DISCOVER VENEZUELA - EXPLORE THE NATURAL WONDERS OF VENEZUELA

In 1498, Christopher Columbus claimed Venezuela to be Spanish territory. The various regions were left to develop separately from the capital Caracas and Spanish rule was from the outside. In the 18th century, there was widespread resistance led by Simon Bolivar. The attempt at unification made him a national hero in Venezuela history. His dream was to create Gran Colombia that consists of Venezuela, Ecuador and Colombia. However, due to infighting, Ecuador and Colombia collapsed and Venezuela became a sovereign state led by Jose Paez.

Venezuela’s borders were not marked and periodic disputes began. In 1918, there was the exploitation of the country's oilfields just as the cocoa and coffee wealth were largely exported. The failing economy and widespread political corruption existed and the country was run by despotic military leaders.

In the 1980s, social unrest made the government unstable and in 1992, the army units launched a military coup. They won the 1998 elections and in 2000, further strengthened their power by de facto means of constitutional changes. Land reforms sparked a strong opposition during the Chavez era. After he died in 2013, his successor Nicolas Maduros term began. It was also a time of protests and political suppression. The country’s economic, social and political scenario suffered. Medical and food shortages prevailed and violent crime was common.

The country is located on the north coast of South America. It is bordered by the Caribbean Sea in the north, Guyana and the Atlantic Ocean in the east. Colombia is a neighbour country in the west and south-west and Brazil is to the south of Venezuela. The country has four distinct geographical regions. They are the Venezuelan Highlands, the Maracaibo lowlands, the Guiana region and the Orinoco plains.

The Venezuelan Highlands are mountains in the northeasternmost extension of the Andes Mountain chain. Venezuela is located 8°C above the equator that makes the destination pleasant to travel year-round. The Guyana region in the south includes the Amazon rainforest. The country is vulnerable to earthquakes that include Caracas. The topographical features include attractions such as the Orinoco River and the tabletop mountains known as tepuis. Angel Falls is the highest waterfall in the world located here. The Andes Mountain ranges cross the northwest region and include the peak, Pico Bolivar.

Venezuela culture and art are influenced by the Spanish conquest of the land. Paintings, fine arts, music and dance are a fine blend of the pre-colonial and the colonial style. The music is a product of intermingling Spanish, African and native music. Gaita is a traditional music style performed mainly during festivals. Salsa is an important dance form and folk music is an important part of Venezuela culture.

Venezuelan cuisine is known for its flavour of 'Comida Criolla'. Beans, plantains, yucca, yams and other vegetables and roots are commonly eaten. Beef is popularly cooked ‘a la parrilla' or on a charcoal grill. Freshwater trout, fresh fish and seafood are also famously prepared in sancochos or stews. Chinese, Spanish, Middle Eastern cuisines are also available, thanks to the number of immigrants who live here.

Perico Venezolano (scrambled eggs with onions, tomatoes and butter), Golfeados (cheesy and sticky pastry), Hallaca (meat filling wrapped in corn flour dough), Casabe (a thin flatbread), Asado negro (braised meat in red wine sauce), Pan de Jamon (bread stuffed with ham, olives and raisins)

Batido (fruit juice), Chicha (boiled rice, milk and sugar), Cicada (milkshake made of coconut milk), Frescolita (red soft drink), Merengada (fruit drink with milk, ice and sugar), Ponche Crema (cream-based liquor), Venezuela Rum

Venezuelans are friendly people and generally relaxed about timekeeping. They toast with the word 'salud' in Spanish. It means good wishes to everyone, especially before sipping a drink. Verbal greetings are common such as "Buenos Dias" which means Good Morning or "Buenas Noches" which means Good Evening. They maintain eye contact while greeting and shake hands. Venezuelans also prefer to embrace when greeting someone between the men and a kiss on the right cheek between men and women.

