South America - Traveling to Caracas, Venezuela - travel tips & recommendations?

Hi there,

I've been a member for a while, first posting, so please be gentle. ;) I'm thinking about going to CCS the last week of May (searched the forums and all information seems to be pre-2010, unless I missed something). Looking for travel tips and recommendations. I'm a single woman - I've read that it's unsafe to wander around by myself, but is it REALLY that bad...?

thanks so much!

What I remember the most from CCS is eating out a lot, those restaurants served so many side dishes and great food ^

I'd say that the cable car to the El Ávila mountain is worth a visit, great views from the city, the mountains and the coast.

The official exchange will make everything seem expensive, so if possible, ask a friend or acquaintance to help you exchange USD to Bolívares at a better rate than the "official" one.

The official one is 4.3 VEF to USD, the unofficial one is 8 VEF to USD, almost a 100% difference. From my impression everyone used the unofficial one to calculate foreign prices, as the amount of USD a Venezuelan can obtain at an official rate is limited by law.

Yes, it's pretty unsafe to be wandering around by yourself. What is drawing you to Caracas?

Alone is not smart...male or female. Not even in a taxi (especially in a taxi?)
I was there last month and I'm headed back in a couple weeks.
CCS airport is one of the worst I've experienced.

Caracas may still hold the world record for murders within a 24-hour period.

If you could somehow get to the rest of Venezuela without going through CCS, you're much better off....I just don't know how to do that short of going into Colombia or Guyana and making an overland trek....which is probably even more risky than CCS.

Caracas left such a bad taste in my mouth. It's the perfect storm of being horribly expensive, unsafe, dirty, crowded and corrupt....and Venezuelan beer is perhaps the worst on the planet.

Canaima is worth the effort.^

Yes, it's pretty unsafe to be wandering around by yourself. What is drawing you to Caracas?
SJOGuy, a friend of mine is performing at Teatro Teresa Carreno over the weekend and asked me to go. I am trying to figure out if it is worth extending my stay to go to Angel Falls or to visit the city itself (through a tour company - any recs?). My sisters have sent me the state department website with everything bad that could happen to a person highlighted. It's a bit discouraging, but I figure the state department is all about worst-case scenarios?

....and Venezuelan beer is perhaps the worst on the planet.

Canaima is worth the effort.^

Airmotive, I will make every effort to avoid the beer there. LOL! But unfortunately, I need to be in CCS. My question is, should I simply stay in the hotel room the entire time, or is it safe to wander properly escorted.

I just don't know how to do that short of going into Colombia or Guyana and making an overland trek....which is probably even more risky than CCS.


I appreciate that the OP wants to be in CCS but for the record, the crossings at both Maracibo and Cúcuta are safe and well trodden. Land routes take forever but you can fly to Cúcuta and Maracaibo from Bogotá and for the latter you can pick up a bus in Santa Marta or Riohacha. On the bus you travel through La Guajira which is spectacular and the only part of Latin America where the local indians whooped the conquistadores. The area still has its own Wayúu laws and many don't even consider it to be part of Colombia. I must go soon, it looks like a must-see

It's a bit discouraging, but I figure the state department is all about worst-case scenarios?

The US state department ought to temper its rhetoric somewhat because it is so hysterical about everywhere that the advice becomes useless. Check the US state department's travel advice for the United Kingdom and then ask yourself if they make Venezuela sound much worse.

SJOGuy, a friend of mine is performing at Teatro Teresa Carreno over the weekend and asked me to go. I am trying to figure out if it is worth extending my stay to go to Angel Falls or to visit the city itself (through a tour company - any recs?). My sisters have sent me the state department website with everything bad that could happen to a person highlighted. It's a bit discouraging, but I figure the state department is all about worst-case scenarios?

Raul Helicopters runs a good operation out of Puerto Ordaz. (Pto Ordaz is a cheap, 1 hour flight from CCS). If you can swing a night or two in Canaima (closest villiage to Angel Falls), definately try to budget that. (especially since the fickle weather in the area can play havoc with aerial tours of Angle Falls). Canaima is way out in the bush, right on the river next to some spectacular falls....yet had the best cellular service of anywhere in Venezuela!:confused:

www.raulhelicopteros.com

I'm sure there are other good operators in the area, but Raul is the only one I'm familiar with. There are some real yahoos flying tourists out there as well, and I witnessed some flying that would get a pilot's licenses pulled on-the-spot if done in the US.

