1959. Hugo CHAVEZ, president since 1999, seeks to implement his "21st Century Socialism," which purports to alleviate social ills while at the same time attacking globalization and undermining regional stability. Current concerns include: a weakening of democratic institutions, political polarization, a politicized military, drug-related violence along the Colombian border, increasing internal drug consumption, overdependence on the petroleum industry with its price fluctuations, and irresponsible mining operations that are endangering the rain forest and indigenous peoples. Travel Etiquette Learn the Language Best Time to Go Money and Costs

Travel Etiquette
Behavior and customs vary greatly from country to country. We discuss the correct travel etiquette so that you won't be caught out. TravelEtiquette was formed to offer a unique reference point on essential etiquette advice and information for worldwide travel. Our features and articles are written by professional journalists and experts - who have a particular interest, or a background in this area. So – know before you go. Visit TravelEtiquette so you will know how to, as the old adage states, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

Learn the Language
The official language is Spanish. However, you will find English pretty well spoken in the larger cities and resort areas.
 

Learn Spanish Today!  Isn't it time you learned another language? Spanish is fast becoming one of the most popular language in the world. Countries in Europe, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, North America and Africa have countries where Spanish is the local language. These countries include Spain, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Cube, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Equatorial Guinea and Mexico. If you plan to visit any of these countries, why not learn the language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Click on Learn Spanish Today to see how you can get FREE SPANISH LESSONS!

You will enjoy your visit to Venezuela if you know the language - or at least, some of the language. Visit the Getting Away Language Learning Center to find out how you can make your visit more meaningful. The Getting Away Language Learning Center will give you all of the information you will need to begin learning today!

Best Time to Go
Venezuela is one of those places where the tourist season runs year-round. However, for the best time, you will want to consider the different Venezuelan holidays and the climate to find the best time for you. The country has a wet and a dry season. The dry season is from late November to early May, and the wet season would be the remainder of the year. Probably the more pleasant time to visit, particularly for hiking or other outdoor activities, would be during the dry season. But, when sightseeing in cities or towns, the rain won't be much of a bother. Some sights, such as waterfalls, are actually more impressive in the wet season as they are more active. Angel Falls is absolutely spectacular after heavy rains in the wet months, but may be little more than a thin ribbon of water in the dry season. Additionally, you may find that the falls can be inaccessible by boat in dry months.

The Christmas holiday is not a particularly good time to visit as that is when Venezuelans do a lot of traveling to visit friends, family and the beach. In fact, the beaches stay pretty busy well into mid-January. Carnaval is the season beginning several days prior to Ash Wednesday, and the Holy Wee, (Semana Santa) is held during the week before Easter Sunday. These periods are colorful and alive with a host of festivities so you will want to plan well in advance for accommodation and transport.

Money and Costs
According to Latin American standards, Venezuela is a moderate to high priced country. Caracas is very expensive and should not be considered as a destination for those on a budget. Visitors will find that the higher prices drop outside of the major cities. Interestingly enough, visitors will find that the US dollar is by far the most popular form of international currency. You can also do quite nicely with either  euros and pound sterling as they can be exchanged at some places. If carrying travelers checks, American Express is best. Visa and MasterCard credit cards have the best coverage for both cash advances and for making payments in hotels, restaurants and some shops.

The unit of Venezuelan currency is the bolívar. There are paper notes of 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000 bolívares. President Chávez announced his intention to rename the bolívar to 'bolívar fuerte' (strong bolívar) and to remove three zeros from the currency, so that one bolívar fuerte would equal 1000 bolívares. The change was to take place in January 2008 and it is hoped that this move will ease growing inflation problems.

US dollars and travelers checks can be exchanged in banks and casas de cambio (cash exchange offices) in main towns and cities. You should be aware that there is a thriving black market for US dollars and euros and many people will ask you to change currency in airports, bus stations or the center of towns. You can sometimes get a much better rate with these money traders, but do so at your own risk and only if you know what you are doing so you won't get ripped off.

By far, ATMs)are the easiest way of getting cash. Most ATMs are linked to Cirrus and Plus and should accept international Visa and MasterCard. Be sure to check with your bank before you leave home to make sure that you have the proper codes. Beware that lines for ATMs can be very long, especially the first Monday of the month, when many banks are closed, and the machines are often cashed-out by mid-morning.

When changing money, be careful. Some of the notes of various denominations have similar colors and are easily confused. Before you travel, check an exchange rate to see where the bolívar stands versus your currency.

