My boyfriend and I picked Caracas for a long weekend in August. We wanted an exotic destination with good beaches and food, a little culture and nightlife. All the messages here read 'stay away!'. We're smart, experienced travellers. Should we change our plans or just get the skinny on what to do and what NOT to do? Thanks <BR>

I lived and worked in Caracas for 2 years. Follow the advice of others and stay away. The only thing that I can say in favor of Caracas is the climate. It is great as long as the smog doesn't get you. <BR> <BR>1. Caracas has no beaches. It is in a valley with a small mountain range between it and the coast. There are very poor beaches within about 1 hours drive but the good beaches are not close to Caracas. <BR> <BR>2. Caracas is a very congested large city. It is very noisy and dangerous. Caracas is NOT a very attractive city. For example, Mexico city is crowded, dangerous, etc., but has many attractive things to see and visit. Caracas has nothing. Don't underestimate the danger in Caracas. It is a city that went from being fairly prosperous when petroleum was king to very poor and unstable. This applies to the country of Venezuela as a whole. <BR> <BR>3. There is a fair amount of nightlife. Venezuelans like to party. However, that can be found in many other places at far less risk. <BR> <BR>4. DO NOT GO. A weekend in Gary, Indiana would be preferable if you get my drift. No offense to the good folks of Gary or Indiana. It is just better to select a better destination in either the US, Canada, Mexico, or other place.

Our day guide in Caracas told us that even he -- a native -- would not venture outside his home after dark. There are shanty-town areas of the city that are so dangerous that even Venezuelan army units dare not enter. We were told that these slums were largely inhabited by out-of-work Colombians who had drifted over the border and were squatting in Caracas. There are no beaches, as an earlier posting said. La Guaira, the port city for Caracas, is a greasy, dirty, rundown place.

When you get to the airport, don't leave, go straight to Merida. It's a university town that is truly safe, fun, and CHEAP! Check out www.softsign.com/yulimar for an awesome tour guide. <BR>She's the best. And definitely try parapente. <BR>Ii will be happy to answer any questions.

Caracas, has got GREAT crude oil (LAGOMAR), but little else.

David: <BR> <BR>You won't find too much crude oil in Caracas. Trust me, I was involved in the Petro business in Venezuela. Now if you want lots of good crude oil try along the shore of Lake Maracaibo in Western Venezuela.