Decided to stay stateside rather than risk going. Talked to people (Venezuelans and others who have worked there in the past) and every single person said that s/he would not risk going. Totally bummed, as I was really looking forward to visiting another country!

Venezuelan here. Yes, it's dangerous. No, you shouldn't go alone. Yes, you should go.

In general, you will find expats to be alarmists...sometimes within reason but usually not. My recommendation, if you get 1-2 friends to go with you (male or female), you'll be OK, especially if any of you speaks decent Spanish.

If you stay in decent hotels (overpriced by world standards), the staff will do their best to keep you safe and tell you where to go and not to go. And they will speak English.

Caracas is great. And dangerous, yes. But if you stick to the right areas and get there using hotel taxis you will have no problems.

What I remember the most from CCS is eating out a lot, those restaurants served so many side dishes and great food ^

I'd say that the cable car to the El Ávila mountain is worth a visit, great views from the city, the mountains and the coast.

The official exchange will make everything seem expensive, so if possible, ask a friend or acquaintance to help you exchange USD to Bolívares at a better rate than the "official" one.

The official one is 4.3 VEF to USD, the unofficial one is 8 VEF to USD, almost a 100% difference. From my impression everyone used the unofficial one to calculate foreign prices, as the amount of USD a Venezuelan can obtain at an official rate is limited by law.

+1
As of today:
Buy: 9.2 BsF per USD
Sell: 8.8BsF per USD

I think you made a very reasonable choice not to come here this time. At least NOT alone please. Especially if you are a female traveling alone. As someone said above. Male or Female it is better not to come alone, but as a Bachovas said with 1-2 friends.

You can skip Caracas altogether or visit us. But please do not miss Canaima and Los Roques. Being a Venezuelan i've never gone to Canaima so i can't input here. Been to Los Roques beaches though. Both locations are worth the trip. Plan accordingly.

The most easy and common way for Americans to get to Venezuela is via Miami. A 3h and a half our flight on an AA 757, or via NYC.

For intra-venezuela flights. I recommend CCS-PZO (Puerto Ordaz) book a flight with Conviasa in their brand new (2 years old) Bombardier CRJ-700 that operates the Caracas-Puerto Ordaz route.

I visited Caracas in February this year. Having read the safety warnings I was quite concerned. In the end, I didn't see anything bad or have any problems while there. But there is just nothing to recommend it. It is expensive, dirty and terribly unpleasant. There is an undercurrent of trouble in the city, much like I felt in Karachi when I was there a few years ago and parts of Joburg. You can feel it in the air and see it on people's faces. Not to mention the 20 foot electric fences all over the place :-)

You need to be prepared to change money on the black market unless you enjoy paying double London prices. The airport is a bit confusing, but again I didn't have any problems aside from figuring out how to pay the extra departure tax (they increased the departure tax on the day of my flight). I had to find an ATM and luckily found one that worked.

I hope to never go back to Caracas. What a dump. Do I think it is dangerous? Provided you keep out of the dodgy areas, don't walk around at night and don't be an idiot (e.g. Pulling out a fancy camera on a quiet street) you'd be very unlucky to have any problems. But more to the point..... The world is a big place, and just about everywhere I have ever been is infinitely nicer than Caracas... Wy the heck would anyone want to go there? But I know the answer. Curiosity. That's why I went there.

Headed to Caracas in early June. Staying at the JW Marriott in downtown. Yes, going by myself, but I do not plan to underestimate the risks involved (working on my Spanish as we speak). I'm relatively comfortable with bad areas (I grew up in a city as bad as Philly, and have spent four nights in Flint, MI, if you want perspective on my experience), but I realize Caracas can be a different level of bad. Any suggestions for getting from the airport in Maiquetia to downtown Caracas? I see some services that can be booked online, likely to go with one of those or see what the hotel recommends. I will note that I appear quite gringo so I'm not planning to venture very far, I'm realistic about this, but is there anything interesting to do? Will be arriving and departing the airport in the afternoon just as a note. Thanks for any assistance!

