Thread: Venezuela

The Republic of Venezuela is the sixth largest country in South America, but in variation its landscape rivals that of the much larger countries like Brazil and Argentina. In fact, comparing its geography really doesn't do it justice: the country is simply unique. Anyone who has ever seen a tepuis rising above Venezuela's Gran Sabana can testify that there's nothing really like it, anywhere.

Venezuela lies at the northern extreme of South America, bordered by Colombia to the West, Brazil to the South, Guyana to the East, and the Caribbean Sea to the North. In all, the country is just over 900,000 square kilometers and divided into 23 states. Its borders seem to hold all of South America in miniature: there are fine stretches of the Andes, huge areas of Amazonian rain forests, fertile plains known as llanos, miles of Caribbean shoreline, and even a small desert. The nation also has a few geographical superlatives, including the world's highest waterfall and South America's biggest lake.

Venezuela is as much a Caribbean country as it is a South American one. Parts of its shoreline could easily be mistaken for that of some paradisiacal Caribbean island, and at night the discos in Caracas come alive with rhythms from all over the Caribbean. If you looked under the earth, you might easily mistake Venezuela for an oil-rich Arabian country. The oil reserves are so vast, in fact, that from time to time engineers and surveyors drill in the wrong place by mistake, miles away from where they think they should be, only to end up finding oil anyway.

Because of its proximity to the Equator, Venezuela experiences few climatic variations. There are really only two seasons: dry and wet. The dry season lasts from December to April, the wet one from May to November. The average temperature is about 27C, but cooler temperatures prevail at higher elevations, especially in the Andes, where jackets are needed.

In ancient times, Venezuela was paradise for the Indians who lived on its beaches, in its tropical forests, and on the gentle grassland of the llanos. There were three main groups: the Carib, Arawak, and the Chibcha. They lived in small groups and all of them practiced some degree of farming; the land, however, was bountiful enough so that this was not always a necessity. They could easily hunt, fish for, and gather their food. The most advanced of the three were the Chibcha who lived on the eastern slopes of the Andes. Though they never developed large cities, their agricultural skill were formidable: they terraced parts of the Andes and built sophisticated irrigation channels to water their crops.

Christopher Columbus was the first European to visit Venezuela. He came in 1498 during his third voyage to the New World, and landed on the Peninsula de Paria. Following the coast, he explored the Rio Orinoco Delta and concluded that he had found much more than another Caribbean island. More explorers came a year later, and it was Alonso de Ojeda who gave the country its name. Arriving at Lake Maracaibo, he admired the stilted houses that the Indians had build above the lake and called the place Venezuela - "Little Venice." A year after that the Spanish established their first settlement, Nueva Cadiz, which was later destroyed by a tsunami. Early colonization in Venezuela was much less rampant than it was in other parts of South America, and the colony was ruled with a loose hand from Bogota. It was much less important to the Spanish than the mineral-producing colonies of Western South America, but Venezuela would later surprise the world when massive oil reserves would be discovered.

Venezuela may have been a quiet outpost on the edge of the Spanish Empire, but it gave birth to the man who would one day turn that empire on its head: Simon Bolivar. With the help of British mercenaries, Bolivar and his followers campaigned against the Spanish tirelessly, marching across the Andes and liberating Colombia in 1819, Venezuela in 1821, and Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia in 1825. Much of his army was composed of native Venezuelans. Independence did not prove easy for the new nation. Civil strife, wars, and dictatorships raged in the country well into the next century. Though some dictators sought real reform, most milked their positions for personal gain. Border disputes with the British colony of Guyana erupted in the 1840s, and although they never boiled over into full-fledged warfare, Venezuela still disputes the border to this day.

In the early 1900s, the conflict-ridden nation finally began to get on its economic feet with the discovery of oil, and by the 20s Venezuela was beginning to reap the benefits. Unfortunately, most of the wealth remained with the ruling class, and the plague of dictators continued until 1947 when Romulo Betancourt led a popular revolt and rewrote the constitution. The first president-elect in Venezuela's history took office the same year, the novelist Romulo Gallegos. Unfortunately, he was ousted by another dictator and the country did not experience a non-violent presidential succession until 1963. For the next 25 years, things went comparatively well. An oil boom in the mid-1970s saw enormous wealth pour into the country, though, as always, the vast lower class benefited little. Oil prices dropped in the late 80s and once again the country was thrown into crisis. Riots swept through Caracas and were violently repressed, and two coup attempts took place in 1992. Right now, the nation's stability and future are uncertain.

Despite a rough history, Venezuelans are infamous in South America for their easy-going nature and fun-loving spirit. Their national mythology hails back to the days when independent and rugged settlers tamed the lawlessness of the llanos, a heritage not unlike that of the American West. Most Venezuelans them come from a mix of European, Indian, and African roots, while a minority are exclusively white, black, or Indian. Roman Catholicism is the overwhelmingly dominant religion.

