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: Maduro Kicks Out Copa Airlines From Venezuela

The Venezuelan government has unilaterally suspended all Copa Airlines operations to and from the country for at least 90 days, starting today, to protect the Venezuelan financial system from organized crime and terrorism, an official communicate says.

The release notes that the sanction could be extended.

The unilateral measures come as a retaliation taken by the government of Nicolas Maduro over a series of sanctions the Government of Panama imposed last week on several Venezuelan politicians.

The Panamanian Government stated that Maduro, along with 55 individuals and 16 Venezuelan companies, are considered a high risk for laundering money, terrorism financing, and trafficking weapons of mass destruction.

In return, the Venezuelan regime issued these sanctions against Copa Airlines claiming that several top-ranking authorities from Panama, including its President, Juan Carlos Varela, had been involved in money laundering.

They present an imminent risk to the Venezuelan financial system, the stability of commerce in the country, and the sovereignty and economic independence of the Venezuelan people, Maduro said.

The retaliation from the Venezuelan government has taken Copa Airlines by surprise.

These penalties were released by 4:00 p.m. local time on Thursday, April 5, and the Venezuelan National Civil Aviation Institute (INAC) released it at 9:00 p.m. via a Twitter post.

INAC claims the sanctions imposed on Copa were to prevent organized crime and terrorism finance

As a consequence, commercial ties with various companies and Panamanian officials were halted by the Venezuelan executive.

Following Venezuela’s measures, Panama has decided to recall its ambassador and asked the Venezuelan ambassador in Panama City to leave the country.

Copa Airlines said in a release that all affected passengers may ask for a refund of any outstanding tickets without penalties.

As of today, Copa Airlines was the last Latin American carrier operating in Venezuela with daily services to/from its hub in Panama City.

Just recently, the airline celebrated its 70th anniversary and held an event at the Venezuelan Capital reaffirming their intentions to continue serving the country despite the massive exodus of Venezuelans and the cancellation of other airlines serving Caracas.

Copa has operated daily flights to Caracas for the last 20 years.

Venezuela has suffered a massive exodus of airlines, with ten global carriers axing their daily services to the country in the last six years.

International organizations have also fled away because of the prohibitive, unsafe, and tense political climate in the country.

Since 1997, Copa Airlines has flown millions of Venezuelan passengers, connecting them from Caracas (CCS), Maracaibo (MAR), and Valencia (VLN) across its 75 destinations in 31 countries in the American continent.

With this suspension, the connectivity to Latin American cities from Venezuela will see a drop of over 85% in seat availability.

Currently, Wingo remains as the only Latin American carrier flying to Venezuela, five times per week, from its hub in Bogota. Wingo is a subsidiary of Copa Airlines and, so far, hasn’t been added to the sanction.

Copa Airlines (CM) and Lufthansa (LH), as members of the Star Alliance, reached an agreement that increases their commercial relations.

Copa will now be able to commercialize the Panama (PTY) – Frankfurt (FRA) – Panama route, operated by the German carrier.

Austrian Airlines will also be incorporated to the group of airlines with commercial relations with the Panamanian carrier.

Passengers will have the option to make connections in different cities from Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia through Frankfurt’s hub.

With this alliance between Copa Airlines and the Lufthansa Group, passengers will have better options to connect to and from all Latin America through Copa Airlines’ Hub of the Americas in Panama, said Christophe Didier, Commercial Vice President of Copa Airlines.

Similarly, it will now be easier and more comfortable for passengers anywhere in Latin America to directly reach their destination in Europe, he said.

Additionally, Lufthansa’s passengers could use Copa’s services to and from its hub in Panama.

In turn, Copa’s customers can benefit from the services of the Lufthansa Group’s airlines and their hubs in Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, and Brussels.

Felipe Bonifatti, General Manager of the Lufthansa Group in Panama, said that the excellent relationship that has united us with Copa Airlines for many years now has now expanded and consolidated through this new and more complete commercial agreement.

This brings countless benefits for everyone, particularly for mutual customers.

