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Venezuela’s urban spirit can be discovered mainly from understanding Caracas, its capital city.
Caracas is not one of the top touristic destinations of Venezuela, and travelers often bypass the capital city in order to see the country’s amazing natural attractions. However, the Venezuelan capital can be a fascinating city to explore, replete with excellent art, food and a bustling nightlife.
Caracas is located in a beautiful valley, overlooked by Mount Avila, an impressive mountain that separates the city from the Caribbean Sea and shapes most of the city’s landscape. It is a popular weekend destination for the city’s residents (known as Caraqueños) and is easily reached by taking a very modern cable car that goes all the way from the mountain base to the newly nationalized Waraira Repano park, which is situated at the top of the mountain.
In Caracas the staggering inequalities of wealth that characterize Venezuela’s economic situation are on display. They range from very poor neighborhoods in the hills west of the city called “barrios”, to the modern business district of El Rosal, or even the huge mansions of the rich eastern neighborhoods.
The city’s streets and highways are always crowded with vehicles, as Venezuela has the cheapest gasoline in the world (at about $0.12/gallon). Subsidized gasoline and inadequate infrastructure have helped spur pollution and big traffic lines in almost all of the inner city motorways. Caracas’ subway system, once one of the best in all Latin America, is still quick but is often crowded and prone to delays.
Visitors need to be aware that Caracas remains one of the most violent cities in the world, with large parts of the city effectively No Go Areas to outsiders. Murder tallies of as many as 40 are not uncommon on weekends, so exercising caution and common sense - especially at night - is essential to a safe visit.
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Entertainment and Nightlife
Caracas is a cosmopolitan city and is admired for its gastronomy. It has restaurants and bars inspired by the cuisine of many different countries and cultures due to great waves of immigration from Europe and the Middle East after the Second World War.
The city is filled with “centros comerciales” and department stores, and the popular restaurants and clubs in the towering malls due to security concerns. In the San Ignacio Mall you’ll find the city’s young, rich and beautiful drinking whiskey and “Las Mercedes” and “La Castellana” districts are also popular late night hot spots.
People often party until 4 or 5 o’clock in the morning, so it’s advisable to take a cab (that you trust) when heading out.
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Climate
Caracas has a tropical climate with very little variation between summer and winter temperatures. Set in a valley some 900 meters above sea level, its climate is often described as its best feature: never cold, seldom too hot. Average daily temperature in summer ranges from a minimum of 18˚C (64˚F) to a maximum of 28˚C (82˚F). Winter temperatures are only two to three degrees cooler. Most rainfall occurs during the period from May to November and can be accompanied by electrical storms.
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Money
A complicated foreign exchange control system creates famous headaches for foreign travellers. Using the "official" exchange rate means paying 3 to 4 times more than is reasonable for all goods and services since prices are set according to the "real" value of the Bolivar (the parallel rate), making Caracas one of the most expensive places to travel in the world. [This is no longer the case as of 2015, there is a new currency rate, SIMADI, which is the rate tourists gets when using their card, thus making Venezuela one of the cheapest country to travel to. However Venezuela will be ridiculously cheaper if you bring USD and sell it on the black market.] The alternative - using the more realistic "parallel rate" - renders travel in Caracas relatively reasonable. Parallel currency trading (exchanging currency as the "parallel rate" instead of the "official rate" is illegal, and could potentially get you into serious trouble, even jail, although this is the way that the economy functions and the locals are heavily reliant upon buying dollars/euro since their own currency is subject to 30% inflation per year.
If you have a trusted local contact, your best bet is to buy currency discreetly from him or her at the parallel rate. Most airport employees that approach you discreetly looking to sell at the parallel rate are also reliable. Most locals will advise you not to even consider coming to visit unless you have a friend in the area who can help you to navigate the complicated currency situation (and move around safely as well). Note that all credit card transactions are processed at the Official rate, which makes using foreign credit cards extremely expensive in Venezuela. It will be hard to sell your excess Bolivares, unless you go to border towns in Colombia or Brazil. Cucuta is usually the best place to do so.
If you decide to go the Official-rate route, remember that foreign exchange transactions must take place through exchange houses or via credit cards. Unfortunately, it is no longer possible to exchange money at hotels. Currency exchange for tourists can be arranged at "casas de cambio" (exchange houses), located near most major hotels. It is technically also possible to exchange money at commercial banks; however, the extensive and painfully slow paperwork required makes this an unrealistic option for tourists.
