VENEZUALA Recommendations

CARACAS
The 411 - A bustling city by day, though a bit sketchy after dark. Be sure to take the cable car north of town up into the hills for spectacular views.

RIO CARIBE
The 411 - This chill, little town makes a good base for exploring the nearby beaches + cocoa plantations. Untouristed, warm water + coconut palms.
Eat - Try the local cocoa liquer at the plantation

SANTA ELENA/RORAIMA
The 411 - This small town is the base for heading on the AMAZING 6-day trek to the top of the Roraima tepui. The famed "Lost World" and it feels like it! The trek up and down is challenging, but once your on top you spend days just playing on black rocks, checking out unique carnivorous plants and orchids, crystal valleys, black prehistoric frogs, and outstanding views. I don't remember if this was the tour agency we booked through in Santa Elena, but this "link" has good info regardless. Ask around for a guide named Gideon from French Guyana. A smiling companion + cook, he really made our experience.

CIUDAD BOLIVAR
The 411 - This charming, colonial city lining the banks of the Orinoco is a nice place to stroll.

ANGEL FALLS/CANAIMA
The 411 - There's a standard 3-day trip into the Canaima area that we really enjoyed where you visit Angel Falls and numerous others. This could be extended for a longer trip if you really enjoy playing in waterfalls.


RECOMMENDED 2-3 WEEK ITINERARY -
Fly into Caracas and go from there. Every place listed is recommended and we heard Merida + an island area off the coast are great too. Don't try to pack too much in though as distances are long and we were only able to squeeze in the places listed over a 3 week period.

APPROXIMATE COSTS (For Low Budget Travel)
Room - $8-20/2p
Meal - $3-6/pp
Beer - $2
Visa - 90 days FREE

What's to Like?
Waterfalls and the "Lost World".

What's Not?
Most of the trips can only be done through an agency as access is via plane or 4x4, making it a more expensive destination.

Will you Starve to Death?
It's better than many other South American destinations. You'll chow down on boiled or fried yucca with spicy salsas + bean or cheese arepas.

Will you Dig It?
If you enjoy walking and waterfalls you most certainly will.

Check the "link" for photos of Venezuala