VENEZUELA: Venezuela Has Got Very Attractive Tourist Sites, But Caracas Is One Of Most Dangerous Cities In The World

Tourism in Venezuela has been developed considerably in recent decades, particularly because of its geographical position, the variety of landscapes, the richness of plant and wildlife, the artistic expressions and the privileged tropical climate of the country, which affords each region most especially the beaches throughout the year.

Merida state, for the beauty of its mountain scenery and pleasant climate, is a major tourist center in Venezuela. It has an extensive network of hotels not only in the capital city but also throughout the state.

Starting from the city of Merida, it has the longest and highest cable car in the world, reaching the Espejo Peak of 4,765 m. In the Meridan paramos, there are good hotels and restaurants. Another place to visit is Mucuchies, the village of Los Aleros.

There is also the National Observatory of Llano del Hato. The city has several museums worth visiting: Beekeeping Museum, Colonial Art Museum, Modern Art Museum, and the Museum of the great Meridan Don Mariano Picon Salas and the Aquarium Garden.

Also in the state are hot springs such as Bailadores Las Tapias and la Capellanía Park.

Margarita is an island with modern infrastructure, bordered by beaches suitable for extreme sports, and features castles, fortresses and churches of great cultural value. This island is found in the Caribbean Sea and is well known for its pearls.

Caracas is the capital of Venezuela, is a world-class cosmopolitan city. In the west of the city, the Libertador municipality, tourism is important in regard to the historic center of the city, the Caracas Cable Car - Avila mountain Cable Car, the University City of Caracas, Zoos, Sabana Grande Boulevard, among others.

In the east of the city, especially in the Chacao and Baruta municipalities environment of progress and modernism is indisputable, European-style shopping malls, beautiful squares, night clubs, etc.

Also the Generalisimo Francisco de Miranda Park, located in the Sucre municipality is heavily of exploitation for tourism.

In the southeast end of city is located a small town, El Hatillo, which has an impeccable colonial town, an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

To further exploitation of tourism as a factor of endogenous development, the national government has created socio-cultural plans of international concern as the Feria Internacional de Turismo de Caracas (FITCAR).

This has been carried held annually since 2005 and promotes tourism in the country, showing to the world the cultural, tourist, traditional, musical and culinary wonders of Venezuela.

Caracas is one of the most dangerous cities in the world, with extremely high rates of murder, street robbery and kidnapping. The police is very corrupt and often collaborate with the criminal gangs.

The archipelago of Los Roques is formed by a group of islands and cays that make up one of the main tourist attractions of the country.

With exotic pristine beaches. Morrocoy is a park, consisting of very small nearby islands to the mainland, which have grown rapidly as one of the biggest tourist attractions in the Caribbean.

Canaima National Park is spread over 30,000 square kilometers to the border with Guayana Esequiba reclamation area now Guyana and Brazil, for its size is considered the world's sixth largest national park. About 65% of the park is occupied by rock plateaus called tepuis.

These are a unique biological environment, also presenting a great geological interest. Its steep cliffs and waterfalls including Angel Falls, which is the highest waterfall of the world, 1,002 m are spectacular sceneries.

Coro is the oldest city in Venezuela, since it was the first Venezuelan city to be founded in 1527, the city was declared a World Heritage Site of the December 9 of 1993 by UNESCO in the meeting held in the Colombian city of Cartagena.

Coro has an interesting history, including was the first federal capital of Venezuela. In 2005 was decreed patrimonial emergency and has been included in the list of World Heritage in Danger, this because of government neglect and intensity of rainfall occurred in recent years.

At present the national government undertakes investments to preserve its rich architecture.

Canaima National Park, is a national park located in the Bolivar State, Venezuela. It was established the June 12 of 1962 and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 1994.

University City of Caracas, main campus of the Central University of Venezuela. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 2000.

It is a real university, designed by the master Carlos Raúl Villanueva, the University City is primarily a work of art with contemporary architecture and a series of sculptures, murals, paintings and other arts spread throughout the campus university.

