Introduction and basics

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Destinations :: South America :: Venezuela :: Introduction :: Introduction and basics

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Introduction

Introduction and basics

Explore Venezuela

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Introduction and basics

Venezuela's location on the Caribbean coast makes the flight there one of the shortest – and often cheapest – from most parts of Europe and the US. Not that hordes of foreign visitors tend to take advantage of that. Despite packing nearly every natural environment on the continent into a relatively small place – Caribbean beaches, snowcapped mountains, wildlife-rich wetlands, desert, Amazonian jungle, fertile river valley – the country has historically been one of the least-visited in South America; even war-torn Colombia receives five times more tourists annually than Venezuela.

In any case, as the world's fourth largest oil producer, Venezuela has not had a pressing need for additional sources of revenue, and the country has done very little to promote itself abroad. Moreover, until recently its oil wealth translated into extremely high prices, making dining and accommodation rather expensive in comparison with the rest of South America.

However, changes may be on the horizon. President Hugo Chávez has looked to increase development, and falling oil prices have led to a severe currency devaluation in the past several years, making travel within Venezuela considerably less expensive than before. And much is in place already: an extensive highway system makes internal travel easy, while a countrywide guesthouse network provides ample accommodation options. Ironically, many tourists now avoid Venezuela because of the political instability that has accompanied Chávez's rise to power, overthrow and return to power. Although most of the country is safe except for Caracas, international headlines have served as a powerful deterrent to would-be visitors.

Venezuela highlights

Parque Nacional Morrocoy The pristine beaches of this national park are among the most unspoilt in South America – for now.

The mansions of Coro Recognized as a World Heritage Site, Venezuela's finest colonial town is exceptionally well preserved.

Teleférico in Mérida Take the world's longest and highest-climbing cable car to the top of Pico Espejo, 4765 metres above sea level, for a stirring view of the surrounding Sierra Nevada.

Angel Falls The Río Churún falls dramatically off the edge of the enormous Auyantepui tabletop mountain in the Parque Nacional Canaima into the verdant jungle below.

Delta lodges Stay at a lodge on the Orinoco Delta and visit indigenous Warao villages, go canoeing and try your hand at piraña fishing.

Snorkelling in Los Roques The crystal clear water surrounding the 42 islets of this archipelago, now a national park, are ideal for snorkelling.