Caracas
Situated in a valley surrounded by hills and densely forested mountain slopes, Caracas is a sprawling, heavily populated metropolis set in the shadow of a great wilderness. Its colonial district dates back to the 16th Century, and its museums house some of South America's greatest works of art, particularly modern. The suburbs are also filled with attractions; El Hatillo, to the south, is rich in colonial architecture, while to the north of Caracas are postcard perfect beaches thick with tanned skin and Caribbean sun.

The North West
The North West of Caracas has a long history. It was the region where Columbus first landed, and for many years towns such as Coro and Maracaibo (the 2nd most populous city next to Caracas) traded heavily with the Netherlands Antilles. The towns are distinct in their architecture and feel, though markedly different. Along the coast is one of Venezuela's most treasured seashores, Parque Nacional Morrocoy. The park has excellent beaches and numerous fine reefs for snorkeling and diving. Isla de Margarita
For many Venezuelans, the ultimate vacation home is a place on the beach on Isla de Margarita. The island is about sits about 40km off the mainland and has a healthy population of about 300,000. Like the nearby islands of Bonaire and Curacao, Isla de Margarita enjoys a dry, desert climate. The capital city of Porlamar offers just about every modern convenience.

Andean Venezuela
People don't usually think of Venezuela when they think of the Andes, but the mountains sweep to the East at their northern end, penetrating well into western Venezuela. The peaks here are tall, striking, and plentiful, and they offer a full range of adventure and sporting options. There are actually two ranges of the Andes in the region. Sitting poetically between them is the old city of Merida, a university town with clean air and a bohemian culture. The school here is the second oldest in South America


The North East
Venezuela's North East is where the nation's famous beaches reach their alluring heights: this is the Venezuelan destination for the sun wor- shippers and water lovers. Mochima National Park, a shoreline reserve of coral reefs, hundreds of islands, and beaches is one of the most scenic stretches of tropical shoreline in South America. The capital here is Cumana, which holds the claim of being the oldest town on the mainland.


The Guayana Highlands
The south east region of Venezuela is defined by the Guayana Highlands, named after the neighboring country to the east. Though many people have never heard of the area, many have seen photos of its most famous landmark - Angel Falls - the world's most vertiginous waterfall. The falls, however, are just one of many distinctive features in the area, which is also known for the Orinoco river and also its tepuis. Tepuis are huge sandstone mesas that rise thousands of feet about the Gran Sabana, a vast grassland.

The Amazonas
Like its name implies, the Amazonas is quite simply Venezuela's own stretch of Amazonian rain forest. The state is one the country's largest and certainly the most remote. It is home to many indigenous peoples, including the Yanomami - one of the most threatened and fragile cultures in the world. From the city of Ayacucho you can arrange for guided tours of the region, which abounds in flora, fauna, and cerros - the jungle's equivalent of the tepuis

The food in Venezuela is generally easy and flavorful. Caracas claims to have a greater variety of restaurants than any other South American city, and it would certainly be a pleasure to try and prove it, even if you failed. Venezuelan cooking has European, indigenous, and African roots - a heterodox cuisine formed over the centuries by immigrants. Some native dishes:

• Pabellon - stewed and shredded meat accompanied by rice, black beans, and banana
• Hallaca - a traditional Christmas dish.
• Cachapa - a type of sweet corn pancake served with cheese.
• Arepas - a type of round cornmeal biscuit.

Entry Requirements
To enter Venezuela, a valid passport from the country of origin is required, along with a visa - obtainable from consulates-, a tourist card, and a return ticket. No special vaccinations are required, although those traveling to the jungle should consult their physician as to whether or not they need protection from yellow fever and malaria.

Currency
The local currency is the Bolivar. As of this writing the exchange was about 537 bolivares per $1USD. Many of the banks have ATMs, and the best ones are: Citibank, Banco Venezuela, Banco Provincial, Banco Union, and Banco Mercantil.

Electric Current
110 Volts, 60 cycles

Language
The official language in Venezuela is Spanish.

Tipping
Tipping is at the discretion of the client and not obligatory. A ten percent service charge is usually added to restaurant bills. Taxis require no tips, but it is customary to give baggage handlers a tip of $1USD per bag.

Venezuela's capital, founded in 1567 by Diego de Losada, has one of most dramatic settings among South American cities. It sits about 3000 feet above sea level in a long valley that stretches from east to west. On one side of the valley are the uninhabited emerald slopes of Avila National Park; on the other, the rugged and heavily settled hills of the southern suburbs. The slopes of the Park rise above the city like immense green wave, forever on the verge of breaking. The elevation and proximity the ocean (about 15km to the north) combine to give Caracas almost unbeatable weather.

In recent decades, especially during oil booms of the 1970s and 80s, Caracas has seen unprecedented growth. Many of the original colonial buildings were replaced by gleaming modern skyscrapers, although there are still historic jewels to be found within the modern shadows. A majority of the cultural and architectural attractions can be found in the area immediately surrounding Plaza Bolivar, the city center.

Those wishing to explore the areas immediately around the city will be well-rewarded. The omnipresent Avila National Park offers incredible views of both Caracas and the nearby coast, which is also worth an excursion.