At Lufthansa, we are delighted that our flight from Panama to Frankfurt and vice versa also carries a Copa Airlines flight number, with codeshare, he said.

Back in November 2015, Lufthansa signed its first agreement with Copa for the flights to Latin American destinations.

Copa flights in the current winter schedule from Miami, Florida, to Panama, were operated under an additional Lufthansa flight number for passengers to travel from Frankfurt via Miami to Panama City.

Also, additional codeshare flights on Copa from Panama City to the cities of David in Panama, Guayaquil, and Quito in Ecuador, and San Jose in Costa Rica starting with Lufthansa’s inaugural flight from Frankfurt to Panama on March 2, 2016.

Copa Airlines also has agreements and codeshares with other international carriers, allowing its customers to reach over 1,300 airports in 191 countries, with more than 18,400 daily flights.

The airline currently offers service to more than 70 destinations in 31 countries, in North, Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean with 101 aircraft: 80 Boeing 737 Next-Generation and 21 Embraer-190.



Tourism Observer

VENEZUELA: Lufthansa Suspends Flights To Caracas Over Currency Controls

Lufthansa, has announced that it will suspend flights to Venezuela from 18 June due to economic difficulties in the country.

The company also said currency controls in Venezuela made it impossible for airlines to convert their earnings into dollars and send the money abroad.

Venezuela's economy has been hit hard by a sharp drop in the price of oil - the country's main source of income.

Venezuela has high inflation and severe shortages of basic goods.

In a statement, Lufthansa said that it "will be forced to suspend our service between Caracas and Frankfurt as of 18 June".

It noted that the demand for international flights to Venezuela had dropped in 2015 and in the first quarter of the current year.

However, it said it hoped to restore services in the near future.

Strict currency controls were first imposed in Venezuela in 2003 by late President Hugo Chavez.

The restrictions were further tightened two years ago, forcing several airlines to reduce their operations in the country as they struggled to repatriate billions of dollars in revenue held in the local currency - the bolivar.

Some airlines are now requiring passengers to pay their fares in dollars.

Venezuela's government has defended its policies, saying it must prioritise.

Caracas says it is using its foreign reserves - which are now scarce - to pay for essential items such as medicines and industrial machinery.

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: Try Roraima Trek

The Roraima Trek is one of the highlights of Venezuela. Mount Roraima is the highest of the Pakaraima chain of tepui plateaus in South America. Its 31 km2 summit area is defended on all sides by tall cliffs rising 400 metres (1,300 ft). The mountain also serves as the triple border point of Venezuela,Brazil and Guyana, It lies in the southeastern corner of Venezuela's 30,000 square kilometres (12,000 sq mi) Canaima National Park. Bizarre rock formations, amazing landscapes and unique plants dominate the scenery.

Day 1. Arrival to Caracas- Puerto Ordaz (D)
Arrival to Maiquetia International airport, assistance by our bilingual guide. Who will explain all the details of the expedition .Flight to Puerto Ordaz (45 min). Transfer to the hotel. Welcome dinner and Overnight.

Day 2. Grand Savannah – Santa Elena (BD)
Breakfast. Departure in four wheel drive vehicles to take the route of Gold seekers and then cross the region of EL DORADO. Forest reserve of Imataca, kilometer 88 and finally Santa Elena de Uairen a gold mining town founded in 1922 by Sr. Peña –a gold prospector who named the town after his first daughter. In Santa Elena you will be able to appreciate the presence of indigenous people and Brazilian influences since is located just minutes from the Brazilian frontier. Overnight in Santa Elena with dinner.

Day 3. Santa Elena - Paraitepuy (5 hours / 12 Km.) (BLD)
Breakfast. We meet with our porters in Paraitepuy: a small indigenous community of the Pemon Indian. Visit the small community. We begin our trek across rolling grassland of the savannah. Crossing several streams we ford the Tek River where we will camp having a fantastic view of the stark face of Roraima ahead and Kukunan Tepuy to its left. From here we can also see the pinnacle of rock next to Roraima, like the one by which Conan Doyle’s heroes climbed to the top. Dinner and overnight.