• Visit Venezuela for a budget-friendly holiday where one American dollar buys you a lot.
• Be among friendly locals who are warm and welcoming.
• For the taste of excellent rum and local cuisines.
• A backpacking experience and to discover spectacular scenery and tropical landscapes.
• For endless waterfalls, tabletop mountains in the Canaima National Park and the Gran Sabana.
• Explore the wetlands of Los Llanos for iguana, anteaters, anacondas, and more.
• Take incredible treks to Mount Roraima and in the Andes.
• To watch the natural beauty of the Catatumbo lightning with the highest frequency of bolts.
• The archipelago of Los Roques for unspoilt white sandy beaches and turquoise-blue waters.
• For a truly adventurous experience of the political propaganda the country witnessed.
• To meet native communities along the shores of Lake Maracaibo and in the Amazon region among others.

The proximity of Venezuela to the equator makes the country enjoy welcoming Venezuelan weather all year round. The best time to visit to have an outdoor adventure is in the dry season between November to April. Rainfall is the least and humidity is lower overall during this time of the year. The days are warm and sunny, cooling a little in the heights of the Andes around Merida. The rainy season is avoidable. Go for the best hiking, sightseeing and other adventures in Venezuela in the recommended dry months. Expect highs of 26°C and lows of 20°C with few showers in November in Caracas.

• Explore the Canaima National Park for the 979m tall Angel Falls Waterfall, a massive table topped mountain and more.
• Take the family to Mochima National Park for coastal mangroves, turtles, dolphins, cloud forests and coral reefs.
• Laze on the sun-drenched beaches of Los Roques Archipelago and take in the turquoise ocean views.
• Dive in the Morrocoy National Park beach waters along the coast or simply spend your day on the white sandy beach.

• Take in the pleasures of Roraima, a tabletop mountain for its bizarre rock forms and splendid waterfalls.
• Explore examples of marine life in the largest aquarium in Venezuela, Aquarium de Valencia.
• Spend time at the sacred shrine in Caracas, the National Pantheon, a popular attraction.
• Enjoy the rolling dunes in Medanos de Coro National Park.

• Take a gondola lift ride to ascend El Avila Mountain at the El Avila National Park for spectacular scenes.
• Take a trip to Margarita Island, a popular holiday destination of two peninsulas linked by the mangroves of Laguna de la Restinga National Park.
• Sip on a chilled guarapita, a national rum punch and say cheers to celebrate the spirit of freedom.
• Go snorkelling or scuba diving on the beach waters in Mochima National Park.

• Take a gondola lift ride to ascend El Avila Mountain at the El Avila National Park for spectacular scenes.
• Take a trip to Margarita Island, a popular holiday destination of two peninsulas linked by the mangroves of Laguna de la Restinga National Park.
• Sip on a chilled guarapita, a national rum punch and say cheers to celebrate the spirit of freedom.
• Go snorkelling or scuba diving on the beach waters in Mochima National Park.

• Venezuelan Jewellery
• Carved Picture Frame
• Paperweight
• Mug
• Wood Carving
• Small Guitars
• Hammocks
• Cloth Bags
• Masks
• Gold Ornaments
• Venezuela Rum

The most popular Venezuelan attraction is the Angel Falls on the Orinoco River. These spectacular wonder falls have a drop of nearly a km. It is located in the Canaima National Park. Cool off by taking a dip in the natural pools at the base below. The white sandy beaches around the lagoon make the attraction unmissable.

Best Time to Visit: Dry season
Entry Price: Based on the tour

This is one of the most beautiful places on earth with white sandy beaches, mangrove swamps and coral reefs. The archipelago combines the beauty of the blue surrounding waters with the park. Have a fun day sailing, diving, windsurfing, fishing, lobster catching and more.

Best Time to Visit: Dry season
Entry Price: USD (negligible)| BSF 155

Hike to the top of Mount Roraima, a fabulous flat tabletop mountain. The attraction is at an elevation of 3000 metres and is a geological formation as old as two billion years. Watch rare animals and birds, a place that was an inspiration for Sir Conan Doyle's, The Lost World.

Best Time to Visit: November to April
Entry Price: $50 upwards (trek per person with food and guide)

This grassland region is also called The Plains and is located on the border of Colombia and Venezuela. The ecoregion is ideal for wildlife and bird viewing, especially in the dry season. Animals gather at water holes giving the nickname Serengeti of South America. Look out for jaguars, caimans, capybaras and the unique Orinoco Crocodile.

