Category: South America

Venezuela

Venezuela is a country located on the northern coast of South America. It is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the north, Guyana to the east, Brazil to the south, and Colombia to the west. The country has a rich history and diverse culture, with influences from its indigenous population, Spanish colonizers, and African slaves.

Venezuela’s geography is varied, with highlands, plains, and jungles. The country is known for its natural beauty, including Angel Falls, the world’s highest waterfall, and the beaches of Margarita Island.

The capital city of Venezuela is Caracas, a vibrant and bustling metropolis. The city is home to many museums, theaters, and art galleries, as well as delicious food and a vibrant nightlife. Other notable cities in Venezuela include Maracaibo, Valencia, and Barquisimeto.

Venezuela is also known for its music, with genres such as salsa, merengue, and reggaeton popular throughout the country. Sports are also an important part of Venezuelan culture, with baseball being the most popular.

Despite its challenges, Venezuela remains a unique and fascinating destination for travelers who are interested in exploring its culture, history, and natural beauty.

Traveling in Venezuela on February of 2023

Transport

Like in any other South American country, there are various buses daily between main cities located at their respective bus terminals. Entering from Cucuta(Colombia) and going to San Cristobal will require shared cab (5USD) from bus terminal. Santa Elena de Uairen to the border of Brazil by shared cab (3USD) can be found within the centre of the town.

ATM and currency!

This is probably the main issue currently when traveling around Venezuela. It’s very likely your card won’t work due to sanctions. It’s important to bring enough cash for the whole journey. USDs are accepted everywhere these days, but prepare some smaller notes prior, even supermarkets can struggle with 5USD change. In case you travel to Ecuador before, start collecting small notes, since USD is official currency there. Also depending on your destination, within the state of Tachira, Colombian pesos are accepted everywhere and would often offer slightly better rate, same applies with Brazilian reais within the proximity of the Border of Brazil.

Safety

Prior to visiting Venezuela, my main concern was the safety situation. However, to my surprise, I found it to be much safer than other countries in the region, such as Guyana, Colombia, Surinameand others. The only unpleasant experience I had was at a checkpoint between the Colombian border and San Cristobal, where I was asked to undress and pay a bribe (I didn’t pay, other reports mention 5-10USD). While there are various checkpoints closer to the borders, they usually ask repetitive questions and nothing more. I always felt safe during my travels in Venezuela.

Tags Caracas, San Cristobal, Santa Elena, Tachira

South America

Guyana

Guyana is a hidden gem in South America, full of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The country boasts pristine rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and a diverse mix of indigenous, African, and East Indian cultures.

One of the must-visit destinations in Guyana is the Kaieteur Falls, which is five times higher than Niagara Falls and one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world. The journey to the falls is an adventure in itself, with a small plane ride and a trek through the rainforest. But the awe-inspiring views of the falls and the surrounding landscape are worth it.

Another highlight of Guyana is its wildlife. The country is home to jaguars, giant river otters, caimans, and a variety of exotic birds. A visit to the Iwokrama Rainforest Reserve offers a chance to spot some of these incredible creatures.

The capital city of Georgetown is also worth exploring, with its colonial architecture and lively markets. The St. George’s Cathedral and the Parliament Building are some of the notable landmarks to see.

Finally, the food in Guyana is a unique blend of African, East Indian, and Creole influences. Don’t miss the opportunity to try dishes like pepperpot, curry, and roti.

How to move around?

You can enter from Brazil by taking a shared cab from Boa Vista to the border of Guyana, price will depend on the ammount of passangers, currently (beginning of 2023 it’s around 10USD).

Travelling between Lethem and Georgetown is easy but not very comfortable due to the road conditions. The price at the moment is around 70USD, the journey takes around 15 hours, depending on the road condition and the schedule of the boat in the middle of the journey. Also it’s possible to fly various times throughout the day, price is around (150-200USD) and it takes around 1h.

To and from Suriname. This process is very easy, but it costs around 50USD. Road condition is much better and it takes just a few hours. It’s possible to go from Georgetown to the border of Suriname or already book it for Paramaribo(50USD). Border crossing is with ferry (extra 15USD). In order to book the transport, consult your hotel usually people are very helpful with that.