Venezuela has many beaches of calm waters and for extreme sports. Besides those already mentioned, most famous sites for its beauty its are:

- Mochima

- Choroni and Chuao

- Los Roques Archipelago

- Coche Island

- Tucacas and Chichiriviche

- La Tortuga Island

- Paraguana Peninsula

- Catia La Mar

- Cuyagua

- Puerto Cabello

- Bahia de Cata

- San Luis

- Venezuelan Beach Tourism

South of Venezuela in the states Bolivar, Amazonas and Delta Amacuro begins the Amazon rainforest, the largest rainforest and the largest nature reserve in the world.

This area of the country has great tourism value, because there is the Angel Falls, the highest waterfall of the world; savannah, rivers, forests and tepuis form a ecotourism that has not yet been truly exploited.

It is necessary that the national government to promote plans to turn over this Venezuelan soil an essential point for ecotourism in this part of the world.

However, the influx of international tourists in Canaima and the Gran Sabana is high and has been gradually growing, some attractions in forest and savanna in Venezuela are:

- Canaima

- La Gran Sabana

- Angel Falls

- Mount Roraima

- Orinoco River

- Auyan-tepui

- Caroni River

- El Abismo

- Sapo Falls

- Tobogan de Agua (Water Slide)

Although Venezuela is dominated by plains and tropical temperatures, it also has a mountain range of great tourist attraction, In Venezuela begins the Andes, Merida state consists mainly of paramo vegetation, low temperatures, snow filled peaks, glaciers and high mountains of the Venezuelan Andes.

Venezuelan mountain attractions are:

- Sierra Nevada de Mérida

- Peak Bolivar

- Merida Cable Car

- Peak Espejo

- Peak Humboldt

- Sierra La Culata

- Batallon and La Negra Paramos

- Cerro El Avila

- El Avila Cable Car

- Chorro San Miguel (waterfall)

- Mucubaji Lagoon

- Del Vino Waterfall in Dinira National Park

Among other Andean highlands, located in the states of Merida, Trujillo and Tachira:

- Monument to the Virgin de la Paz

- Plateau La Galera Natural Monument

Los Llanos is the region of Venezuela, plains with few elevations, dominated by plateaus, hills, lakes and pastures, the climate is warm and has an average tourist reception.

But it is an important site for the rural vacation, covering most of the states Apure, Barinas, Cojedes, Portuguesa, Guarico, Anzoategui, Monagas and Delta Amacuro.

In these rural plains are combined flora, fauna, livestock culture and typical of the autochthonous culture of Venezuela. The higher mountain elevations of this Venezuelan region are in San Juan de los Morros.

Other Places:

- Medanos de Coro (Coro´s dunes)

- Cave of the Oilbirds

- Planeta Zoo

- Hundicion Yay

Cities In Venezuela:

- Coro

- Merida

- Maracaibo

- Caracas

- Barquisimeto

- Puerto La Cruz

- Valencia

- Pampatar - Porlamar

- Puerto Cabello

- Calabozo

- Juan Griego

- Cumana

- Ciudad Bolivar

- Tovar

- Ciudad Guayana

- Tinaquillo

- Acarigua

- San Cristobal

- Barinas

- Guanare

Towns in Venezuela:

- Colonia Tovar

- Galipan

- Punto Fijo

- Jaji

- Bailadores

- Barlovento

- Apartaderos

- Mucuchies

- Caripe

- San Antonio del Golfo

- Turen

- Naiguata

Weather changes in Venezuela by region are drastic, example, in the Medanos de Coro temperatures can reach up to 40 °C, but in Meridan moors or the Sierra Nevada temperatures may be less than 0 °C.

Gastronomy, the Venezuelan cuisine varies by region of the country, however, the most typical dishes of national cuisine are: pabellon criollo, asado negro, reina pepeada, sancocho, mondongo, especially arepas or cachapas.

Currently in Venezuela there is an exchange control imposed by the national government since 2003. Venezuelans when traveling should go to CADIVI, in order to request their share, which is a maximum of 3000 dollars per year.

This amount varies depending on the destination and travel time, all this if the person holds a credit card.

Moreover, there is a foreign exchange market called parallel market or black market the prices of the dollar in this market can be up to 15 times the established by the executive 6.30 bolivares fuertes for 1 dollar.

Venezuela has:

- 43 National Parks

- 22 Natural Monuments

- 3 sites considered World Heritage Site.

To enter the country is required valid passport issued in the country of origin and return passage.

