Brief information
Once upon a time, Arthur Conan Doyle wrote the science fiction novel The Lost World, which described the adventures of an English scientific expedition in South America. Few people know that Conan Doyle was inspired to write this novel by the Canaima National Park, located in Venezuela. Now Venezuela can hardly be called a “lost world”. Thanks to large oil reserves, the infrastructure of recreation on the Caribbean coast is actively developing in this country.
Geography of Venezuela
Venezuela is located on the northern coast of South America. Venezuela borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south. In the north, the country is washed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea. Total area – 916,445 sq. km., and the total length of the state border is 4,993 km.
Venezuela includes numerous small islands, the largest of which is Margarita Island, which is now a popular South American resort.
The territory of Venezuela can be divided into four physiographic regions: the lowlands of Maracaibo in the northwest, mountains in the north, plains in the central part, and the Guiana Highlands in the southeast. The highest local peak is Peak Bolivar, whose height reaches 4,979 meters.
In the south of the country in the Canaima National Park is the world’s highest waterfall – Angel Falls, whose total height is 979 meters.
There are about 1,000 rivers in Venezuela, but most of them are very small. The largest and most important local river is the Orinoco, with a length of 2,500 kilometers.
Capital
According to simplyyellowpages.com, Caracas is the capital of Venezuela. More than 3.2 million people now live in this city. Caracas, like many other South American cities, was founded by the Spaniards (this happened in 1567).
Official language of Venezuela
The official language is Spanish.
Religion
About 92% of the population are Catholics.
State structure of Venezuela
According to diseaseslearning.com, Venezuela is a federal presidential republic, headed by a President elected for 6 years. Executive power is vested in the President, as well as the Vice President and Ministers.
The unicameral local parliament is called the National Assembly and consists of 162 deputies.
The main political parties are the ESPV (United Socialist Party of Venezuela), the Coalition of Democratic Unity and the Communist Party.
Administratively, the country is divided into 23 states, one Federal District (Caracas region) and Federal possessions (islands in the Caribbean). The states, in turn, are divided into 335 municipalities.
Climate and weather
The climate varies from alpine to humid tropical, air temperature changes are insignificant (the country is located near the equator). Therefore, you can relax in Venezuela all year round.
Cool weather is observed from November to February, especially in the highlands. The hottest months are July and August. The average annual air temperature is +30C.
The rainy season is from May to mid-November. However, heavy rains sometimes occur during the dry season, which lasts from December to April.
Sea in Venezuela
In the north, the country is washed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea. The length of the sea coast is 2,800 km. The average sea temperature near the coast from January to March is + 26C, and from July to September – + 28C.
Rivers and lakes
There are about 1,000 rivers in Venezuela. The largest of them is the Orinoco River, with a length of 2,500 kilometers. Orinoco is considered the eighth longest river in the world and the second in South America (in the first place is the Amazon).
Culture
The culture of Venezuela was formed under the influence of local Indians and immigrants from Africa and Europe. For example, after the arrival of the Spaniards in this country, violins and guitars began to be used as folk musical instruments, and after the appearance of Africans, drums.
The traditional local folk dance is “Joropo”, which has 36 variations of the basic steps (this is a pair dance).
The main religious holiday is Christmas, its celebration begins on December 16 and lasts until January 6. Until now, at Christmas time, local musicians go from house to house and perform traditional songs “aguinaldos”.
In February, a grandiose Carnival is held in Venezuela, which, according to some tourists, is no worse than in Brazil.
Venezuelan cuisine
The cuisine of Venezuela was formed under the influence of the culinary traditions of local Indians, French, Italians and Spaniards. Near the sea coast, the menu of Venezuelans is dominated by fish and seafood, and in the interior of the country – corn and rice. A very important part of Venezuelan cuisine is meat (beef, lamb, chicken, etc.).
Tourists are advised to try “Pabellon” (beef stew with rice, black beans and banana), “Hallaca” (beef, chicken or fish soup with potatoes and vegetables), “Pernil” (fried pork with garlic, vinegar and oregano), ” Chivo al coco” (goat meat in coconut milk, served with green banana puree), “Empandas” (fried cornmeal patties with various fillings), “Tequeños” (long little buns filled with hot cheese or chocolate).
Traditional non-alcoholic drinks are Batido (very thick fruit juice), Cocada (coconut milkshake, common in seaside areas), Frescolita (similar to cream soda).
