Introduction (top)
Venezuela lies at the Northern extreme of South America, bordered by Colombia to the West, Brazil to the South, Guyana to the East, and the Caribbean Sea to the North. In all, the country is just over 916,000 square kilometers and divided into 23 states. Its borders seem to hold all of South America in miniatures. A country of striking natural beauty and dramatic contrasts: The snowcapped peaks of the Cordillera de Los Andes in the West, which climb to 5007m (16,427ft) at Pico BolÌvar; boggy highland meadows in the Andes, known as "paramos", are home to some of Venezuela's most amazing plant species. Steamy Amazonian jungles in the South with its huge rain forests areas. The hauntingly beautiful Gran Sabana plateau, with its strange and huge flat-topped mountains, called "Tepuis" in the southeast, and where diverse flora can be found, particularly Roraima. The vast grassland plain of the central Llanos, which is drained by South America's third-largest river, takes up the RÌo Orinoco a further 30% of the country. Are also here, and the country boasts the world's highest waterfall, Angel Falls. It is also home to a wide variety of exotic plants and animals, including the jaguar, ocelot, tapir, armadillo, anteater, and the longest snake in the world, the anaconda. South America's largest lake, Lago de Maracaibo lies in the Northwest, surrounded by marshy, fertile lowlands. 2,813 km (1,747.917 mi) of white-sand beaches fringed with coconut palms lining the Caribbean coast. Parts of its shoreline could easily be mistaken for that of some paradisiacal Caribbean island. And even a small desert.
The oil reserves are so vast, in fact, that from time to time engineers and surveyors drill in the wrong place by mistake, miles away from where they think they should be, only to end up finding oil anyway.
Because of its proximity to the Equator, Venezuela experiences few climatic variations. There are really only two seasons: dry and wet. The dry season lasts from December to April, the wet one from May to November. The average temperature is about 27ºC (80,6ºF) but cooler temperatures prevail at higher elevations, especially in the Andes.
The country's climate is predominantly tropical, with a warm temperate zone extending along the coast. Temperatures rarely vary more than a few degrees (Caracas 18-20ºC/64-68ºF; Maracaibo 27-29ºC/81-84ºF); consequently, Venezuela's climatic zones are defined by rainfall rather than by differences in temperature. The northern coastal lowlands are relatively arid, but rainfall increases over the Llanos and the Guayana Highlands, with average yearly readings reaching 150cm (58in) in both regions. The dry season (called the verano) extends from December to April, and the wet season (invierno) covers the remainder of the year. The Amazon region has no distinct dry season, and annual rainfall exceeds 200cm (78in), distributed evenly throughout the year. The dry season is more pleasant for traveling, particularly if you plan on hiking.


History (top)
At the time of the Spanish Conquest of Venezuela, some 500,000 indigenous people belonging to three principal ethno linguistic groups -the Cariban, Arawak and Chibcha- inhabited the region. Columbus was the first European to set foot on the soil of what is now Venezuela, and the country was given its name a year later by the explorer Alonso de Ojeda, who on arriving at Lake Maracaibo, admired the stilted houses that the Indians had build above the lake and called the place Venezuela: "Little Venice". The first Spanish settlement on the mainland was established at Cumana in 1521.

