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In June 2000 I took my well-deserved break from work and travelled to Venezuela. This was my first time in South America since my family left Panamŕ in 1970. All images were taken with my Philips ESP-80 digital camera. You can click on almost all of them to see a bigger version.
Feedback and corrections should be directed at thomas@voirol.com.
Venezuela | Isla de Margarita | Archipielago Los Roques
Venezuela
This country is one of the most diverse in all of South America. From rain forest with gigantic waterfalls, snowy mountain ranges, the Amazon and Orinoco rivers to large cities and Caribbean Islands, all kinds of vacationing desires can be fulfilled.
Also, the beauty of Venezuelan women is renowned, and I must say I'd have a hard time disagreeing.
Many international airlines fly to Caracas (CCS), Venezuela's capital, daily. I took a KLM flight via Amsterdam. Since my mind was set on relaxation, I opted for beach and diving holidays.
Isla de Margarita
(see also Links page)
Located 40km north of the mainland is the island of Margarita, Venezuela's premier beach holiday destination. The population of 300'000 is to be found mainly in the larger cities of Porlamar, Pampatar, El Asuncion and Juan Griego. More than 50 beaches can be found all around the island, while the prettier ones are on the east coast.
Isla de Margarita can be reached by plane from Caracas within an hour. Some international flights arrive in Porlamar (PMV), too. The cheapest airfare is with Aeropostal.
The tourism season doesn't really start before August, so most places are fairly quiet in June, tourist-wise. June is also the beginning of the rain season. Temperatures hover around a nice 27°C.
I stayed in Playa El Agua (northeastern part of the island) for most of my trip. This is a very well developed beach sporting all amenities one has grown accustomed to. It is lined with several dozen restaurants, beach bars and discotheques, although most were closed for the off-season.
Still, the crowd was decidedly international. I met people from Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Germany, Austria, the United States, England, Belgium, France, Holland, India, Italy and Sweden. They all gathered nightly in the Panare, the coolest beach bar on Margarita. Its extremely friendly staff and good vibes just kept me coming back.
After Panare closes at 3am, many head on to Rainer's Castillo, a nice cozy bar with a pool table open till 7am.
Archipielago Los Roques
(see also Links page)
Since Margarita is not too hot a diving destination (due to the heavy currents and less-than-bountiful aquatic life) and I had my mind set on getting my head wet, I spent the remainder of my vacation on the Archipelago turned National Park called Los Roques, 150km north of Caracas.
Los Roques is a collection of around 350 surprisingly small and almost unbearably beautiful islands and islets. Coral reefs top off the paradise feeling you'll get as soon as you touch ground at the airport (LRV).
Twice daily flights with turboprop planes arrive there from Caracas and Porlamar (Margarita). If you book with LTA (Linea Turística Aerotuy), everything will be taken care of by them. You will be picked up at the airport, escorted to your posada and you can get to see the island on one of their four nicely equipped Catamarans. These tours also include a snorkling trip to get started on the subaquatic lifestyle before going for the real thing.
Which, of course, is diving. The only notable dive operator is Sesto Continente, who left an extremely friendly and professional impression with me.
All in all, I had an extremely good time and would return to Venezuela any time, although I'd also go to the mainland on the next trip, as there is yet much more to see there.