No special vaccinations are required to enter the country. Those traveling to jungle areas or want more protection can be vaccinated against yellow fever, malaria and cholera, after medical advice.

It is advisable to take precautions to get vaccinated if it visit places like the Amazon rainforest or the Gran Sabana.

In most of the country the weather is hot, but bearable. It is suggested to bring light clothing, but it is always good to include a sweater or light jacket.

If the destination is the Venezuelan Andes, it is important to bring warm clothes if is possible balaclavas, caps and/or gloves.

Most of the tourists arrive at Maiquetia Simon Bolivar International Airport, but there are another 5 airports in some cities of the country, covering international destinations.

There varied music genre depending of regions such as: Joropo or Llanera music - from Los Llanos region of livestock culture, its lyrics are messages that express the values of the llaneran people, of European and Indigenous origin music genre.

Its subgenres are: Pasaje, Joropo central or Joropo tuyero, Joropo oriental, Joropo guayanes, Golpe tocuyano, Quirpa, Joropo llanero.

Tambor is Afro-descendent music of mostly of Venezuelan coasts, Gaita Zuliana the national Christmas music genre, from Zulia state, The topics covered in this genre performers range from love songs and religious figures to humorous and reporting issues.

The political element is also starring in many subjects, Changa tuki from Caracas; is an urban way of life, a form of electronic music that comprises dance, own urban clothing and music.

The most representative is its dance, it is difficult and showy, recommended to watch, dance competences are made in different matinees, its dancers are known as tuki; use hair´s wicks yellow painted, red tight pants.

Calypso made by Caribbean origin people in Southern Venezuela.

They have urban music such as salsa, reggaeton, Venezuelan rock, Venezuelan hip hop, Venezuelan ska, Venezuelan electronic, Venezuelan pop, Venezuelan classical, etc.


Tourism Observer

VENEZUELA: Best Of Venezuela Tour

The Best of Venezuela tour has it all - the Llanos, Amazon, Canaima (for Angel Falls), Orinoco Delta and good beach time!

Day 1: Caracas

Afternoon arrival in Caracas. Meet and greet at the airport and transfer to Hotel Costa Real Suites. In the evening briefing with your guide who accompanies you throughout the tour. Overnight at Hotel Costa Real Suites.

Note: Transfers will be carried out individually in case guests arrive with different international airlines.

The Hotel Costa Real Suites is located, depending on the traffic, about 20 to 40 minutes from the airport. The rooms are 1 bedroom air-conditioned suites with separate living area and kitchenette, TV, safe, mini-bar and bathroom with shower. In addition, it has a restaurant with an excellent cuisine, bar and pool. It is perfect for transfer overnights when you have another flight the next day.

Day 2: Caracas - Los Llanos (B/D)

Early transfer to airport and flight to Barinas. After arrival in Barinas you will be taken to Hato El Cedral. Duration of the transfer is approx. 4 hours. In the afternoon you take your first excursion, an impressive photo safari during which you will be able to observe the variety of south american fauna, including amongst others capybaras, aardvarks, monkeys, deer, iguanas, alligators, caimans, turtles, snakes (with a little luck even the big anaconda) and over 300 different birds species. Overnight at Hato El Cedral, in a double room with fan, bathroom with shower and hot water. Driving time approx. 4 hours.

The Hato El Cedral impresses with its fauna. Its guesthouse with spacious air-conditioned rooms with ceiling fan and bathroom with shower, is rather simple. The rooms you will find are distributed along the guesthouse. The food/cuisine is typical from the area and very substantial. You will find a pool with long chairs where you can enjoy the sun if you desire.

Day 3: Llanos- (B/L/D)

After breakfast, you will go on another tour in the safari vehicle to explore different areas of the Hato. You will return to the ranch for lunch. In the afternoon, you will take a boat trip on the Río Matiyure to observe caimans, river dolphins and a wide variety of birds. Piranha fishing is also quite exciting. Overnight at Hato El Cedral.

Day 4: Llanos - San Fernando (B/L)

In the morning you will go on another safari tour with special 4x4 vehicles in order to explore a different area of the Hato. In the rainy season you have the chance to take a boat trip to observe caimans, river dolphins and a wide variety of birds. Piranha fishing is also quite exciting. After lunch you will be transferred to San Fernando de Apure.Overnight in the Hotel Best Western in a double room with air-conditioning, private bathroom with shower and hot water. Driving time approx. 3,5 hours

The Hotel Best Western Los Soleos is located at the border of San Fernando and built in a villa style. It’s the best hotel in the city with pool, restaurant and bar.

