Arriving at Caracas Airport and how it REALLY is!
by Athensfilippos
Caracas Airport: The only hussle is the waiting line to get ur passport checked. Expect to waste a couple of hours there. After u get ur luggages a somehow official guy approaches u (they all take turns) who might even speak english to help u out on taking a taxi. DO change ur euros! Ask him to change euros in a better rate than the official. Official is 3, his friends will give u 7. Later on on ur trip u might find rates closer to 8. Not such a big difference. So, do change 200-300 euros to be certain that u have enough money. Since all the guys are connected and they know u'll pay the taxi with the money they just gave u i don't think that there going to be fake money. Expect to pay something like 150-170bolivares (20euros) to get u to the city.
Nothing to freak out about, don't get stressed, just use ur common sense as u do while in your own country. Is as simple at that. We stayed in Altamira and we didn't feel any danger at all! We walked to restaurants, bars, malls , clubs and returned by foot at 4am for 3-4 nights. No problem at all! Since there are so many people walking by in the Altamira area I think it's pretty safe.
We had a very good time in Caracas and this whole mountain/capital and many things to do would probably get me back to Caracas. The funniest thing is because all blogs write about how dangerous Caracas is during our 4days of stay we only saw 1 foreigner!!
We liked it, because unlike the rest of the country (at least where we went) it was more of a city--a weird one, but still a city. Has its cinemas, clubs, italian bistros... When i travel i love having this option too. Makes me feel less of a tourist and more like a local guy...
And by the way, the women especially in Caracas are super hot!
Caracas
by K1W1
Just getting out and wandering around Caracas is worthwhile. While the city is a bit grubby and smoggy, it does provide the visitor with the experience of visiting a typical Lantin American city. Wander through the markets along Sabana Grande or just sit and watch the old fellas playing chess. Don't miss trying a cachapa (hot corn fritter) with cheese and ham - delicious at just 1,000 bolivares.
STAYING SAFE
by cheesecake17
Caracas is a dangerous city. Don’t walk about at night, dress down and don’t carry lots of money.
Travel in organised groups whenever possible, using reputable air and bus companies.
Carry your passport at all times or you might get arrested for being without proper identification.
Make sure you have adequate travel insurance. Medical treatment in Venezuela is very expensive so check you are fully covered.
Seek medical advice on vaccinations before travelling.
Make sure you have enough funds for your stay. In major cities credit cards and traveller’s cheques are widely accepted. Otherwise travel with US Dollars in cash......BEWARE.. credit card fraud, which is a serious problem in Venezuela.
DONT get involved with drugs. Drug trafficking is a serious crime and drug smugglers face minimum 10-year prison sentences in dreadful conditions
Weather and holidays
by cheesecake17
The climate of Venezuela is tropical on the Llanos and along the coast, and temperate in the mountainous regions.
Temperatures are generally warm year-round. Just to give you an idea....
the average January temperatures in Caracas and Maracaibo are 18°C (64°F) and 27°C (81°F) , warming to 21°C (70°F) and 29°C (84°F) in July
Average annual precipitation in Caracas is 833 millimeters (33 inches), and 577 millimeters (23 inches) in Maracaibo.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Double check your reservations and plans during these days
January 1 New Year's Day
January 6 Epiphany- 3 Kings Day (Banks only)
February 23-24 Carnival
April 4 Palm Sunday
April 8 Holy Thursday
April 9 Good Friday
April 11 Easter
April 15 San José (Banks only)
April 19 Mov. Precursor de la Independencia
May 1 Labour Day
May 20 Ascension (banks only)
June 19 Corpus Christi
June 24 Battle of Carabobo
June 29 Sts Peter and Paul (Banks only)
July 5 Firma Acta de Independencia
July 24 Birth of the Libertador (Bolivar Day)
August 15 Assumption (Banks only)
October 12 Dia de la Raza/Columbus Day
November 1 All Saints Day (Banks only)
December 8 Immaculate Conception (Banks only)
December 25 Christmas Day
December 31 New Year's Eve (unofficial but general)
'Sabana Grande Accomm. (Cheap Eateries and Rest.)
by travelife
The first morning in my hotel I had a stroll around the area and found many cheap eateries. The problem with the meat and ingredient inside. Its not easy to get the idea. But yes, I knew empanada de pollo which has chicken inside and had this wonderful meal. Coming from Cuba I found Venezuela cheap. There are quite a few restaurants and café in the area and always full of people. I would not say the area was nicely maintained but rubbish here and there.
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Caracas from the teleferico
Parque Nacional El Ávila
Jardín Botánico, Caracas
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Caracas (MACCSI)
