A collection of Venezuela travel and backpacking resources including Venezuela travel, entry visa requirements, employment for backpackers, and Spanish phrasebook.

Backpacking Venezuela

Looking for important travel information while backpacking in Venezuela? Here you will find information on working in Venezuela, entry visas, Venezuela hostels, and much more.

Table of Contents

Facts About Venezuela

Venezuela was the first country on the South American mainland to be ‘discovered’ by Colombus. The country’s networks of waterways, particularly around the Orinoco Delta, were reminiscent of Venice to the early explorers, and led them to christen the country ‘Venezuela’.

The first Spanish settlements in South America were built in Venezuela, and acted as a base as the Conquistadors gradually moved south to colonise the rest of the continent. Venezuela was also home of Simon Bolivar, the revolutionary leader who led much of South America to independence from the Spanish. As such, the country has been a pivotal location in the political history of the continent.

The country’s wide diversity of geography and culture makes it popular with backpackers. The long Caribbean coastline offers great beaches, the northern tip of the Amazon offers opportunities for some eco-tourism, and the Andes are great for the intrepid hiker looking for high-altitude trekking.

  • Language – Spanish (also around 30 native tongues)
  • Currency – Bolivar (although US Dollars are widely accepted.)
  • Dialling code – +58
  • Emergency services – 171

Climate in Venezuela

Venezuela is close to the equator, and as such doesn’t experience four distinct seasons as in more temperate zones. The climate is sub-tropical, with temperatures varying between 22oC and 32oC in the low-lying regions.

In the Andes, temperatures are much lower, below freezing at some points. The wet season lasts from May to November, with the dry season from December to April. During the rainy season, roads, especially in rural areas, can become impassable.

Things to do in Venezuela

Caracas

Caracas, Venezuela’s capital and home to around three million people, should feature on the itinerary of any traveller’s visit. It is one of the continent’s oldest colonial cities, and much can be discerned about the history of the area by taking a walk through the varied streets of Caracas. La Casa Natal de Simon Bolivar is a reconstruction of the house in which Simon Bolivar was born.

The city’s university is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and revered as a triumph of modern architecture. Plaza Bolivar is the centre of activity in the city. It contains the 1594 cathedral, which houses pieces by the masters Murillo and Rubens.

The city’s art galleries and theatres are also to be found near to the square. Numerous parks, including Parque del Este which is popular with joggers and Parque del Oeste, which has a small but charming zoo, can be found in Caracas.

Las Mercedes is the hub for night-life in the city. The area has an array of bars, clubs and restaurants, making it a favourite haunt for the city’s youth. The Cafe-Trattoria Mediterraneo comes highly recommended as a hospitable and good value-for-money eatery.

Santa Ana de Coro

Another colonial city worth a visit is Santa Ana de Coro. The city is crammed with fascinating and unique structures: the 100 windows, Arcaya’s House and the Cathedral de Coro are only a few.

Traditional Spanish colonial architecture is mixed with native techniques and shows a strong Dutch influence. This city has more religious buildings per head than any other in South America: the churches of San Nicolas, San Gabriel San Francisco and San Clement are among the remarkable examples worthy of a visit. This richness of history and culture has led to the city being declared a UNESCO ‘City of Human Patrimony.’

Cuare

Cuare should be towards at the top of the must-visit list for wildlife enthusiasts. The 11,000-hectare national park plays host to hundreds of species of birds, fish, mammals and reptiles.

In 1972 it became the first area of special conservation to be created in Venezuela, and it remains a subject of national pride today (at least among conservationists). Its mangrove swamps and forests are intersected by deeper inlets, along which visitors can take boat rides and see how many species of birds they can spot. Asides from flamingos and kingfishers you will find endangered species such as the Chusmita, Caricare and Buceadora.

Margarita Island

Margarita Island is one of the most popular destinations among Venezuelans wanting a domestic holiday, and with good reason. Only 40 km from the mainland and a short ferry trip away, the island’s fabulous golden beaches, the beautifully forested interior, and the warmth and hospitality of its residents are its main attractions.

Playa el Agua is one of the island’s most popular tourist beaches, it is surrounded by shops and eateries, and boasts some of the best nightlife on the island. La Asuncion is the island’s capital, situated at the base of the Cerro El Copey mountain.

It contains one of South America’s oldest cathedrals and a beautiful castle that provides panoramic views of the island. Parque El Agua (website in Spanish) is a water park popular with the younger contingent of Venezuelan tourists.

Featuring many exciting slides and various pools, there is also plenty of room to relax. For the pick of the best places to stay on the island, see the ‘Accommodation’ section of this guide.

Angel Falls

When American pilot Jimmy Angel landed his light aircraft on Auyan Tepuy’s plateau in 1937, he was in search of gold. He didn’t make his fortune, but he did succeed in finding the highest waterfalls on the planet, which now bear his name.

His abandoned aircraft stands at the entrance to the airport at nearby Ciudad Bolivar. The Angel Falls drop uninterrupted for 807m and provide a dramatic spectacle for miles around.

If you want to visit the falls up-close, you will have to travel via canoe from a neighbouring settlement and then trek through the forest. You are better off taking a guided tour from Ciudad Bolivar, but buy your tickets whilst in the city rather than from an agency. You shouldn’t expect to pay more than $250 US Dollars for a trip.