Travelers will likely encounter strangers who are willing to exchange Bolívares Fuertes for U.S. dollars or Euros at a rate significantly higher than the official rate of exchange. This is technically illegal and carries some risk, but if you don't, and choose to use the official rate, then all of your expenses will be 4-6 times higher since all prices in the country are based on the parallel rate. In other words, if a cup of coffee costs 30 Bolívares, then it will cost you $1 US Dollar if you used the parallel rate from your contact (and received 30 B's for $1 USD), but will cost $5.35 US Dollars if you used a credit card which will charge the much lower official rate of 6.3 B's per [url=http://www.dolarparalelotoday.blogspot.com/]Dolar Paralelo Simadi[/url]. Travelers engaging in such activity may be detained by the Venezuelan authorities if they are discovered. Additionally, in accordance with an October 2005 law, any person who exchanges more than 10,000 U.S. dollars (or its equivalent in other currencies) in the course of a year through unofficial means is subject to a fine of double the amount exchanged. If the amount exceeds 20,000 U.S. dollars the penalty is two to six years imprisonment. Any person who transports more than 10,000 U.S. dollars into or out of Venezuela by any means must declare this amount to customs officials. Although illegal, trading dollars/euros at the parallel rate is a necessary way of life for Venezuelan citizens who otherwise have few other ways to save money (since the Bolivar is subject to 30%+ inflation per year).
The "Parallel Market" is notoriously opaque. The rates vary around Venezuela and from week to week. The tourist rate is typically 4 to 6 times the official rate, but this can change depending on who you are dealing with. Scams involving illegal currency trading are very common. For the latest parallel market rate, check the [url=http://www.dolarparalelo.org/]Dolar Paralelo site[/url] or Dolartoday [www.dolartoday.com] which is used by most citizens.
Credit cards are generally accepted at most establishments, and will be charged at the new SIMADI rate. Due to the prevalence of credit card fraud, travelers should exercise caution in using their credit cards and should check statements regularly to ensure that no unauthorized charges have been made. Caracas has ATMs with 24-hour service where users may withdraw local currency, but many of these ATMs may not accept foreign-issued debit cards.
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By plane
Maiquetía's Simón Bolívar Airport has three passenger terminals [url=http://wikimapia.org/#lat=10.604089&lon=-66.994071&z=15&l=5&m=a&v=2]](Internacional, Nacional and Auxiliar) and is 25 km away from central Caracas via a highway through the coastal mountains. A new road bridge, replacing one that collapsed in 2006, came into service in July 2007, ending months of tortuous journeys to and from the airport. The trip to Caracas should now take around 40 minutes or up to 60-70 minutes during rush hour.
This international airport is served by American Airlines, Aeropostal, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Avianca, Aero República, Air Europa, Alitalia, Air France, United, Delta, Caribbean Airlines, Copa Airlines, Iberia, LAN, Lufthansa and TACA among others.
Non stop flights are available to and from [[Miami[/url]], New York, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Havana, Curaçao, Madrid, Damascus, Guayaquil, Buenos Aires, Oporto. Santiago, Paris, Roma, Funchal, Milano, Frankfurt, Lisbon, Aruba, Bogotá, [wiki=49837fd091472134706031790a00afb6]Medellín[/wiki], Cartagena de Indias, Port of Spain, Rio de Janeiro, Panamá City, Lima, Sao Paulo, Fort de France, Toronto and other cities.
Taxi fares August 2015-2800 bolivares).You can easyle change us$ at more than 500 bolivares for 1 US$, then luxury taxi is 5.5 us$. to Caracas but there are many unlicensed taxis offering their services and travelers should exercise caution. In particular, it is advised to agree on a price before getting into the taxi, not sharing with anyone other than the driver, with a preference given to the airport's official black Ford Explorer cabs. Check with your hotel to see if they arrange airport pickup - it may need to be booked in advance. There is also a new taxi service that you can book online at [http://www.taxitocaracas.com].
The cheapest and arguably the safest way to the city is using the big red SITSSA buses from the government. You will first need to buy your ticket in the form of a rechargeable card (50 Bs at Nov 2015) at a kiosk inside the airport or you can ask other passengers to use their card to pay for you and you can pay them cash. The bus takes around 30 minutes and goes directly to Hotel Alba (previously the Hilton Hotel) which is within walking distance to the Bella Artes metro station.