I'm relatively comfortable with bad areas (I grew up in a city as bad as Philly, and have spent four nights in Flint, MI, if you want perspective on my experience), but I realize Caracas can be a different level of bad.


You can´t compare any US city to Caracas.If you appear quite gringo then do yourself a favor and don´t go.I don´t understand why people want to be in that city at all.Nothing against Venezuela it has beautiful places.Maracaibo and Valencia are beautiful but you could not pay me enough to go to CCS.
Why don´t you visit Medellín and Bogotá in Colombia?Lots to see plus Medellín has become a lot safer in the last few years.
If you decide to go to CCS though try and be safe.Do not wander around and ask at the hotels reception for places to go and not go.Maybe book a guide service before you go.

If you decide to go to CCS though try and be safe.Do not wander around and ask at the hotels reception for places to go and not go.Maybe book a guide service before you go.

I'm not going on any sort of self-guided expeditions or anything like that. I have no plans to wonder around at all, I know large swaths of the city aren't safe and I likely won't know the difference until I'm too far in. Was planning to ask the reception/concierge or whatever it is at the particular hotel, but was wondering if anyone had any advice here about one or two things that might be worthwhile, especially close to the hotel, or any recommended transport services from the airport to the hotel (I do have a mail out to the hotel as well).

As most latin american cities Caracas also has some nice Cathedrals and Churches.Museo Bolivariano could be an option for you too.
Are you going there on business or pleasure?Because if it´s a vacation I don´t understand why you would book something where you don´t feel safe!

As most latin american cities Caracas also has some nice Cathedrals and Churches.Museo Bolivariano could be an option for you too.
Are you going there on business or pleasure?Because if it´s a vacation I don´t understand why you would book something where you don´t feel safe!

Combo business/leisure (let's not use pleasure :D). Basically a biz trip, just trying to see if I can work anything else in during the short while I will be there. And, in my opinion, life isn't best lived one gated community and armored transport and first class cabin to the next ;).

TheBOSman - *if* you do decide to wander outside CCS (and it seems as if the best parts of Venezuela are outside CCS), you might want to look into getting all the necessary shots. There's a long list, and the shots are not cheap. I got all the shots (and ended up not going since I was going to be by myself).

TheBOSman - *if* you do decide to wander outside CCS (and it seems as if the best parts of Venezuela are outside CCS), you might want to look into getting all the necessary shots. There's a long list, and the shots are not cheap. I got all the shots (and ended up not going since I was going to be by myself).

I'm planning to get the yellow fever shot, since I'm going to South Africa a few months later and they usually want proof of yellow fever immunization. I have the list somewhere at my house, forget which ones offhand though.

I'm planning to get the yellow fever shot, since I'm going to South Africa a few months later and they usually want proof of yellow fever immunization. I have the list somewhere at my house, forget which ones offhand though.

The two times I entered South Africa I wasn't asked to furnish a yellow fever immunization card. Though, neither time did I come from somewhere that it would have been an issue.

I'm not going on any sort of self-guided expeditions or anything like that. I have no plans to wonder around at all, I know large swaths of the city aren't safe and I likely won't know the difference until I'm too far in. Was planning to ask the reception/concierge or whatever it is at the particular hotel, but was wondering if anyone had any advice here about one or two things that might be worthwhile, especially close to the hotel, or any recommended transport services from the airport to the hotel (I do have a mail out to the hotel as well).

Having been to Caracas around a year ago, I'd recommend getting an airport transfer through your hotel (the Marriott).

I found the cable car to the Avila National Park was the best thing to do in CCS. You get some awesome views of the city on the way up. It's pretty boring at the top, just a few shops and eating options.

We organised a car and driver through the Marriott which cost around US$40 per hour. We went to the cable car, and then drove around all different parts of the city. We also went to some big pedestrianised / military area with lots of statues and a few pictures of Chavez. I can't remember what it was called but it was quite interesting.