Canaima National Park

Canaima National Park is one of the few remaining places on earth you can experience nature as it would have been before human civilization. It is home to one of the oldest rock formations on the planet, ‘the Valley of a Thousand Columns’.

As if the geological wonders weren’t enough of a draw, the park’s 3 million hectares contain an amazingly rich ecosystem, boasting ancient trees, giant flowers, monkeys, jaguars, and probably many as yet undiscovered species.

An eco-tourist can travel up the Orinoco River, camping at various stages along the banks. The park contains the largest cave in the world, with a width and depth of 350 metres. The cave is called ‘Sima Humboldt’ and is towards the southern portion of the park.

Tours and activities in Venezuela

Another good way to get an idea of what to do is to scan the activities offered by Get Your Guide or Viator. They work directly with local tour operators, so you won’t have to scour the internet or roam around town trying to find the best deal.

How to Travel Around Venezuela

The Simon Bolivar International Airport is Venezuela’s main airport. It is located in Maiquetia, about 10 miles from Caracas. Refurbishments to bring the airport up to international standards are ongoing.

If you’re flying to Venezuela or plan to take short flights within the country, we recommend using a few different flight comparison search engines. Kiwi is a new favourite among travellers. On average, we have found the cheapest flights with them compared to the other websites out there.

Of course, it is always worth checking Skyscanner to guarantee you’re getting the best deal. Both websites offer great flexible search options, allowing you to search the whole country of Venezuela to find the cheapest airport to fly into, and also see prices for a full month if you’re flexible on travel dates. 

Travel within Venezuela

Once inside the country, there is no national railway system, so to get around you must use the road network. ‘Expresos Ejecutivos’ is a recommended coach carrier. The vehicles are air-conditioned and the drivers are trained to drive safely. There are many accidents on Venezuelan roads, usually either due to overly aggressive driving or poorly maintained roads.

If you would like to join the ranks of Venezuelan motorists yourself, you can compare prices for car hire here. Checkpoints are common, and you should have identification (preferably your passport) on you at all times to prevent difficulties from arising.

You might come across corrupt officials at these checkpoints. It is usually better to co-operate with them and pay any bribe they are seeking, as the consequences of doing otherwise could be very unpleasant.

Health and Safety in Venezuela

As with any trip abroad it’s crucial that you take out comprehensive travel insurance. Drinking tap water is not recommended: always use bottled or boiled water where available. In tourist areas, you will find food vendors at the side of the road.

These are usually best avoided as their knowledge of hygiene leaves much to be desired. Under the socialist regime of Hugo Chavez, the state has invested in healthcare facilities all over the country, even in the more remote rural areas.

It now has some of the best medical coverage per capita in all of South America. Hepatitis and Yellow Fever vaccinations are recommended before travel. There is a small risk of Malaria in the area around Angel Falls.

Entry visa requirements for Venezuela

Upon arrival, you will need to present a passport which is valid for at least 6 months. Tourists do not require a visa, providing your stay is for less than 90 days. You will be issued with a Tourist Entry Card, which will be issued by your air carrier. If you are planning to stay for longer than 90 days, you should apply to a Venezuelan embassy.

Foreigner work permits and backpacker jobs in Venezuela

If you would like to work during your stay in Venezuela, take a look at learn4good.com. You will need to be able to speak Spanish well if you are considering employment. It is more common for backpackers to get involved in volunteer projects. There are a variety of schemes run in rural areas, check volunteerabroad.com for an idea of what’s available. Teaching English and working on infrastructural projects are the most popular options.

Venezuela Hostels and Budget Accommodation

A popular site for backpackers is HostelWorld, and for good reason. They have the largest inventory of hostels worldwide, and with over 10 million reviews and ratings from other travellers you know exactly what to expect.

Another good way to find accommodation in Venezuela is by checking hotels.com and  booking.com. With both sites, you’ll not only find hotels, but also homestays, hostels, and other unique accommodation.

We have discovered some great finds and have appreciated the ability to book ahead. You can use their advanced filtering to narrow your results by budget, location score, overall review score, and amenities. Many of the places on booking.com also offer free cancellation, which takes the pressure off the planning phase of your trip.

Within the city of Santa Ana de Coro the best option for backpackers is the various ‘State Inns.’ Staying in one of these fascinating venues gives good value and an insight into the local culture. Examples include ‘the House of Tree Windows’ and ‘the House of the Birds’. Check venezuelatuya.com for further information.

There are numerous hostels to be found in Venezuelan cities. The best place to look is usually around the transport terminals. As always, don’t pay for the room before you see it.

Venezuelans are usually hospitable and friendly, but like anywhere, there will be certain individuals looking to exploit an unsuspecting traveller. Around the coast, it is quite common to camp on beaches when the weather is warm enough. Otherwise, there are sometimes huts close by that can be hired cheaply. Ask the locals for their advice.

Useful links for backpacking in Venezuela


There you have it, the ultimate Venezuela backpacking guide. We hope you have found all the information you need for backpacking around Venezuela.

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A collection of Venezuela travel and backpacking resources including Venezuela travel, entry visa requirements, employment for backpackers, and Spanish phrasebook.

 

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