VENEZUELA … A destination like no otherVenezuela is a country of unspoiled natural beauty and physical extremes. Here you will discover everything from idyllic beaches on the Caribbean coast to rugged, snow-covered peaks in the Andes Mountains in the west, and dense Amazon jungle in the south. There are sand dunes on the north-west coast and permanent glaciers to the east. Massive plateaus and steep-sided mesas rise from the earth in the central area allowing Angel Falls, the highest waterfall in the world (more than 18 times higher than Niagara Falls) to cascade down majestically.
Leaving no footprints
Today, environment-minded travelers are driving the movement towards eco-friendly tours. Venezuelan tour operators are paying attention and presenting many responsible packages and personally tailored eco-tours that follow strict guidelines and operate in a responsible manner.
Tours offer the opportunity to enjoy the diversity of flora and fauna in a full range of striking backgrounds. There are jungle treks, mountain climbs, trips that cover the transition between desert and rainforest and hikes into cloud forests. Some tours include visits to indigenous communities to learn about ancient customs and the chance to see local artisans at work. Guides with a profound connection to the land are proud to share their rich and friendly culture as well as their knowledge of plants, flowers, birds and wildlife.
Live to the extreme
Venezuela is also home to eco-adventure tourism. Excursions into the Amazon rainforest and the Andes Mountains by plane and boat, horse, mountain bike and Jeep are sure to get the adrenalin running. There are tours for all ages, abilities, interests, budgets and experience. Adventure sports include the thrills of paragliding, rock climbing, bungee jumping, kite surfing, skydiving, white water rafting, canyoning, kayaking, diving, snorkeling, piranha fishing … the list is almost endless.Skiing and snowboarding in Venezuela are not suited to beginners but if you like to live to the extreme, the world's highest and longest cable car ride will take you to Mount Pico at 4,765 metres (15,633 feet). This is a rugged landscape and operators advise that it only be attempted by competent skiers who aren't afraid of sheer drops and jagged edges. Out on a limb
Eco-adventure tourism is big in Venezuela, as is eco-tourism. Put them together and you find the latest trend – tree climbing. Tropical forests with a tall cathedral of native trees offer the opportunity to take part in this latest ecological activity. There is no damage to the environment and it is billed as a spiritual experience, totally relaxing, while communing with nature.
Tree climbing is not just for children, it’s for people of all ages. It is good outdoor fun, good exercise and it can provide a whole new perspective to vacationing. Tour guides ensure the utmost care for participant’s safety as well as the health of the trees climbed. Ropes and harnesses are used so that everyone can enjoy the experience and see the world from the heights. The more advanced can spend time flying from one canopy to the next or enjoy three-day retreats ‘meditating’ on high without touching the ground.
The personal touch
Looking to spend the night in a more down to earth setting ? Venezuelan tourists of all ages and interests are moving away from big luxury hotel accommodation, with all it’s first class but impersonal services. The trend now is to relax in ‘posadas’, best translated as inns or lodges, where guests take pleasure in warm, personalized attention along with professional services from both the owners and the staff.
Posadas may be smaller but facilities are equally clean and modern. They are simply friendlier places where the owners aim to attain the complete satisfaction and comfort of their guests at costs lower than those offered by hotels – almost 50 per cent lower. This recent popularity has led to many first class posadas being opened in the most spectacular of locations with easy access to major tourist sites.
This new alternative for relaxation and tranquility has a special appeal to the 50-plus crowd. Operators offer customized excursions with trained and experienced guides. Some posadas are fully equipped with special services and equipment such as ramps, individual menus for guests on strict diets, security systems, access to medical clinics and in some cases medical assistance available on site.
Simply spectacular
Reportedly, the best of the posadas in Venezuela is Waku Lodge, an oasis of good service and careful attention in the heart of Canaima National Park situated in south eastern Venezuela. Canaima is a vast space with incomparable natural beauty and an infinite variety of natural resources. The park’s centerpiece is Angel Falls, the highest waterfall in the world at 979 metres (3,212 feet) – that’s pretty close to one kilometer freefall.
Waku Lodge is an intimate retreat with helpful and knowledgeable staff who extend their warm hospitality just as soon as you arrive at the small airfield just a couple of minutes from the 12 guest room lodge which is perfectly integrated with nature.
Guest rooms are a surprise in the middle of the rainforest, large, cool and comfortable with air conditioning and an ensuite bathroom with a shower. This luxury is topped off with a large hammock for perfect relaxation outside on your own terrace which overlooks tropical gardens with walking paths to the lagoon and tame wildlife such as macaws and various parrots.