Please be aware that there is an exit fee of BsF 162.50 that must be paid in cash as the office in charge of collection does not accept credit cards. However there are ATMs, currency exchange houses (charging the official rate) and unofficial brokers willing to provide BsFs at a more advantageous rate.
It is advisable to be at the airport 3-4 hours early (and not the normal 2 hours) because of arbitrary security checks.
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By car
Nice and pretty highways connect Caracas with [wiki=dbb37e0473af7df068782bdd7e89ee04]La Guaira[/wiki] and the airport to the north; [wiki=3ad2a6c55c93fcf863e65867ddf11de4]Maracay[/wiki], [wiki=1a4253732ca85d0cfeb6ab6e80a4bdf2]Valencia[/wiki] and [wiki=3980f7ea079b574167138494f6bcbb9a]Maracaibo[/wiki] in the west; Barcelona and [wiki=6775de220c2e77f48ceb779385e3e86f]Puerto La Cruz[/wiki] in the east.
While driving in Caracas can be a hectic experience, renting a car to experience the outlying areas is a wonderful way to leave behind the well-traveled routes.
Car rental is available in the following locations:
* Hertz Car Rental is available at the international and the domestic terminals, as well as several locations in the city
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By bus
A taxi from the bus terminal to the center will cost you around BsF 30.
Buses from the airport to Caracas cost BsF 18. Passengers have the option of alighting either at Gato Negro metro station (somewhat unsafe at street level) or under a bridge at the Parque Central bus terminal, from where you'll need to get a taxi to your final destination or walk about 1 km along a busy road to the Bellas Artes metro station.
There is also a new government-run bus service to the Alba Hotel in Bellas Artes, which costs BsF 8. Passengers do not need to be guests at Alba. Further information is available from the two tourist board offices in the international terminal of Maiquetía airport.
The La Bandera bus terminal connects Caracas with towns and cities to the west of the capital such as La Victoria (1 hour), Maracay (1.5 hours), Valencia (2.5 hours) and Merida (~12 hours). The 800m walk from La Bandera metro station to the bus terminal is unsafe after dark and travelers should exercise caution at all times. For the eastern part of the country there's the Terminal del Oriente. Beware of the small "independent" bus services which are announced by "voceros" on both terminals. Although they have more flexible departure times, the buses can be small and uncomfortable, with speakers that blast loud music even at night.
There are also private carriers that offer more comfort. They also cost a little more. The most well known are Aeroexpresos Ejecutivos [http://www.aeroexpresos.com.ve/], Expresos Occidente, Flamingo, Rodovias which operate from their own private terminals, something to consider if you plan on transferring for a destination they don’t cover. As of late 2015, there's a shortage of buses for many of the longer routes thus you will see people queuing at the bus terminals (private and public) at 5am or earlier. Most bus companies only sell tickets for trips on the same day with the exception of a few (eg Aeroexpreso Ejecutivo, Flamingo, Rodovias). Even then you may need to join the early morning queue for your trips a few days ahead.
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Taxis can be easily hailed in the street and are generally (but not always) safe. They have no meters so prices should be agreed on before getting in. Some reports indicate that the situation has improved and there are fixed rates posted. Caracas traffic is notoriously bad and the metro is a better option if your destination is conveniently located near a station. Licensed taxis have yellow plates and while some private cars with white plates are taxis too, it’s generally safer to take a licensed cab.
Another reliable option is Easytaxi, which is an App where you can order a taxi to pick you up.
Venezuelan taxi cab drivers may quote you about double the actual price when you ask how much a ride will be. Bargaining is totally acceptable in this case. Simply respond with a more reasonable price that you are willing to pay, and it’s more than likely you can meet in the middle. If the taxi driver continues to quote an outrageous price, simply walk away and try another.
The Caracas metro is modern, comparatively safe and extremely cheap. A single journey costs just BsF 4 (Nov 2015), "ida y vuelta" (round trip) is BsF 8 and a 10 journey "multi abono" ticket is BsF 36. Buying the Multi Abono will save you time from queing up each time you use the Metro. Because prices have changed little in recent years and bus fares have outpaced inflation, the metro is frequently overcrowded, particularly during peak hours.
The metro system is backed up by a network of metrobuses that depart from certain metro stations and take fixed routes to areas of the city not reached by the underground. Like the metro, metrobuses are cheap and clean, but passengers complain of bus shortages. Most services run only about every 20 minutes. The buses have fixed stops and will not pick up passengers elsewhere.
