|
 Facts at a Glance
Full country name: Republic of Venezuela
Area: 912,050 sq km (355,700 sq mi)
Population: 21,051,000 (growth rate 2.4%)
Capital city: Caracas (pop 3,435,795)
People: 67% mestizo; 21% European descent; 10% African descent;
2% Indian. There are approximately 200,000 Amerindians, remnants of a number
of diverse semi-nomadic hunter-gather societies.
Language: Spanish is the official language, but more than 30
Amerindian languages still survive, predominantly belonging to the Arawak,
Cariban and Chibcha ethnolinguistic categories.
Religion: 96% Roman Catholic, 2% Protestant
Government: Democracy
President: Hugo Chavez
 Environment
Venezuela is situated on the northern coast of South America, north of
Brazil and between Colombia and Guyana. The southeast is dominated by the
Guayana Highlands, and a further 30% of the country is taken up by the
vast grassland plain of the central Llanos, which is drained by South America's
third largest river, the Río Orinoco. The continent's largest inland
lake, Lake Maracaibo, lies in the northeast, surrounded by marshy, fertile
lowlands. South of the lake, rise the northern end of the Andes, known
here as the Cordillera de Los Andes, which climb to 5007m (16,423ft) at
Pico Bolívar. Boggy highland meadows in the Andes, known as páramos,
are home to some of Venezuela's most amazing plant species. Equally diverse
flora can be found on the tepuis (huge flat-topped mountains) in
the southeast of the country, particularly Roraima.
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 18-20°C/64-68°F; Maracaibo 27-29°C/81-84°F);
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
At the time of the Spanish Conquest of Venezuela, the region was inhabited
by some 500,000 indigenous peoples belonging to three principle ethnolinguistic
groups - the Cariban, Arawak and Chibcha. Columbus was the first European
to set foot on the soil of what is now Venezuela, and the country was given
its name (meaning 'Little Venice') a year later by the explorer Alonso
de Ojeda. The first Spanish settlement on the mainland was established
at Cumaná in 1521.
The indigenous tribes put up a strong struggle against the colonial
depredations of both the Spanish and the Germans, who left a swathe of
death and destruction behind them as they pushed onwards 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.
 Off
the record
However, the lack of lootable wealth in Venezuela
soon led to colonial neglect, which in turn prompted dissatisfaction and
resentment among the American-born Spanish elites. The Spanish rulers were
eventually thrown out by the young Simón Bolívar, known locally
as 'El Liberatador'. 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. Bolívar had already brought
independence to Colombia, and went on, with his lieutenant Antonio José
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, but little of this new-found wealth found
its way to the common people. With poverty rife and educational and health
facilities in a deplorable state, a series of popular uprisings took place,
culminating in the country's first democratic elections in 1947.
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.
The government's tough measures were designed to bring Venezuela's rampant
inflation and alarming currency slump under control, but the bloated public
service has resisted attempts to put it on a lo-cal diet. It remains to
be seen whether Venezuela's ingrained anachronistic economic culture will
be nudged towards a brave new world: the black.
In December 1998, Venezuelans signalled 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.
 Economic Profile
GDP: US$59 billion
GDP per head: US$2,900
Annual growth: -1%
Inflation: 66%
Major industries: Petroleum, iron ore, cereals, fruit, sugar
and coffee
Major trading partners: USA, Germany, Japan
 Culture
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 practize 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 María Lionza, exists in the northwest
and combines pre-Hispanic indigenous creeds, African voodoo and Christian
religious practices.
Spanish is spoken by almost all Venezuelans, though some 25 indigenous
tongues are spoken by remote tribes. English is spoken by some people in
urban centers.
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. Travelers
should look out for restaurants which serve menú del día,
a very cheap set meal consisting of soup and a main course. Local specialities
include empanadas (deep-fried cornmeal turnovers with fillings of
ground meat, cheese, beans or baby shark) and pabellón criollo
(Venezuela's national dish which consists of shredded beef, rice, black
beans, cheese and fried plantain).
 Events
The country's largest, most exuberant festival is Carnaval, 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 Carúpano is famous throughout
the country for its elaborately staged Carnaval.
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.
 Facts for the Traveler
Visas: US nationals, Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, British
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.
Health risks:
Cholera, dengue fever, hepatitis, malaria, yellow fever
Time: GMT/UTC minus 4 hours
Electricity: 110V, 60 Hz
Weights & measures: Metric (see the conversion
table.)
 Warning
There have been reports of violence in remote areas along the Colombian
border in Zulia, Tachira, Apure and Amazonas states. If venturing into
these regions, contact your embassy to assess the security risk.
 Money & Costs
Currency: bolívar (Bs)
Relative costs:
-
Budget room: US$6-15
-
Moderate hotel: US$15-30
-
Top-end hotel: US$30 and upwards
-
Budget meal: around $US2-5
-
Moderate restaurant meal: US$5-10
-
Top-end restaurant meal: US$10 and upwards
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 bolívar 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$20 a day or so; those looking for more
comfort should expect to spend US$40 or more.
