Things to Do in Venezuela

About Venezuela

Angel Falls drops 979 meters through Venezuelan air—the world's highest waterfall, thundering down ancient tepuis that punch through low-hanging clouds. Venezuela packs an entire continent into one country. Rainforests shelter jaguars and hundreds of bird species. The Orinoco Delta cuts winding channels through untouched wilderness, while Caribbean beaches run for miles along the northern coast. The sand is white, the water turquoise, the coral reefs healthy. Head to the Andes. Snow-capped peaks tower over colonial towns where salsa music pours from open doorways and the smell of arepas mixes with strong coffee in crowded plazas. The Llanos grasslands spread flat and endless, where cowboys work cattle under night skies so clear the stars feel within reach. The people make Venezuela work. They're warm and tough, generous in ways that turn casual meetings into genuine invitations to understand what they love about their country.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Use domestic flights for long distances due to fuel shortages affecting bus schedules. Book with Avior or Conviasa airlines in advance. For ground transport, negotiate taxi fares beforehand and consider hiring private drivers through hotels for safety and reliability.

Money: Bring US dollars in small denominations and exchange at official rates through banks or authorized casa de cambio. Avoid black market exchanges. Credit cards work sporadically; cash is essential. Budget $50-80 daily for mid-range travel including meals and transport.

Cultural Respect: Greet with handshakes or cheek kisses among friends. Dress conservatively when visiting churches. Venezuelans are warm but appreciate formal address initially. Avoid political discussions and be patient with service delays—relationship-building takes precedence over efficiency.

Food Safety: Stick to bottled water and well-cooked meals at reputable restaurants. Try local specialties like arepas, pabellón criollo, and fresh fruit juices. Avoid street food initially until acclimatized. Popular chains like Arturo's Parrilla offer reliable, delicious Venezuelan cuisine.

When to Visit

Venezuela's optimal visiting window spans December through April during the dry season, when temperatures average 75-85°F (24-29°C) with minimal rainfall (1-2 inches monthly). This peak season brings 30-40% higher accommodation prices but guarantees access to remote destinations like Angel Falls and Roraima tepuis. The wet season (May-November) sees heavy rainfall (6-12 inches monthly) with temperatures reaching 90°F (32°C), making some areas inaccessible but offering 40-50% savings on lodging and impressive waterfalls at full flow. December-January coincides with Christmas festivities and Año Nuevo celebrations, while February brings lively Carnival celebrations in cities like Barquisimeto and Maracaibo. March-April offers the perfect balance of good weather and moderate pricing (20% above low season). Adventure travelers should visit September-November when waterfalls peak magnificently despite challenging conditions. Beach ensoiasts will find December-March ideal for Caribbean coast visits with calm seas and cooling trade winds. The shoulder months of November and May provide excellent value with improving/declining weather respectively, perfect for budget-conscious travelers willing to accept occasional rain showers for real feels and significant savings.