Venezuela FAQ's
Do I need a visa?
Travelers with a US or Canadian passport do not need a visa. Visit (www.embassy.org/embassies/ve.html) for entry requirements if your passport is from another country; or (http://travel.state.gov/foreignentryreqs.html) for further details pertaining to US citizens.
Travelers with a US or Canadian passport do not need a visa. Visit (www.embassy.org/embassies/ve.html) for entry requirements if your passport is from another country; or (http://travel.state.gov/foreignentryreqs.html) for further details pertaining to US citizens.
Is my passport valid?
Your passport must be valid at least 6 months following the end of your trip for entry into Venezuela. If it expires sooner, you must get a renewal (http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/get_840.html).
Your passport must be valid at least 6 months following the end of your trip for entry into Venezuela. If it expires sooner, you must get a renewal (http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/get_840.html).
Do I need any shots?
No vaccinations are required for travel to Venezuela from the USA. Call the CDC Travelers' Hot Line at 888-232-3228 or visit the website (http://www.cdc.gov/travel/). Most travelers take Hepatitis A, Typhoid Fever & Tetanus. Those whose itinerary includes the Gran Sabana, los Llanos or Amazon regions should consider Yellow fever and Malaria prophylaxis.
No vaccinations are required for travel to Venezuela from the USA. Call the CDC Travelers' Hot Line at 888-232-3228 or visit the website (http://www.cdc.gov/travel/). Most travelers take Hepatitis A, Typhoid Fever & Tetanus. Those whose itinerary includes the Gran Sabana, los Llanos or Amazon regions should consider Yellow fever and Malaria prophylaxis.
When can I expect more details on my trip?
You will receive two mailings: 1. Pre-departure materials once your trip is guaranteed, typically 2-4 months prior to your departure; and 2. Final Documents sent 8-14 days before you leave.
You will receive two mailings: 1. Pre-departure materials once your trip is guaranteed, typically 2-4 months prior to your departure; and 2. Final Documents sent 8-14 days before you leave.
When is my balance due?
Your land balance is due 90 days prior to departure. An invoice will be sent with your pre-departure packet.
Your land balance is due 90 days prior to departure. An invoice will be sent with your pre-departure packet.
Will I be met at the airport?
Yes, if you arrive according to schedule or have arranged extra transfers through our office. Meeting instructions and local contact information will be given with your Final Documents.
Yes, if you arrive according to schedule or have arranged extra transfers through our office. Meeting instructions and local contact information will be given with your Final Documents.
Who books the local flights within Venezuela?
These are arranged by Southwind through our local operator to best match the trip itinerary and activities and ensure all participants are on the same flights. We will also be aware of schedule changes in a more timely manner and can coordinate with our Venezuelan partners.
These are arranged by Southwind through our local operator to best match the trip itinerary and activities and ensure all participants are on the same flights. We will also be aware of schedule changes in a more timely manner and can coordinate with our Venezuelan partners.
What are the planes like for local flights?
There are several local airlines in Venezuela and no set standard in terms of equipment used for various routes. Some use 727/737 jets, while others have mid-sized planes like the ATR72, DC9/30 servicing the same route. Those used for charter flights into the Gran Sabana are smaller, prop planes or jets (5-24 passenger Cessna’s, DC3's or Beechcraft 1900).
There are several local airlines in Venezuela and no set standard in terms of equipment used for various routes. Some use 727/737 jets, while others have mid-sized planes like the ATR72, DC9/30 servicing the same route. Those used for charter flights into the Gran Sabana are smaller, prop planes or jets (5-24 passenger Cessna’s, DC3's or Beechcraft 1900).
Is Venezuela safe?
We consider Venezuela a safe destination. After more than 15 years of operating trips to Venezuela, our travelers have never experienced a problem with safety, whether in the cities or trekking routes. You can receive an updated Consular Information Sheet from the US State Department's website (www.travel.state.gov/travel/warnings.html) or by calling their hotline at 888-407-4747.
We consider Venezuela a safe destination. After more than 15 years of operating trips to Venezuela, our travelers have never experienced a problem with safety, whether in the cities or trekking routes. You can receive an updated Consular Information Sheet from the US State Department's website (www.travel.state.gov/travel/warnings.html) or by calling their hotline at 888-407-4747.
What about thievery?
The incident of thievery in Venezuela’s capital is on the rise but does not exceed similar incidents in large cities in the US. Common sense is vital. Use the safety deposit box at your hotel for your passport and extra money (carry only as much as you might spend) and leave jewelry or fancy watches at home. Do not take the Metro and use only taxis from your Hotel or the radio-dispatched and official tourist taxis as unofficial or street taxis are a common place for robbery.
The incident of thievery in Venezuela’s capital is on the rise but does not exceed similar incidents in large cities in the US. Common sense is vital. Use the safety deposit box at your hotel for your passport and extra money (carry only as much as you might spend) and leave jewelry or fancy watches at home. Do not take the Metro and use only taxis from your Hotel or the radio-dispatched and official tourist taxis as unofficial or street taxis are a common place for robbery.
What about political unrest?
The political situation in Venezuela has at times been highly polarized and volatile. Anti-American sentiment, expressed by some senior leaders, also exists in some segments of Venezuelan society. The incidence of political demonstrations has decreased since the special referendum in August 2004 resulted a majority vote in favor of President Hugo Chávez, fullfilling the remaining 2 years of his term. Nevertheless, demonstrations or strikes occur sporadically. Major tourist destinations are not generally affected by protests nor have foreigners or tourists been targeted. Your local guides are capable and experienced at handling any changes that could occur due to demonstrations.