A variety of excursions are offered into the Canaima tropical rainforest park. These expeditions can only be described as incredible, astounding, beyond words for their natural beauty. The trip I enjoyed includes a breathtaking flight past Angel Falls, a boat ride in the Canaima Lagoon, a jaunt in a traditional canoe up the mighty Carrao River past a series of six remarkable waterfalls, a trek into the lush vegetation indulging in a swim on the way and a hair-raising walk behind Sapo Falls, a path behind a curtain of tons of water that falls hardly a few centimeters away, followed by a visit to Yuri falls to be massaged by the rain water. All this and first class accommodation and meals – in the middle of the jungle.
If nature is not your thing, Caracas is the cosmopolitan capital and the largest city in the country with historic buildings and modern cultural facilities to explore. The Island getaway The swimming, surfing and sunning capital is Isla Margarita, the preferred destination for many domestic as well as foreign tourists.Located just off the north shore of Venezuela and accessible by air or ferries, Margarita Island is a mountainous tropical Caribbean island paradise. Beaches are lined with palm trees and you can find access to water sports including scuba diving or snorkeling, sailing and windsurfing and fishing. There are first-class golf facilities and horseback riding – all at a fraction of the price you might pay elsewhere in the Caribbean. Buying your dream property For many years, Margarita Island has been the tourist Mecca in Venezuela. Islanders can take pleasure in the view from the comfort of colonial villas, rustic bungalows, cozy bed and breakfast, brand new townhouses, air-conditioned condos or penthouse apartments … and they can enjoy the prospect of profitable rental possibilities.The Caribbean central coastal area of Miranda state, which includes hundreds of miles of pristine coastline, is forecast to be next Margarita and it is becoming particularly attractive to investors. Prices are low and there are many condo developments underway. At this time it is convenient to reach this area from Caracas Simón Bolívar International Airport and plans are underway for the national airport in Miranda to be expanded to an international airport in the near future – one more factor adding to its potential.Foreigners can directly own real property in Venezuela the same as a citizen can.-30- Facts and Figures:Population: Venezuela – 27.88 million (2008); the capital Caracas – 5,100,000 (Metro area).Climate: The climate The climate is tropical, and temperature varies according to the altitude, from 24° to 36°C (75° to 96°F) in lowlands and jungle areas, to lows of 10°C (50°F) in mountainous ranges over 2,000 meters (6,500 feet). Only two seasons exist in Venezuela, the dry season from December to May and the rainy season from June to October. Language: The official language is Spanish. English, French, Portuguese and German are also is spoken by some parts of the population. Currency: Bolívar (Bs) notes, coins are céntimos. Airports: Caracas Maiquetía International Airport (Simón Bolívar) or (also known as Caracas Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS); Santiago Marino International Airport (located on the southern rim of Margarita Island). Venezuela has several major and regional airports that provide easy access to not-so-easy-to-reach parts of the country.During the cold North American winter flights from Montreal and Toronto and many U.S. cities fly direct to Caracas International and Margarita Island.
Leaving no footprints
Today, environment-minded travelers are driving the movement towards eco-friendly tours. Venezuelan tour operators are paying attention and presenting many responsible packages and personally tailored eco-tours that follow strict guidelines and operate in a responsible manner.
Tours offer the opportunity to enjoy the diversity of flora and fauna in a full range of striking backgrounds. There are jungle treks, mountain climbs, trips that cover the transition between desert and rainforest and hikes into cloud forests. Some tours include visits to indigenous communities to learn about ancient customs and the chance to see local artisans at work. Guides with a profound connection to the land are proud to share their rich and friendly culture as well as their knowledge of plants, flowers, birds and wildlife.
Live to the extreme
Venezuela is also home to eco-adventure tourism. Excursions into the Amazon rainforest and the Andes Mountains by plane and boat, horse, mountain bike and Jeep are sure to get the adrenalin running. There are tours for all ages, abilities, interests, budgets and experience. Adventure sports include the thrills of paragliding, rock climbing, bungee jumping, kite surfing, skydiving, white water rafting, canyoning, kayaking, diving, snorkeling, piranha fishing … the list is almost endless.Skiing and snowboarding in Venezuela are not suited to beginners but if you like to live to the extreme, the world's highest and longest cable car ride will take you to Mount Pico at 4,765 metres (15,633 feet). This is a rugged landscape and operators advise that it only be attempted by competent skiers who aren't afraid of sheer drops and jagged edges. Out on a limb
Eco-adventure tourism is big in Venezuela, as is eco-tourism. Put them together and you find the latest trend – tree climbing. Tropical forests with a tall cathedral of native trees offer the opportunity to take part in this latest ecological activity. There is no damage to the environment and it is billed as a spiritual experience, totally relaxing, while communing with nature.
Tree climbing is not just for children, it’s for people of all ages. It is good outdoor fun, good exercise and it can provide a whole new perspective to vacationing. Tour guides ensure the utmost care for participant’s safety as well as the health of the trees climbed. Ropes and harnesses are used so that everyone can enjoy the experience and see the world from the heights. The more advanced can spend time flying from one canopy to the next or enjoy three-day retreats ‘meditating’ on high without touching the ground.