Day 5: San Fernando-Amazonas (B/D)

After breakfast you drive towards Puerto Ayacucho. It takes approx. 6 hours and leads you through the savanna. You cross small rivers and finally the mighty Rio Orinoco. Soon you arrive in Puerto Ayacucho where you will visit the Indian market and use some of your time to stroll around if you want. From there you´ll drive to the Orinoquia Lodge, which is beautifully located on the offshore of the Orinoco River. You can relax the rest of the day and depending on the water level have a refreshing bath in the river. Overnight in Orinoquia Lodge in a double room with ceiling fan, mosquito net, private bath and only cold water. Driving time approx. 7 hours including Orinoco Ferryboat

The Orinoquia Lodge is located on the offshore of the river, about 20 minutes from Puerto Ayacucho. The Lodge consists of two-story typical churuatas (thatched roof huts) where the beds are located in the upper part and living room and bath in the lower part. The open bungalows are protected with curtains, no closeable windows, and all beds are covered with mosquito nets. There are 3 rooms, very close to the main churuata which are not located individually as the other are. The bar and restaurant are in the big churuata with a view onto the river. The accommodation is rather simple, but its location is breathtaking.

Day 6: Amazonas (B/L/D)

Today you are driving to the fishmarket where you can observe the Indians daily routine. Afterwards you will be visiting the interesting ethnological museum in Puerto Ayacucho, which will give you a great overview of all the different Indian tribes, about their lifestyles and history (its opening is irregular, not always guaranteed). The indian market is right next to the museum and you have some time to stroll around. Also visit the Plaza Bolivar and the cathedral. At lunchtime you will be served a typical meal.

In the afternoon, when it is not that hot any more, we will drive to the “Piedra de la Tortuga”, 2 big granite laccolites which have the form of a turtle. We walk along the bottom of this rock and reach a big, open cave which was once an Indian burial place where you can still see some rock painting. Afterwards we will climb up the “back of the turtle” – the ascent takes about 30 minutes and is relatively steep but it is worth it – we can enjoy a wonderful sight over the savanna. Those who do not want to ascent the rock can walk back to the house of the park guardians and wait there in the shadow for the rest of the group. Overnight at Orinoquia Lodge.

Day 7: Amazonas-Caura (B/D)

After breakfast you leave to the Caura Lodge. The landscape is similar to an undulating savannah. Huge, black granite laccolites will show, which are foothills of the former Guiana Shield. After about 8 hours driving you leave the main road and turn into a narrow, red dirt road, which takes you through the jungle to Las Trincheras. You will be welcomed at the Caura Lodge, which is situated in Las Trincheras. On the terrace where all meals are taken you can enjoy the evening atmosphere and listen to the noises of the jungle. Overnight at Caura Lodge in double rooms with fan, mosquito nets, private bathroom and only cold water. Total driving time approx. 10 hours

The Caura Lodge consists of rooms that are in the main house of the accommodation and of different bungalows built in a churuata style (thatched roof huts). There is also a churuata with hammocks. At the edge of the lodge is a sloping beach to the river. The meals will be served either outdoors or in the main room. Because of its location the equipment is very simple. Electricity only per generator from 18:00 – 22:00 h

Day 8: Caura (B/L/D)

After breakfast you will go on a boat tour upriver into untouched jungle areas. After passing by some small rapids we reach the start of our short hike.

You will hike uphill through the jungle, observing a large variety of plants, such as orchids, bromeliads and vanilla plants. Finally, you will arrive at a big rock which lies in a clearing in the middle of the jungle. From there you have a fantastic view of the dark-green, unspoiled jungle and you can hear the sounds which come from somewhere out of the jungle.

In the afternoon you will make a short visit to one of the Indian villages. If we are lucky the women have just harvested manioc and we can see the production of Casabe, the typical Indian manioc bread (not guaranteed!). Overnight at Caura Lodge.