The Metro also connects people from the barrios via the Metro Cable, which are cable cars that goes above the barrios. There are 2 lines in operation as of Nov 2015 and may be a good way to see a different side of Caracas in safety from above.
The Metro is also connected to the less frequently used Cabletren (driverless and automated) is of less used for tourist since it skirts along the edges of Petare.
The ubiquitous minibuses, or por puestos, run along many main roads in Caracas, often ending up in obscure residential neighborhoods that are not accessible by metro. They can be flagged down anywhere and you can generally ask the driver to let you jump off whenever he stops, such as traffic lights. Although sometimes useful (for reaching the Sabas Nieves entrance to El Avila from the Altamira metro station) the buses are more expensive than the metro (BsF 15 Oct 2015), slower, less safe, and are invariably in a very bad condition. It is advisable not to use your smartphones inside buses. Bus robberies are common in Caracas. If you see passengers suddenly disembarking when some young men enter the bus, it is best to alight and wait for another bus.
The South East part of the City (Altamira, La Trinidad, Las Mercedes, El Hatillo) is generally much safer and where most of the middle class of Caracas go to spend their time. This is where most of the trendy shops, malls, restaurants, bars, and clubs are located.
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Caracas has more than enough sights and attractions to fill three or four days although it is often overlooked by international travelers.
* Is located in the city center. It has statues of Simon Bolivar, and is close to Congress and other government buildings. It also displays nice examples of colonial architecture.
* Bolivar's birthplace, also downtown. One of the few well-preserved colonial buildings with some great paintings and a museum. Next door is the Museo Bolivariano with some of Bolivar's war relics. Capitolio Metro Station.
* this is a lovely old house and garden that hosts small concerts some weekends.
* was designated a World Heritage Site by the UN in 2000. Designed by Venezuela's most famous architect, Carlos Raul Villanueva, the university campus, known as the Ciudad Universitaria is a sprawling complex considered a masterpiece of 1950s and 1960s architecture blended in with art. A stroll around the grounds, keeping an eye open for modern art works by artists such as Fernand Leger. Metro Ciudad Universitaria.
* is a well-kept garden with an impressive array of tropical plants and trees. Metro Ciudad Universitaria or Plaza Venezuela..
* This expansive park stretches on and holds many unexpected treats including a planetarium, a small zoo, and a cafe that is occasionally open to serve you a cafe con leche while you watch the turtles in a pond
* An art gallery situated in the middle of the lush and manicured gardens. Rotating exhibits by a variety of artists are shown.
* A beautiful neighborhood still styled in traditional colonial fashion that is home to many shops (especially the store HANSI), bars, and restaurants and is frequented by the middle class of Caracas. A great place to stroll around in the afternoon (safe to walk around) and grab lunch, as it is to return for the nightlife. Requires a car to arrive as no public transportation comes to this area.
* One of the city's most famous shopping avenues, a charming cobblestone street with countless outdoor and indoor shopping establishments as well as hotels and restaurants. Also a great spot for relaxing and people-watching; on any given day you can observe people bartering at shops, playing chess, or even dancing around dressed like Disney characters.
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The Avila mountain to the north of Caracas is highly recommended for hiking, views of Caracas, and its fresh air. The Sabas Nieves entrance, accessible by bus from Altamira, is the most popular. To get there, at Chacao Metro Station walk to Avenida Mohedano and take the Transchacao bus (Ruta #1) to the top of Chacao (you will need to ask the best place to get off to Cota Mil). Then walk along Cota Mil to reach Sabas Nieves' entrance. Since Cota Mil is a highway, Sunday morning is the only practical day to go since the whole highway is closed to cars every Sunday morning.
* The Teleferico is a cable-car that takes visitors up the Avila. The ascent provides a beautiful view of the city. At the top (altitude approximately 2600 m), there is a view of Caracas to the south, and of the ocean (Caribbean Sea) to the north on a clear day. It will cost BsF 25 (approx. US$ 5.81) to get a round-trip ticket to the teleferico. Reduced fares are available for students (BsF 15) and children (BsF 10), senior citizens over 60 are free. Take the ride up to Avila as early as possible before an afternoon haze obstructs your view from the top of the mountain. There are a few restaurants, many food kiosks, and numerous attractions suitable for children. These include a small skating rink, some small rides, and jungle-gyms. There is a well known fondue restaurant also located at the top. Some hiking trails branch off from the teleferico station, but without a map it is not easy to find them or know where they go, as they are not marked.