Day 4. Trekking in Roraima (5 hours / 12 KMS) (BLD)
Trek across rising savannah to the base of the mountain to camp in a meadow alive with multi-colored birds and fireflies at night, this place is considered in guidebooks as being one of the best campsites in the world ! The Roraima wall is extremely impressive here rising 3,000 feet directly in front of the camp, with the quart in the rock glittering in the late afternoon sun.

Day 5. Trekking in Roraima (5 hours /3 KMS) (BLD)
In the morning we set off up the route that leads diagonally across the face of the Roraima wall. The narrow trail winds through the mountain rainforests and crosses the small streams where hummingbirds, orchids and brightly colored flowers are abundant. Higher up, the vegetation changes to pre-historic tree ferns and the trail leads under a waterfall descending from the cliff edge hundreds of feet above. After 4 -5 hours we arrive at the entrance to the summit, guarded by massive grey rocks and emerge at the top – looking back for an incredible view. We visit the Valley of Crystals, the river-valley of the Arobopo River shaped like an amphitheater, around which are grouped large dark rounded stone columns. The river itself runs over a bed of crystals and crystal fragments. We visit the northern point of Mount Roraima for stunning views from various points on the edge.

Day 6. Trekking in Roraima (9 hours / 20 Km) (BLD)
We explore Roraima’s summit trekking a long circular route to the triple border point, where Venezuela, Guyana and Brazil meet. We walk through strange rock formations, surprisingly lush valleys and places where the ground is covered with sparkling quartz crystals. There are rock pools everywhere and in them you may be lucky enough to see the strange black toads, unique to Mount Roraima. The plant life is bizarre, as over half the species are unique to Tepuys or to Roraima alone, including several species of orchids and carnivorous plants. We also visit the Oil Bird cave (Guacharo bird).

Days 7. Trekking in Roraima (6 hours / 14 KMS) (BLD)
In the morning there is still time to explore the surroundings of the Tepuy . Begin the descent from the Tepuy. Overnight

Day 8. Santa Elena de Uairen (BLD)
Breakfast. Walk until reaching Paraitepuy, where a chauffeur will be awaiting you to transfer to a traditional restaurant in the region, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch. After living an unforgettable, unique experience, transfer to the posada in Santa Elena. Dinner and overnight.

Day 9. Santa Elena -Puerto Ordaz (B)
After breakfast, transfer to Puerto Ordaz. On the road you will stop to see the highlights of this wonderful path of the Grand Savannah. Transfer to the Hotel. Overnight.

Day 10. Puerto Ordaz- Caracas (B)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to take the flight to Caracas and continue with your international flight.

fixed departures :Dec 21st, 2015, Dec 25th, 2015, Dec 28th, 2015, Jan 12th, 2016, Jan 17th, 2016, Apr 12th, 2016

Price per one person in Single Room is: US$1575

Price per person base 2-3 pax in Double Room is: US$1250

Included:
 Assistance at the airport in Caracas.
 All private transfers.
 2 nights in Puerto Ordaz with breakfast, dinner and taxes.
 2 nights in Santa Elena with full board.
 5 nights in Roraima Tepuy in tents with all camping equipment, porters for food and equipment while trekking in Roraima. Full board and soft drinks.
 Excursions:
 Trekking to Roraima Tepuy.
 Professional bilingual guide.
 Domestic flights: Caracas - Puerto Ordaz - Caracas

Not included:
 Domestic Airport taxes (3US$ per person/ per flight)
 Personal Porter
 Sleeping Bag
 Insulator
 Lunch on day 2
 Dinner and lunch on day 9

