Hi all,
Myself and my two mates will be arriving in Caracas on 2nd Jan 2008 for a couple of nights before heading to Meridia.I'm finding it very hard to find suitable accomodation in a safe place at a reasonable rate as we are backpackers. I would be most grateful if somewhere could point me in the right direction.
Cheers,
Annie
"Hotel el Paseo" opposit of the University Central acces to the Metro. Or hotel Venecia close to the Los Simboles place an not far from the busstation "la Bandera" where you also can take the Metro.
In Merida "Valeria" in the 33 street or "patty" close to the "Teleferico" map of Merida center with hotels www.merida.la</a>.
Have a nice time in Venezuela,
Theo
Do not walk from the La Bandera bus-station to the metro. It is not recommended.
You will find that outside the terminal the taxi situation is absolutely crazy. I did not trust anyone of the freelancers lined up there; the touts were extremely aggresive. Watch your belongings.
I had to jump onto the street to get a licensed cab because they are not allowed to pick up people even if they drop off passengers.
Did you mean it is not recommended to walk there at night? Just two days ago I walked from the metro to the bus-station and I felt perfectly safe (during the day of course).
Caracas is fine during day-time. The area around the bus terminal is very congested and you should watch your backpack.
However, after dark I would venture far from the terminal because there are fewer buses arriving. I passed thru there at midnight and almost noboday was there.
Same applies to many places. Small towns are deserted after the shops close at 6:30 p.m. I always asked why? and was told it is not safe.
WALK FROM LA BANDERA METRO STATION TO THE BUS STATION DURING THE DAY. AVOID WALKING AT NIGHT!
As for a cheap backpackers place try ''Nuestro Hotel'' or also known as the 'backpacker's hostel'' They are in Sabana Grande. It is not a very nice area, especially after dark. Mind the police. If you want a safer area you can get a reasonable price since there are three of you and could share a room.
All the best,
Thomas
Caracas
berry_venezuela@hotmail.com