Travel Guides: All Countries / South America / Venezuela
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| | | Tropical paradise |  | Why go on holiday to Venezuela?
Venezuela is a country of dramatic contrasts, from the snow-capped peaks of the Andes in the west to the steamy Amazonian jungles in the south.
Then there's the hauntingly beautiful Gran Sabana plateau, with its strange flat-topped mountains, in the east, and mile upon mile of white-sand beaches fringed along the Caribbean coast.
South America's largest lake, Lake Maracaibo, and third-longest river, the Orinoco, are also to be found in this tropical paradise.
How much does it cost?
It is cheap once you're here but costs for packages vary quite considerably. As a guide, a 12-day tour taking in Caracas, the Orinoco delta, Gran Sabana, Angel Falls, the Andes and wildlife watching, including all meals, starts from £1,100. Flight-only return to Caracas from £500. A double room in a mid-range hotel from £12-£20 per night.
When should I go?
The dry season, December to April, is more pleasant but some sights, such as Angel Falls, are best seen in the wet season.
Venezuelans take their holidays and tend to travel at Christmas, Carnaval (several days prior to Ash Wednesday) and Holy Week, so avoid these periods or book well in advance to ensure accommodation.
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| | | Coral reefs and beaches |  | What should I do when I'm there?
Mountaineering, hill trekking and rock climbing; guides and equipment are available for hire in the Sierra Nevada de Merida, which is also the best place to go hang-gliding and paragliding.
There are beautiful beaches and snorkelling opportunities all along the Caribbean coast.
Tucacas is the best diving centre. Speleologists should check out Cueva del Gu charo, the most spectacular of Venezuela's many cave systems.
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.
Where are the best beaches?
On the north-east coast you'll find long expanses of white sand lapped by turquoise waters and fringed with coconut palms. Isla Margarita, 25 miles from the mainland, is a favourite with Venezuelans and has good resort hotels and facilities.
The Los Roques archipelago is known for its coral reefs, whilst on the mainland coast Puerto La Cruz offers resort facilities as well as access to secluded islands and beaches.
Coro on the Caribbean coast is a cultured town worth a visit: the cobblestoned Calle Zamora is the most beautiful colonial street with spectacular old mansions. Other attractions include the cathedral and the Museo de Arte Coro.
Which cities are good to visit?
Caracas is a bustling metropolis of nearly 3.5 million that is fast, progressive and cosmopolitan.
Sights not to miss include: the Plaza Bolivar, with 17th-century cathedral; the Casa Natal de Bolivar, birthplace of Simon Bolivar; Santa Capilla, a 19th-century neo-Gothic church; and the Petares district, full of colonial character.
On the Lower Orinoco lies Ciudad Bolivar (formerly Angostura), a hot city which retains much colonial charm. Near Ciudad Bolivar is Canaima, a spectacular town on the Rio Carrao near a chain of seven magnificent waterfalls.
Friendly Merida nestles in the mountains 12km (7m) from the highest peak, Pico Bolivar.
Tell me about the natural wonders
Venezuela has 40 national parks. The Sierra Nevada de Merida is the best region for mountaineering, hill trekking and rock climbing - try a five-day trek to the peak of Roraima.
The tabletop mountains of the Gran Sabana, known as tepuis, have unique flora and fauna - as all the species evolved in isolation because of the shape of the mountains.
Venezuela is also home to a wide variety of exotic animals, including the jaguar, ocelot, tapir, armadillo, anteater and the longest snake in the world, the anaconda.
Salto Angel is the highest waterfall in the world at 979m (16 times the height of Niagara Falls) - but it's best to fly there across the jungle.
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| | | Party at carnaval | | Where's good for nightlife?
Carupano has the best carnaval (two days before Ash Wednesday) but carnaval is held across the country. Also see the Diablos Danzantes (dancing devils) in San Francisco de Yare during the Corpus Christi festival.
In Caracas nightlife is centred 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 Sebastian Bar, one of the city's few authentic jazz venues.
The resort of Isla Margarita is known as a party-isle playground and offers the usual big resort facilities. Puerto La Cruz and Polamar offer the most discos after Caracas - expect to salsa and merengue.
What's the food like?
Snacks and dishes (referred to as comida criolla) consist mainly of pancakes, chicken, pork, beef, soups and stews. Travellers should look out for restaurants serving menu del dia, a cheap set meal 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 pabellon criollo, Venezuela's national dish which consists of shredded beef, rice, black beans, cheese and fried plantain.
What should I buy?
There are plenty of handicraft shops in most major cities - but try to buy from the artisans themselves, as it's cheaper.
Examples of common crafts are: chinchorro (hammock) of the Warao, a manta (long dress) of the Guajiro, or the baskets of the Yanomami.
For local music Caracas has the best selection. For gold and diamond jewellery go to El Callao - but don't expect bargain prices. Leather footware is a good buy everywhere in Venezuela.
What is there for children to do?
Venezuelans love children and they usually get cheaper tickets to transport, museums and attractions.
If your kids are seriously outdoorsy or in training to be explorers, then they'll love Venezuela - but remember they need protection from stinging flies, etc, in wilderness areas.
Beach resorts are mostly adult-orientated rather than the Portuguese-style family resorts with kiddies' clubs, etc.
Tourist office
Embassy of Venezuela, 1 Cromwell Road, London, SW7 28W. Tel. 020 7584 4206.
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| | Available rental properties in Venezuela |
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