How to plan a trip to Venezuela?

Venezuela is a fascinating country that offers a wide variety of landscapes, from paradisiacal beaches to lush jungles with the famous tepuis standing out. There is so much to see in this country that it is best to plan your trip in advance and have a clear itinerary if you want to make the most of your vacation. At Passporter we have gone ahead and prepared this post with our own experience and with some tips that will help you plan a trip to Venezuela.

Below you can read about key aspects to keep in mind when organizing your trip. We talk, for example, about the necessary documentation to travel, the best time or the most efficient way to get to your destination and about how to move around the country. For the adventurous we have prepared a section with the most popular activities, such as climbing a tepui in Canaima, diving in Margarita Island or going on safari in the Venezuelan plains. And for those who enjoy it more, we also have a section with the typical cuisine of the country and the dishes you have to try during your stay. Are you ready to embark on your trip?

1. Prepare the necessary documentation to travel to Venezuela

To travel to Venezuela you will have to take into account two types of documentation. On the one hand, the one related to the entry to the country, such as passport or visa, and on the other hand, the specific permits for some national parks and protected areas.

To enter Venezuela citizens of the SCHENGEN space do not need to apply for a visa for stays of up to 90 days for tourist purposes.

They simply must have the following documents ready at the time of flight and upon arrival in the country:

• Passport: must be valid for another six months upon the entry to Venezuela.
• Return ticket: it is often required to show a return ticket to demonstrate the visitor’s intention to leave the country before the expiration of the permitted period of stay.
• Proof of accommodation: it may be necessary to submit hotel confirmations or a letter of invitation from someone who will be hosting you in Venezuela.
• Travel Insurance: currently travel insurance is mandatory and coverage cannot be less than $40,000 for Medical Assistance Services and $1,000 for loss or theft of luggage. In addition, the duration of the travel insurance must never be less than the duration of the trip.
• International vaccination certificate: depending on current health alerts, it may be necessary to present a vaccination certificate, especially against yellow fever, especially if traveling to border areas with Brazil.
• Proof of financial solvency: upon arrival they may request proof of sufficient funds for your stay.

For those who need to apply for a visa, it is recommended to apply 90 days in advance, as processing time may depend on the volume of applications. Processing fees are in the range of €50.

As mentioned earlier, we had to pay an entrance fee or tax to access several protected areas of the country. Although in some cases it is possible to pay the fee online, you can also pay in person upon arrival, either by card or cash. For example, the entrance fee to Canaima National Park costs $40 and the entrance tax to Los Roques Archipelago National Park: $5.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to Venezuela

Venezuela has a varied climate, from tropical on the coasts and plains, to alpine in the high mountains. In turn, it is marked by two seasons, rainy and dry, but in general any season is a good time to travel as each time of the year offers different activities.

For example, the dry season, which runs from November to April, is the perfect time to enjoy the beach, water activities and safaris in the Venezuelan Llanos. These months also coincide with the high season, which runs from December to April. Other key times when tourism increases significantly are carnivals and Christmas.

However, the rainy season offers lush landscapes and mighty rivers that feed the waterfalls, making the natural spectacle a true wonder. This season runs from May to November, and does not mean that it rains continuously, although we recommend you to be prepared and bring waterproof clothing because you might experience some torrential rains.

3. Find out how to get to Venezuela

The main gateway to the country is the Maiquetía Simón Bolívar International Airport in Caracas. From Spain there are direct flights ranging from €600 to €900 depending on the season. They are more expensive during the dry season.

From other countries on the continent, in addition to flying to the capital, there are flights to major airports such as:

• La Chinita International Airport
• Arturo Michelena International Airport.
• Manuel Carlos Piar International Airport.
• General José Antonio Anzoátegui International Airport.

With the Passporter App you can buy your flights through Skyscanner and save them in an organized way. It’s perfect if you’re going on a long itinerary around the country.

4. Find the accommodation that fits your expectations to enjoy Venezuela

In Venezuela you will find many accommodation options, from luxurious hotels and resorts in cities and tourist destinations such as Caracas, Margarita and Los Roques, to posadas and eco-lodges in more remote areas such as Canaima or the Gran Sabana.

Canaima is famous for its campsites overlooking the Canaima Lagoon and offering a 5-star experience in the middle of nature, with full board and activities in the area.

On the islands and cays of the archipelagos you can stay in inns, a more intimate and local option that are often managed by local families. These accommodations also make it easy to book activities and may offer half board.

Wherever you go, and especially if you’re traveling during the dry season, we recommend booking in advance, so you’ll have more variety to choose from and can find cheaper options.

If you search in the Passporter App you will discover where other travelers have stayed, photos and many comments that can be of great help. In addition, you can manage your reservations directly through Booking. It’s all very convenient when it comes to planning your trip to Venezuela.

5. Choose the activities you want to do in Venezuela

Venezuela offers a lot of possibilities for adventure and nature lovers. Here are some of the most popular things to do in the region, but there are many, many more.

