Welcome to the TravelPod forums

[Jessica_CDN]

I'm off to Venezuela in mid-November for about a month....does anyone have any recommendations of things to do or see while I'm there?

So far my very open-ended plan is to spend a week learning spanish, then a week in Caracas, then a week on a beach somewhere....

[Caro!]

Margarita is fantastic!!! Is an island, party all day long!

Caro!

[Jessica_CDN]

Caro,

Are there nice places to stay that aren't resorts? I don't really have the budget for a resort, and would rather stay somewhere with other travellers. Do you have any thoughts on that?

And are there other nice beaches aside from the island? I really love getting my sun..... hehe.

[Caro!]

Jess, I'm not really sure, but I'll ask my Venezuelan friends about other beaches and cheap hotels.

Caro!

[Jessica_CDN]

Thanks Caro! That'd be great. I'm going on the 17th of November..just booked my flight today. Yay! I didn't think that I'd be that excited about travelling again (I thought that Dengue might have sapped my enthousiasm for a while) but I'm really excited! Even more excited than when I left last time!!

[Caro!]

Jess, so as I found out there are several beaches closed to Caracas(a couple of hours away)nevertheless, all my frinds describe Margarita as the ultimate beach in Venezuela. They also say there are cheap accomodations. I will ask for more specific info and I'll keep you updated.

Caro!

[Jessica_CDN]

Caro,

The more research I do the more it seems like i've got to go to Margarita Island!

I'm excited now...only ten days until I'm off! woohoo!!

[Allen]

http://www.theglobalexplorer.com/venezuela...rita_island.htm
(Seems reasonable)

It's been 7 years since I've been to Venezuela. I can't remember the prices. I do remember staying on the coast outside of Caracas for a few days and it was very reasonable. I'll be heading back in December. Keep us posted! If you like Margarita Island, I may stop there on my way to Guyana.

Allen

[ringer]

I was in Venezuela in Jan. 06 and had a fabulous time. Margarita Island is nice, and if you are looking for a reasonably priced place to stay, away from the resorts I'd recommend Casa Kerstin. Very nice, small guesthouse, with a pool and nicely landscaped grounds. The owners are very attentive; we had a good time there.

http://www.vachome.com/e970031/

I’ve also heard good things about Casa Trudel, but didn’t stay there myself.




Also, if time and budget allow make a trip out to Los Roques. It is one of the most beautiful places in the world, pristine beaches, not a lot of tourist, pure beach heaven...in fact it is so nice I hesitate to mention it here...in fact forget I said anything, it's a dump

Have a great time, the people of Venezuela are some of the kindest anywhere. If you have any questions let me know, I'd be happy to answer them and reminisce a little.

Ringer

[Caro!]

Jess, good luck in Margarita. I'm sure you will have an awesome time.

I'll be in Colombia in January, so lets keep in touch and perhaps we get to have a beer together!!!:)

Caro!

[Jessica_CDN]

Hey guys! Thanks for all the replies...very helpful!

I'll be sure to let you know what I think of Margarita Island...

Any other recommendations for the mainland of Venezuela?

[Allen]

Merida is near the Columbian border below lake Maracaibo. The worlds longest cable car. It has four stations that take you to over 15,000 feet. You can get off and trek into the mountains or ride up and back and spend as much time as you want at each stop.

http://besthike.com/southamerica/venezuela/travesia.html

If you are into hiking or trekking this is not to be missed. The scenery is stunning. There are low cost guest houses and hostels all around the Main cable car station in Merida. I was coming from Columbia and stopped on my way to Caracas. If you can visit Merida, it's worth the trip!

[Caro!]

Allen I guess you were referring to Colombia(with and O) in South America, and no Columbia in the US, right??

Caro!

[Allen]

Yes......Sorry. Long day at the computer! Columbia was a good experience. Ipiales is not to be missed, and Bogata was a place I could have spent more time. I also enjoyed the ruins and Precolombian sculpture at San Agustin. I wish I could have stayed longer. Maybe I'll return one day....

[margarita59]

I'm off to Venezuela in mid-November for about a month....does anyone have any recommendations of things to do or see while I'm there?

So far my very open-ended plan is to spend a week learning spanish, then a week in Caracas, then a week on a beach somewhere....

Good book for travel Spanish, cheap, easy www.ahorahablo.com

[budgetsyria]

I recommend you to take a trip to La Gran Sabana --- and meet the Angel's fall ...

[scubagirlve]

Hello, you have thought the option of morrocoy it is closely together of caracas and you have several of the keys or islands mas beautiful of venezuela much less expensive than the roques, good hotels can be obtained there economically and the beaches are incredibly beautiful

I am a teacher of tourism any help that you need from my country with taste will help you, many regards

I'm off to Venezuela in mid-November for about a month....does anyone have any recommendations of things to do or see while I'm there?

So far my very open-ended plan is to spend a week learning spanish, then a week in Caracas, then a week on a beach somewhere....