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
(an authorized money-exchange office). Banks change cash and travelers'
checks, but casas de cambio deal only in cash.
 When to Go
The tourist season in Venezuela runs year round so, theoretically, any
time you visit is OK. However, the dry season is certainly 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 when Venezuelans take their holidays.
They are mad about traveling to visit friends and family over Christmas,
Carnaval (several days prior to Ash Wednesday) and 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.
 Attractions
Caracas
Situated in a picturesque valley on the north coast, Venezuela's capital
is a bustling metropolis of nearly 3.5 million inhabitants. Fast, progressive
and cosmopolitan, the city is now highly 'Yankeefied', retaining little
of the character of its colonial roots. While it boasts some of the most
impressive modern architecture in South America, Caracas is also home to
a vast expanse of ranchos - sprawling slums of tin sheds and cardboard
boxes covering the surrounding hills which are the product of the uncontrolled
surge of post-war immigration.
Sights include the Plaza Bolívar, with its 17th-century
cathedral; the Casa Natal de Bolívar, birthplace of Simón
Bolívar; Santa Capilla, a 19th-century neo-Gothic church
modeled on Paris's Sainte Chapelle; the monumental Palacio de Miraflores,
palace of former leader Joaquín Crespo; the sacred Panteón
Nacional, where many eminent Venezuelans are interred; the Petares
district, which has retained its historic colonial character; and the modern,
bustling Parque Central, which provides a taste of modern Caracas.
Most of the budget hotel accommodation is situated in the less
salubrious suburbs, which are not always safe, especially at night. The
best is probably Sabana Grande. Be sure to always keep your wits
about you, as mugging and petty theft have become rife in recent years.
Nightlife tends to be centered around the districts of Las Mercedes,
El Rosal, La Floresta and La Castellana. Enjoy a beer at the
Greenwich Pub, or catch some jazz at the Juan Sebastián Bar, one
of the city's few authentic jazz venues.
Río Orinoco
The third-longest river in South America, the Orinoco covers about 2150km
(1333mi) from its source near the Brazilian border in the south of the
country to its wide, flooded delta on the northeast coast. The myriad forested
islands which make up the delta are home to the Warao people, who live
on the riverbanks in houses on stilts, travel mostly by canoe, and earn
their livelihood from fishing. At the reaches of the Lower Orinoco lies
the site of Ciudad Bolívar (formerly Angostura), a hot city
which boasts a glorious history and still retains much of its colonial
charm. It was here that Simón Bolívar set up his base for
the final stage of the War of Independence, and the town became the provisional
capital of the country prior to liberation from the Spanish.
Most visitors to Ciudad Bolívar will be en
route to Canaima, the spectacular town located on the Río Carrao
just below the stretch of river with a chain of seven magnificent waterfalls.
Nearby, on a tributary, is Salto Angel (Angel Falls), the world's
highest waterfall, with an uninterrupted drop of 807m/2647ft (16 times
the height of Niagara Falls). Continuing southeast brings you to the fascinating
landscape of the Gran Sabana, with its tepuis and simas
('sink-holes' of jungle up to 350m/1148ft wide surrounded by sheer cliffs).
The Venezuelan Andes
The verdant mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Merida are the northernmost
tip of the Andes range, and lie in the northwestern reaches of Venezuela.
Dotted with small villages whose inhabitants still follow a traditional
lifestyle, the mountain trails reward the more adventurous and energetic
traveler with stunning views of the snowcapped peaks. The pleasant, friendly
town of Merida, nestled in the mountains just 12km (7mi) from the
country's highest peak, Pico Bolívar, is one of Venezuela's
most popular tourist destinations.
The Caribbean Coast
The northeast coast is the place to go for outdoor activities such as snorkeling,
scuba diving, fishing, sailing or just lying around and enjoying the sun.
The county's beaches are at their idyllic best here - long expanses of
white sand lapped by turquoise waters and fringed with coconut palms. Isla
Margarita, 40km (25mi) from the mainland, is a favorite for beach-lovers
and a popular holiday destination for Venezuelans. It is easily accessible
by ferry from Cumaná and Puerto La Cruz on the mainland.
Coro
Situated on the Caribbean coast at the base of the Península de
Paraguaná, Coro is a pleasant, peaceful, cultured town with some
of the best colonial architecture in Venezuela. Founded in 1527, it was
one of the earliest colonial settlements on the continent, but most of
the interesting architecture dates from the 18th century when Coro flourished
as a contraband center trading with the islands of Curaçao and Bonaire.
The historic town center was declared a national monument in the 1950s
and a number of buildings have been restored. The cobblestoned Calle
Zamora is the most beautiful colonial street with spectacular old mansions.
Other attractions include the Catedral and the Museo de Arte
Coro.
