Astroberto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
South America › Venezuela

Venezuela

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Land of diverse tropical landscapes

Venezuela presents diverse landscapes from coastal plains to mountain ranges and vast rainforests. The country features unique wildlife including sloths, capybaras and colorful birds such as toucans. Lake Maracaibo stands out as one of the largest lakes globally while also functioning as a bay connected to the Caribbean Sea. The Andes mountains run through western regions providing scenic hiking opportunities. Historic colonial architecture remains in cities like Coro and Cumaná alongside modern cultural centers reflecting centuries of tradition and change across varied terrain.

Country
Climate zone: Tropical savanna

Tropical savanna: Tropical climates with distinct wet and dry seasons, warm year-round, featuring grasslands with scattered trees and shrubs.

See climate table
Price level: $$$
$Cheap
$$Medium
$$$Expensive, upscale
$$$+Very expensive, luxury

Note: There can be large regional differences in price levels within a country. Be sure to check the price data of individual cities or regions to get a more detailed view.

See price details
Safety: 2.3
General Safety:2
Health & medical:3
Accessibility:3
Tap water:2
Read details
Tourist English: 2/5
English proficiency varies across Venezuela. In tourist areas, hotels, and major attractions, basic English is common. However, in rural areas and with older generations, communication may require patience or basic Spanish phrases.
There is a travel warning issued for this country. Please check the website of your country's foreign office for the latest information.
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Venezuela Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work
Great for tropical nature and adventure travel. Explore rainforests, hike to waterfalls, relax on Caribbean beaches and discover wildlife across vast national parks.
Place score
5.6
Best at:
Natural sites
9
Forests
8
Mountains
8
Waterfalls
8
Hiking
8
Personal score
?
Log in to see how this place matches your personal travel interests.
Suited for
👶 3
Families
🧓 3
Seniors
❤️ 5
Couples
🥗 5
Vegetarian
Venezuela – Quick facts
Power Grid: 120 V, 60 Hz
Plug: Type A , Type B
Type A:
Diagram of a Type A power plug
Type B:
Diagram of a Type B power plug

Read about power adapters
Currency: Venezuelan Bolívar (VES)
£1 ≈ VES 1,177.22
Cashless info: Rating 3/5
Cashless payments are becoming more common in larger cities, but cash remains the preferred method in Venezuela, especially in rural areas.

Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers: Best value: Saily
Flexibility: Airalo
Read our in-depth comparison
Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory in Venezuela but is appreciated in restaurants (10-15%) and for hotel and taxi services.
Public drinking: Public drinking is allowed in some areas of Venezuela, but it may be subject to local regulations depending on the region.
Public smoking: Smoking is allowed in outdoor public spaces and in designated indoor areas.
Independence Day
(5 July)
Celebrates Venezuela’s independence from Spain
Christmas
(25 December)
Celebrated with family gatherings and festive meals
Emergency contact: Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps: Uber, Bolt
Other: Venezuela is known for its natural beauty, including Angel Falls, the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall. Despite its challenges, the country offers rich cultural experiences and scenic landscapes.
Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Venezuela, Venezuela
🔥
Jan
🔥
Feb
🔥
Mar
🔥
Apr
⛈️
May
⛈️
Jun
⛈️
Jul
⛈️
Aug
🌦️
Sep
🌦️
Oct
🔥
Nov
🔥
Dec
High season: Jan. - April, Dec.
Shoulder season: May - Nov.
Crowdedness: 5 (Moderate tourist numbers)
Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info
Climate and season vary by region: Caribbean coast and islands best December to April for beaches, Andes cool and best December to March, Angel Falls and Canaima best June to November when waterfalls flow
Rainy season May to November on most of the mainland, the Caribbean islands (Los Roques, Margarita) stay drier
Security situation and entry rules can change at short notice; check official travel advisories before planning

Why travel to Venezuela?

Venezuela's appeal lies in its remarkable diversity of landscapes and ecosystems packed into a single country. It boasts some of South America's most impressive natural wonders, including Angel Falls (the world's highest waterfall), the stunning tepuis (table-top mountains) of the Gran Sabana and over 1,700 miles of Caribbean coastline with pristine beaches. Beyond the natural beauty, you'll find vibrant cultural experiences, colonial architecture and a rich culinary scene influenced by indigenous, African and European traditions. However, travelers should be aware of significant challenges. The country has faced economic and political instability in recent years, leading to safety concerns in certain areas, particularly in major cities and near the Colombian border. Infrastructure can be unreliable, with occasional power outages and limited access to basic services in some regions. Despite these considerations, for adventurous travelers willing to plan carefully, Venezuela offers incredible natural beauty and cultural experiences at surprisingly affordable prices.