The personal touch
Looking to spend the night in a more down to earth setting ? Venezuelan tourists of all ages and interests are moving away from big luxury hotel accommodation, with all it’s first class but impersonal services. The trend now is to relax in ‘posadas’, best translated as inns or lodges, where guests take pleasure in warm, personalized attention along with professional services from both the owners and the staff.
Posadas may be smaller but facilities are equally clean and modern. They are simply friendlier places where the owners aim to attain the complete satisfaction and comfort of their guests at costs lower than those offered by hotels – almost 50 per cent lower. This recent popularity has led to many first class posadas being opened in the most spectacular of locations with easy access to major tourist sites.
This new alternative for relaxation and tranquility has a special appeal to the 50-plus crowd. Operators offer customized excursions with trained and experienced guides. Some posadas are fully equipped with special services and equipment such as ramps, individual menus for guests on strict diets, security systems, access to medical clinics and in some cases medical assistance available on site.
Simply spectacular
Reportedly, the best of the posadas in Venezuela is Waku Lodge, an oasis of good service and careful attention in the heart of Canaima National Park situated in south eastern Venezuela. Canaima is a vast space with incomparable natural beauty and an infinite variety of natural resources. The park’s centerpiece is Angel Falls, the highest waterfall in the world at 979 metres (3,212 feet) – that’s pretty close to one kilometer freefall.
Waku Lodge is an intimate retreat with helpful and knowledgeable staff who extend their warm hospitality just as soon as you arrive at the small airfield just a couple of minutes from the 12 guest room lodge which is perfectly integrated with nature.
Guest rooms are a surprise in the middle of the rainforest, large, cool and comfortable with air conditioning and an ensuite bathroom with a shower. This luxury is topped off with a large hammock for perfect relaxation outside on your own terrace which overlooks tropical gardens with walking paths to the lagoon and tame wildlife such as macaws and various parrots.
A variety of excursions are offered into the Canaima tropical rainforest park. These expeditions can only be described as incredible, astounding, beyond words for their natural beauty. The trip I enjoyed includes a breathtaking flight past Angel Falls, a boat ride in the Canaima Lagoon, a jaunt in a traditional canoe up the mighty Carrao River past a series of six remarkable waterfalls, a trek into the lush vegetation indulging in a swim on the way and a hair-raising walk behind Sapo Falls, a path behind a curtain of tons of water that falls hardly a few centimeters away, followed by a visit to Yuri falls to be massaged by the rain water. All this and first class accommodation and meals – in the middle of the jungle.
If nature is not your thing, Caracas is the cosmopolitan capital and the largest city in the country with historic buildings and modern cultural facilities to explore. The Island getaway The swimming, surfing and sunning capital is Isla Margarita, the preferred destination for many domestic as well as foreign tourists.Located just off the north shore of Venezuela and accessible by air or ferries, Margarita Island is a mountainous tropical Caribbean island paradise. Beaches are lined with palm trees and you can find access to water sports including scuba diving or snorkeling, sailing and windsurfing and fishing. There are first-class golf facilities and horseback riding – all at a fraction of the price you might pay elsewhere in the Caribbean. Buying your dream property For many years, Margarita Island has been the tourist Mecca in Venezuela. Islanders can take pleasure in the view from the comfort of colonial villas, rustic bungalows, cozy bed and breakfast, brand new townhouses, air-conditioned condos or penthouse apartments … and they can enjoy the prospect of profitable rental possibilities.The Caribbean central coastal area of Miranda state, which includes hundreds of miles of pristine coastline, is forecast to be next Margarita and it is becoming particularly attractive to investors. Prices are low and there are many condo developments underway. At this time it is convenient to reach this area from Caracas Simón Bolívar International Airport and plans are underway for the national airport in Miranda to be expanded to an international airport in the near future – one more factor adding to its potential.Foreigners can directly own real property in Venezuela the same as a citizen can.-30- Facts and Figures:Population: Venezuela – 27.88 million (2008); the capital Caracas – 5,100,000 (Metro area).Climate: The climate The climate is tropical, and temperature varies according to the altitude, from 24° to 36°C (75° to 96°F) in lowlands and jungle areas, to lows of 10°C (50°F) in mountainous ranges over 2,000 meters (6,500 feet). Only two seasons exist in Venezuela, the dry season from December to May and the rainy season from June to October. Language: The official language is Spanish. English, French, Portuguese and German are also is spoken by some parts of the population. Currency: Bolívar (Bs) notes, coins are céntimos. Airports: Caracas Maiquetía International Airport (Simón Bolívar) or (also known as Caracas Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS); Santiago Marino International Airport (located on the southern rim of Margarita Island). Venezuela has several major and regional airports that provide easy access to not-so-easy-to-reach parts of the country.During the cold North American winter flights from Montreal and Toronto and many U.S. cities fly direct to Caracas International and Margarita Island.
Submitted by Shaaron Lewis
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