Day 9: Caura-Ciudad Bolivar (B)

After breakfast you return to the main street and follow the street to Ciudad Bolivar, after an approx. 3,5 hour drive. Overnight in Posada Angostura located in the colonial area of the city. In the afternoon you have time to discover more of this contemplative city at the Orinoco River with a very well maintained colonial downtown. Overnight at Posada Angostura in double room with air-conditioning, fan, private bathroom and hot water. Driving time approx. 3,5 hours

The Posada Angostura is located in a restored colonial building in the historic center of the city. The rooms are located around the inner patio with a view to a very nicely decorated corridor. Breakfast is served either in the inner patio or in the restaurant of Casa Grande.

Day 10: Ciudad Bolivar - Canaima (B/L/D)

Transfer to the airport and flight at around 8: 00 am in small Cessnas to Canaima. 10 Kg of luggage are permitted, no suitcases. The rest of the luggage can be stored in Posada Angostura. The Canaima National Park is one of the biggest of the world. This region is indeed impressive and of unique beauty. The park is part of the Guyana Shield, the oldest geological formation of the earth. The landscape is extremely varied, one encounters impenetrable jungle, rolling savannah, black water rivers and beautiful waterfalls. In the distance the tepuis, each an ecological island with very special properties can be seen. The most famous is the Auyán Tepui. The highest waterfall in the world drops from its summit, the Angel Fall. The flora is unique, full of rare orchids and bromeliads.

In the afternoon you visit the Salto Sapo. You will begin this tour with a short boat ride across the Canaima Lagoon and reach after a short hike through savannah and jungle, the waterfall. You will have the unique opportunity to cross the waterfall behind the water curtain. Literally, a breathtaking experience, especially during the rainy season! Afterwards you still have plenty of time to take a refreshing bath.

Overnight at Tapuy Lodge in double room with airconditioning, fan, private bath and hot water besides an extraordinary view to the Canaima Lagoon.

The Tapuy Lodge is located in an incomparable location right on the offshore of the Canaima Lagoon overlooking the waterfalls plunging into the lagoon. The rooms are located partly on the ground floor, partly on the 1st floor under the typical style, thatched roof. The lower rooms have a small terrace with hammock. All rooms have air conditioning. Meals are served in the thatched Churuata in the garden. The garden and the new, large furnished in lounge style Churuata invite you to relax, with the sound of waterfalls in the background.

Day 11: Canaima – Ciudad Bolivar (B)

The morning is free. You can arrange for an optional flight over the Angel Falls (weather permitting), the highest waterfall in the world, or just relax in the Canaima Lagoon or buy crafts in one of the gift shops.
Around noon flight back to Ciudad Bolivar. Transfer to Posada. Overnight at Posada Angostura.

Day 12: Ciudad Bolivar-Delta (B/L/D)

After breakfast, transfer to Boca de Uracoa (about 3.5 hours), a small town in North Delta. From here you can take a boat down the river about 1 hour until your Delta Lodge. On the way you may already know, the typical vegetation of the delta. You pass individual Indian settlements until you finally arrive at the lodge, which is beautifully situated by the river. After lunch, you start your first trip. You take the boat to a small tributary and from there take a stroll through the impressive vegetation of the delta. Your guide will explain the plants that you see on their way and you get to know the many uses of the moriche palm. With luck, you can try the typical palm heart; the palm grows only in the Delta (not guaranteed). Overnight in a lodge in the delta in simple double rooms with fan, mosquito nets, private bathroom (cold water only).

Driving time approx. 4,5 hours

The lodges are located in the Orinoco Delta in small river side arms on stilts. Due to the location, the decor is simple. The rooms consist of beds with bedside table, shelf, mosquito nets (some only on windows and doors) and private bathroom (cold water only). Electricity only per generator from 18:00 – 22:00 h.

Day 13: Delta-Caripe (B)

When visiting a Warao family you get a little insight into their current living environment. The Warao Indians are still living partly in stilt houses on the banks of the arms of the river delta. Afterwards, we head by boat back to Boca de Uracoa and from there via Maturin to Caripe, famous for the nearby Guacharo cave that once was explored by Humboldt. You can reach the cave at dusk and watch how the Guacharo birds (fat birds) swarming with loud shrieks and begin their nightly flight. Overnight in Pueblo Pequeño in a double room with air conditioning, ceiling fan, private bath and hot water. Total journey time approximately 6 hours

The Hotel Pueblo Pequeño is located on the edge of Caripe and in addition to its rooms in hotel it also offers bungalows. The rooms are simple and functional. The food is rather simple. The restaurant offers a la carte menu with a sufficient selection.

