Roraima Makunaima Expedition

“Little Venice” (Veneziola) – named by an Italian explorer who recorded the stilt houses along its shores – has the longest coastline flanking the sparkling tropical waters of the Caribbean Sea. It’s also home to the iconic Angel Falls, the highest waterfall in the world, plummeting 979 metres into a basin below. The country boasts the snow-capped Andes to the west and the tropical Amazon basin to the south, while on its eastern fringes lies one of the most beautiful river deltas in the world – the Orinoco. Combined with delicious cuisine and charming colonial towns, these diverse and striking regions make Venezuela a superb travel destination.

Currency 

Local currency: Venezuelan Bolívar 
Symbol: Bs. 
ISO code: VES 
Subunit: Céntimo 
Banknotes: Bs.2, Bs.5, Bs.10, Bs.20, Bs.50, Bs.100, Bs.200, Bs.500, Bs.1000 
Coins: Céntimo, Bs.1, Bs.5, Bs.10, Bs.20 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: Conviasa 
International Airports: Simón Bolívar International Airport (Caracas) 
Domestic Airports: List the important airports 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: No 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: No 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: No,  unless it is made from bottled water.
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Venezuelan cuisine is diverse, with influences from Indigenous, African, and European traditions. Arepas, cornmeal patties filled with various ingredients, are a staple. Other popular dishes include pabellón criollo (shredded beef, black beans, rice, and plantains), empanadas, and cachapas (corn pancakes). Notable local drinks include chicha, papelón con limón, and café con leche. 

Tipping: 10-15% 

Annual rainfall: up to 1,500 mm
Average temperature: 25°C (

Summer: 

Average highs: 30°C
Average lows: 20°C

Winter: 

Average highs: 28°C
Average lows: 18°C

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Venezuela depends on the region and activities planned. Generally, the dry season (December to April) is preferred for beach vacations, while the wet season (May to November) is suitable for exploring the Amazon rainforest. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type A, Type B 
Voltage (V): 120V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 60Hz 

* A travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.