Best Time to Visit: Dry season
Entry Price: Based on the tour

Travel to the Medanos de Coro National Park that is famous for its dunes. Some of them reach 40 metres and the dunes change shape with the high winds. Explore the area on a camel and take in the beauty of yellow and orange dune scapes. Try the sandboarding adventures that the area offers.

Best Time to Visit: November to April
Entry Price: Based on the tour

Worth visiting is the 400 km stretch of snow-capped Andes Mountains with Pick Bolivar as its highest peak. Cascading waterfalls, green valleys, cloud forests, mountain villages and more make exploring the mountains unforgettable. If trekking is your fun thing, then this attraction is a great experience.

Best Time to Visit: Dry season
Entry Price: Based on the tour

Most Popular Regions and Cities to Visit in Venezuela

The bustling metropolitan city is the capital of Venezuela. It has a wealth of culture, art and history. It is geographically located at the base of the Avila Mountain range. Hiking expeditions up the mountain range is a thrill for a splendid birds-eye view of the city. The city also offers numerous museums, restaurants, historical sites and a zoo.

Visit For: National Pantheon, Parque Nacional El Avila, Parque del Este, Contemporary Art Museum

Valencia is surrounded by mountains and has several landmark attractions. It is west of Caracas and is one of the largest cities. The east side of the city overlooks Lake Valencia. The city has several public parks for sports and recreation. Everywhere there are tropical trees and greenery with the backdrop of the lush Venezuelan mountains.

Visit For: The Central Market of Valencia, La Lonja de la Seda, L'Oceanografic, Valencia Cathedral

This beautiful town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was once the capital of Venezuela. The well-preserved architecture since the colonial days makes the town attractive. Tour the brightly coloured buildings, churches, mission buildings and more. Dunes can be easily seen as you drive out of Coro that has formed north of the city.

Visit For: Cathedral Basilica of St. Ann, Museo de Arte de Coro, Plaza San Clemente

Maracaibo is known as the economic centre of the west of Venezuela. The city is nicknamed "The land of the beloved sun". It is the capital of Zulia state and is the second-largest city in the country. A popular natural phenomenon is the Catatumbo lightning that occurs over the Catatumbo River and descends into Lake Maracaibo.

Visit For: Vereda del Lago, Aguamania, Laguna de Sinamaica,Puente General Rafael Urdaneta

The port city is located in the Caroni and Orinoco Rivers. The city is the gateway to Gran Sabana and Orinoco Delta. Guayana comprises two towns, San Felix and Puerto Ordaz. Between the towns are famous attractions of the La Llovizna Waterfalls and Cachmay Parks.

Visit For: La Llovizna Park, Llovizna Falls, Parque Cachamay, Loefling Park Mosque

• Maracay
• Merida
• Cumana
• Puerto Cabello
• Amazonas
• Barinas
• Bolivar
• Cojedes

The festival is a tribute to the apostles of Christianity, Saint Peter and Saint Paul. The locals celebrate with live music, dance, bonfires lit on the road and more. Locals dress in traditional clothes and a variety of street food is also available.

Location : Venezuela
Date : June - July

The four-day festival is celebrated in the small town of El Callao. This is a mining town full of immigrants and mixed cultures. The parade is led by dancing madamas dressed colourfully with African headdresses. There are the medio-pintos whose bodies are painted in black.

Location : El Callao
Date : February

This annual event is a two-day festival in honour of San Benito de Palermo. He was the black saint in Venezuela. Locals dress as San Benito and paint their faces black. There are parades with spirited dancing and grand costume displays.

Location : Venezuela
Date : December

This much-anticipated festival is a four-day cultural event. Families come together to celebrate a musical extravaganza. The festival is similar to Mardi Gras where locals wear creative costumes and robes. Streets are filled with parties and floats.

Location : Venezuela
Date : February - March

The festival is also called 'Fair of the Sun' and is celebrated in February. The town of Merida becomes lively and vibrant. Locals dress up in brightly coloured costumes and wear beautiful masks. There is plenty of dancing into the late night.