Additional Information:
 Total travel distance: 40-45 km trekking up and the same for the descent.
 You will be able to leave some luggage in Santa Elena. We recommend bringing lock or security device to close the bags.
 The return is made walking to Paraitepuy and then by car to Santa Elena.
 About the visit to Piedra Pintada y Valle de los Cristales: Are located about one hour away (walking) and the group have to start the descent before noon. This can be done if the group is not too tired, most people usually just walk a little around.
 People can bath in rivers and streams along the way; the higher you are, the cooler is the water. (Jacuzzis are the only bath option in the top)
 Food during the trek:
Includes: 5x breakfast with cereal, bread, arepas (typical corn bread), cheese, ham, jam, coffee and juice.
6x light lunches with bread and various salads. 5 x dinners
 Carriers have the equipment and food. We strongly recommend that you carry a food supplement (chocolates, cookies, candies, to recharge)
 Sleeping bags: We recommend people to bring their sleeping bag and padding. Sometimes the ones rented are not in very good condition.
 There is always humidity and nights are cold. The weather at the top of Roraima has been calculated at 4 degrees at dawn. During the day it is usually windy with 21 degrees and humidity. At night, down to 10 or 9 degrees.
 You cannot throw garbage in any area of the National Park.
 In case of a serious emergency of one passenger, the only way out of the national park by helicopter.
 The passengers should have a good physical condition, since some days there are up to 7 or 8 hours of hiking.
 It is possible to hire indigenous carriers to have the backpacks and personal effects. Each one can carry up to 15 kilos at a price of $ 30 per day per carrier. It can be a carrier for 2 people while not exceeding 15 kg luggage

CONTACT: Amazon Adventures

EMAIL: jmc12@amazonadventures.com

First Airline To Fly An Airbus A380 To Latin America

This winter, Air France is offering six weekly frequencies between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Mexico. Starting on 12 January 2016, three weekly flights are operated by Airbus A380, the Company’s largest super jumbo (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday). The three other flights are operated by Boeing 777-300. From 27 March 2016, the A380 will fly between the two cities daily.

On board, customers have the option of travelling in four flight cabins ensuring optimum comfort – La Première, Business, Premium Economy and Economy.

“We are proud to be the first airline in the world to operate an Airbus A380 to Latin America. This is a strong sign reflecting the Air France-KLM Group’s commitment to promoting exchange between Mexico and the rest of the world. We are thus strengthening the Group’s presence in Mexico, which we have been serving for over 60 years, by increasing our capacity by 20% on the Paris-Mexico route. The A380 will also allow us to offer two new flight cabins on this route, La Première and Premium Economy, in an aim to offer our customers even greater choice”, stated Patrick Alexandre, Executive Vice President Commercial, Sales and Alliances Air France-KLM.

AIRBUS A380 FLIGHT SCHEDULE (IN LOCAL TIME) THROUGHOUT THE WINTER 2016 SEASON

AF438: leaves Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 13:30; arrives in Mexico at 18:40
AF439: leaves Mexico at 21:10, arrives at Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 14:25.

Flights operated by A380 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 12 January to 26 March 2016. Daily flights from 27 March 2016.

This Air France flight offer complements that of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines operating up to 9 weekly frequencies by Boeing 747 between the Amsterdam-Schiphol hub and Mexico.

THE COMFORT OF AN A380
Boarding an Air France Airbus A380 always guarantees an exceptional trip. On board, the 516 passengers travel in perfect comfort in exceptionally spacious cabins. Two hundred and twenty windows fill the aircraft with natural light, and changing background lighting allows passengers to cross time zones fatigue-free. In addition, six bars are located throughout the aircraft, giving passengers the chance to meet up during the flight.

With cabin noise levels five decibels lower than industry standards, the A380 is a particularly quiet aircraft and features the latest entertainment and comfort technology. External images are retransmitted live throughout the flight from three cameras located on the front, underside and rear of the aircraft. Finally, the largest jet in Air France’s fleet is the first to include a dedicated space for art and culture.

For the winter 2015-2016 season, Air France’s ten Airbus A380s are flying to 8 destinations – Abidjan, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Los Angeles, Mexico, Miami, New York-JFK and Shanghai.

