VENEZUELA TRAVEL GUIDE
Venezuela is a country on the northern coast of South America with diverse natural attractions. Along its Caribbean coast are tropical resort islands including Isla de Margarita and the Los Roques archipelago. To the northwest are the Andes Mountains and the colonial town of Mérida, a base for visiting Sierra Nevada National Park. Caracas, the capital, is to the north.
Venezuela is home to the world's highest waterfall, Angel Falls and the second-longest river in South America, the Orinoco. It also has the longest coastline on the Caribbean sea. Venezuela is the world's fifth-largest oil exporter and also has vast untapped reserves of natural gas. Ecologically, Venezuela is considered among the 20 Megadiverse countries of the planet; more than 40% of its national territory is covered by protected areas.
Venezuela is currently in a state of widespread civil, economic, and political crisis. Most governments in the world have advised against all travel to Venezuela due to crime, civil unrest, widespread shortages in basic goods (medicine, food, drinking water), and arbitrary arrest and detention of foreigners.
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VENEZUELA QUICK FACTS
- Capital: Caracas
- Government: Republic
- Currency: Bolivar Soberano (VES) US dollar (USD)
- Area: 912,050 km²
- Population: 28,87 million (2018)
- Language: Spanish (official), numerous indigenous dialects
- Religion: Nominally Roman Catholic 96%, Protestant 2%, other 2%
- Electricity: 120V, 60Hz (US plug)
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VENEZUELA PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
- 19 March, San José Day (banks only)*
- 19 April, Declaration of Independence
- 1 May, Labor Day
- 24 June, Battle of Carabobo
- 29 June, St. Peter and St. Paul Day (banks only)*
- 5 July, Independence Day
- 24 July, Birth of Simón Bolívar
- 15 August, Assumption (banks only)*
- 12 October, Day of Indigenous Resistance
- 1 November, All Saints Day (banks only)*
- 8 December, Day of Loyalty and Love for Hugo Chavez, Immaculate Conception*
VENEZUELA WEATHER SYNOPSIS
Tropical; Hot, Humid; More Moderate In Highlands
SPORT & ACTIVITIES
SNOW SPORT IN VENEZUELA
Venezuela has only one ski resort, Merida. With a cable car that reaches close to the top of the country's highest peak, Pico Bolivar at 4981m, the skiing here is only for the very competent and brave!
HIKING & CYCLING IN VENEZUELA
The best time for outdoor activities in Venezuela is from November to April, during the dry season. Bear in mind that it rains almost every day at the summit of Mount Roraima .
BEACH OPTIONS IN VENEZUELA
The beaches in Venezuela are best enjoyed during the dry season from November to April. Be sure to check out Los Roques, Margarita Island and Playa Colorada for great beach destinations.
SURFING IN VENEZUELA
The best time for surfing in Venezuela is from late December to April, when the swell is consistent. The hurricane season from August to November brings some powerful swell but is not very consistent.
KITESURF IN VENEZUELA
The season with the most consistent wind in Venezuela for kitesurfing is from February until June, but the wind can be good enough from December until July. The most popular spots are Los Roques, Adicora, El Yaque on Margarita Island and Isla de Coche.
HEALTH RISKS IN VENEZUELA
Be aware of possible health risks in
Venezuela
Yellow fever - The yellow fever virus is found in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and South America. The virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no medicine to treat or cure an infection. To prevent getting sick from yellow fever, use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and get vaccinated.
Zika Virus - Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects. There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika.
Malaria - Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito which feeds on humans. People who get malaria are typically very sick with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illness. Although malaria can be a deadly disease, illness and death from malaria can usually be prevented.
Dengue - Dengue is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. About one in four people infected with dengue will get sick. For people who get sick with dengue, symptoms can be mild or severe.
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