* The MetroCable close to Parque Central. It is colocated in the Parque Central Metro station. It's free and provides a fantastic view of the city. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metrocable_(Caracas)]
*Tandem Paragliding Flights with Expert Pilots in one of the most beautiful mountain sites in the world.
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Most ATMs will ask you the last two numbers of a local ID, type 00 when it asks this to make withdrawal with a foreign card possible. CitiBank's ATMs don't ask this information. There is one CitiBank branch in El Recreo shopping mall, Avenida Casanova, in Sabana Grande. Keep in mind that withdrawing from an ATM will be at the "official" exchange rate so $100 = 630 BsF (which will buy you 2 pizzas at most restaurants since prices are based on the "parallel" exchange rate that is more indicative of the real value of the Bolivar). If you change dollars at the "parallel rate" (which is an illegal but integral part of daily life in Venezuela), $100 = 9500 BsF (as of September 2014). Most locals will not advise you to visit Caracas unless you have a friend living in the country who can help you with the intricacies of the currency system.
* Located in the beautiful (and safe) colonial neighborhood of El Hatillo where much of Caracas's middle class goes to enjoy the shops, restaurants, and bars. A large collection of hanidcrafts and goods frequented both by tourists and locals. An impresive must see store in a beautiful environment.
* One of South America's largest shopping malls, with two movie theaters, dozens of restaurants and probably hundreds of shops. Popular destination for shopping and hanging out. Metro Chacao.
* An exclusive neighborhood and shopping district in the eastern part of the city. Can be accessed easily by metro.
* Many boutique stores here, as well as lots of good bars and restaurants. A hub of Caracas nightlife.
* Another large mall, located next door to the Gran Meliá Hotel. Metro Sabana Grande.
*Another great mall with an amazing infrastructure, located next to the metro station Los Dos Caminos, have a great shopping stores, cinema and fast food restaurants.
* An old but popular complex of shops, offices, restaurants and a couple of nightclubs. Take a Metrobus from the Altamira metro station.
* An upmarket mall in the Las Mercedes neighborhood. 15 minutes walking from Chacaito metro.
* A bit old fashioned but a good art house cinema and Oscar D'Leon's Mazukamba nightclub is here.
* A bookshop with a decent selection of English books and magazines.
* On Saturdays, there's a farmer's market with food and trinkets to buy at the street at Palos Grande (next to Wendy's).
* On Sundays there are the Chinese Market at Club Social del Chinos at El Bosque; Peruvian Market at Colegio de Ingenerios; Antique & Collectables Market at the Museo de Transporte.
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For the foodies, a good resource for restaurants and reviews is Degusta Venezuela [www.degustavenezuela.com] which has a useful App as well.
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Las Mercedes
One of the better of the dozens of "areperas" dotted around town. Specializes in arepas, a savory corn-flour bread that doubles as Venezuela's traditional staple food. Pick from a dozen types of filling (including the classic Reina Pepiada - chicken, avocado, spring onions and mayo.) Or try a cachapa (a sweet corn pancake with a choice of toppings) or a nice steak with yuca. Wash it all down with beer, or with freshly made tropical juice. To do it the traditional way, go at 3 a.m., after a night out dancing.
*A very nice place, often crowded but rightfully so, the food and wine are outstanding. .
* Expensive but very good cuisine, mostly French, with a relaxed but trendy atmosphere.
* One of the older steak houses in Caracas, with top quality Argentine and Venezuelan cuts of beef.
* This open air candlelight cafe is a popular haunt for after dinner cafe and some excellent desserts.
* A perennially popular though noisy restaurant with a good selection of Italian dishes.
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La Castellana
Excellent and authentic Japanese restaurant. Operated by Japanese immigrants.
* Very good Chinese restaurant.
* A branch of the American Tex-Mex chain.
* A famous beef/meat restaurant with traditional Spanish decor.
* A simple setting but very good thin crust pizzas.
* Very pleasant Mediterranean style decor with a lovely outdoor terrace. Good mostly Italian food but not with very generous portions.
* Traditional Venezuelan Restaurant. Moderately priced and open 24 hours. About one block north and west of Plaza Altamira.
* A famous burger chain that sells gourmet burgers at reasonable prices. Queues for tables during lunch hours. There's a few spread around Caracas.
* For quality and authentic Chinese restaurants, go to El Bosque which is within the vicinity of the Chinese Social Club. Casa Deli, Chef Chino & Lai King are excellent choices.