• Excursion to Angel Falls in Canaima: considered one of the highest waterfalls in the world, this excursion offers spectacular views and the opportunity to see the Gran Sabana. Approximate price: 300€ – 400€ per person.
• Snorkeling in Los Roque Archipelago: this paradise for snorkeling and diving lovers is famous for its crystal clear waters and populated coral reefs.
• Trekking to Mount Roraima in Canaima National Park: a hiking adventure to one of the most impressive and ancient tepuis in the world, offering unique landscapes and exceptional biodiversity. Approximate price: 400€ – 500€ per person for a 6-day expedition.
• Morrocoy National Park Tour: enjoy cays and beaches with calm and crystal clear waters, ideal for snorkeling and relaxing on the beach. You can move between the islands by boat.

Reserve activities for Venezuela

There are many activities that you can book on the day, however, the longer excursions or those that require more equipment, it is advisable to book them in advance to secure your place. We speak, for example, of the excursions through the Canaima National Park or diving.

The activities can be booked at your accommodation, travel agencies and even through the Passporter App, which is the most convenient option to have all the documentation and information organized.

6. Where and what to eat in Venezuela

Venezuelan cuisine is a feast of flavors that arise as a result of a mixture of indigenous, African and Spanish influences. The local diet is based on dishes made from corn, meat, fish and seafood, which are usually accompanied by vegetables and tropical fruits. These are some of the dishes we recommend you try during your stay:

• Arepas: cornbread stuffed with various savory ingredients.
• Pabellon Criollo: shredded meat, rice, beans and plantains.
• Hallacas: tamale stuffed with meat, chicken and seasonings, wrapped in banana leaves.
• Cachapas: tender corn cakes served with cheese.
• Empanadas: fried corn dough with assorted fillings.
• Asado Negro: beef cooked in a paprika caramel.
• Tequeños: cheese sticks wrapped in dough and deep-fried.
• Sopa de Mondongo: thick beef belly soup with vegetables.
• Perico: scrambled eggs with tomato and onion, typical for breakfast.
• Tostones: slices of green plantain fried and crushed.

In Venezuela’s natural destinations, such as Canaima National Park, accommodations offer full board, and the same goes for the more remote islands. But our recommendation is to take the plunge and try the local restaurants if you get the chance.

7. Organize a trip with friends to Venezuela

Venezuela can be a fantastic destination to travel with friends and experience thousands of adventures. However, this option sometimes entails certain challenges, especially when differences of opinions or interests arise. That’s why it’s crucial to choose compatible travel companions and discuss your expectations and preferences beforehand, as we tell you in this article: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

With the Passporter App you can also plan your travel itineraries from start to finish and discover the experiences of other travelers. You can read about the best places to visit in Venezuela, but also about transportation, necessary documentation and many other details. Add your friends and create together your travel itinerary with the stops you are going to make and the points of interest you are most interested in. Later you will be able to share your experience through the pictures you take during the trip.

8. Tips for planning a trip to Venezuela

• Take clothes and a waterproof backpack, especially if you’re traveling during the rainy season.
• Pack comfortable clothing and footwear for activities and hiking in the national parks, remember that you will spend most of the day in the middle of nature.
• The days are hot, so wear cool, breathable clothing.
• Protect yourself from the sun wearing hats, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Mosquitoes abound, don’t forget to bring anti-mosquito spray or cream. And if you are allergic to bites, bring the necessary medications.
• Always carry water and snacks for excursions, as well as toilet paper or tissues.
• If you have a camera, make sure it’s waterproof or buy a special case.
• Respect nature and help maintain the ecosystem: don’t pluck flowers or take rocks.
• Bring extra towels for excursions that include bathing. Accommodations do not allow you to take theirs out of the rooms.
• Start planning your trip to Venezuela in advance and book activities early.
• Sign up for Passporter and discover our Venezuela travel itinerary. Using passporter to plan trips is free and helps you get inspiration from other travelers 🙂

9. Do you want us to help you with the organization of your trip to Venezuela?

If you don’t have time to plan your trip to Venezuela, we remind you that you can count on Passporter to help you organize it all. We help you with reservations and all the arrangements, so you can enjoy your vacation without complications. Venezuela is one of our favorite destinations because of the variety of landscapes and activities it offers, that’s why we have become real experts and we will be happy to organize your trip.

And if you prefer to travel on your own, we remind you that with our App you can create your own travel itinerary and get inspired by the experiences of other travelers through their photos and comments.

Book your trip to Venezuela with Passporter here

10. How to prepare what to see on your trip to Venezuela

Download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travelers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organize your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or typology (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and information of the trip.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that most interest you, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodations, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app to always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation…
• Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travelers with your experience. In addition, you can share your experience on how to plan your trip to Venezuela.

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.

11. Frequently asked questions about a trip to Venezuela