Location : Merida
Date : February

• La Chinita Fair
• El Hatillo Music Festival
• Corpus Christi Devil Dancing, San Franciso de Yare
• The Festival of San Juan
• Virgin of Coromoto Festival

All travellers must have a valid passport to apply for a Venezuelan visa. The passport needs to be valid for a minimum of six months upon entry. The passport must have at least three blank pages for visa stamping.

Visitors must obtain a Venezuela visa to travel into the country from one of the Visa Diplomatic Missions. Citizens of the following countries are allowed visa-free entry for up to 90 days for tourism purposes;

• EU
• Andorra
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Australia
• Barbados
• Belarus
• Bellies
• Bolivia
• Brazil
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Dominica
• Ethiopia
• Grenada
• Hong Kong
• Iceland
• Iran
• Jamaica
• Japan
• Liechtenstein
• Malaysia
• Mexico
• Monaco
• Nicaragua
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Palestine
• Paraguay
• Qatar
• Russia
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• San Marino
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Kingdom
• Uruguay

There are no provisions for an online e visa. Visitors have to apply in advance for a visa at the Venezuelan Embassy if they are not from a country whose citizens are allowed visa-free entry.

Types of Visa and Validity

The tourist visa and business visas are single entry and multiple entry visas. It allows a stay period of 90 days and the validity of the visa is given by the Embassy. The processing time is about 10 to 15 days and the processing fee starts from $53.70 upwards.

The embassy is very strict with the document requirements and photographs. A Yellow Fever Certificate is also mandatory for the visa application procedure to be completed.

Domestic airlines operate that connect almost every important town in the country. SBA Airlines, Aeropostal, Acerca Airlines and Avior are among the popular domestic airlines operating in the country. The flight options may be the best to travel around Venezuela but not the cheapest. Flights to far-flung places like the Angel Falls in Canaima and the Amazon region are expensive. Book a flight in advance during the summers.

Caracas, the capital, has plenty of taxi services without meters. Fares are agreed upon before the ride. Official taxis are with a yellow license plate and are safer. The shared taxis are called ‘por puesto’ and are very much like minibuses. There are also the old US cars called busetas or carritos that follow set routes.

This is the best way to get around with fares being cheap and rides comfortable. However, look for luxury coaches with bed seats, air-conditioning and TV/DVD players. You get bus terminals in Caracas that ply to different parts of the country. Luxury coaches have their terminals such as Aeroexpresos Ejecutivos. The metro in Caracas connects to long-distance bus stations.

The Caracas subway and a suburban light-rail train operate. No passenger trains are operating.

There are ferry services that link Isla de Margarita to the mainland at Puerto La Cruz.

There are plenty of carriers such as Air France, Iberia and Air Europa that operate direct flights from mainland Europe. LASER Airlines and SBA Airlines offer a direct flight from Miami. Caracas Simon Bolivar International Airport is the main airport in Venezuela that services international flights into the country.

There are no international rail links as of now to neighbouring countries. There is a short line between Caracas and the town of Cua that is the only line operating.

Road links are available between Colombia and Brazil and have international bus services. The average travel time is 12 hours from the Colombia border to Caracas. Travelling by car is a quicker way to reach.

Many major cruises lines dock at the port of El Guamache. There are Caribbean cruises that also include the Los Roques archipelago and La Guaira in their network.

• Venezuela is an unstable country due to political and economic instability. Think twice before you travel here.
• Violent crime is widespread and Caracas is the most murderous city in the world by death toll.
• The official language is Spanish, so it is a good idea to carry a travel guide.
• Carry small denominations as many vendors do not accept large bills and run out of change.
• Travel to Venezuela is usually cheap and it is good to remember that the official rate of exchange is higher than the tourist rate.
• It is best to carry your passport at all times.
• Never use your credit card for payment and exchange currency with someone you trust.
• Be watchful of climate changes from the jungle to the desert and carry adequate clothes.
• Read about practical information before you travel.
• Avoid travelling here in the wet months which is from May to October.

