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Venezuela Travel Blogs

Background: Venezuela was one of three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Colombia and Ecuador). For most of the first half of the 20th century, Venezuela was ruled by generally benevolent military strongmen, who promoted the oil industry and allowed for some social reforms. Democratically elected governments have held sway since 1959. Current concerns include: an embattled president, a divided military, drug-related conflicts along the Colombian border, increasing internal drug consumption, overdependence on the petroleum industry with its price fluctuations, and irresponsible mining operations that are endangering the rain forest and indigenous peoples.

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By Ali and Tait
October 20th 2008

First 12 days

South America » Venezuela » Andean » Mérida

Hey Gang This says Merida because that´s where we are at the moment but it sure ain´t the only place that we´ve taken by storm Caracas was a bit of a mistral actually, its big and wet and hot but the metro is really effecient, but getting on in rush our with 70l bags isn´t the greatest idea but everyone is disgustingly friendly we even got a guided tour of the historical buildings from an actual history teacher, much better than the tube they have aircon and we´re asking Red Ken, cos he´s ours now, to install sounds systems talking of [View Full Entry]

By Bluewater Cat
October 20th 2008

Margarita - Blanquilla

South America » Venezuela » Central

Wind Generator
New Air Breeze Wind Generator with Porlamar, Margarita in the background

I added an Air Breeze wind generator to "Bluewater Cat" while I was on the hard in Trinidad. The new wind generator can generate up to 200 Watts. The existing 2 solar panels can generate up to 120 Watts each. I also generate power with the main engines. We sailed from Isla Margarita to the Venezuelan offshore islands of Blanquilla and Tortuga. [View Full Entry]

By Bluewater Cat
October 20th 2008

Birds in Laguna Grande

South America » Venezuela » North-Eastern » Puerto la Cruz

Pelicans in Laguna Grande

We saw pelicans on the way to the anchorage in Laguna Grande in the Golfo de Cariaco. There are beautiful desert like landscapes in Laguna Grande. We sailed from the offshore islands to the Golfo de Cariaco with our good friends Pat on "If Knot Y Knot", Val and Lloyd on "Puddle Jumper" and Debi and Bob on "Passat". [View Full Entry]

By Bluewater Cat
October 20th 2008

Guacharo Caves

South America » Venezuela » Guayana » Canaima National Park

Lloyd in Cave

We anchored on the east end of the Golfo at Muellle de Cariaco. From there we took a day trip to the Gaucharo Caves in Caripe. The caves are inhabited by Gaucharo Birds that use sonar in a similar to the way bats use sonar. The Guacharo birds are born in fours and only the strongest two survive. [View Full Entry]

By Bluewater Cat
October 20th 2008

Angel Falls

South America » Venezuela » Guayana » Canaima National Park

Falls between Canaima and Angel Falls

We took a land tour to Angel Falls in The Canaima National Park. One of the most fascinating features in Canaima's landscape diversity are the tabular formations called tepuys, rising abruptly in the horizon among savannahs and dense forests. The top of the formations are flat and collect rainwater that falls off the tabletops to make waterfalls. Angel Falls is the tallest waterfall in the world with a free fall of 979 meters. To get from the Canaima airport to Angel Falls we took a 4 hour canoe ride in a canoe that was carved out of a tree. The long [View Full Entry]

By Donna Gay
October 18th 2008

Venezuela

South America » Venezuela » North-Eastern » Puerto la Cruz

Canaima National Park
Small waterfall where we stopped to swim on our way to the camp at Angel Falls.

Wow what a whirlwind the last few weeks have been. Our time in Venezuela is winding down. What a country! It has mountains, beaches, jungle, amazing waterfalls, and the list goes on. After leaving the island of Margarita we traveled north to the island of Blanquilla for a few days and then south to the island of Tortuga for a few days. These islands have pretty beaches and Blanquilla especially has very good snorkeling. They are both virtually uninhabited with only the coast guard and a few fishermen as residents. It made for a quiet restful time but after a few [View Full Entry]

By EmmaRoundTheWorld
October 10th 2008

Observations from the most dangerous city in the world

South America » Venezuela » Capital » Caracas

Venezuela

Yes, it's official (it's in the news so it must be true); Caracas is currently the murder capital of the world with 130 murders per 100 000 inhabitants (compared to less than 2 in London) - and that doesn't even include prison-related murders or police violence, so it wouldn't be too adventurous to guess that the real ratio is substantially higher (although I'm really not sure what kind of statistic that is... I mean... over what time?). Despite the fact that crime rates have gone up 67% since Chavez took the lead ten years ago, many people here, especially in the [View Full Entry]

By Kingfisher Lol
October 6th 2008

Safari time....Los Llanos

South America » Venezuela » Llanos

Broke back mountain
My little old horse and I

I had to pack a small bag with everything I would need for four days safari. A few mistakes I made...An IPod but no torch, no hat for sun protection and only one pair of shorts. Apart from these minor mistakes I was ready for an adventure and this is exactly what I got. I was picked up early on the 1st along with 5 German girls and an Argentinean guy, all of which spoke perfect Spanish. We pilled into a jeep, including the guides there was ten of us so it was a little cramped to say the least. I [View Full Entry]

By Kingfisher Lol
October 5th 2008

Venezuela. Caracas - Merida

South America » Venezuela » Andean » Mérida

Caracas
The nice area of town

Hello there. After a summer of saving and planning I am finally here in South America or to be more precise; Mérida, Venezuela. Whilst on the long old flight via Paris, I had time to think/worry about what I was taking on and the dangers that awaited me in Caracas. Caracas is one of the most dangerous cities in the world, muggings, kidnappings and murders are to name but a few of its threats. This place makes the mean streets of Compton, L.A, look like a stroll in the park with your Granny. After changing up some American Dollars on the [View Full Entry]

By Mr Bills
October 1st 2008

i'm reading a book about faries.

South America » Venezuela » Andean » Mérida

well, strange how all this happens i guess. it's also strange that an absolute majority of my blogs start with the word 'well'. i wonder if i start many sentences with that. o, i dont wonder, but i am now. from now on i'll be really conscious of that i guess. but anyway, back to the point. im now in merida, and im genuinly feeling better. i still want to come home, i stil need to come home, but still, im feeling better. i got a bus from maracay on sunday night, and good god i was pleased to leave that [View Full Entry]

Links: Venezuela Travel Blogs (all) | Venezuela Travel Photos | Venezuela Travel Forum | Venezuela Facts | Map of Venezuela

Travel Blog » South America » Venezuela