🏙️Cities & Regions
  • 1 Caracas
    Capital city perched on a coastal plain, Caracas offers a mix of colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers. The nearby Sierra de la Culata provides hiking trails, while the historic Altamira district showcases vibrant street art and local markets.
  • 2 Canaima National Park
    This vast national park in Venezuela features dramatic tepuis, deep canyons and Angel Falls. Its rugged landscape includes dense rainforests, waterfalls and unique rock formations that define this remote wilderness area.
🏯Places worth seeing
  • 1 Ciudad Bolivar
  • 2 Henri Pittier National Park
🎡Places for activities
  • 1 Choroní
  • 2 Los Llanos
  • 3 Margarita Island
  • 4 Mérida
  • 5 Morrocoy National Park
  • 6 Delta del Orinoco National Park
🏞️Natural landmarks
  • 1 Amazon Rainforest
    This vast South American region spans from the Andes to the Amazon, featuring diverse landscapes, rich cultures and iconic cities like Lima, Bogotá and Quito that blend history with vibrant modern life.
  • 2 Angel Falls
    The world's highest waterfall plunges from a remote island in Venezuela's Canaima National Park. Surrounded by dramatic tepuis and lush rainforest, this natural wonder offers breathtaking views and an unforgettable adventure for visitors seeking one of nature's most spectacular sights.
  • 3 Auyan Tepui
  • 4 El Guácharo
  • 5 Lake Maracaibo
  • 6 Médanos de Coro
  • 7 Mount Roraima
  • 8 Orinoco River
  • 9 Pico Bolívar
🛍️Shopping
  • 1 100% Banco
  • 2 Centro Comercial Sambil
  • 3 Mercantil
  • 4 El Toldo
  • 5 Mercado Las Pulgas
  • 6 MERCADO MUNICIPAL
  • 7 Banco Activo
  • 8 Mercado Principal
🎈Events
  • Carnival (February/March)
  • Diablos Danzantes (Corpus Christi)
  • Feria del Sol (Mérida)
  • Festival of San Juan
  • Virgen del Valle Festival (Margarita)
  • Feria de la Chinita (Maracaibo)
  • Independence Day (July 5)
  • Divina Pastora Procession (Barquisimeto)
  • Feria Internacional de San Sebastián
  • Navidad (Christmas celebrations)

Knowledge before you go

  • Avoid all travel. Level 4 advisories warn of violent crime and unrest.
  • Recent U.S. strikes and national emergency make airports, roads unreliable for tourists.
  • Shortages of fuel, medicine, electricity persist nationwide; basic services unreliable even in tourist areas.
  • No-go for tourists currently; monitor official advisories before considering Angel Falls organized tours.

How to travel to Venezuela

Most international visitors arrive in Venezuela through Simón Bolívar International Airport in Caracas, which has connections to major cities in the Americas and Europe. Additional international airports serve Maracaibo, Valencia and Porlamar (Margarita Island). Round-trip flights typically range from US$500 (£373.79) to US$1,200 (£897.10) depending on origin and season. As of March 2025, most nationalities require a visa to enter Venezuela, which should be arranged in advance through Venezuelan embassies or consulates.

Access summary

  • Caracas: Fly CCS Maiquetia; bus/taxi to city (45min).
  • Margarita Island: Fly CCS or PMV; ferries from mainland.
  • Canaima/Angel Falls: Fly CCS domestic to CVG.

Where to stay in Venezuela

Venezuela offers accommodations ranging from international hotel chains in major cities to boutique posadas (guesthouses) in tourist destinations and basic lodges in natural areas. Budget travelers can find hostels and guesthouses starting at around US$15 – 20 (£11.21 – 14.95) per night, while mid-range hotels typically cost US$40 – 80 (£29.90 – 59.81). Luxury options in Caracas or beach resorts can reach US$150 – 200 (£112.14 – 149.52) per night. In remote areas like Los Roques or Canaima, specialized lodges often include meals and activities in their rates, though availability may be limited.

How to get around Venezuela

Getting around Venezuela varies by region. In cities like Caracas, public transportation includes buses, a metro system (in Caracas) and affordable taxis. For intercity travel, buses connect major towns and cities, offering varying levels of comfort from basic to executive class. Domestic flights are often the most practical option for covering longer distances, especially to remote areas like Canaima or Los Roques. Car rentals are available but navigating can be challenging due to variable road conditions and occasional fuel shortages.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-46 %
Daily expenses in Venezuela are around 46% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

+62428 %
Your exchange rate (GBP to VES) is 62428% worse than in recent years. That means travelling now is a lot more expensive compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

Backpacker Mid-range Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation
£31
£65
£196
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person
£9
£23
£68
🍝 Food per day
£20
£37
£94
🚕 Transportation per day
£2
£5
£34
Food & Drink
🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person
£16
🍛 Lunch Set, per person
£7.50
🍟 Fast food combo
£7.50
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day
£7
☕ Cappuccino
£2.10
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l
£1.15
Transportation
🚌 Public transport ticket
£0.33
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi
£22
⛽ Petrol, 1 l
£0.44
Other
🎞️ Cinema ticket
£4
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult
£31
🤧 Cold medication
£5
💇 Basic haircut
£8.50

Safety information overview

General safety
2
Safety concerns exist in Venezuela, particularly in urban areas and near borders. Exercise heightened caution, avoid displaying valuables and stay informed about local conditions. It's advisable to arrange transportation and tours through reputable providers and avoid traveling alone at night.
Health & Medical
3
Medical facilities vary widely in quality, with better services in private hospitals in major cities. Comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation coverage is essential. Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, Zika and malaria are present in some regions.
Accessi­bility
3
Accessibility is challenging throughout Venezuela. Even major cities have limited infrastructure for mobility-impaired travelers, with few ramps, accessible public transportation or facilities. Natural attractions and historical sites present significant barriers for wheelchair users.
Tap water
2
Tap water is generally not safe for drinking throughout Venezuela. Rely on bottled water with sealed caps, which is widely available in urban areas but may be limited in remote regions. Always carry water when traveling between destinations.

Packing recommendations for Venezuela

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