Headed to Caracas in early June. Staying at the JW Marriott in downtown. Yes, going by myself, but I do not plan to underestimate the risks involved (working on my Spanish as we speak). I'm relatively comfortable with bad areas (I grew up in a city as bad as Philly, and have spent four nights in Flint, MI, if you want perspective on my experience), but I realize Caracas can be a different level of bad. Any suggestions for getting from the airport in Maiquetia to downtown Caracas? I see some services that can be booked online, likely to go with one of those or see what the hotel recommends. I will note that I appear quite gringo so I'm not planning to venture very far, I'm realistic about this, but is there anything interesting to do? Will be arriving and departing the airport in the afternoon just as a note. Thanks for any assistance!

The Marriott is actually not downtown, but between Chacao and Chacaito. The area is quite safe and you can walk around (at least during daytime). There is a pedestrian route nearby going from Chacaito to Plaza Venezuela, but this is not a particularly touristic stretch. Churches and colonial buildings are downtown and I would not recommend going there without a car with driver, in any case a car is almost a must in Caracas as locals are always driving even short distances and in many places there are only few people on the road between areas with major affluence. The really dangerous places are quite far from the Mariott. As others have said Caracas is not a tourist spot and in general quite rundown and very very expensive if you change money at the official exchange rate, but food is not bad.

Hi there,

I've been a member for a while, first posting, so please be gentle. ;) I'm thinking about going to CCS the last week of May (searched the forums and all information seems to be pre-2010, unless I missed something). Looking for travel tips and recommendations. I'm a single woman - I've read that it's unsafe to wander around by myself, but is it REALLY that bad...?

thanks so much!

Hello.
I'm Venezuelan. I'm 19 years old. Yes, it is really unsafe. Things are worse now. I am not going to lie to you.

First, you MUST speak Spanish Language. If not, you will be a target for all the robbers in Caracas. We all cannot make calls in public places because there is a high probability of being assalted. That is awful.

Besides, the city center is completely dirty today. The tourist industry is not very developed here. And do not expect people to speak English Language in restaurants, not even in Shopping Malls. You must go to the East, that is the most beautiful and clean place in Caracas. It is the safest too.

You may consider what you look like. We are a very divided country. There was such a big immigration from Europe, but also from Africa. Racism is a big concern in this country and Venezuelans have a lot of prejudices about how someone looks.

Historically, European descents have been considered superior in Venezuela and black people or descendants habe been treated very very bad in this country. Some of the previous Presidents of Venezuela, such as Perez Jimenez and Juan Vicente Gomez tried to "whiten" the population by bringing European immigrants. Now you can understand why this man, Hugo Chavez, became so popular. He was the hope of all these people who were excluded for centuries.

You cannot hang out after 7 or 8 pm around the streets. It is pretty unsafe. If you want to club, just take a taxi. Please, i'm begging you. DO NOT HANG OUT AFTER 7 PM. If so, just take a taxi.

Frankly speaking, you would also need to meet a Local to understand the way we live in Caracas. It is very different from the way people live in other big cities, trust me. I have lived in Russia, Spain and been to Germany.

Feel free to send me an email: vicentequintero@mail.com. I will help you and you can ask me as many questions as you want.

I also advice you to find a tourist guide to take you around Caracas. It will be better and safer for you.

Beautiful places in Caracas:

El Avila

http://carmelourso.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/vista-del-cerro-c3a1vila-que-bordea-a-la-ciudad-de-caracas-y-el-estado-vargas.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2077/5773737731_feb65fa91b_z.jpg

Plaza Francia - Altamira, Caracas

http://www.arqhys.com/construccion/fotos/construccion/Plaza-Francia.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7050/6914293061_5802785aae_z.jpg[IMG]

Plaza Venezuela - Plaza Venezuela, Caracas

[IMG]http://emiliajm.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/plaza-venezuelacaracas.jpg

El Cubo Negro - Chuao, Caracas

http://centrobanaven.com/data/images/91/12.jpg

UCV - Las Tres Gracias, Caracas (Central University of Venezuela - such a beautiful campus)

