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Welcome to a Land of Natural Wonders!
With its beautiful beaches, mountains, forests, jungles, and plains, coupled with a wonderful climate and the jovial, welcoming character of its people, Venezuela offers visitors many surprising treasures to discover.
Venezuela's transportation infrastructure makes it one of the most accessible countries in the Americas. Travelers can experience its rich natural diversity in relatively short drives between contrasting environments. Also, there are very few places here that are more than a 2-hour flight from Caracas.
Basic Facts About Venezuela:
| Location: | 8º N, 66º W |
| Area: | 916,050 sq km (land: 882,050 sq km, water: 30,000 sq km) |
| National Parks Area: | 15.98% |
| Population: | 24,000,000 inhabitants (estimate) |
| Capital: | Caracas |
| Language: | Spanish |
| Religion: | Predominantly Roman Catholic |
| Currency: | The Bolívar (Bs$) |
| Time: | GMT (Standard Time) minus 4 hours |
| Country Code: | (58) |
| Electricity: | 110 volts AC, 60 cycles |
| Driving: | On the right |
| Departure Tax: | $39 |
| Documents: | Valid passport |
| Popular Drink: | Beer, Rum, and Scotch whiskey |
| Popular Food: | Arepas |
| Popular Music: | Salsa and Merengue |
Climate
Venezuela's climate is tropical with little change between its two seasons: the wet season ranges normally from May to October and sporadically continues through November, and the dry season begins approximately in December and continues until the end of March. Temperatures vary depending on the altitude but are relatively uniform across the country. Over 90% of the country has a mean annual temperature of 24°C (75°F). Caracas temperature is about 22°C (72°F). Day to night variations is more pronounced than month to month. Mountain areas are cool. While perennial snow covers the top of several mountains peaks in the Andes, the temperatures in the valleys can be quite comfortable.
Health & Safety
Within every region represented in DiscoverVenezuela, on the left column navigation bar, you will find a "Smart Travel Tips" link which provides access to useful information about the "dos and don'ts" of traveling throughout Venezuela. Our Health & Safety section will give you additional information on current events that relate to political, economic, health, and safety issues...
Venezuelan Holidays
Most Venezuelans take off to the beach and other parts of the country during holidays and, because of this, the most popular coastal destinations can get very crowded. View a national holiday calendar...
Getting Here
Caracas is the gateway to Venezuela. The Aeropuerto Internacional Simón Bolívar is located in the neighboring town of Maiquetia on the coastal side of the mountains, and approximately 30km from Caracas. North American airlines that fly here include: American (212-209-8111), United (212-285-0023), Continental (800-35-926), Delta, and Air Canada (212-285-0262). European airlines include: British Airways, Iberia (212-267-8666), and Air France (212-283-5855).
Caracas's National Airport, where domestic airlines fly to and from other parts of Venezuela, is adjacent to the international airport. National airlines include: Aeropostal (800-46-727), Aerotuy, Aserca (800-88-356), Avensa (212-907-8000), Aereoejecutivos, and Sol de America.
Traveling the country by car
Most international car rental companies operate in Caracas. Among these are: Budget (800-28-343), Hertz (212-952-1603), and Avis (800-CARRO).
Venezuela's extensive roadway infrastructure provides easy access to most points of interest. View distances for most popular destinations and their vicinities.
Traveling the country by bus
Almost all of Venezuela can be reached by bus, the least expensive way to see the country. Among the bus lines here are: Aerobuses de Venezuela (212-442-9832), Aeroexpresos Ejecutivos (212-266-2197), Expresos Los Andes (212-578-2856), Expresos Los Llanos (212-243-6140), Expresos Occidente (212-632-2335), and Rodovias de Venezuela (212-577-6622).
Phone numbers are all local (Caracas) numbers.
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