Venezuelan foreign tourism was a black hole until last year, when it completely declined due to the country’s political and economic issues.
Many countries advised against visiting Venezuela. However, the dire state of things has changed in 2023, and it is now possible to go to this wonderful country with certain precautions.
Table of contents
Is Venezuela a cheap destination?
Best Time to travel to Venezuela
How to plan your trip to Venezuela independently
Currency, debit/credit cards and cash
- My Universal South America Packing List
Introduction
Venezuela might be a really intriguing country to visit for the free-spirited backpacker. There are numerous issues to avoid, as well as a few challenges to overcome. But don’t give up; all of your problems will turn out to be a positive learning experience in this place.
Is Venezuela a cheap destination?
Tours and accommodations may be more expensive due to the limited number of international travellers. In terms of transportation, there aren’t many buses every day per destination, and flights only link to the major tourist destinations at expensive rates.
However, if you plan your journey wisely, you should be able to see the top places without difficulty. You may require the assistance of a third party for some trips.
Street food and local buses are reasonably priced. Local buses are well connected, however you must ask locals to understand them because they are not marked on Google Maps.
How to get into Venezuela
By plane: The main airport, Maíquetia, is located near Caracas and is well connected to all the major cities and tourist sites.
International flights are also available from Valencia and Maracaibo.
By land:
From Colombia: Venezuela has recently opened the border crossing between Táchira and Cúcuta. It is possible to cross the border, but be aware that there is a lot of corruption at the border, and “some people ” may beg you for money in order to let you pass through without issue.”
You can take a bus or taxi from Cúcuta to Urea or Antonio del Táchira, where you can change for a bus to Táchira or Mérida. The main company is Union Táchira.
Private taxis can also transport you from Cúcuta to Mérida. For this type of service, you must contact a tourist agency.
From Brazil: This border is also open; you might cross it in Paracaíma. I haven’t crossed from there, but I discovered an interesting article about it from 2022 that appears to be still relevant: https://travelbert.org/2022/11/09/how-to-cross-the-pacaraima-brazil-la-linea-venezuela-border/
Getting around Venezuela
Buses provide the most affordable and enjoyable local experience. Almost all important destinations are accessible via the Las Banderas bus terminal in Caracas.
Long-distance trips are covered by comfortable buses known as expresos, which are especially useful at night. Because some services may have heavy air conditioning, bring warm clothing.
Travelling by bus is now pretty safe, however keep your belongings in front of you at all times.
Flights from Maíquetia are relatively expensive, with only one or two flights per day to each destination. The most important companies are Laser Airlines, Avior Airlines, Conviasa, and Aerocaribe.
Best Time to travel to Venezuela
You may visit Venezuela all year since, even during the rainy season, temperatures in the most popular areas remain reasonably high and rain showers are likely to be brief and severe.
If you only have a limited amount of time, want to visit the coast, or just want to be safe, you should focus on the dry season, which runs from December to June and is considered the greatest time to visit this country, but it is also the most popular.
It is a good time to explore Canaíma and the Andes region during the rainy season and appreciate the vibrant season. It is also practical to engage in outdoor activities during this season, such as rafting.
How to plan your trip to Venezuela independently
Finding information online is challenging because most of it is outdated. On my most recent trips there, I picked up a few tips.
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- Use Google Maps to get phone numbers and email addresses for hotels and tours. Tours are typically organised by hotels or posadas. So you may ask them directly about rates and how to get there.
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- Instagram has evolved into the most efficient way of communicating with all businesses. You can check the persons in their profile to see who they are to ensure your tour operator exists.
Currency, debit/credit cards and cash
The Bolivar is Venezuela’s official currency, and its value fluctuates on a daily basis due to the country’s high rate of inflation. Check out this link: https://www.instagram.com/bcv.org.ve?igsh=MWE4cDFwaTcyY2hneg==
With the BCV dollar pricing, you will receive bolivares.
However, you can pay in dollars throughout the country and in pesos near Colombian borders, so bring enough for your trip, but remember to separate them and leave them in the hotel. You should check with your hotel to see if you can use your international card.
Withdrawing money from a bank is difficult; however, transferring money to your hotel may be simple if they have a Wise or an American account, or if they accept Visa and Mastercard.
It is critical to have small change; otherwise it can be difficult to get back money.
Sim cards for travellers
There are three main operators in Venezuela, in remote places the best are Molvinet and Movistar. Digitel is a good company for big cities. To buy then you must go to a proper centre, show your passport. It would take a bit of time.
Packing List for Venezuela
Venezuela lies in northern South America and has a variable climate due to its various topography and geographic position. Different climatic conditions exist depending on altitude and distance to the Caribbean Sea or South Atlantic. In general, altitude differentiates climatic conditions in Venezuela. The coastal strip is the lowest, while the Andes chain begins in the west, with the maximum elevation at Pico Bolvar (4978 metres).
Because of the variety of climates, I strongly advise you to first choose which place you will be going, what activities you will be performing, and what mode of transportation you will use. You can start making your backpack once you’ve decided on your trip.
Based on my previous journeys to South America and the various types of activities I generally do I compiled a detailed packing list for this region.
My Universal South America Packing List
- 1 Light waterproof Jacket
- 2 warm under layers, like pail jackets
- 2 Hiking Pants or legging (two in case you need a double layer)
- 1 waterproof Hiking Boots (only if you plan to do some hikes)
- 1 walking shoes
- 1 sandals
- 1 snorkel and mask
- Sun cream
- Long sleeve t-shirt and trousers, as well as insect repellent. Although it is a warm place, I strongly advise you to bring them. Mosquitoes might be difficult to deal with depending on where you travel.