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Altamira
Great retro decor, and a minimal but excellent menu. Recommended.
* Excellent menu. Great delicacies and desserts. Highly recommended.
*
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La Candelaria
In an area of La Candelaria populated by Spanish restaurants, this popular establishment is renowned as one of if not the best. Outstanding paella, tortilla española, and jamón serrano. As with most places, in Caracas, English speaking is very limited so be sure to go with a Spanish speaker.
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Individual listings of clubs, bars, pubs, etc are preferred here.
* El León. On the corner of La Castellana roundabout, this Caracas stalwart benefits from one of the best open air terraces in Caracas. Plastic tables and chairs are simple and the service is slow, but the beers are cheap and the atmosphere is good. This is a favorite hangout for Caracas' college crowd.
* Whiskey Bar. Located in the "Centro Comercial San Ignacio" (Shopping Center), it has a similar layout to a typical East Coast lounge in the United States. This place is a popular hang-out for uppity Venezuelans. If you feel comfortable around posh and preppy crowds and you have certain buying power and trendy casual wear, this is a great place to enjoy people-watching while listening to great rock-alternative music.
* El Maní Es Así. Located in a side street behind Sabana Grande, this remains Caracas' best-renowned salsa club where lower middle-class locals and tourists like to show off their moves, accompanied by live bands, till the early hours. To get a table, you'll probably have to pay 'servicio', i.e. agree to buy a bottle of rum or whisky. Sadly, the area around the club is not safe after dark and visitors should arrange taxis to avoid walking in the area.
Exclusive modern nightclubs:
* La Quinta Bar.
* Sawu.
* Discovery.
* Triskel.
* 360º Roof Bar - Rooftop bar with views of Caracas. It's on the top floor of Hotel Altamira Suites. Entrance is by the side of the hotel (no signs, yell at the security guard to let you in).
* Bar Hotel Pestana Another rooftop bar at the top of Hotel Pestana.
*
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Caracas has many hotels, but lacks youth hostels found in other South American countries. Backpackers will find that Caracas is not a cheap destination and there are not rooms available in the 20-30 USD typical hostel range. While the whole of the city is considered to be dangerous at night, it’s preferable to stay near Sabana Grande or farther east.
Many hotels in the Sabana Grande area will offer rooms on an hourly basis (euphemistically known as love hotels) which are primarily for unmarried Venezuelan couples.
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Budget
Most hotels are in Sabana Grande, which is the geographic center of the city or midtown. The true downtown or historic city center, is known as "el centro" (around Capitolio and Teatros Metro Station), which is not a good place to stay. While Sabana Grande has affordable hotel rates (from $100 to $400 five-star), you need to be wary of occasional street crime in the form of purse snatching (on women) and pick-pocketing. A good place to start is the Calle de Hoteles at Prolongación Avenida Las Acacias & Avenida de Los Mangos (which has 2 decent and cheap non-love-motel posadas, but they are not well signposted and look like residential houses).
The majority of budget hotels you find in Centro and Sabana Grande area are "mataderos" or love motels. Anyway, the Sabana Grande Boulevard sports high-shining lamp posts and police officers along the way. However, crooked cops are also known to sometimes harass hippie-looking travelers during the day, searching for drugs [url=http://travelvice.com/archive/2007/04/crooked-caracas-cops.php#passport-problem].]Sabana Grande is a pleasantly walkable promenade, fantastic for people-watching and casual shopping. As for the large shopping malls around Sabana Grande, they are absolutely safe, especially one known as El Recreo. All this makes Sabana Grande one of the best place to stay for many. Neighborhoods further east or south such as Altamira and Las Mercedes offer safer accommodations, but at a much increased cost.
Another option is to stay in a nearby town or city and bus in in the morning, and get the bus out before nightfall. It will be cheaper and safer than staying in Caracas.
* Bella Vista Caracas is a modern and safe place with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It is ideally located near Mount Ávila’s national park cableway, in a safe and quiet area, just minutes walk from a metrobus stop. The staff speaks fluent English and French and will be glad to help you get around the city.
* Self-proclaimed as the only option for cheap travelers in Caracas (not true). Rooms clean, much travel information at the reception. Limited English spoken. You must be warned that it's in the redlight (lower west side) part of Sabana Grande, popular with thugs and prostitutes at night and a fairly shady area.
* Some travelers are not impressed with the service.
