Hey guys,
I'm planning to visit Venezuela for a month in April/May, travelling with an overland company. I arrive in Caracas (airport, not overland) 3 days before the trip starts and am wondering where I should spend my time.....ideally I'd like to find a nice beach, read a book, have a few beers and relax. Caracas sounds like my worst nightmare and I'm considering Los Roques for a couple of nights. Its expensive though and I'm not sure the budget will allow it as I'll have been travelling for 3 months at that stage. If anyone has any other suggestions they would be most welcome!
Thanks :-)
rberry
1
hodunn
Travelling for 3 months?!!!!! Los Roques is not an option to spend two days while waiting the trip to start.
Stay in Caracas and enjoy it.
Walk from Capitolio through La Hoyada metro station (Línea 1) and visit: Palacio de Las Academias and Iglesia de San Francisco on Universidad Ave. Head north beside Asamblea Nacional (Capitolio) and get Plaza Bolívar. Please, enter Consejo Municipal building and visit Corototeca Nacional; next to this: Catedral, Museo Sacro and other XIX century buildings.
Walk west through Plaza de San Jacinto: Museo de Arte Bolivariano and Casa Natal de Simón Bolívar. Then, return to Universidad Ave. and walk west to La Hoyada station.
Visit Plaza de Los Museos, near Bellas Artes metro station (Línea 1): GAN (galería de arte nacional), Museo de Ciencias Naturales and Museo de Bellas Artes. All of them are near Teatro Teresa Carreño.
Waraira Repano, cable cabin to Pico Humboldt on Parque Nacional El Ávila, the big high mountain that separates Caracas from the Caribean sea (beaches in this area are not a recomendation of mine).
In the night: Centro San Ignacio (terraces, lounge bars...), Pizzería El León (good beer and people-seeing) and Restaurante El Budare (tipical food) at La Castellana.
2
naila
hi
another option could be visiting Morrocoy if you dont want to spend your time in the city. From Caracas you get a bus to Valencia (departing very often and for 20 BSF) and from Valencia you go to Tucacas or Chichiriviche (90 minutes 20 BSF) then off you go to sunny beaches at your choice , afterall Morrocoy is a natural Park and water is really clean
3
rberry
Thanks for the replies guys :-) Lots to work with there!
One other thing though - I've been reading lots of bad reports regarding safety in Venezuela, especially in Caracas. As a white,blond haired, blue eyed female , travelling alone with only basic Spanish I'm feeling a little nervous about Caracas.....depite having spent time travelling in other aparently "dodgy" countries without issue. Is it as bad as all that? Could either of you recommend an area within the city to stay?
Thanks so much for your help!
4
hodunn
Areas where to stay in Caracas: Altamira, Los Palos Grandes, Chacao, La Castellana, Bello Campo.
It's possible to visit downtown Caracas during day time (between Capitolio and La Hoyada metro stations, línea 1), through Avenida Universidad, Plaza Bolívar and Plaza San Jacinto. Be aware of people around you, this area is usually crowded, but going there is worth it; same in metro.
Please, visit La Corototeca Nacional, at Consejo Municipal Building, in front of Plaza Bolívar square south side. Also Museo de Arte Bolivariano and Casa Natal del Libertador, on San Jacinto Saquare, one block east of Plaza Bolívar southeastern corner.
And go to Pico Humboldt by Waraira Repano telfer, starting at Maripérez cable station. Another way to visit this wonderful mountain (Cerro Ávila) is doing a treck through Saba Nieves trail, at north end of Luis Roche Avenue in Altamira, near Restaurant Tarilandia. Many people go there for jogging and trekking. It's nice to watch the whole city from up there. Just take a mini bus on Plaza Francia, Altamira.
Take care and be fine...
Pro tip
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