AIR FRANCE-KLM, EUROPEAN LEADER IN MEXICO AND IN THE REGION OF CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

This winter, the Air France-KLM Group is offering up to 21 weekly flights to Mexico from Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol, including seven frequencies operated by Aeroméxico from Paris to the Mexican capital that share codes with Air France.

Moreover, all Air France flights to Mexico also share codes with Aeroméxico, thereby providing passengers with a wide variety of connecting flight options throughout the domestic network of the Mexican airline within the country.

Air France also offers 4 weekly frequencies to Cancùn.

The leading airline in Central and South America and the Caribbean in terms of seats, Air France-KLM serves twenty-seven destinations* in the region, and offers over 200 flights a week from Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol.

* Aruba, Bogota, Bonaire, Brasilia, Buenos Aires, Cancún, Cali, Caracas, Cayenne, Curaçao, Fort-de-France, Guayaquil, Havana, Lima, Mexico, Montevideo, Panama, Paramaribo, Pointe à Pitre, Port-au- Prince, Punta Cana, Quito, Santo Domingo, Saint-Martin, Santiago de Chili, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro.

A MAJOR TRANSATLANTIC JOINT VENTURE WHICH ALSO COVERS FLIGHTS TO MEXICO
Air France-KLM is involved in a major transatlantic joint venture alongside Delta Air Lines and Alitalia. The partners share operation of over 250 transatlantic flights operated daily by the four airlines, which also covers flights to Mexico. With a fleet of 129 aircraft, this partnership represents 25% of global transatlantic capacity and will generate an expected 13 billion in annual revenue. It allows customers to benefit from the advantages of a huge network offering more frequent flights, competitive tariffs and standardised services across the Atlantic.

The Air France-KLM Group and Delta serve eighteen destinations in the United States from Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York-JFK, New York-Newark, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Portland, Salt Lake City, Seattle, San Francisco and Washington. In addition to these destinations, Delta offers a vast network of connecting flights to 300 North American destinations, including Mexico.

TWO EUROPEAN HUBS CONNECTED TO THE WORLD
The European hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol are connected daily thanks to 12 flight frequencies. The Air France and KLM network has been fully optimized to offer customers a choice of 316 destinations in 103 countries worldwide.

US: Venezuela Travel Warning

The Department of State has issued this Travel Warning to inform U.S. citizens about security conditions in Venezuela. Thousands of U.S. citizens safely visit Venezuela each year for study, tourism, business, and volunteer work. While U.S. citizens are not specifically targeted, violent crime in Venezuela is pervasive, both in the capital, Caracas, and in the interior. This replaces the Travel Warning issued on December 11, 2014 to include updated crime data.

Armed robberies take place throughout Caracas and other cities, including in areas generally presumed safe and frequented by tourists. Street crime can take place at any time, and upscale residential areas where many U.S. citizens live and visit are not immune from street crime and home invasion robberies. Recently, heavily armed criminals used grenades and assault rifles to commit crimes at banks, shopping malls, public transportation stations, and universities.

According to the non-governmental organization Venezuelan Violence Observatory (VVO), Venezuela has the second highest homicide rate in the world. Kidnappings are also a serious concern throughout the country, and, according to police sources, roughly 80 percent go unreported. Most can be classified as “express kidnappings” which last only a few hours, while the victim and/or family members gather as much money as possible for a quick release. Victims are often physically roughed up or even killed if they resist kidnappers’ demands. In addition, there is cross-border violence, kidnappings, drug trafficking, and smuggling along Venezuela’s western border with Colombia.

The Department of State considers the criminal threat to U.S. government personnel in Venezuela sufficiently serious to require them to live and work under strict security restrictions. All U.S. direct-hire personnel and their families assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Caracas are subject to an embassy movement policy for their safety and well-being. The details of the policy are found in our Country Specific Information on Venezuela. These practices limit, and may occasionally prevent, access by U.S. Embassy officials to certain areas of Caracas and the interior of the country.