• Keep your valuables and belongings safe.
• Roads are unsafe as the locals drive very rashly. Cross the road with caution.
• Look out for wacky races that Venezuelans indulge in and take extra caution as drivers are not going to stop for safety.
• Stay safe while walking and avoid going out in the dark alone.
• Dress like the locals to avoid drawing attention towards you.
• Walk with confidence and do not carry a map or indicate in any way that you are unsure of yourself.

• Yellow Fever and dengue are risks while travelling in Venezuela. Get your vaccinations in advance.
• Talk to your GP about malaria prevention and carry anti-malaria medications.
• Invest in good travel insurance to use during an emergency.
• Carry a medical and first aid kit as an essential add-on as medical supplies are not easily available.
• Several vaccinations are important to take as recommended by CDC and WHO such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Cholera, Covid 19, Yellow Fever, Rabies, Meningitis, Polio, Measles, Mumps and Rubella, Tdap, Chicken Pox, Shingles, Pneumonia and Influenza.
• Always drink boiled water and be wary of the hygiene aspects of the local food.

• Travel Documents
• Medical Kit
• Insect Repellent
• Walking Shoes, Flip Flops
• Mountain Gear
• First Aid Kit
• Swim Suit
• Mask
• Weather favourable clothes
• International Driver’s License
• Camera
• English to Spanish Dictionary
• Sunscreen

• Western wear with European style influences is worn by Venezuelans as daily wear. However, traditional clothes are worn on special occasions.
• Beauty and fashion are very important to Venezuelans and traditional costumes are very pretty.
• Venezuelan men wear liqui liqui as a folk costume and females wear long flowing skirts, blouses with off shoulders, a lot of flowers and jewellery.
• Handshakes are the normal way of introduction while embraces are between friends.
• Punctuality is practised in a business forum.
• Goodbyes are said to each individual while leaving.
• ‘Buenos dias’ means good morning, ‘Hasta luego’ means goodbye, ‘Gracias’ means ‘thank you’ which are some of the common Spanish phrases used.
• Always begin eating only after all diners are seated and the host invites you to start the meal.
• Continental table manners are followed.
• Pointing the index finger is considered rude and eye contact is maintained while talking.

Colombia is noted for its natural beauty, tropical rainforests, mountains and beaches. The country in the north of the South American continent is worth visiting for its biodiversity, heritage and history.

Admire the Kaieteur Falls, beautiful rainforests, the world's largest lily, wildlife experiences and more. Guyana is home to unspoilt nature, plenty of wildlife including the big cats. Guyana is a thrilling destination to learn about conservation efforts and incredible wildlife.

Brazil - 2808 km

• Venezuela is home to the highest waterfall in the world, the Angel Falls.
• It is in this country you find the world's largest rodent, the capybara.
• Caracas is visited by Guacamayas, colourful macaws every evening.
• The high table mountains have no peaks.
• Venezuela's biggest tepuis are the Auyantepui with a surface of 700 square km.
• Locals travel to the church early morning in roller skates during the Christmas season.
• Coro, the port city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

CALLING CODE: +58

Emergency: 171

Police: 171

Medical: 171

Venezuela currency is the Venezuelan Bolivar and the currency code is VEB. The bolivar fuerte was the currency and after devaluation, it was replaced by bolivar soberano in 2018. It is broken into 100 centimos and the Venezuela currency symbol is Bs. The currency exchange rate for some of the most popular currencies are,

Symbol: Bs

Code: VEB

1 VEB =0 .000023 INR (Venezuela currency to INR)

1 VEB = 0.00 USD (Venezuela currency to USD)

1 VEB =0.0000011 AED (Venezuela currency to AED)

1 VEB = 0.000049 PKR (Venezuela currency to PKR)

Venezuela currency banknote denomination: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 bolivar (rarely used) | 1.000, 2.000, 5.000, 10000, 20000, 50000 (frequently used)

Venezuela currency coin denomination: 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 bolivares

Please note that Travelers Cheques are NOT accepted in most places. The ROE is subject to change as per currency fluctuations.

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