The Amazonian Jungle
The Amazonas region in the south of the country is thick with tropical
rainforest, criss-crossed by rivers, and is home to a number of isolated
Indian tribes. Tours up the Orinoco, Sipapo or Autana rivers
and deep into the Venezuelan Amazon can be arranged from the hot but pleasant
town of Puerto Ayacucho.
 Off the Beaten Track
Colonia Tovar
Lost amid the rolling forests of the Cordillera de la Costa, some 60km
(37mi) west of Caracas, is the unusual mountain town of Colonia Tovar.
Founded in 1843 by a group of German settlers, the town effectively shielded
itself from any outside contact for almost a century: a lack of roads restricted
access and rigid social mores meant the inhabitants remained exclusively
tied to their own culture (marriage, for instance, was prohibited unless
to another member of the colony). Only in the 1940s was the Spanish language
introduced; a serviceable road wasn't built until 1963. Today, Colonia
Tovar is a lovely town of produce markets and arts and craft stores and
is still unmistakably German. Much of the original architecture
remains and foods, such as bread and sausage, continue to be made according
to hoary German recipes.
Roraima
Straddling the borders of Venezuela, Guyana and Brazil is a 280 sq km (109
sq mi) plateau called Roraima, which has become increasingly popular with
travelers interested in trekking or botany. The return hike takes five
days, and by custom you will be required to hire a local guide for the
last two. Though the trek involves discomforting amounts of rain, the climb
is fascinating and the moonscape scenery at the top of the mesa is a science-fiction
dream of blackened rock, pink beaches and bewildering plant life.
Salto Aponguao
One of the most impressive and photogenic waterfalls in La Gran Sabana
is Salto Aponguao. However, it's rather difficult to reach unless you're
prepared to expend a little time and energy. One way to see it is to leave
the highway, then travel about 40km (25mi) on an unpaved road before coming
to the Indian hamlet of Iboribó. The next step is to pay one of
the locals to take you by curiara (dugout canoe) across the Río
Aponguao from where it's a half-hour trek to the falls. Another possibility
is to arrange for a boat to take you directly there, then return on foot.
Either way, the 105m (344ft) Salto is spectacular. A well-marked path leads
to the foot of the falls where you can bathe and swim in one of the natural
pools. And nearby is an idyllic camping spot with excellent views of both
the falls and the surrounding countryside.
 Activities
Venezuela's 40-odd national parks provide a great range of treks
from well-signposted jaunts to jungle paths that should not be attempted
without a machete and some local knowledge. Parque Nacional El Ávila,
which looms over Caracas, is probably a good place to start; head for Guatopo,
Terepaima and San Esteban for less developed trails. The Sierra Nevada
de Mérida is the best region in the country for mountaineering,
hill trekking and rock climbing; guides and equipment are available
for hire. Mérida is also the best place to go hang-gliding
and paragliding. There are beautiful beaches and snorkeling
opportunities all along the Caribbean coast. Tucacas is the best diving
center. Speleologists should check out Cueva del Guácharo, the most
spectacular of Venezuela's many cave systems. It's a three-hour
bus ride inland from Cumaná.
 Getting There & Away
Flights to Caracas are readily available from the US and the UK. From Australia
and New Zealand, round-the-world tickets may be the cheapest and most flexible
option. Flying into the country from other South or Central American destinations
can be problematic and/or very costly. Be sure to research your options
thoroughly.
Entry by sea is possible via the US, where travelers can take
a cargo ship from one of several ports on the Gulf of Mexico. Alternatively,
ferries run from the Lesser Antilles, but there is no longer any service
between Venezuela and the Netherlands Antilles.
By land, there are road connections from Colombia and Brazil, but not
from Guyana. Travelers planning to use the dangerous El Amparo de Apure-Arauca
border crossing or the Puerto Páez-Puerto Carreño crossing
into Colombia should consult their embassy to assess the security situation.
Colombian guerilla attacks on Venezuelan army posts resulted in a confrontational
build up of troops on both sides of the border in March 1995.
 Getting Around
Avensa is Venezuela's main domestic airline, and has a network of routes
servicing 24 cities. There are half-a-dozen or so smaller carriers 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, and prices are kept fairly low by
the high level of competition.
Driving or motorbiking give you added flexibility, but it's expensive
both to take a car into the country or 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. Be polite and compliant;
those resisting searches have, in the past, been shot.
Local transport includes cheap but crowded bus services and inexpensive
shared taxis. Caracas has a modern, efficient and cheap metro.
 Recommended Reading
The Search for El Dorado by John Hemming offers a fascinating insight
into the conquest of Venezuela.
Venezuela: A Century of Change by Judith Ewell provides a comprehensive
20th-century history.
 Lonely Planet Guides
Venezuela -
a travel survival kit
South America
on a shoestring
Latin American
Spanish phrasebook
 Travelers' Reports
 On-line Info
|
beaches
fringed with the flippo family getting sun burned under the coconut palms
line the Caribbean coast.