In addition, all U.S. direct-hire personnel and their family members who are assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Caracas are required to take an armored vehicle when traveling to and from the Maiquetia Airport as well as when traveling in some parts of Caracas and the interior.

U.S. citizens in Venezuela should be vigilant of their surroundings at all times and in all locations, especially when entering or exiting their homes, hotels, cars, garages, schools, and workplaces. Whenever possible, U.S. citizens should travel in groups of two or more persons; avoid wearing jewelry and carrying large sums of money or displaying cash, ATM/credit cards, mobile phones, or other valuables; and avoid walking at night in most areas of Venezuela and walking alone on beaches, historic ruins, and trails. Incidents of crime along inter-city roads, including carjacking and kidnapping, are common in Venezuela. Motorists should avoid traveling at night and always drive with their doors locked to deter potential robberies at traffic lights and on congested city streets.

For further information:

See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Venezuela Specific Information.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Contact the U.S. Embassy in Venezuela, located at Calle F con Calle Suapure, Lomas de Valle Arriba, Caracas at +[58] 212-975-6411, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +[58] 0212-907-8400.
Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

VENEZUELA: A Country That Offers Paradise For $20 US Dollars

Fears of being kidnapped or not finding toilet paper are not much of an incentive for a holiday in Venezuela.

Yet hardy travelers undeterred by the tales - real and exaggerated - of crime and shortages are finding the South American nation an absurdly cheap destination.

That is thanks to exchange controls skewing the economy in favor of anyone with foreign currency, meaning you can hire a boat to a Caribbean island for $15 a day, or trek through Andean mountains or Amazon jungle for a week, with porters, at $125.

A decent hostel at a popular beach may cost $5 a night, while two people can have a three-course meal with wine for $10.

"It's crazy! This beer is costing me just a few pennies," said a tourist clad in sunglasses and clutching a local Polar beer on a stunning white-sand beach with his girlfriend at Los Roques archipelago in the Caribbean.

Even at a bumped-up 90 bolivars due to the exclusive island location, a beer here costs just $0.22 (or 15 pence for Britons like Napier) at the black market rate most foreigners change on.

Many are wise to the situation so they look for not so surreptitious money-changers as soon as they land in Venezuela, or make arrangements ahead.

Venezuela's largest denomination note is 100 bolivars - about 25 U.S. cents. 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!" added Napier, saying he "felt like a drug-dealer" after wiring money in advance to Panama in order to be given bolivars by a contact in Venezuela.

Despite the currency bonanza, tourists are hardly flocking to Venezuela. There were just under 1 million arrivals last year, four times fewer than neighboring 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 mainly puts people off, plus acute shortages of basic products from milk to diapers.

"You're bombarded with this idea you can't go out on the street," said Argentine Juan Suso, 31, who ignored advice at home and in Venezuela to enjoy a few days walking round Caracas before going to Los Roques with a guitar on his back.

"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 added, saying meals out in Caracas were a quarter of the cost in Buenos Aires.

The giveaway prices in Venezuela for foreigners are a recent phenomenon: the black market price of a U.S. dollar has shot up nearly six-fold from 70 bolivars to over 400 in the last year.

The government is unable to meet demand at official exchange rates, which range from 6.3 to 200 bolivars per dollar, so the black market satisfies those prepared to pay a hefty premium.

In contrast with tourists, Venezuelans' purchasing power has fallen as wage rises cannot match inflation of 68 percent in 2014 and 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 are enjoying in their country.

"There is no other country in the world in this situation. It's very sad," lamented Napier's Venezuelan girlfriend Aiskel Rendon, 31, a tax analyst who also lives in England.

Not surprisingly, there is a buzz about Venezuela on the backpackers' circuit. Young budget travelers recommend it as one of the world's cheapest spots - and post photos of themselves with huge wads of cash to prove it.

Will Hatton, 26, who runs a blog called "The Broke Backpacker", criss-crossed Venezuela for a month earlier this year, spending about $300 in total as he visited some of its most exotic places like the table-topped Roraima mountain.