The Teresa Carreno Center for the Performing Arts
An architectural wonder in itself, the Teresa Carreno Center for the Performing Arts is a huge complex designed to provide the ultimate venue for every kind of performance. It was originally intended as a permanent home for the Venezuelan Symphony Orchestra, but the idea evolved into a home for everything: opera, symphonic music, theater, pop music, ballet, and modern dance. It was designed by a triad of accomplished architects who won a contest: Tomas Lugo, Dietrich Kunckel, and Jesus Sandoval.

Children's Museum
Originally conceived of as a giant classroom where children could get a hands-on experience of the wonders of the natural and man-made worlds, the Children's Museum exceeded the dreams of its creators. The museum became so popular that it quickly exceeded the goal it set when it opened in 1982 - a million visitors a year. Its success is largely due to a dedicated staff and colorful, touchable exhibits that capture the imagination of both kids and adults. The exhibits artfully and cleverly reveal the mysteries of physics, biology, communications, ecology, and the unique geography of Venezuela itself.

The Sofia Imber Contemporary Art Museum
The Sofia Imber opened in 1974 and holds Venezuela's largest collection of modern art. It is easily a world-class museum, featuring the works of over a hundred national and internationally-known artists, in every medium and scale. It has five levels and over 16,000 square meters of display space, as well as a wonderfully endowed sculpture garden.

Natural Sciences Museum
Caracas' Natural Sciences Museum is one of the best in South America. Since its inauguration in 1871, the museum as amassed a formidable collection of specimens and artifacts from not only Venezuela and South America, but from all over the world.

El Avila National Park
To see El Avila National Park, one need only stand in an open space in Caracas and look to the North. The towering and verdant slopes are part of the park, which has hundreds of well-kept trails and spectacular views of both Caracas and the coast.

Other attractions:
La Rinconada - the race track
Sambil Shopping Center
Paseo Las Mercedes - a major strip for nightlife
La Francia - the gold trader's district

Most of Macuto's nightlife takes place in nearby Caracas, which you can easily reach by cable car. The city is famous for its all night dancing and partying, much of which takes place in discos, jazz bars, and night clubs. The main after hours areas are Las Mercedes, El Rosal, La Floresta, and La Castellana.

There is also no shortage of theaters in Caracas. The Complejo Cultural Teresa Carreno is an internationally recognized center of the arts, and there is usually always a ballet or symphony being performed there. Another great theater is the Ateneo de Caracas, where you catch an art film.

Weather
Venezuela has a subtropical climate. The average temperature is 27C, except in the Andean Zone, where temperatures can drop to zero degrees Celsius at the highest altitudes. Throughout the rest of the country temperatures vary little, between a minimum of 22C to a maximum of 32C. Caracas has an average temperature of 24C.

There are no four seasons here, only the Wet Season and the Dry Season. The Wet Season lasts from May to November, the Dry from December to April. Daily rains come fast and hard, then dissipate quickly. Venezuela has an average about 340 days of sunshine a year.

Transportation
Air: International and domestic flights arrive at Simon Bolivar National Terminal, about 20 minutes from Caracas ($25 by taxi). Major carriers servicing the airport are: Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeroperu, Air Aruba, Air France, Alitalia, ALM, American Airlines, Avianca, British Airways, Iberia, KLM, Lan Chile, Lloyd Aero Boliviano, Saeta, TAP, United, Varig, Delta, Continental, Avensa, Servivensa, and Aeropostal.

Subway: Caracas has an excellent subway system which runs from 5:30am to 11pm every day of the year. It has 3 main lines that cross the city and a bus service that complements it.

Taxi: Taxis are available throughout Caracas, but you should check the going rate and negotiate with drivers. Venezuela cabs are currently undergoing regulatory changes and meters will soon be mandatory.
. Medical Facilities
In the case of an emergency, it is best to avoid the public hospitals, as they have fewer resources and often lack necessary equipment. It is important to carry a credit card, cash, or checks to facilitate admission into the private hospitals and clinics. Pharmacies are open during the day, and during the evenings and public holidays look for ones that say "Turno."

Notes
Beaches are public, but be sure to ask whether or not the waters are safe to swim in as some areas are contaminated. Light, casual clothing is suggested. On rare occasions, the evenings can be chilly, so bring along a light jacket. It is also a good idea to carry a photocopy of your documents and leave the originals in a safety deposit box back at the hotel.

When Caraquenos wish to escape the noise and bustle of Venezuela's capital, many come to Macuto, which lies just north of the city along the Caribbean Coast. Although it is one of several coastal towns that cater to tourists, it is widely regarded as the best in the area because of its pleasant layout, fine accommodations and strong infrastructure.

Macuto was founded in 1740 - somewhat late compared other Venezuelan towns, but it has a long tradition as a getaway. In 1888, Venezuelan President Joaquin Crespo built a mansion here; it is called La Guzmania, and it can still be visited although it is now a college. Besides the beaches, the city has a promenade along the coast, a good marina, several interesting museums and excellent dining.