Jeffmiyagi

So Los Roques is doable but I should skip Angel Falls?

Eastbay1K

You should skip them all.

Your choice is like getting behind the wheel of a car when you're pretty wasted, and getting behind the wheel of a car when you're really wasted, and also, blind.

Jeffmiyagi

Los Roques, while part of Venezuela, is an island off the coast. That's why I'm asking. I thought it was pretty well shielded from most of the crime on the mainland.

lotrbfme

Yes, it is much better than mailand in terms of crime. However the rest of the crisis still applies. Thats why at this point I dont recommend it.

Jeffmiyagi

And now I'm reading that the small planes to Los Roques sometimes crash. That's a bummer.

MarLim

Planes may crash anywhere in the world. Scheduled flights to los Roques haven't crashed to my knowledge, private planes yes.

Los Roques is very laid-down and quiet, but most of the business there is cash, be it food or boat rental. I suggest you wait until the new currency bills are introduced. Currently it's pretty much impossible to travel Venezuela without a local debit card, which won't work at most places in los Roques neither. The problem with los roques is getting there. The airlines flying there are unreliable and you might get stranded in Maiquetia or Higuerote without any help from the airline.

Canaima (angel falls) is also quite a safe place as you can get there only by air. However, usually you do have to change planes in Ciudad Bolivar which is one of the hot spots of recent unrest. As long as your flights work as scheduled no problem, but again if you get stuck there better be prepared with a plan B.

As for your initial comments about visiting Colombia abd Venezuela, you are aware that land crossing is currently not possible. You have to fly into Venezuela.

MDFFlyer

Thanks for the reply, friends. I was planning a trip to Venezuela in a couple of days, I might have to change plans. I was in Caracas in April 2016 and September 2015 and spent a great couple of weeks.

I am sorry to hear, lotrbfme. However, if you are from the area, shouldn't you know where you should and shouldn't be? What area was he/she in?

TominLazybrook

Also, IIRC, US citizens need a visa to travel to Venezuela.

lotrbfme

Correct.

MDFFlyer

2018 now. Any update on this thread? Potentially planning a trip for the end of May 2018.

Would an AirBnB be safe? I'm looking at a place like this, for example: https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/16983654...sts=1&adults=1

Viajero Millero

Venezuelan here. Things have gotten worse, not necessarily crime wise but definitely....misery wise. Skinnier people, emptier streets, more closed businesses.

An AirBnB can be tempting but unless you have a solid support group in town it's the LAST thing I would do. Definitely reconsider a hotel.

Especially chain hotels, although not the cheapest (by Venezuelan standards) those will be the most foreigner-friendly places. In Caracas you have Marriott, IHG, Hilton, Pestana, Meliá...do those.

You're looking at earning points and nights for 40-50 dollars in full-service hotels. Previously only possible in places like India or Mexico, there's an edge for this community.


Since 2016? Probably like 3000% worse. Like the dollar exchange rate.

MDFFlyer

Thanks for the honest reply!

As far as getting from the airport to the city, any suggestions? Or any suggestions when its comes to exchanging my USDs for bolivars? In the past, I've always had friends pick me up and help me exchange my USDs, but this time I'll be going solo for the first time.

Viajero Millero

Feel free to send me a PM. This goes beyond the scope of the thread.

RM Sciortino

I think that if anyone is planning on travelling to Venezuela needs to take into consideration many aspects, on one hand, due to currency exchange rate you may stay in the best hotel, at in the best restaurants and have no problems living and visiting around the country (something that Venezuelans can not, not even buy food for everyday meals). On the other hand insecurity is a real issue, you can no walk freely, there is always the risk of been robbed and killed for a phone, camera or shoes.
Venezuela is a beautiful country suffering hopefully not for much more time...

MarLim