Day 14: Guacharo Cave-Caribbean Coast (B)

This morning you will be exploring the Guacharo cave. In the first part you will see huge stalactites hanging from the ceiling. Always accompanied by the cries of the fat birds we get to the “Room of Peace”. Abruptly the shouting and cries of the birds will stop and the stalactite world changes. The stalactites are solidified as limestone and sparkle in thousands of colors in the lantern light. In the depth you hear a rushing river. You take a little tour and then return to the hotel where you can freshen up. On the way to the coast you will be visiting a coffee hacienda. Depending on the season the coffee production process can be observed: one time the harvest, another time the processing to finished coffee. Cumana you will get to know on a small tour through the colonial city center. Afterwards you still will drive about 1.5 hours to Lecheria / Puerto La Cruz, a coastal town on the edge of the National Park Mochima. On the way you have always breathtaking views of the national park.

Overnight at Hotel Punta Palma. Accommodation in double room with air-conditioning or fan, private bathroom and hot water. Total driving time approximately 5 hours

The Hotel Punta Palma is located in the tourist zone of Lecheria in Puerto La Cruz. The hotel has a large sun terrace with swimming pool and possibility of access to the sea with a small beach. The rooms are comfortably furnished, partly with sea views (available at additional cost). In addition to the breakfast buffet, there is a lunch buffet. In the evening the a la carte restaurant with sea view opens.

Day 15: Barcelona-Caracas (B)

In the morning flight to Caracas.

End of services.


"We reserve us the right to change the course of the tour due to current political, climatic or organizational reasons."

Included

- local English speaking guide during excursions; day 14 without guide
-Accommodation and meals as specified
- Transfers on private basis and excursions as specified
-All domestic flights (Caracas-Barinas, Ciudad Bolivar-Canaima-Ciudad Bolivar, Barcelona-Caracas)
- Entrance fee to Guacharo Cave

Not included

- Overflight Angel Falls
- National and international airport taxes
- Canaima National Park entrance fee, currently about USD 34.00 pp
- Porter
- Personal expenses and tips
- Drinks with meals

2015 rate per Person in US$:

2 People - Double room: USD 2975. Single supplement: USD 405

3 People - Double room: USD 2805. Single supplement: USD 405

CONTACT: Amazon Adventures

EMAIL: jmc12@amazonadventures.com

VENEZUELA: Black Market Dollars Make Tourism Very Cheap

Tourists check their equipment before entering the water during a snorkelling class, on a beach in the Los Roques archipelago.

Hardy travellers undeterred by tales – real and exaggerated – of crime and shortages are finding Venezuela an absurdly cheap destination. Thanks to exchange controls skewing the economy in favour of anyone with foreign currency, you could hire a boat to a Caribbean island for less than £10 ($15) a day trek through Andean mountains or Amazon jungle for a whole week, with porters, for just over £80, go paragliding for about a tenner,stay in a decent hostel at a popular beach for about £3 a night stay in a decent hostel at a popular beach for about £3 a night or have a three-course meal with wine for about £6.50.

"It's crazy! This beer is costing me just a few pennies," said British tourist Matthew Napier, 35, indicating a local Polar beer while sitting on a stunning white sand beach in the Los Roques archipelago in the Caribbean. Even at a bumped-up 90 bolivars due to the exclusive island location, a beer here costs just 15 pence at the black market currency exchange rate obtained by canny foreigners.

Angel Falls in Venezuela, the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall at 979m

Many tourists look for not-so-surreptitious money-changers as soon as they land in Venezuela, or make arrangements ahead.

The official exchange rate is about six bolivars to one US dollar, but Venezuela's spiralling inflation makes locals desperate to get rid of their bolivars; rates of 400 to one are not unheard of.

Venezuela's largest denomination note is 100 bolivars (officially valued at about $15, but worth as little as 25 cents on the black market).

Amazed at the sheer quantity of notes they receive, visitors find where to keep them the biggest problem. "You simply can't carry enough cash with you, that's the main restriction to spending!" said Napier, adding he "felt like a drug-dealer" after wiring money in advance to Panama in order to be given bolivars by a contact in Venezuela.