1. The indigenous tribes put up a strong struggle against the colonial depredations of the Spanish, who left a swath of death and destruction behind them as they pushed onward in search of the chimerical "El Dorado". In the end, though, their resistance was subdued when many tribal communities fell victim to European diseases such as smallpox, which wiped out two-thirds of the population in the Caracas Valley alone. The young Simon Bolivar, born in Caracas, and known locally as 'El Libertador', eventually threw out the Spanish rulers. He seized Venezuela from Spain in 1821 with a decisive victory at Campo Carabobo, near Valencia, aided by British mercenaries and an army of horsemen from Los Llanos. BolÌvar had already brought independence to Colombia, and went on, with his lieutenant Antonio Jose de Sucre, to liberate Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. His dream of a united state of Gran Colombia, which would unify Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador, did not survive his death in 1830, when Venezuela declared full independence under a new constitution. The post independence period was marked by a succession of military dictators, political coups and economic instability, until the discovery of huge oil reserves in the Maracaibo basin in the 1910s brought some degree of prosperity to the country. By the late 1920s Venezuela had become the world's largest oil exporter. Despite recent political stability, Venezuela's political climate continues to be marred by corruption scandals and the threat of a military coup. The country's economy, which was hit hard by the 1988 drop in world oil prices, remains shaky. Then-president Caldera's unconstitutional crackdown on economic speculation and civic freedoms in 1994 incensed civil libertarians, but it took until early 1996 for popular opinion to swing against him. In December 1998 Venezuelans signaled their impatience with the government's impotence, electing a fierce populist, Hugo Chavez, to the presidency with the largest vote margin in 40 years. Just six years earlier, Chavez had attempted a coup against the government and had spent two years in jail for his troubles. Chavez was reelected for a six-years term by a comfortable margin again in 2000. Despite a rough history, Venezuelans are infamous in South America for their easy-going nature and fun-loving spirit. Their national mythology hails back to the days when independent and rugged settlers tamed the lawlessness of the Llanos, a heritage not unlike that of the American West. Most Venezuelans them come from a mix of European, Indian, and African roots, while a minority are exclusively white, black, or Indian.


Culture (top)
Roman Catholicism is by far the dominant religion in Venezuela, and has been adopted by most indigenous people -only those living in isolated regions still practice their ancient tribal beliefs-. The Protestant church has a significant presence, and recently has been gaining some ground, attracting adherents from the Catholic Church. An unusual and obscure pantheistic sect, known as the Cult of MarÌa Lionza, exists in the Northwest and combines pre-Hispanic indigenous creeds, African voodoo and Christian religious practices.
Visual arts and handicrafts are popular in Venezuela, but the country's most distinctive cultural outlet is probably its music, which is an eclectic blend of European, African and indigenous rhythms. Theater is growing in popularity, and there is an active literary scene, especially among the younger generation.
Venezuelan snacks and dishes (referred to as "comida criolla") consist mainly of pancakes, chicken, pork, beef, soups and stews. The food in Venezuela is generally easy and flavorful: cumin and saffron are used in many dishes but the distinctive and delicate flavours of most of the popular dishes come from the use of local roots and vegetables. Travelers should look out for restaurants that serve "menu del dÌa", a very cheap set meal consisting of soup and a main course. Venezuelan cooking has European, indigenous, and African roots -a heterodox cuisine formed over the centuries by immigrants-. Some native dishes and local specialties include "Empanadas" (deep-fried cornmeal turnovers with fillings of ground meat, cheese, beans or baby shark); "Pabellon Criollo" (Venezuela's national dish, which consists of stewed and shredded beef accompanied by rice, black beans, cheese and fried plantain); "Hallaca", is a local delicacy, eaten at Christmas and New Year (cornmeal is combined with beef, pork, ham and green peppers, wrapped in individual pieces of banana leaves and cooked in boiling water); "Cachapas" (a type of sweet corn pancake served with cheese); "Arepas", the native bread (a type of round cornmeal biscuit, made from primitive ground corn, water and salt), "Tequeños"; a popular hors d'oeuvres (thin dough wrapped around a finger of local white cheese and fried crisp); "Tostadas", which are used for sandwiches (the mealy center is removed and the crisp shell is filled with anything from ham and cheese to spiced meat, chicken salad or cream cheese); "Guasacaca" (a semi-hot relish used mostly with grilled meats); "Parrilla criolla" (beef marinated and cooked over a charcoal grill); "Hervido" (soup made with chunks of beef, chicken or fish and native vegetables or roots); Caracas claims to have a greater variety of restaurants than any other South American city, and it would certainly be a pleasure to try and prove it, even if you failed.