Currency Exchange - Get your currency needs managed in advance! Many airports, railroad stations, bus depots, and other points of entry have no currency exchange. When currency exchange is available in airports, lines can be long and rates can be "sky high". These long waits and usurious fees can be a nightmare.  Order in advance from All Foreign Currency right online. It's fast, easy, and you save time and money! The can also provide you with Travelers' checks, bank drafts, and transfers. U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere and rates can be atrocious! Current Exchange Rate: Check Today's Exchange Rate

If you have something you believe should be added to this section of Getting Away, please send the information to Jim at Getting Away. mailto: jimbruner@gettingaway.com

Getting To and Around in Venezuela
Passport Information
Visa Information
Getting To Venezuela
Tours to and in Venezuela
Getting Around in Venezuela

Passports

Passports
All visitors must have a passport valid for at least six months (if entering with a visa) or for the duration of stay (if entering with a Tourist Entry Card).

Visa Information
Visas
Required by all except the following, who do, however, require a Tourist Entry Card (TEC), which is issued free of charge by an authorised air carrier on presentation of valid air tickets (including return or onward ticket) for stays of maximum 90 days:
►nationals of countries mentioned in the chart above, except number 1 below:
►1. nationals of Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia and Malta who do need a visa;
►nationals of Andorra, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Grenada, Guatemala, Hong Kong (SAR), Iceland, Jamaica, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands Antilles, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Venezuela, Romania, San Marino, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Trinidad & Tobago and Uruguay.
Further, more detailed information can be found on the E-World Guide.

Getting To Venezuela
Most visitors arrive in Caracas. Flights to Caracas arrive from the US and Western European countries almost daily. From Australia and New Zealand, round-the-world tickets may be the cheapest and most flexible option. There are direct flights between Venezuela, Colombia and Brazil, although the latter can be very expensive.

You can also arrive by boat as weekly passenger boats operate between Venezuela and Trinidad

Visitors can arrive overland from Colombia at four border crossings. The two most common (and safest) are: the coastal route between Maicao and Maracaibo and from Cúcuta and San Antonio del Táchira. There are not any road links between Guyana and Venezuela, and there is only one road that connects Brazil with Venezuela. This road leads from Manaus through Boa Vista to Santa Elena de Uairén and continues to Ciudad Guayana. Long-distance international buses operate from Caracas.

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Orinoco & the Lost World - 16 days - Flight inclusive Venezuela Tour ref: VZ - From $3,526 per person Summit Roraima | Included overflight of Angel Falls | Explore the Orinoco Delta Trek up Roraima - the Lost World - and float down the Orinoco The Adventure Company provides the best in adventure travel.

Click on The Adventure Company link below for additional information and current pricing.

Getting Around in Venezuela
Caracas' airport is the country's major aviation hub, with flights to Porlamar, Maracaibo, Mérida, Ciudad Bolívar, Canaima and Puerto Ordaz (Ciudad Guayana) and a few other places. There are about a half-a-dozen major commercial airlines and a few more provincial carriers that cover regional and remote routes. You can also find a private pilot to get you around.

Although the country has several islands, only Isla de Margarita is serviced by regular scheduled boats and ferries. However, it it is possible to hire someone with a boat to take you to and from the other islands.

Buses are generally fast and affordable with regular schedules (day and night) between major population centers. Caracas is the most important transport hub with transportation to just about every corner of the country. Many short-distance regional routes are served by por puestos (literally 'by the seat'). This vehicle is a cross between a bus and a taxi. You can rent a car and this makes a good, comfortable and flexible way of getting around Venezuela. Some travelers may also want to hire a driver. The country is reasonably safe, the network of roads is extensive and usually in acceptable shape, and gas is just about the cheapest in the world - you can fill up your tank for a dollar. However, traffic in Venezuela, especially in Caracas, is chaotic and requires someone who has learned to drive in London, Rome, Paris or New York City!

If you have something you believe should be added to this section of Getting Away, please send the information to Jim at Getting Away. mailto: jimbruner@gettingaway.com

Cities, Towns and Areas of Venezuela

Caracas - My preferred hotel chain is Marriott. I have stayed Residence Inns, which are prefect for longer stays with all the comforts of home; Spring Hill Suites, which I have found nice for longer stays as the have up to 25% more room than comparably priced rooms; Towne Place Suites, again when I want more room or am on a longer stay; Courtyard by Marriott, which has everything the business traveler needs, as well as families; Courtyard, Fairfield Inn, which I find spacious, comfortable and affordable. Another great idea is to stay at one of the JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts where you can enjoy a new dimension for your vacation or holiday. and Marriott Hotels and Resorts and have found them all to be of consistent quality and service. I have also stayed at some of their Vacation Club properties and have enjoyed each visit. AAA members can get discount rates at Marriott, as can Seniors. Click on Great Getaways for less at Marriott for special officers and great deals at Marriott hotels worldwide!