In contrast with tourists, Venezuelans' purchasing power has fallen. Wage rises cannot match the inflation rate, which was 68% in 2014. It is widely forecast to hit triple digits this year.

Shopping for basic food and goods has become a daily struggle for many locals – let alone the sort of exotic holidays foreigners enjoy in their country.

Venezuelans Struggling To Buy Chicken At A Super Market

Unsurprisingly, there is a buzz about Venezuela on the backpackers' circuit. Young budget travellers recommend it as one of the world's cheapest spots – and post photos of themselves with huge wads of cash to prove it.

Changing money on dodgy corners, and once counting hundreds of bills in a bathroom, Hatton's itinerary included three internal flights and two guided trekking tours for his $300.

"You pay $1 and you get a really nice meal. If you shell out $20, you're paragliding in the morning and kayaking in the afternoon," said Hatton.

Despite the currency bonanza, tourists are hardly flocking to Venezuela. There were just under one million arrivals last year, four times fewer than neighbouring Colombia which is successfully marketing itself despite decades of drug wars and a Marxist insurgency.

In Venezuela, it's the frightening level of crime that puts people off, plus the acute shortages of basic products. "You're bombarded with this idea you can't go out on the street," said Juan Suso from Argentina, who ignored advice and spent a few days walking round Caracas before going to Los Roques.

Margarita Island, in the Caribbean

"People should come. It's so cheap, it's ridiculous. Even with our devalued currency in Argentina, it still works out such good value," he said, adding that meals out in Caracas were a quarter of the cost in Buenos Aires.

Back at Los Roques, a group of Argentinian pensioners were off to snorkel in the shallows with a local guide, after a boat-ride across azure waters from the island where they were staying. Including breakfast and some mid-morning drinks in a cooler, their total layout that morning was minimal.

"We're in paradise for $20!" shouted one, before ducking under the water.

VENEZUELA: Caracas Boasts Impressive Modern Architecture In South America

Venezuela is a country of dramatic contrasts. Its unique geography ranges from the long Caribbean coastline in the north to the dense Amazon Forest in the south. To the east lies the stunning Gran Sabana plateau, while the snowy peaks of the Andes dominate the west.

Venezuela

Not surprisingly, there’s an equally wide range of holiday options, from the sophistication and striking architecture of the capital, Caracas, to the demands of trekking and climbing in the rugged interior, and the ultimate relaxation of balmy beaches edged by coconut palms.

The country has no railway system, but possesses an excellent modern road network and well-developed tourist infrastructure, although rural communities in the interior live in a way that has not been changed for many generations.

Caracas boasts some of the most impressive modern architecture in South America; it’s a bustling city with modern hotels, fine restaurants, sophisticated shops and excellent sports facilities. Historic sites include the Plaza Bolivar, with its 17th century cathedral and the Casa Natal de Bolivar, the birthplace of national hero Simon Bolivar who liberated the country from Spanish rule. The city named after him, Ciudad Bolivar, on the lower Orinoco, retains much of its colonial charm.
AIRPORT/GATEWAYS/FLYING TIMES:

Airport: The main international airport is Simon Bolivar International Airport (locally known as Maiquetia airport) located in the Vargas state. It is approximately a 30-minute ride from Caracas.

Gateways/Flying Times: From Europe, there are non stop flights from Paris (Air France), Rome and Milan (Alitalia), Madrid (Iberia, Air Europa, CONVIASA), Frankfurt (Lufthansa) and Lisbon and Oporto (TAP).
SIGHTSEEING:

Between the huge Orinoco delta and Maracaibo, the oil capital of Venezuela, stretch 1,100 miles of magnificent, white beaches. Isla Margarita, 25 miles off the coast, is a popular destination for foreign visitors and Venezuelans alike. Further west, the 150 islands of the Los Roques National Park offer excellent sailing, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Venezuela’s breathtaking panoramas include Angel Falls, at more than 3,200 feet the highest waterfall in the world. The country is host to a wide variety of exotic plants and animals, including the jaguar, the great condor and the anaconda, the longest snake in the world. It is paradise for bird-watchers, who can see 15 percent of the entire world’s species of birds right here.