Traditional alcoholic drinks are Chicha (a fermented drink made with rice, milk and sugar), rum and beer.
Attractions
The most important tourist attraction in Venezuela is the Angel Falls, which is the highest waterfall in the world. Every year, tens of thousands of tourists from around the world come to see it. True, to get to this waterfall, you must first overcome the road through the jungle, about 3 kilometers long.
Venezuelan national parks are of great interest to tourists, the best of them are the National Parks of Avila, Mochima, Medanos de Colo, Morocoi, Canaima, Enri Pitié, La Mucuy, El Avila and Sierra Nevada.
In the Medanos de Colo National Park, tourists can see real sand dunes, typical for the countries of Asia and Africa. It is very unusual to see them in a tropical country. But the strangest thing is that the height of these dunes often reaches 40 meters, and they disappear very quickly. The reason for this is the constant wind.
We also recommend visiting the Canaima National Park. Many of us have read The Lost World by Conan Doyle. So, it was the Venezuelan Canaima National Park that inspired the famous Englishman to write this novel.
Pay attention to the Orinoco Delta with the untouched nature of the rainforest. There is no other country in the world with such beautiful jungles with unique flora and fauna.
Cities and resorts of Venezuela
The largest big cities are Maracaibo, Caracas, Valencia, Ciudad Guayana, Maracay, Barquisimeto and Barcelona.
The most famous place in Venezuela for a beach holiday is Margarita Island, located in the southern Caribbean Sea. Margarita has a well-developed infrastructure for beach holidays, beautiful white beaches, palm trees and excellent conditions for water sports.
There are also excellent beaches in the Mochima National Park. There, sandy bays, numerous small islands, white and red sandy beaches await tourists. This place is great for water sports including diving and sailing.
North of Caracas are the coral islands of the Los Roques archipelago, where the tourism industry has been actively developing in recent years.
Beautiful, secluded beaches can be found in the Morokoy National Park, near which, by the way, there is a rare bird sanctuary.
Souvenirs/Shopping
Typical souvenirs from Venezuela are handicrafts, hammocks, dolls, jewelry, figurines of Indian chiefs, traditional Indian clothing, sandals, Indian bows and arrows, coffee and cocoa.
Office Hours
Banks:
Mon-Fri: 08:30-15:30
Shops:
Mon-Sat: 09:00-13:00 and 15:00-19:00
Visa
Ukrainians need a visa to visit Venezuela.
Currency of Venezuela
The Venezuelan bolivar is the official currency in Venezuela. Its international designation is VEF. One bolivar = 100 centimos. The use of credit cards is limited.
Customs restrictions
Foreign and local currency can be imported and exported without restrictions, but amounts over $10,000 must be declared.
It is forbidden to import flowers, plants, fruits, meat and meat products, art, antiques and archeology. To import dogs and cats, you need a certificate from a veterinarian.
You can not export flowers, plants, wild animals, art and history.
Useful phone numbers and addresses
The interests of Venezuela in Ukraine are represented by the Embassy of Venezuela in Poland:
02-516, Warsaw, st. Reytana, 15.10
Т: 48 (22)
646-18-46 Email: [email protected]
The interests of Ukraine in Venezuela are represented by the Embassy of Ukraine in Brazil:
SHIS, QІ-06, Conjunto-04
Casa-02, LAGO SUL, CEP 71615-040 Brasilia-DF
BRASIL
T: (8 10 5561) 3365
1457 mail: [email protected]
Emergency numbers
166 – Fire brigade
169 – Police
171 – Emergencies
Time
Behind Kyiv for 6 hours. Those. if, for example, in Kyiv 13:00, then in Caracas – 07:00.
Tips
Most Venezuelan restaurants and hotels include a service charge (5-10%) on the bill. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, but if they help with luggage, then an additional fee is required. The biggest tips are in Caracas.
The medicine
Before traveling to Venezuela, doctors recommend making preventive vaccinations against yellow fever, typhoid, rabies and hepatitis A.
Security
This is not to say that there is no crime in Venezuela, however, its level is slightly lower there than in other South American countries. Keep documents, valuables and money in the safe of your hotel. It is advisable not to wear expensive watches and jewelry. Stay away from outlying areas in the evening. In general, take reasonable precautions.