Drinks: There is no good local wine, although foreign wines are bottled locally. There are several good local beers, mineral waters, gin and excellent rum. Coffee is very good and a merengada (fruit pulp, ice, milk and sugar) is recommended. Batido is similar but with water and no milk. Pousse-cafÈ is an after-dinner liqueur. Bars have either table or counter service. A "lisa" is a glass of draught beer and a "tercio" a bottled beer. Most bars are open very late and there are no licensing laws.

Local Etiquette: Shaking hands or using the local abrazo, a cross between a hug and a handshake, are the normal forms of greeting. In Caracas conservative casual wear is the norm. Men are expected to wear suits for business, and jackets and ties are usual for dining out and social functions. Dress on the coast is less formal but beachwear and shorts should not be worn away from the beach or pool anywhere around the country. Smoking follows European habits and in most cases it is obvious where not to smoke. Some public buildings are also non-smoking areas.


Facts for travelers (top)

Time: GMT/UTC minus 4 hours (minus 5 hours in summer).
Electricity: 110V, 60 Hz.
Weights & measures: Metric.

The tourist season in Venezuela runs year-round so, theoretically, any time you visit is OK. However, the dry season is more pleasant for traveling, though some sights -including the famous Angel Falls- are certainly more impressive in the wet season.
Also keep in mind the periods during which Venezuelans take their holidays. They are mad about traveling to visit friends and family over Christmas, Carnival (several days prior to Ash Wednesday) and Semana Santa (Holy Week; the week before Easter Sunday). In these three periods, you'll have to plan ahead and do a little more legwork before you find a place to stay. On the other hand, these periods are colorful and alive with a host of festivities. The country's largest, most exuberant festival is Carnival, which takes place on the Monday and Tuesday preceding Ash Wednesday. Characterized by music, dancing, parades and masquerades, the flavor of the event varies from region to region. The town of Car²pano is famous throughout the country for its elaborately staged Carnival.
Given the strong Roman Catholic character of Venezuela, most other national celebrations are tied to the Christian calendar. Apart from Easter, Christmas and Corpus Christi, which are celebrated enthusiastically, there are many saints' days spread over the calendar year celebrated in various cities and towns. It is during these provincial festivals that the tourist can enjoy the colourful folklore that is a mixture of the cultures of pre-Columbian Indians, African slaves and Spanish colonialists.

Public Holidays and Events
January 1: New Year's Day
End of February, or beginning of March: Carnival
Monday Thursday & Good Friday, before Easter Sunday: Eastern
April 19: Declaration of Independence
May 1: Labor Day
June 24: Battle of Carabobo
July 5: Independence Day
July 24: BolÌvar's Birthday
September 4: Civil Servants' Day
October 12: Columbus Day
December 24 and 25: Christmas
December 31: New Year's Eve


Getting around (top)

Aeropostal, has a network of routes servicing most major domestic destinations. There are half-a-dozen or so smaller carriers including Aserca, Laser, Santa B·rbara, Lai and Avior, which service regional areas. The lack of railways means that buses are the primary form of transport through most of Venezuela, and services are generally fast, efficient and comfortable. There are frequent buses from the main Caracas bus terminal to almost every corner of the country. Driving or motor biking gives you added flexibility, but it's expensive both to take a car into the country and to rent one while you're there. Additionally, be aware that road rules are rarely observed by local drivers, which could make the undertaking somewhat hazardous. Stops at National Guard and police checkpoints are common, and travelers should follow instructions and be prepared to show papers or be searched. Local transport includes cheap but crowded bus services and inexpensive shared taxis. Caracas has a modern, efficient and cheap metro.