* Excellent location in the Chacaito area. Probably the least sleazy of the bunch of hotels (most are love motels) nearby. Bright clean rooms with good Wifi. Decent indoor restaurant.
* Mrs. Luisa has a three bedroom apartment where she rents out 2 of the rooms (with space for 3 in each room). She prepares nice breakfasts and shares travel tips.
* Nelson's Place [http://www.nelson.com.ve[/url] - Nelson is a fully bilingual (English-Spanish) traveler and hip college professor who has a nice apartment next to his office on the safest street near Sabana Grande, which he rents out for $60 a night (up to 3 people) and a room for $40 (up to 2). He is clearly the most helpful host in Caracas. Nelson's Place is a block away from the Sabana Grande Boulevard, the metro station, and across the street from the El Recreo Shopping Mall. It has free internet. Nelson has a very professional airport pick-up service (included in reservation fee). He also helps you out with currency exchange and budget travel arrangements to all over Venezuela, including Angel Falls.
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Mid-range
This residential hotel also caters for short visits. Excellently located in the La Castellana district, it offers an alternative to many hotels, though with aged wooden furniture and worn out rooms. The service is poor.
* Great location, clean and modern, this is a popular option and should be booked two weeks in advance. Max 2 people per room.
*
* This once impressive Hilton hotel has suffered from the deterioration of central Caracas. Although close to the city's best museums, the Bellas Artes area is no longer the capital's finest and should not be wandered at night. In September 2007, the hotel was taken over by the state and aims to provide 'socialist tourism' services.
* One of the best Venezuela Hotels, Marriott Playa Grande is only 10 minutes from Simon Bolivar International Airport with a great location and wonderful views.
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Splurge
A modern and stylish hotel with all the amenities you might expect at the price.
* Upscale 5 star hotel. Located in Sabana Grande, this hotel is connected directly to the El Recreo shopping mall and a block away from the newly-restored Sabana Grande boulevard. Local attractions include Sabana Grande Boulevard, Plaza Bolívar, El Recreo Gallery, Teresa Carreño Theatre, and Cerro El Avila National Park, all in close proximity; and only 2 blocks north, the Sabana Grande metro station.
* Luxury business hotel located in the center of the business district, the JW Marriott Hotel Caracas is the premier hotel in the city, becoming deservedly popular in recent years. Excellent accommodation, exceptional restaurant and good service.
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* A five-star hotel with a popular rooftop lounge. Check for weekend promotions that offer significantly reduced prices.
* A stylish Caracas hotel, the Renaissance Caracas one of the newest Venezuela Caracas hotels on the scene. Modern, inviting and a crisp service too, delightful.
*Hotel Cayena is one of the safest luxury 5 star hotels in the La Castellana District of Caracas, Venezuela. Accommodations and amenities include hotel rooms and suites, including extended stay availability, as well as an Italian restaurant, meeting rooms and event space, and more. Hotel deals, packages, and specials are also available from this Caracas, Venezuela luxury hotel.
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Violent crime in Caracas is a major problem, and it has been getting steadily worse during the recent years: Caracas is now by some counts the world's most dangerous city, with 7,676 murders in 2009. In case you are robbed, simply hand over what is asked of you. For this reason it is advisable to carry a “decoy” wallet with small bills (around $50). Venezuela is also one of the only countries in the world in which Blackberry still is the popular phone of choice. If you can get your hands on a cheap one that looks nice, it's also a good thing to bring down and hand over in case robbed (there have been news reports of criminals physically beating car passengers that they rob for having only an iphone to steal). Most thieves carry guns and they will use them regardless of the consequences (there is a sense of immunity due to poor policing).
In the Metro, especially rush hours, do take care of your pockets and handbags. A common tactic is a few guys will seem to be hesitating to enter the train while you are behind trying to push your way in, while the doors are about to close, they will suddenly decide to leave the train suddenly and in the chaos (locals know what's going on, thus they will try to leave the train too), you may find your pocket empty.
Stick to the tourist areas and dress like the average Venezuelans (jeans and short-sleeved shirt) and do not wear any expensive looking jewelry. The barrios (poor neighborhoods/shantytowns) are to be avoided. They are mostly built into the hills around the west side of Caracas, similar to the favelas in [wiki=42537f0fb56e31e20ab9c2305752087d]Brazil[/wiki]. These neighborhoods are extremely dangerous, but they are far from the main tourist areas.
