karen

We are planning a trip to Venezuela and Los Roques this June. We have traveled before (with the children ages 8 and 10) to Honduras, Panama, Mexico, and Europe. We have been in "dangerous" cities. So is Venezuela really more dangerous than other countries? We were only planning one night around the airport in Caracas- where should we stay? and in Los Roques- has anyone stayed at the Aquamarina, Acuerela, Bequeve, or Mediteranio? We can't decided! Or should we just change our plans and head for Mexico, Panama , or Costa Rica again?? What about the city of Valencia? We have a friend there we want to visit. Has anyone rented a car? Or taken public transportation? and how are things now (after the flooding)? any and all help will be appreciated: email [email protected]

dnorrie

We stayed in Macuto which is the area that was covered in mud slides a couple of years ago. I believe it is open again and is far less dangerous than Caracus. Caracus is big, dirty and dangerous. As far as driving, we have both rented a car and also a car and driver. Both were scary experiences as the drivers are atrocious. Worse than anywhere I have ever been. The drive from Macuto to Puerto la Cruz was the scaried time of my life and I would not recommend it to anyone. Since the coup in the mid '90's Venezuela has changed a great deal and we were surprised at how expensive it has become and how much less you got for your dollar. Pollution is rampant and I had the worst case of food poisoning I have ever had. If you still have a choice, I would recommend elsewhere, particularly with children.

Leo

Venezuela is not the most tourist friendly place you will visit, in contrast due to all the difficulties a tourist encounters, you have a chance of discovering one of the best kept secrets anywhere. Caracas is very dangerous, the airport area (Macuto, etc) is very rustic and overpriced, you should be very careful and only spend the time you need there. With all that said, Los Roques is probably one of the most beautiful places in this world, pristine beaches, the sand is like baby powder (color and texture), the freshest seafood imaginable, the accomodations are basic, but who cares when you are in paradise. My advise go for it, before it gets spoiled by development and it becomes just another tourist trap.

karen

thanks for all the input so far. Neither one of you has mentioned when you were there. Was it this year? and any names of places to stay? <BR>Thanks so much Again.

dnorrie

I was there in 1990 for one month and 1999 for one month. I did not go to Los Roques so cannot comment on that but the rest of the country, we toured quite extensively on both trips. <BR> <BR>In 1990, the prices were reasonable, the people friendly and helpful and we enjoyed it greatly which is why we returned. The difference was great in that 9 years. It had become very expensive, far less friendly, difficult to get around. From what we understood from people we met and got to know, the current government is extremely corrupt (more so than the one overthrown in the coup). Poverty is rampant. So is pollution. Macuto was indeed expensive. We stayed at the Sheraton and a regular room was in excess of $200/US per night. Food was outrageously expensive. But Macuto is still better than Caracus. <BR> <BR>But listen to poster #2 regarding Los Roques and he has been there and I have not. <BR> <BR>Good luck.