The political situation in Venezuela has at times been highly polarized and volatile. Anti-American sentiment, expressed by some senior leaders, also exists in some segments of Venezuelan society. The incidence of political demonstrations has decreased since the special referendum in August 2004 resulted a majority vote in favor of President Hugo Chávez, fullfilling the remaining 2 years of his term. Nevertheless, demonstrations or strikes occur sporadically. Major tourist destinations are not generally affected by protests nor have foreigners or tourists been targeted. Your local guides are capable and experienced at handling any changes that could occur due to demonstrations.
Should I spend more time in Caracas?
We have designed our programs to minimize time near the capital and avoiding the city if it is possible by making a direct connection to your final destination within Venezuela. If you must overnight in Caracas, the hotel we have selected is not located in the city, but rather on the coast near the airport. We discourage our guests from exploring Caracas on their own as it's a large metropolitan city (noisy, congested, lots of traffic, polluted, and high crime rate).
We have designed our programs to minimize time near the capital and avoiding the city if it is possible by making a direct connection to your final destination within Venezuela. If you must overnight in Caracas, the hotel we have selected is not located in the city, but rather on the coast near the airport. We discourage our guests from exploring Caracas on their own as it's a large metropolitan city (noisy, congested, lots of traffic, polluted, and high crime rate).
How much money should I bring?
Depending on the length of your trip, plan to bring $300-600 per person for spending money, tips, airport taxes and those meals not included in the itinerary.
Depending on the length of your trip, plan to bring $300-600 per person for spending money, tips, airport taxes and those meals not included in the itinerary.
Should I bring cash or traveler's checks?
Cash is the easiest to exchange and most places accept US dollars, traveler's checks are also OK. Visit (www.oanda.com/converter/classic) for current exchange rates.
Cash is the easiest to exchange and most places accept US dollars, traveler's checks are also OK. Visit (www.oanda.com/converter/classic) for current exchange rates.
What will the weather be like?
Hot & humid in the Gran Sabana and Los Llanos regions as well as Caracas with daytime highs in the upper 80's to mid 90's and nighttime lows in the 70's. Cool in the Andes mountains (Mérida) with daytime highs in the upper 60's to mid 70's and nighttime lows between 30°F & 42°F. Visit (http://weather.yahoo.com/regional/SOUTHAM.html) for current temperatures & forecasts.
Hot & humid in the Gran Sabana and Los Llanos regions as well as Caracas with daytime highs in the upper 80's to mid 90's and nighttime lows in the 70's. Cool in the Andes mountains (Mérida) with daytime highs in the upper 60's to mid 70's and nighttime lows between 30°F & 42°F. Visit (http://weather.yahoo.com/regional/SOUTHAM.html) for current temperatures & forecasts.
Will I see Angel Falls?
Most Southwind programs include an overflight of Auyán-tepui, the mesa from which Angel Falls plummets. Whether you see the falls or not will depend entirely on weather conditions. The rainy season from May through October insures a greater volume of water in the falls but cloud-cover may prevent the overflight. The dry season, November through April, offers a better chance of clear weather but low water volumes may mean that the falls do not reach all the way to the base of the mountain. In our experience, 95% of our travelers are very satisfied with their view of the falls. If the trip you've chosen does not include the Angel Falls overflight, we can organize an extension. Contact us for details.
Most Southwind programs include an overflight of Auyán-tepui, the mesa from which Angel Falls plummets. Whether you see the falls or not will depend entirely on weather conditions. The rainy season from May through October insures a greater volume of water in the falls but cloud-cover may prevent the overflight. The dry season, November through April, offers a better chance of clear weather but low water volumes may mean that the falls do not reach all the way to the base of the mountain. In our experience, 95% of our travelers are very satisfied with their view of the falls. If the trip you've chosen does not include the Angel Falls overflight, we can organize an extension. Contact us for details.
How do I train for my trip?
If you lead an active lifestyle (walking, cycling, swimming, tennis, etc. on a regular basis) you will do fine on a Grade I or II trip. For Grade III trips you should plan to jog or stair climb for at least 45 minutes 4-5 times per week (more frequency for a Grade IV trip). View more details on Trip Ratings.
If you lead an active lifestyle (walking, cycling, swimming, tennis, etc. on a regular basis) you will do fine on a Grade I or II trip. For Grade III trips you should plan to jog or stair climb for at least 45 minutes 4-5 times per week (more frequency for a Grade IV trip). View more details on Trip Ratings.
What about an emergency while traveling?
Southwind has never had a life-threatening emergency for a traveler in more than 15 years of operations. Our guides are trained in mountain/wilderness first-aid. Depending on the circumstances, a vehicle, horse or helicopter may take an injured or ill person to the nearest medical facility. English-speaking doctors and clinics are available in all major cities (Caracas, Mérida, Puerto Ordaz, etc.).
Southwind has never had a life-threatening emergency for a traveler in more than 15 years of operations. Our guides are trained in mountain/wilderness first-aid. Depending on the circumstances, a vehicle, horse or helicopter may take an injured or ill person to the nearest medical facility. English-speaking doctors and clinics are available in all major cities (Caracas, Mérida, Puerto Ordaz, etc.).
Who will be my guide?
We work with the most respected and experienced local guides, many of whom have advanced degrees in tourism, biology, Andean culture or other specialities. All speak fluent English and are knowledgeable, patient and fun to be around. Your Final Documents will provide guide details.
We work with the most respected and experienced local guides, many of whom have advanced degrees in tourism, biology, Andean culture or other specialities. All speak fluent English and are knowledgeable, patient and fun to be around. Your Final Documents will provide guide details.
