Venezuela holidays
The FCDO currently advises against all travel to parts of Venezuela, including border areas and the mining region of Bolívar, and against all but essential travel to the rest of the country.
We are not running Venezuela holidays while this advice stands, but we know the country well and are ready to help you plan for when it is safe to return. Or, we can help you choose an alternative destination. Always check the latest FCDO travel advice before making any plans.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Venezuela
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Venezuela has some of the most jaw-dropping scenery anywhere in South America. Angel Falls alone is worth the journey, and the tepuis around it look like nowhere else on Earth.
When to visit Venezuela
This is the dry season, with significantly reduced rainfall across the country. Known for its clear, sapphire skies and radiant sunshine, this is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking. Temperatures do not vary much over the year, although these months tend to be less humid which means the climate may feel cooler and more comfortable. This is the ideal time to climb to the tabletop summit of Mount Roraima, where you’ll discover its own unique ecosystem, or to explore the snow-tipped Andean peaks which shelter traditional villages and peaceful towns like Mérida. Drier weather in the Venezuelan Llanos and in the Orinoco Delta is ideal for spotting the exotic wildlife which thrives in the murky rivers, while the beaches of the Caribbean actually experience the most rain between November – January.
The rainy season brings plenty of afternoon downpours which increase humidity levels in the air. Temperatures remain much the same, although it can feel warmer due to the humidity. You may find there is increased cloud coverage, which along with rainfall can obscure views of tepuys and waterfalls. Following many dry months, Angel Falls is just a trickle in May, but from August to September the heavier rains ensure that its tumultuous cascade is wonderfully full and dramatic. The Orinoco Delta and Llanos flood with water and can feel swelteringly hot due to the tropical humidity, but this can still be a good time to explore the waterways by boat. Cooler, upland Mérida and the surrounding Andean mountains experience rain on around half the days of the month, while the Caribbean is in fact at its driest, with sunlit beaches reaching 30°C.
Places to visit in Venezuela
Discover our guide to the most exciting, memorable and inspiring places to visit.
Angel Falls and the Gran Sabana
Angel Falls, Venezuela’s tallest waterfall, plunges nearly a kilometre from the summit of a tepui into the wilderness of the Gran Sabana below. These sheer-walled table mountains, said to have inspired Arthur Conan Doyle’s Lost World Venezuela, rise out of grasslands scattered with streams, black lagoons and pink-sand beaches.
Caribbean coast and islands
One of South America’s most overlooked coastal escapes, where coral-fringed islands, golden beaches and tropical national parks stretch along Venezuela’s Caribbean shoreline. Our Venezuela Caribbean Coast holidays take in the pristine archipelagos of Los Roques, hidden fishing villages, marine reserves and palm-lined bays, for a destination defined by sunshine and crystal-clear waters.
Merida and the Andes
Snow-capped peaks, high-altitude lagoons and rolling farmland define a side of Venezuela most travellers never see. Centred on the vibrant university city of Mérida, the Venezuelan Andes are a landscape of dramatic mountain scenery, traditional Andean culture and outdoor adventure, offering one of South America’s most rewarding highland experiences.
Top Things to do in Venezuela
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Visit an unspoiled region home to a rich ecosystem, indigenous tribes and abundant bird and animal populations.
Marvel at the world’s tallest waterfall from above in a light aircraft, or reach the base of the falls by dugout canoe.
Ascend to the summit of remote Mount Roraima to see a unique environment of surreal rock formations and endemic species.
Accommodation in Venezuela
With over 40 years’ experience in travel to Latin America we have an unrivalled portfolio of accommodation to choose from. We also regularly inspect the products that we offer meaning you can book safe in the knowledge that we’ve done all the hard work for you.
Working cattle ranch with rudimentary facilities, offering access to a wilderness of abundant animal and bird life.
Homely guesthouse in a pleasant colonial-style building with simple rooms and a peaceful garden patio.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
FAQs about visiting Venezuela
Venezuela is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When is the best time to visit Venezuela?
The country is an all-year destination. The highlands have a permanent spring-like climate. The Caribbean coast is mostly dry and hot with plenty of sun. In the Gran Sabana grasslands the wet season is May-Oct. May to Nov is the best time for canoeing upstream to the Angel Falls. Climbing one of the tepuys is best done Feb-Apr. For wildlife-watching in the llanos, the prime months are Dec-Jan after the rains, when rivers are full and it’s not so humid. The Orinoco and Amazon jungle is hot and humid all year. Beach resorts can be very crowded at weekends and national holidays.
- What is the official language of Venezuela?
The official language of Venezuela is Spanish.
- What is the official currency of Venezuela?
The official currency of Venezuela is Bolívar Fuerte. ATMs may not be usable if they require Venezuelan identity card numbers. Banks will offer advances on a credit card. Money exchange offices and many hotels exchange US dollars cash (very few accept euros or sterling and the rate will be poor). There is a healthy black market but consult our local representatives before endeavouring to acquire local currency this way.
- What is the time difference between Venezuela and the UK?'
The time difference between the UK and Venezuela is GMT-5.5 hours (yes, really).
- How long is the flight between Venezuela and the UK?
The average flight time to Caracas is 11.5 hrs. There are no direct flights from the UK to Venezuela, popular routes involve a change of plane in Amsterdam, Paris or Madrid.
- What are the festivals, cultural and sporting events of Venezuela?
Carnival, countrywide, Feb-Mar. Most Venezuelan urbanites enjoy a 4-day weekend and choose to vacate the city and head for the beach.
Easter (Holy Week), countrywide, Mar-Apr. Many Venezuelans spend this week away at beaches and other popular destinations.
Feast of John the Baptist, Caracas (June 24). Celebrations in his honour have occurred from colonial time to the present, mainly among the Afro-Venezuelan populations. The pueblos around Caracas resound with beat of African drums and exuberant dancing. The feast runs through June and includes erotic rites, purification rituals and divination. - Is it currently advisable to travel to Venezuela?
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against travelling to all of Venezuela.
You can read the full advice on the FCDO website.
For various historical, political and socio-economic reasons Venezuela has for decades neglected its tourist sector and has only a basic understanding of contemporary standards of accommodation and service. In many places the local people and staff are friendly and welcoming, in others less preoccupied with visitors’ well-being. English is not always widely spoken, standards of security, cleanliness or attention to detail are not always excellent, especially in state-owned establishments.
- Do I need a visa for Venezuela?
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate. If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
- What vaccinations do I need for Venezuela?
Please check Travel Health Pro for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. Please note that many Latin American countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if you have recently travelled to another country where Yellow Fever is present.
- Which other countries combine well with Venezuela?
A tour in Colombia to the west, with daily flights from Caracas to Bogotá taking just 1hr 45mins; the Inca archaeological sites of Peru (daily flights Caracas to Lima take 4hrs).
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.
Papagaio
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
Featured Articles
Journey Latin America’s Julia Ross shares a diary extract from her travels in Venezuela, where she scaled otherworldly Mount Roraima – the inspiration for Arthur Conan Doyle’s ‘The Lost World’.