Health and Medical (top)

Health risks: Yellow fever, malaria cholera, dengue fever, hepatitis. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is not required as a condition of entry but vaccination is advised for all travelers over one year of age who intend to travel outside urban areas. Cases of autochthonous cholera were reported in 1996. Visitors are advised to take necessary precautions. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness. Malaria risk in the benign vivax form exists throughout the year in rural areas of Apure, Amazonas, Barinas, Monagas, Sucre and T·chira states. The malignant falciparum form is restricted to certain jungle areas of Amazonas, BolÌvar and Delta Amacuro states and is reported to be highly resistant to chloroquine. Mains water is normally chlorinated, and whilst relatively safe may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Drinking water outside main cities and towns may be contaminated and sterilization is advisable. Milk is pasteurized and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. Bilharzias (schistosomiasis) are present in North-Central Venezuela. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Swimming pools that are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Paragonimiasis (oriental lung fluke) has been reported. Hepatitis A also occurs; hepatitis B and D (delta hepatitis) are highly endemic. American trypanosomiasis and cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis occur in rural areas.

Health care: Venezuela provides free treatment to visitors from its wide network of public hospitals. Some services will carry a small charge. The best-equipped hospitals are in the state capitals. Emergency treatment is free and well catered and most hospitals have intensive care units. Some private hospitals have an agreement with foreign Embassies to provide medical care. Health insurance is not mandatory but it is recommended. No special vaccinations are required, although those traveling to the jungle should consult their physician as to whether or not they need protection from yellow fever and malaria.


Entry Requirements (top)

To enter Venezuela, a valid passport from the country of origin is required, along with a visa - obtainable from consulates-, a tourist card, and a return ticket.

Visas: US nationals, Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, UK nationals, South Africans and most Western and Scandinavian Europeans do not require a visa if they fly directly to Venezuela. All foreigners entering Venezuela by land require a valid visa; get one before you leave for South America.
Passports and Visas: PASSPORTS: are valid for at least 6 months (if entering with a visa) or for the duration of stay (if entering with a Tourist Entry Card) required by all.

Visas: Required by all except the following, who do, however, require a Tourist Entry Card (TEC) issued by an authorized air carrier on presentation of valid air tickets (including return or onward ticket) for stays of maximum 90 days:
- Nationals of EU countries (except nationals of Greece who do require visas);
- Nationals of Australia, Canada, USA and Japan;
- Nationals of Andorra, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominica, Grenada, Iceland, Jamaica, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, San Marino, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Trinidad & Tobago and Uruguay.

Types of visa and cost: Tourist Entry Card: Free of charge. Tourist: US$ 32. Business: US$ 61. Transit: US$ 32.

Validity: Tourist and Business: up to 1 year. Transit: up to 72 hours.

Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy). Tourist Entry Cards are available at the airport check-in desk prior to departure.

Application requirements: Tourist visa: (a) Completed and signed application form. (b) 1 passport-size photograph. (c) Valid passport. (d) Fee. (e) Airline ticket for return or onward journey. (f) Self-addressed, stamped envelope for postal applications. (g) Character reference from employer and last bank statement.

Business visa: (a)-(f) and, (g) Employer's reference and letter confirming purpose of visit.

Working days required: 2.

Temporary residence: Special authorization is required from the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Caracas.

Relative Costs (top)

Venezuela was a very cheap country to travel in during the period of the fixed exchange rates, provided you came with US dollars and changed them on the black market. Since the BolÌvar was freed, there has been a massive increase in prices of goods and services. Still, travelers on a budget can easily get by on US$30-40 a day; those looking for more comfort should expect to spend at least US$50, or more if taking a guided tour. US dollars and American Express travelers' checks are by far the most popular, so stick to them. Visa and MasterCard have the best coverage for both cash advances and for making payments in top-end hotels, restaurants and shops. You can change money at a bank or at a "casa de cambio" (authorized money-exchange office). Banks change cash and travelers' checks, but casas de cambio deal only in cash. Beware that lines for ATMs can be very long, especially the first Monday of the month, when many banks are closed, and the day before holiday weekends, when machines are often cashed-out by midmorning.
Tipping is at the discretion of the client and not obligatory. A ten percent service charge is usually added to restaurant bills. Taxi drivers require no tips, unless they carry suitcases, but it is customary to give baggage handlers a tip of $1USD per bag. Petrol pump attendants expect a tip.