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zgJO8gUaUvo/SA51TVaFOTI/AAAAAAAAAHs/l3Ofoxu1kOo/s320/tierra+ucv.jpg

Sabana Grande Boulevard

http://ciudadccs.info/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0515.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KGBbWua-a6g/UFP1_p55BxI/AAAAAAAASGE/nvv2GFcskUY/s1600/Sabana+Grande+-+Ni%25C3%25B1os+Estatuas+%25282%2529.jpg

Churches (Iglesias in Spanish language) and religious tourist spots:

Iglesia Chiquinquirá - La Florida, Caracas

http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/1144162.jpg

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes - San Martín, Caracas

http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/13920195.jpg

Iglesia Santa Capilla - Caracas

http://www.venezuelatuya.com/902/img/2935470783.JPG

Museums:

Caracas has the best museums of Venezuela. Basically, it is one of the most important cities in South America. So many important leaders have been born in Caracas, such as Simón Bolívar.

Museo Casa Natal de Simón Bolívar - Bolívar's birth place :)

http://www.taxitocaracas.com/files/QuickSiteImages/casa_natal2.jpg
http://esphoto980x880.mnstatic.com/casa-natal-simon-bolivar_168196.jpg

Museo de los Niños - Children's Museums
Museo de Bellas Artes - Museum of Fine Arts
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (Picasso, Leger, etc) ;)
Mseo

Other Interesting places:

Parque Ezequiel Zamora.

http://blogs.noticierodigital.com/blosodi/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/P1040949.jpg

http://www.venezuelatuya.com/caracas/elcalvario/plazoleta_gde.jpg

This place is just beautiful and has a very rich history. It was constructed under Antonio Guzmán Blanco's rule. It has beautiful European architecture, especially French. Do not forget to visit the new museum located in that place. It is truly outstanding and not so over crowded.

Take a look of this masterpiece. It's called "El Gazebo" and was brouth from Belgium to Venezuela, more than one hundred of years ago.

http://www.ultimasnoticias.com.ve/getattachment/c71e8589-a8ed-4962-8b4f-92ec2ceae2d1/.aspx

It is not a tourist spot and it is located in an unsafe area, unfortunately. Please, find a tourist guide. If you have trouble to find one or you need help, feel free to contact me. It is REALLY IMPORTANT for you to get a tourist guide.

Some beautiful places near Caracas (45 minutes-60 minutes from Caracas city):

Colonia Tovar town - German town founded two centuries ago

http://descubriendoavenezuela.com/Web/images/uploads/Weihnachtsbaum+in+der+Colonia+Tovar.jpg

http://enlasdosorillas2.files.wordpress.com/2005/05/colonia-tovar-iglesia.jpg

Airport transfer:

Yes, it will be better for you to ask the hotel to pick you up and take you to Caracas City. It is not safe to you to go alone to Caracas city.

Money exchange:

It will be very cheap for you if you exchange the money at the unofficial rate. Everything will be around 500% times cheaper. I advice you to not exchange so much money in the airport and just exchange the dollars to anyone else in Caracas. Also, consider not booking so many nights in the hotel. Just exchange money in Caracas city and the rest of nights will be a lot cheaper for you. At the official rate, it would be around 100 dollars per night or more. At the unofficial rate it would be like 20-30 dollars per night. Very cheap.

Private accomodation:

I can also help you to find private accomodation. Rent a room or something. It will be very cheap for you and you will have the opportunity to meet the Venezuelan culture and improve your Spanish Language.

Spanish private lessons:

I recommend you to take Spanish lessons in order to improve your language skills and have a more pleasant stay here. Her name is Teresita Mazzei and she is Italian-Venezuelan. She speaks Spanish, German, English, French and Latin. She has so many experience and she has studied in Venezuela, Canadá (High School) and Germany (University).

She is a very qualified Spanish teacher. I think you can pay the lessons to her in dollars. It will be really cheap. Around 10-20 dollars per Spanish lessons and she is really good.

I recommend you to take Spanish lessons with her because she is my German teacher and I have learned the language really quick.

http://www.spanenger.com/

Additional Info:

Just send me an e-mail: vicentequintero@mail.com.