Coming Soon. In the meantime, if you have something you believe should be added to this sectuib of Getting Away, please send the information to Jim at Getting Away. mailto: jimbruner@gettingaway.com

Accommodations in Venezuela

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Colonia Tovar
It is hard to believe you are in South America when you visit this piece of old Germany lost in the Venezuelan cloud forest. This scenic town of red-tile-roof houses lies scattered on a mountainside in the Cordillera de la Costa. It was founded in 1843 by a group of 376 German settlers from the Black Forest. Isolated from the outer world by the lack of roads and rules prohibiting marriage outside the colony, the village followed the mother culture, language and architecture for a century. Today things have changed a bit as in the 1940s Spanish was introduced as the official language and the ban on marrying outside the community was abandoned. Today Colonia Tovar draws many visitors both from within Venezuela and outside of the country, especially on weekends. The all travel there not only to enjoy the traditional architecture, but also to enjoy the German sausages, candied apples and strawberries and cream. Although the town is very busy (and touristy and kitsch) on the weekends, visitors can enjoy the beautiful surroundings and cordial inhabitants in relative peace on weekdays.

Coming Soon. In the meantime, if you have something you believe should be added to this section of Getting Away, please send the information to Jim at Getting Away. mailto: jimbruner@gettingaway.com

Dining in Venezuela

Coming Soon. In the meantime, if you have something you believe should be added to this section of Getting Away, please send the information to Jim at Getting Away. mailto: jimbruner@gettingaway.com

Things to See and Do

Archipiélago Los Roques
Assessable by cargo boat from La Guaira port, and by plane from Maiquetía or Isla de Margarita; Los Roques is a group of nearly 300 shimmering, sandy islands and islets that lie in the beautiful aquamarine waters north of Caracas. Unlike other Caribbean islands, there are no high-rise hotels and therefore no mass tourism and no cruise ships. For those who appreciate beaches, snorkeling and diving, a trip here is worth every bolívar (dollar, pound euro...). With the exception of the resident pelicans, the majority of the islands are uninhabited and can be visited by boats from Gran Roque.

Catatumbo Lightning
This is something that has to be seen to be believed. Found nowhere else on earth, this is an area where lightning flashes virtually nonstop, but without a single clap of thunder. This stunning natural phenomenon occurs in this bizarre national park on the southwest side of Lake Maracaibo. Known as the Relámpago de Catatumbo (Catatumbo Lightning), when the weather permits, the flashes can be seen at night all over the region. On clear, dry nights you are in for an unbelievable and shocking experience. It is believed that the clash of cold winds descending from the freezing Andean highlands with the hot, humid air evaporating from the lake is what produces the ionization of air particles that are responsible for the lightning.

Cueva del Guácharo
This is Venezuela's longest cave system with over six miles of stalactites and stalagmites, and thousands of guácharos (oilbirds), which live in total darkness and leave the cave only at night in search of food. From August to December, there are some 10,000 of them in the cave. Unique to this part of the world, the oilbird has a radar-location system (similar to bats) and enormous whiskers that enable it to navigate and feel about in the dark. You can camp at the entrance to the cave after closing time and watch the birds pouring out of the cave mouth in the early evening.

Parque Nacional Henri Pittier
This is the oldest and most diverse national park in the country. It offers something for everyone from a a gorgeous coastline for beach lovers to a huge variety of species for bird-watchers. Mixed in are hiking trails and interesting colonial towns. The park was created in 1937 and named for Swiss botanist Henri Pittier. Nearly 600 species of birds have been identified in the park, along with tapirs, deer, pumas, agoutis, peccaries, ocelots, opossums, armadillos, monkeys, snakes, frogs and bats.
 

Orinoco & the Lost World - 16 days - Flight inclusive Venezuela Tour ref: VZ - From $3,526 per person Summit Roraima | Included overflight of Angel Falls | Explore the Orinoco Delta Trek up Roraima - the Lost World - and float down the Orinoco The Adventure Company provides the best in adventure travel.

Click on The Adventure Company link below for additional information and current pricing.

If you have something you believe should be added to this section of Getting Away, please send the information to Jim at Getting Away. mailto: jimbruner@gettingaway.com

Links for Venezuela

Current Exchange Rate: Check Today's Exchange Rate

When it comes to travel guides and other travel resource information, I personally prefer the travel guides and books put out by Fodor.

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