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ancientnomad19:12 UTC28 Apr 2009

I am planning to get to Venezuela from Brazil. There is a cirect bus to Caracas, but I am thinking about just getting over the border and then take local buses to Ciudad Bolivar (maybe Angel Falls - the cheapest way, what would that be ?), Puerto la Cruz, Caracas, Merida, Maracaibo, and somehow back to Brazil on the way to Guyana.
I am thinking about local buses because I heard that it is cheaper to exchange dollars locally, so maybe the long bus from Manaus would be more expensive than visiting the local cities on the way. Is that right ?
Another question - I have an expensive Nikon DSLR. I traveled all over Central and South Americas and never had problems - I keep it in a daypack, take out to take few shots, and put it back in. Now, all the talk about Venezuela scares me. What do you think about a big DSLR in Venezuela ?

How much money would I need ? (I know, kind of difficult question). I am on a budget, basically leaving South America and trying to see a bit more. I'd love to see the Angel Falls, but I am afraid I will not be able to do any tours to parks etc., although I'd love to do that. No money though, so I really can't afford theft (happened to me already once in Buenos Aires and cost waaay to much). Of course, there are no guaranties, but I am asking for a common sense answer from experienced in this country people.

I travel alone, male, and thanks for tips!

kimbatu11:29 UTC07 May 2009

Just returning from Caracas there are places where you want to keep your camera well hidden, its not just the locals that will find it intresting but also the local Police.

I found travelling around ok as Im very European looking with Blond hair Blue eyes everyone looks but dont aproach thats fine for during the day. night times a little different but not too scarry. But most of my time was spent in Altemira / Chacao districts.

I think its just down to being scencible and being aware of where you are and whos around you.

Take care

Buen Viaji

Rob

thberry16:03 UTC08 May 2009

Hello ancientnomad,

You're plan looks feasable, except for going to Maracaibo and back to Brazil. Going to Maracaibo would definitely work if you were going on to Colombia, but it would certainly complicate logistics if going back to Brazil. Besides, Maracaibo itself is not that interesting in my opinion. You mentioned you were coming from Brazil, so you may want to visit the Gran Sabana, located just to the north of Santa Elena de Uairen, the border town between Venezuela and Brazil. The Gran Sabana is home to the Tepuys, the oldest rocks on the planet, the most famous being Roraima. Then you can get the night bus from Santa Elena to Ciudad Bolivar, and then fly out the following morning to the Angel Falls. Merida is good fun, and you can get the night bus from Ciudad Bolivar to Barinas and then onto Merida. From Merida you can easily get to the llanos and to the Catatumbo to see the unique lightning phenomenon found nowhere else in the world.

As for taking your camera, just keep it safe. DO NOT keep it in your luggage but in your day pack. Keep an eye on it all the time, and use it wisely. In places such as the Angel Falls you will have no problems. Refrain from using it in crowded places. Take a small pocket camera for these cases.

Hope you find this info useful.

Travel safe!

All the best,

Thomas
Caracas
berry_venezuela@hotmail.com

Camera in Venezuela, etc. Country forums / South America / Venezuela
ancientnomad19:12 UTC28 Apr 2009	I am planning to get to Venezuela from Brazil. There is a cirect bus to Caracas, but I am thinking about just getting over the border and then take local buses to Ciudad Bolivar (maybe Angel Falls - the cheapest way, what would that be ?), Puerto la Cruz, Caracas, Merida, Maracaibo, and somehow back to Brazil on the way to Guyana. I am thinking about local buses because I heard that it is cheaper to exchange dollars locally, so maybe the long bus from Manaus would be more expensive than visiting the local cities on the way. Is that right ? Another question - I have an expensive Nikon DSLR. I traveled all over Central and South Americas and never had problems - I keep it in a daypack, take out to take few shots, and put it back in. Now, all the talk about Venezuela scares me. What do you think about a big DSLR in Venezuela ? How much money would I need ? (I know, kind of difficult question). I am on a budget, basically leaving South America and trying to see a bit more. I'd love to see the Angel Falls, but I am afraid I will not be able to do any tours to parks etc., although I'd love to do that. No money though, so I really can't afford theft (happened to me already once in Buenos Aires and cost waaay to much). Of course, there are no guaranties, but I am asking for a common sense answer from experienced in this country people. I travel alone, male, and thanks for tips!
kimbatu11:29 UTC07 May 2009	Hi Just returning from Caracas there are places where you want to keep your camera well hidden, its not just the locals that will find it intresting but also the local Police. I found travelling around ok as Im very European looking with Blond hair Blue eyes everyone looks but dont aproach thats fine for during the day. night times a little different but not too scarry. But most of my time was spent in Altemira / Chacao districts. I think its just down to being scencible and being aware of where you are and whos around you. Take care Buen Viaji Rob	1
thberry16:03 UTC08 May 2009	Hello ancientnomad, You're plan looks feasable, except for going to Maracaibo and back to Brazil. Going to Maracaibo would definitely work if you were going on to Colombia, but it would certainly complicate logistics if going back to Brazil. Besides, Maracaibo itself is not that interesting in my opinion. You mentioned you were coming from Brazil, so you may want to visit the Gran Sabana, located just to the north of Santa Elena de Uairen, the border town between Venezuela and Brazil. The Gran Sabana is home to the Tepuys, the oldest rocks on the planet, the most famous being Roraima. Then you can get the night bus from Santa Elena to Ciudad Bolivar, and then fly out the following morning to the Angel Falls. Merida is good fun, and you can get the night bus from Ciudad Bolivar to Barinas and then onto Merida. From Merida you can easily get to the llanos and to the Catatumbo to see the unique lightning phenomenon found nowhere else in the world. As for taking your camera, just keep it safe. DO NOT keep it in your luggage but in your day pack. Keep an eye on it all the time, and use it wisely. In places such as the Angel Falls you will have no problems. Refrain from using it in crowded places. Take a small pocket camera for these cases. Hope you find this info useful. Travel safe! All the best, Thomas Caracas berry_venezuela@hotmail.com	2

Camera in Venezuela, etc.