Venezuela and border cross to Colombia

Hi,

Was hoping someone would be able to tell me how things are in Venezuela as on the British Embassy they are advising against travel in a lot of places! I do not know where is best to cross the border into Colombia, and was wondering if the current rumblings of conflict between the two nations are affecting border crossings? Any help and advice would be most welcome, as I, like most people, only hear negative things about Caracas etc. Any Hotel advice for Caracas for as night, and bus advice to Cartagena or near would also be very very useful if someone knows their stuff!

Thank you very much for looking and very much looking forward to hear some advice...

Ben

Border crossing troubles between Venezuela and Colombia are likely to happen anytime... specially if driving rather than on foot. There has not been closure in the last weeks. Anyway, just read the papers and keep up to date.

Hotel in Caracas: search on the internet hotels like Altamira, La Floresta, Harmony... Harmony has good rates and is not so bad for budget travellers. go to www.hoteles.com.ve and look for them. If any hotel calls your attention, feel free to ask me any question about how good or bad its location is. I lived in Caracas for 8 years and I know the city very well.

Bus to Cartagena: two choices:

1. direct bus from Caracas... go to Terminal de La Bandera... there are several companies running this line. You must puchase your ticket early in the morning, same day of departure.

2. stopping on the way: I recomend 2 companies to travel to Maracaibo:

• Rodovías de Venezuela (private terminal near Colegio de Ingenieros metro station, línea 1).
• Aeroexpresos Ejecutivos (private terminal in Bello Campo, between Chacao and Altamira metro stations, línea 1).

When arrived in Maracaibo, take a taxi to Maicao (Colombia-Venezuela border), then a bus to Cartageta... or, if available, a direct bus to Cartagena.
2.

Hi Ben,

You may consider flying from Caracas to Colombia but after our recent devaluation, airfares have gone through the roof. Alternatively, and if you are on a budget, and want to go to Santa Marta, Baranquilla and Caratagen on Colombia's Northeastern coast you can take the bus to Colombia via Maicao in the north. Buses depart from Maracaibo and even Caracas. Just make sure you have all your docs in order and you should have no problems.

As for a Hotel in Caracas, I would definitely recommed the Hotels in the Altamira area such as La Floresta or Hotel Altamira Sur which are the cheapest hotels in the area. Altamira is considered as one of the safest neighbourhoods in Caracas. It is also located close to public transportation, museums, parks, shops, bars, theaters and so forth.

Travel safe,

All the best

Thomas
Caracas
berry_venezuela@hotmail.com