Kaieteur falls

Very easy to visit, but expensive. Best price I found was 280USD. Not hard to find since it’s the main tourist attraction in the country and most agencies offer daily tours. Whole journey one-way takes around one hour, once you’re there it takes around 2 hours to explore the area, the hike is extremely short and easy.

Tags caribbean, guyana, South America

Brazil South America

Sao Paulo

The 4th most populous city in the world and the most populated in the Western and Southern hemispheres. It’s a home to the largest Arab, Italian, Japanese, and Portuguese diasporas, also it’s native inhabitants are representing over 200 different nationalities.

Sao Paulo is one of the most unequal cities i have seen. Vila Nova Conceição for example is the neighborhood with the highest real estate prices above 3000 EUR per m². At the same time there is an area commonly called ”Cracolândia”, where one can see the summary of the major humanity’s issues.

How to move around?

Metro is probably the best option in case it’s located close from your destination, however, rush hours can be insane since it’s one of the most densely populated places on planet.

Ridesharing companies are widely used and are great solution if mobile internet is available. They are also good in terms of safety and especially at night.

Safety!

As you may know largest cities in Brazil are infamous when it comes to safety. My main advise is, don’t generalize locations too much! It depends big time in which part of the city you are located, before booking hotel or doing other activities, would highly suggest to do research about neighborhoods. Don’t enter Favelas (slums or shanty towns) on your own, it’s usually easy to distinguish due to the orange bricks and concrete mixture, which gives an impression about unfinished building.

Tags America, Avenida Paulista, Brazil, Jardim Zoológico, Latin America, Sao Paulo, South America, SP

Chile South America

Torres del Paine

Located in Southern Chilean Patagonia is rich of mountains, glaciers, lakes, and rivers. Torres del Paine is one of the most famous sites in whole Patagonia.

How to get there?

There’s a bus from Puerto Natales, which can be accessed from Punta Arenas. The area of Torres del Paine is quite vast so please plan ahead transportation. There are tours in Puerto Natales or it’s possible to rent a car, you can try to share it, since almost every visitor is coming for the same purpose. During high season, there’s high demand in tourism! Also keep in mind it’s quite expensive destination, hostels in the park itself were above 60EUR per night.

Weather warning!

I am quite fearless backpacker myself, but this area can experience typical Patagonia’s weather, which is all seasons in one day and winds around 130km/h. Be careful when walking next to the cliffs, the wind is totally unpredictable and can push you out of nowhere.

Chile South America

Marble caves in Chile

One of the most underrated and unknown destinations in the world. Located in northern Patagonia next to General Carrera Lake. Interestingly, it’s also called Lake Buenos Aires, since other part of it is located in Argentina. It’s important to have a sunny day in order to enjoy Marble Caves as much as possible!

From/to Chile Chico

The marble caves (Catedral del Marmol) are located 160km from very small town called Chile Chico. That’s probably from where you will go if you come from the most common destinations around Santa Cruz province in Argentina. In case you are wondering how to reach Chile Chico by bus from Argentina, it’s easy! Once you are in Los Antiguos, there are shuttles which will take you across border, also walking can be considered since it’s around 10km distance. When you are in Chile Chico, in the main bus station all the information will be available about the bus to marble caves. In case you need accommodation, keep in mind that most hotels around the area don’t advertise online so just look for one once you are there.

From/to Coyhaique

Coyhaique is located 220km from Marble Caves, the same applies here. There are special touristic vans which travel couple of times a day. Keep in mind, it takes time, since it’s not a straight road and some parts are unpaved. From Coyhaique it’s easier to reach other parts of Chile and Argentina, however, keep in mind that those buses might not be departing daily!

Argentina South America

Ushuaia

As it’s commonly know the Southern most city also called end of the world. The reason I went to Ushuaia was to visit Antarctica, however even with no intentions to do so it’s worth visiting. Best time to visit is during summer December-February, in winter it gets quite cold and snowy, with that being said there are also ski resorts, so it depends on the purpose of the trip. There are plenty of hiking trails around Tierra Del Fuego national park, where it’s possible to reach the ”end of the world”, place were the world’s longest route – Pan-American highway ends. And on the east side of the city there are many more hiking trails with amazing lakes. Organised vans, which can be booked next to the port in the center will take you there.