A few questions

Hi

best would be to work your way overland to Merida then fly back to Caracas. You can book at travel agents in Merida, prices are quite reasonable, I was quoted 300 Bolivars ($60 US) booking just 7 days in advance. The new Merida airport is an hour bus ride from town though so allow plenty of time. This is surely better than the 13 hour bus trip back to Caracas (70 BsF).

I was lucky in Merida I woke up one morning to see the higher (4000m+) peaks blanketed in snow, not exactly what I expected in Venezuela! Cannot guarantee this of course.

Hi,

What date do you arrive in Caracas? I am also travelling there on my own and arrive on 29th June. Was also thinking of staying at the same place for the same reason as you, because I heard it was safer but have no idea. I've emailed a guy at Osprey Expeditions to ask their opinion, so will let you know.

I was thinking of doing a tour with them to see some of Venezuela, especially Angel Falls, as I have no idea how easy it is to get around and also because I am on my own thought it would a good opportunity to meet people, but I am also hoping to go to Merida to do some Spanish lessons.

Let me know if you get any further with your questions or can give me any tips. Also, if you are around at the same time as me and want to make a new friend let me know :)

Cheers

Kris

Hotel Altamira is a good hotel. I stayed at La Floresta which is a bit more expensive.
NO internal flights from Maracay to Mérida, as far as I know only from big cities like Caracas, valencia and Maracaibo.
Now I think the airport of Merida is closed so you fly from a town called Vigia or something. It is about 1 h30m from the city.
Good luck

Google and Call a travel doctor regarding the yellow fever jab - but do you want to risk being quarantined when you return home or enter another country?

El Vigia airport, less than an hour by taxi from Merida, fare around 120 BF (less than US$25).
It's a good idea to get the Yellow Fever jab for the reasons indicated by the previous poster.

Hello AneJane79,

Most travellers get a yellow fever vaccine before venturing out to Venezuela, as they do indeed bring their Malaria tables along. Hotel Altamira is relatively safe, it's located to the South of Altamira, a block to the south from Plaza Altamira. Just the same be cautious, there is a small "barrio" nearby, but on the whole it is quite safe. Try wandering about late a night on your own. It is quite central meaning that it is close to the Metro, public tranportation, bars, restaurants, parks, cinemas and theaters.
You mentioned you were planning to go to Maracay and then to Choroni/Puerto Colombia. Coro and it's surroundings are very pretty, especially the old historical quarters, the Medanos (sand dunes), beaches and national Parks. You may get the bus to Merida from Maracay or from Coro. Merida is a great town, very lively as it is packed with students attending the ULA (Universidad de Los Andes) and with travellers seeking all the adventure sports the town and its surrounding mountains have to offer. It is also a great place to embark upon the LLanos and Catatumbo Expeditions.

Hope you find this info useful.

Travel safe!

All the best,

Thomas
Caracas
berry_venezuela@hotmail.com

Sorry I menat to write DO NOT try wandering about late at night on your own.....

Travel safe!

Thomas
Caracas
berry_venezuela@hotmail.com

I stayed in Altamira Hotel and it was ok, not great, but not bad also. The rooms ware quiet and clean and the showers hot, but the AC was not working very well. But, for the price and the great location, it was a good choice and I would stay there again if I return to Caracas.

As a Brazilian traveller I had to take a Yellow Fever shot before going to Venezuela.

Coro is a beautiful city, worth a couple of days visit, if you have the time. The tour to the Peninsula is nice, with some great views, and a good choice for a day-tour. The Sierra de San Luis is beautiful too, maybe worth a visit. The only problem is that the city is very hot.

I went from Merida to Coro by bus and it was a ok trip, about 12h, if I recall correctly. The night bus was confortable but FREEZING cold, as usual in Venezuela.

Hi there,

Altamira and La Floresta hotels are located in a safe are a compared to the rest of Caracas. What is convenient about these hotels is that they are relatively close to the private bus terminals from whre the most reliable bus companies operate (Aeroexpresos Ejecutivos, PeliExpress).
Merida airport is closed. You can either fly to El Vigía or go by bus. Warm clothes are a good advice for these nice A/C buses if you don't want to freeze during the night! Otherwise they are fine.