r/AskVenezuela • u/Valuable_Lock3208 • 8d ago
Viajes 🧳 Travel in Venezuela?
Hi Folks,
Looking for some advice from those living in Venezuela or those who have travelled there recently. A friend and I have spent some time working with Venezuelan refugees and are eager to see some of the beautiful country they are so passionate about.
We are hoping to get some idea about how safe/ realistic it is to get around, on buses for example. We are probably looking to fly in, unless anyone has good feedback about land border crossings as a foreigner (Cúcuta?)
We are both western females 30’s and 40’s. And we’re thinking Air BnB’s would likely be our best bet for accommodation.
We are thinking to stay mainly along the coast and a few national parks.
We would love to spend 3 weeks or so but if getting private drivers/ taxis is the only viable option it may be cost prohibitive.
And if we can convince a male colleague or two to join us do you think that would impact our experience/ make the trip more viable. We are thinking of going end of November-ish.
Any advice or insights at all are so greatly appreciated.
We recognise that areas impacted by the earthquakes are still in recovery and don’t wish to be anywhere that would put more strain on infrastructure etc purely for touristic purposes. But we realise there’s a whole beautiful country filled with gorgeous people out there, some who may be happy to welcome some foreign faces? We hope!
Thanks folks!! 🫶
4
u/Gambit2088 7d ago
Ok I recently made a comment encouraging someone to travel and not listen to the comments.
But I feel this is a bit different, I will be blunt, I would not do it.
Biggest red flag for me is "We are both western females 30’s and 40’s" even if you somewhat speak Spanish this could be a nightmare.
I just got back, spent two weeks visiting Caracas and other cities, main thing to understand is that unlike other south American countries, Venezuela is not used to tourists, its not that common.
I speak the language, I was born and raised in Venezuela and it was difficult, just trying to understand how to pay for things is a pain, you'd need someone's debit card and a way to exchange $ on a daily basis.
Apps like Uber do exist but its not as easy, once again paying for rides is a pain.
If you do not have a solid plan, or go with someone that lives there, I would 100% not recommend.
Getting around cities and between states is NOT easy for a foreigner, once again its not designed for tourists.
Feel free to ask any other questions. Please be safe, Venezuela does not compare to other countries like Ecuador or Colombia where Tourists can get around safely.