Print
Email
Bookmark & shareIf you could channel-surf for landscape, Venezuela would tire out any remote.
Venezuela is epic in proportion: it boasts South America's largest lake and third-longest river, the highest waterfall in the world, the longest of all snakes, and some of the most spectacular landscapes you'll ever see.
There are the snowcapped peaks of the Andes in the west; steamy Amazonian jungles in the south; the hauntingly beautiful Gran Sabana plateau, with its strange flat-topped mountains, in the east; and miles of white-sand beaches fringed with coconut palms on the Caribbean coast.
Travel Warning: Crime Warning - Political Unrest - Border Trouble
Street crime in Venezuelan cities is reasonably common, particularly Caracas. Extra caution is advised on the highway between Caracas and the international airport (Maiquetia) which can be subject to violent armed crime. Travelers should avoid using this route after dark if possible.
Venezuelan politics is unpredictable and demonstrations and public protests are common. Travelers are advised to avoid such gatherings as they can become violent; monitor news services for any potential unrest.
Any travel near the Colombian border in more remote Zulia, Táchira, Barinas, Bolivar, Apure and Amazonas states should be avoided due to the presence of Colombian guerrillas and various other armed types.
severity: Mid-level alert
Fast Facts
Country Full Name
República Bolivariana de Venezuela
Population
25,700,000
Currency
Name: Venezuelan bolívar
Code: VEB
Symbol: Bs
Electrical Plugs
120V 60Hz
Languages Spoken
Official: Spanish
Time Zones
GMT/UTC -4.5
Country Dialing Code
+58
Weights & Measures
Metric
Venezuela - Pick & Mix Chapters
Download the free Getting Started chapter or purchase individual chapters from our Online Store.
BLUELISTS blu,list to recommend a travel experience
-
Strangeness and surprises in Latin America
— 17 Jan 07 -
Waterfalls, Rum and beaches!
— 20 Dec 06 -
Top ten beaches
— 03 Nov 06 -
Paradise beaches
— 03 Nov 06 -
Strangeness and surprises in Latin America
— 18 Jan 07
Advertisement
Hotels & Hostels
Booking hotels is simple with Lonely Planet. See our reviewed and recommended hotels in one place and book online. Browse hotels ›
Lonely Planet Newsletters
Updates, offers and inspiration - straight to your inbox.
Subscribe now ›
Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.