Kidnapping is a major problem for upper-class Venezuelans, but is unlikely to be a concern for travelers. As with many other developing nations, petty theft is a problem. Ask hotel management to store your valuables when you leave your room and use a money belt for your passport/extra cash when traveling.
The police in most districts of the city tend to be corrupt, including at the international airport. In the districts of Chacao, Chuao, and La Trinidad, the police are well equipped, trained, and helpful. Venezuelans in general are friendly and helpful and living through the danger on a daily basis, so will not be shy in their concerns for your safety.
Most locals will advise you not to even consider visiting unless you have friends in the area who can help you to move around safely and deal with the complicated currency situation. Caracas is by far the most dangerous city in Venezuela and malandros are coming up daily with new schemes to rob and kidnap. Be very wary when on the road at all times, always keep your eyes on the lookout for an escape pathway, and be wary of being followed (especially by motorcycles). Over the last few years, the malandros have stopped traffic with a funeral procession in order to go car to car and take wallets/cell phones at gunpoint; staged car accidents with injury so as to rob good samaritans who stop. If you see a motorycle with 2 men - one wearing a helmet and the other without, keep your distance and drive away. This is a typical robbery setup since the lack of a helmet allows the passenger on the back to have full 180degree vision while scanning for victims while the driver is free to concentrate on the road.
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There are many "Centros de Conexiones" in which you can easily make domestic and international calls. There is also a growing number of internet cafes.
*Free WiFi
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Caracas has been the staging ground of violent political conflict in the last few years, as well as suffering from a high incidence of crime. While taking appropriate precautions (dressing down, keeping valuables out of sight and avoiding dangerous areas) will probably keep you out of harm's way, paranoia abounds. Traveling with a partner or in groups is advisable.
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El Litoral, or the narrow band of coast between El Avila and the Caribbean Sea, is also known at the State of Vargas and the location of the best airport hotels. These beaches are not well known with visitors but are popular with Caraqueños on weekends. The area has been slow to recover from the disastrous mudslides of December 1999 which ironically made the beaches better. Still they are of lesser quality than the beaches of [wiki=c88b91ab5cc283fff619e071afd01530]Choroni[/wiki], [wiki=af466d50f79e88d8187c566fea1f648b]Morrocoy[/wiki], [wiki=eb415ef240c694a2744fe76b16792b70]Mochima[/wiki] or [wiki=4731ecfaa922bc086df288815351392e]Margarita[/wiki].
* [wiki=dbb37e0473af7df068782bdd7e89ee04]La Guaira[/wiki] - historic port district
* [wiki=56f822810a9133bbb7b06975cdaf1c69]Macuto[/wiki] - long history as the favored among the urbanite Caracenos and most crowded on weekends
* [wiki=c43b1b1e1978231fafe02ae25de45f8b]Caraballeda[/wiki] - upscale district with yacht marina
* [wiki=0c8245babf67acc329e0341f3c7d11af]Naiguatá[/wiki] - surf and cultural festival zone
* [wiki=9191036069ede799486ddad4c0c39eeb]Catia La Mar[/wiki] - west of the airport with cheaper hotels that do airport pickup. Marginal neighborhood and beaches
* [wiki=b4fd81670487c725af4cfa516c5bfc85]El Hatillo[/wiki] - nice restaurants and pretty colonial architecture.
[wiki=2e820cefe94ddfb698f435d7efd4d3aa]de:Caracas[/wiki]
[wiki=f6357f51f1d2ea53168ba1bf65911e32]eo:Karakaso[/wiki]
[wiki=5ee07c747170546f6d296e0d960d8702]es:Caracas[/wiki]
[wiki=b9d25bd8586370602083c2b4e4288609]fr:Caracas[/wiki]
[wiki=6753a47d4a890c3e3309b7f16a7f3386]ja:カラカス[/wiki]
[wiki=be535b27ae23b1c01e60446cc1a21031]nl:Caracas[/wiki]
[wiki=37b1019de5c00f984790b26c2ba33b45]pl:Caracas[/wiki]
[wiki=7f74ecab559f2fee8aeb4c12d6eb5f74]pt:Caracas[/wiki]
[[WikiPedia:Caracas]]
[wiki=a330092fc86adb81ff7fe11bfb7e900c]Dmoz:South_America/Venezuela/Localities/Caracas/[/wiki]
[wiki=97363e9304d4ca07512f4113e286fbda]World66:southamerica/venezuela/caracas[/wiki]
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