Overview
Although Venezuela is best known for its oil policies and belligerent president, the South American country offers an amazing variety of landscapes and attractions as a travel destination. These include tropical beaches, extensive wetlands, mighty rivers, idyllic colonial cities, almost untouched jungle and majestic mountains. Tourists can choose from a wide range of adventure activities or relax at one of the many resorts. The clear, warm waters of the Caribbean coast and the numerous offshore islands are ideal for snorkeling and diving. The tropical lowlands are home to an enormous variety of animal species, lush vegetation and dramatic waterfalls, while trekking fans and mountaineers are more drawn to the imposing Andes. Venezuela, originally inhabited by Carib and Arawak Indians, became a Spanish colony after Columbus’ discovery in 1498. In the 18th century, Simón Bolívar led a widespread rebellion against the colonial powers, but it was not until 1830 that Venezuela became independent. Today’s politics in the country are determined by President Hugo Chávez, who is supported by large sections of the dissatisfied, impoverished population and who, despite unsuccessful attempts to overthrow him, remains a formidable power figure. See other countries in South America on a2zgov.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
In cooperation with Iberia (IB), Lufthansa (LH) and Air Europa (UX) offer flight connections from Frankfurt/M. and Munich via Madrid to Caracas. Turkish Airlines (TK) connects Frankfurt/M., Vienna and Zurich with Caracas via Istanbul. Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas (PU) flies non-stop from Madrid to Caracas.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Caracas: 16 hours; Vienna – Caracas: 17 hrs 15 mins; Zurich – Caracas: 14 hrs 55 mins (Journey times vary depending on length of stopovers.)
Departure fee
Airport taxes are included in the ticket price.
Arrival by car
Connecting roads lead from Colombia (Barranquilla and Medellín) to Maracaibo and from the Brazilian Amazon (Manaus) to Caracas. There is a risk of criminal attacks in the border areas. In addition, temporary border closures are possible at any time. Long-distance buses: There are bus connections from Colombia and Brazil to Venezuela. The travel time from the Colombian border at San Antonio del Táchira to Caracas is approximately 12 hours and up to 24 hours from the Brazilian border at Santa Elena de Uairén to Caracas. Toll: There are no charges for using the road. Documents: In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license is required.
Arrival by train
There is no cross-border rail traffic.
Arrival by ship
Die größten Häfen sind La Guaira, Puerto Cabello, Maracaibo, Guanta, Porlamar und Ciudad Bolívar (am Orinoco).
Transportation
Traveling by plane
The state airline Conviasa (V0) and Laser Airlines (QL) offer domestic flights to various cities in the country.
Traveling by car/bus
The road network has a total length of around 96,200 kilometers. Toll: There are no charges for using the road. Gas stations are often hard to find on overland journeys, since stretches of several hundred kilometers are sometimes uninhabited. For longer journeys, every fuel opportunity should be used and a filled fuel canister should be carried.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Condition of the roads
Approximately 39,000 kilometers of the entire road network are paved. The main roads are well developed in Caracas and inland. Away from the main roads, some deep potholes are to be expected. Driving at night should be avoided if possible.
Road classification
The Venezuelan road network consists of motorways, national roads, regional roads and secondary roads.
Car rental
Rental cars are available at airports and in major cities. Drivers must be at least 18 years old and have held a driver’s license for at least 1 year. Drivers under the age of 25 may pay a young driver surcharge.
Taxi
Taxis can be found everywhere in the cities. There are taximeters in Caracas, but they are often not switched on at night. The fare should then be agreed before departure. It is safer to use white, licensed taxis with yellow plates in Caracas. Shared taxis, in the form of minibuses or vintage US cars, are also common. They serve fixed routes and are much cheaper than individual taxis, but only leave when they are full.
Bicycle
Bikes can be rented cheaply in Caracas via Bim Bim Bikes.
Coach
Buses run throughout the country; their condition varies greatly, and tariffs are generally cheap. In Caracas, buses head east and south-east from Terminal de Oriente, in the east of the city, and west and south-west from Terminal la Bandera. Luxury buses, such as Aeroexpresos Ejecutivos, have their own terminals and serve different destinations.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – seat belts on the front seats; – Helmets are compulsory for motorcyclists; – Alcohol limit: 0.8 ‰. Speed limits: – urban: 60 km/h; – on rural roads: 80 km/h; – on motorways: 120 km/h.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of damage to the vehicle: Tel. +49 (0)89 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49 (0)89 76 76 76. In the event of breakdowns or accidents with the rental car, the car rental company should be contacted first.
Documentation
In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license is required. If you are driving your own car, you must carry a Carnet de Passage, which is available from the ADAC.
Traveling in the city
The underground is a convenient and inexpensive way to travel in Caracas and Valencia. There are also buses and shared taxis, so-called por puestos, which are operated by minibus companies and are often used in the cities. Taxis are also everywhere. Fare lists are posted at the airport.
Locally on the way by train
There are no passenger trains in Venezuela.
Traveling by ship
A Gran Cacique Express ferry connects Puerto La Cruz with Margarita Island daily (journey time: 3 hrs 40 mins).