Changing money on dodgy corners, and once counting hundreds of bills in a bathroom, Hatton's spending 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, who recounted his Venezuela experiences at thebrokebackpacker.com.

Another recent visitor, travel broadcaster Simon Parker, showed himself in a mini-documentary at a souvenir market marveling at the prices. A traditional small guitar? Less than $2. Straw hat? $2.50. Terra-cotta football? $1.

"At first I was unsure if this is the 'done thing' and the ethical issues surrounding buying currency in this way, but it turned out that everyone was at it; both locals and foreigners," he said of Venezuela's currency black market.

Back at Los Roques, a group of Argentine 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: Dynamic Airways Becomes Latest Carrier To Caracas Airport

Dynamic Airways commenced operations from Caracas Airport on 17 July, becoming the 29th carrier to fly from the Venezuelan capital. The four times weekly rotation that it operates from Fort Lauderdale has resulted in the airline being the 13th largest out of Caracas this September. When the route was launched, Paul Kraus, Dynamic Airways CEO, said that the route launch was a “monumental moment” for the company in reconnecting Caracas and Fort Lauderdale, a city pair that had not been operated since 2005 when American Airlines last flew the route. From 14 November, the carrier will add its second destination to Caracas from New York JFK.

On 22 September, IATA announced that passenger traffic in Venezuela fell by 8.5% in 2014 when compared to the same 12 month time period of 2013. What is worrying about this trend is that other key economies in the region, such as Colombia and Peru, were up 6.9% and 2.5% respectively. The table below shows a more detailed overview of what occurred in the South American and Caribbean region for 2014, relating to the key economies of the region.

The decline of 8.5% also outpaced the 3% GDP contraction in Venezuela during the same period, reflecting the growing impact of draconian government policies on airlines, including restrictions on the repatriation of currency. Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO, commented about the traffic decline by saying: “The Venezuelan government’s policies are crippling the air transport sector and depriving its people of the economic benefits that it could bring. Air travel options in Venezuela are diminishing while the country’s citizens and businesses pay more to travel due to the negative impact of government policies.” This statement is very much supported by the changes in seat capacity at Caracas Airport, the country’s leading international transport hub. Analysis of OAG schedule data confirms that since 2014 seat capacity from the facility has fallen by 13%. However, not all airlines have cut capacity at the airport.

Caracas is showing rapid capacity decline

If based on just annual seat capacity alone, the decline of 13% out of Caracas for the whole of 2015 is supporting the statement issued last week by IATA. However, it is worth noting that 2015 (highlighted in light green) still has three months left to pass, which is still plenty of time for an airline to announce and commence operations on a new route, or for other airlines to reduce capacity still further. Nonetheless based on the current figures supplied by OAG, the airport is recording its biggest slump in seat capacity in the past nine years.

Home carriers dominate capacity

As we can see from the table above, only four carriers in the top 12 (highlighted in light green) are foreign airlines. When anna.aero did further analysis into the breakdown of aviation in Venezuela, a reason was uncovered for this possibility and why home carriers are dominating Caracas capacity. Venezuela is breaching international agreements and the principles of the Chicago Convention in its treatment of airlines. One example, as confirmed and published by IATA, is as follows: ‘Foreign carriers are forced to pay for fuel in US dollars instead of Venezuelan bolivars, going against the non-discriminatory spirit of the Chicago Convention which Venezuela has signed. This is particularly problematic as purchasing fuel is one of the few avenues they have for spending accumulated local currency that cannot be repatriated.’

Although IATA has come out with this statement in relation to Venezuela, a further investigation by anna.aero shows that these four carriers are actually reporting growth from Caracas this September when compared with the same time period of 2014, quite considerably in some cases. Avianca (41%), Copa Airlines (18.9%), Aerolineas Argentinas (53%) and American Airlines (40%) are all in fact growing at a much faster rate than the home carriers, with the top three airlines out of Caracas, Conviasa (-38%), Aserca Airlines (-19%) and Aeropostal (-17%), all reporting declines in seat capacity when compared to September 2014.

Domestic market suffering the most

Again, trends seen by IATA seem not to be playing a part in the route development at Caracas, as the market which has taken the most severe impact when compared to the same time period of last year is the Venezuelan domestic market, which is down 41%, and has seen its overall capacity share reduce from 66% in September 2014 to 54% in the same month of 2015. Other markets outside of the top 12 have also shown rapid declines in capacity, with Brazil (15th) showing a 52% drop in seats, and Portugal (16th) down 56%. The airport has also lost a country market when compared to the same time period of 2014, with Italy no longer being served according to OAG Schedules Analyser data.

Double trouble to JFK

Later this year two carriers will introduce services to New York JFK, with Dynamic Airways planning to commence services on 14 November, while American Airlines plans to introduce the city pair to its ever-growing, international New York JFK operations on 17 December. OAG Schedules Analyser data shows that currently New York JFK is not served by any carrier from Caracas.

VENEZUELA: Venezuela-Colombia Border Closed

Venezuela's president has escalated his country's dispute with Colombia by expanding the partial closure of their shared border to four new frontier towns.

More towns partially closed by President Maduro as part of crackdown in response to attack on anti-smuggling patrol.

Acting again a day after the two countries recalled their ambassadors, Nicolas Maduro extended on Friday the border closure, which originally applied to a heavily trafficked stretch of border comprising six towns.

Venezuela and Colombia have been locked in a diplomatic row since Maduro closed part of the border last week after unidentified assailants attacked a Venezuelan anti-smuggling patrol, wounding three soldiers and a civilian.

He blamed the attack on right-wing paramilitaries from Colombia.

Venezuelan officials have deported more than 1,000 Colombian migrants and another 5,000 have left voluntarily, with some carrying all of their belongings across a muddy river.

"To clean up paramilitary activity, crime, smuggling, kidnapping and drug trafficking, I have decided to close the border for zone number two in the state of Tachira," Maduro said in a speech in Caracas on Friday.

He said he was sending 3,000 troops to "search high and low for paramilitaries, even under rocks".

He said he was open to meeting Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos to discuss the mounting tensions wherever and whenever his counterpart chooses, but was leaving the next day for a trip to Asia.

'Attack on economy'

Maduro accused Colombia of waging "an attack on Venezuela's economy" - a reference to the rampant smuggling of heavily subsidised food and other goods out of Venezuela, where more than five million Colombians live.

In Caracas, thousands of government supporters created traffic jams on Friday as they marched to the presidential palace in support of the new measures, which they said were not aimed at Colombian migrants themselves.

Maduro danced on stage to live music and told cheering supporters that he had waited long enough for Colombia to rein in the violence and crime seeping over the border.

However, the UN high commissioner for human rights called on both sides to work to resolve the crisis, and put extra emphasis on Venezuela's responsibilities.

"We urge the Venezuelan authorities to ensure that the human rights of all affected individuals are fully respected, particularly in the context of any deportations," said Rupert Colville, spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

A meeting of the two countries' foreign ministers on Wednesday failed to bear fruit, and on Thursday both countries recalled their ambassadors for consultations, the diplomatic equivalent of lodging a complaint.

Santos has called for an emergency meeting of the Union of South American Nations and the Organisation of American States (OAS), saying: "We want to tell the world what is happening."

The OAS is expected to meet to discuss the situation next week.

The porous, 2,200km border has long been rife with fighters from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and National Liberation Army (ELN), as well as drug gangs and smugglers.

The Colombian gangs include the remnants of right-wing paramilitary groups that once battled FARC and ELN fighters but were disbanded a decade ago.

FARC issued a statement from Havana, Cuba, where it is negotiating a peace deal, saying it supported Venezuela's actions.

Maduro blames Colombian smuggling for severe shortages of basic goods in Venezuela, a problem that led to violent protests in the country last year.

Venezuela has long used its oil wealth to fund price controls that keep goods like rice and toilet paper up to 10 times cheaper than in Colombia.