Everything you need to know about Venezuela

VENEZUELA

When it comes to South American destinations, Venezuela often tends to fly under the radar. However, this captivating country is bursting with breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warmhearted people. As my 118th and final country in South America, here’s everything you need to know about exploring Venezuela.

VISA

The visa is probably the most difficult aspect of trying to visit this country if you’re American or hold a non-European passport. I went on my Philippine passport, but I had an American friend that also applied at the embassy in Mexico City. You can read my fully detailed guide on obtaining a visa to Venezuela here.

Caracas

Nestled in a valley at the foot of the Avila Mountain, Caracas stands as a captivating showcase of dichotomies. As the bustling capital of Venezuela, it pulsates with the energy of a modern metropolis, juxtaposing soaring skyscrapers with colonial-era buildings that whisper tales of a bygone era. The city's rich cultural heritage is reflected in its vibrant plazas, where locals gather to socialize and indulge in the nation's beloved arepas. While Caracas boasts a cosmopolitan allure with its upscale malls and trendy nightlife, it also embraces the depths of nature. Caracas encapsulates the essence of Venezuela, captivating visitors with its enchanting contrasts and serving as a gateway to the country's diverse wonders.

We spent two nights in Caracas seeing all the sights of the city. We stayed at an incredible airbnb hosted by a wonderful family, who took us on a city tour, cooked wonderful meals, and drove us everywhere we needed to go. I highly recommend reaching out to Jean Paul on Whatsapp at +4407498778646. One of my favorite activities was watching sunset from the 360 Bar & Lounge, which had incredible views of the city.

Angel Falls

From Caracas, we flew to Canaima to see the world-famous Angel Falls, the tallest uninterrupted waterfall on the planet. Located in the remote Canaima National Park, the sight of water cascading from a staggering height of 979 meters is truly awe-inspiring. We stayed at Waku Lodge, which is the best place to stay in my opinion — it had the best value and the views from the hotel were incredible, with waterfalls cascading all around. All lodges will set you up with flights in the price.

The first day at Waku Lodge we did an afternoon excursion to Sapo Falls, which was really unique because you hike behind these incredible waterfalls. The rocks you walk on are mossy and extremely slippery, so I highly recommend wearing socks (yes, socks!) or crocs work great too (a lady was kind enough to lend me hers for the trek since she already had socks).

The second day was the journey to the falls — we had to wake up at 3:30 AM to get ready to take a boat ride up the Carrao River. The weather is deceiving, and even though during the daytime it’s extremely hot, the combination of the wind and rain during the boat ride will make you extremely cold. I can’t stress this enough — bring a quality rain jacket or at the very least, a rain poncho.

The third day you could opt to take a flight to the falls or a helicopter ride, but honestly I was exhausted and I didn’t want to spend any extra money outside of the package I paid so I took the time to hang out at the lodge and soak in the views. Having a day to just journal in a hammock right next to the falls was perfect; plus it’s nice to take advantage of a luxury hotel you paid good money for!

Morrocoy national park

Morrocoy National Park is home to a myriad of picturesque islands and islets, all surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters. One of the main attractions of Morrocoy National Park is its archipelago, home to more than 50 islands and islets. The archipelago offers a diversity of landscapes, from mangrove forests to sandy beaches and coral reefs.

After landing back in Caracas, our airbnb host (mentioned above) drove us all the way to Morrocoy National Park. There aren’t many places to stay so our host found an apartment for us to rent for a couple nights. We decided to explore the islands by boat, including Playa Mero and Cayo Sombrero, so we spent one full day boating all the beautiful islets around before making the return back to Caracas.

How to Obtain the Venezuela Visa in Mexico City

VENEZUELA VISA

If you’re American or some other nationality (in my case, the Philippines) that needs a visa for Venezuela, this blog post is for you! Venezuela is one of the most difficult visas to get, and since there’s little info out there on how to get the visa I wanted to create a guide on everything you need to know.

Why Mexico City?

Since there isn’t an embassy in the USA, Americans or residents of the US have to go to the embassy in Mexico City. Yes, there is an embassy in Ottawa, Canada, but I had an American friend who went there and couldn’t get it. My friend also attempted the embassy in Dominican Republic but they mostly just cater to Venezuelans in the DR, so I highly recommend playing it safe and obtaining it in Mexico City.

 

Visa Requirements

Before even going to the embassy, make sure you have all the requirements you need. This is a long trip to go to the embassy, and you’ll have to go two times for the visa, so make it count!

• Application Form

• Copy of passport

• Passport photo

• Itinerary

• Flight/Hotel

• Last month bank statement (have last 3 months just in case)

• Medical letter (approval from a doctor that you're healthy)

• House title/lease agreement

• Employment letter

First Trip to Mexico City: June 2022

Arrived right when they opened at 8 AM, told the man at the door that I was "solicitando una visa turista" and told to go to the back of the line, which is through the building into a parking garage with a lot of chairs lined up.

Eventually the man came and told me to wait in a shorter, different line for the front desk

Showed visa application and receptionist input the info, gave me a ticket and went to the 2nd floor

Waited until number was called, laid out all the documents and was told to go back to the lobby to pay. Make sure they give some sort of paper that says the price of the tourist visa ($30 USD) so you don't have to go back and forth. Side note, my American friend had to fill out an extra application form while I only had to do the one I found online.

Paid in the lobby with credit card, given receipt, went back to the 2nd floor and the receipt was stapled to the application. Was told it would be ready in 4-6 weeks and come back then. I asked for an email/phone number/contact but they said no and I'd just have to come back after the mentioned time period. Make sure you come back after the 6 weeks to make sure; Americans have 6-8 weeks processing time.

Second trip to mexico city: August 2022

I went back to Mexico City at the beginning of August and stopped by the embassy first thing in the morning. I left my passport, came back the next morning, and there was a VNZ visa in my passport! The visa is multiple entry, but 1 month validity (for Americans it’s multiple entry, 3 months validity). I flew Copa Airlines from PTY to Caracas, but my return flight I paid $150 via Venezolana Airlines.

A Complete Guide to crossing the Guyanas overland

THE GUYANAS

Often overlooked by so many other countries in South America, most tourists don’t even know this little region of the world exists. If you made it to this page, chances are you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path or unusual adventure.

How Do you decide whether to fly or go overland?

Overland journeys are often the best way to see a country; you’re usually taking public transport, navigating roads that tourists hardly tread, crossing borders that take hours on end and enduring obstacles that you wouldn’t have even imagined when you started planning the trip — but that’s what makes overland journeys so rewarding.

A lot of factors go into whether or not I’m going to fly or go overland:

How big are the distances between the countries?

How much is there to do in each country?

What kind of adventure am I chasing?

The Guyanas are so small that it’s fairly easy to take public transport or taxis over the borders, and there’s not a whole lot to see in each country (don’t get me wrong, they’re amazing, but just putting it into perspective and comparing it to, say, Brazil). Since I was also doing the Amazon ferry, I thought it would be perfect to continue overland and combine the two journeys. If you haven’t read my journey traveling by cargo ship from Manaus to Macapa, check it out here!

The Route

I’m starting the map at Macapá since technically that’s where we started overland, but I’ll begin this guide crossing the border from Brazil to French Guiana.

Saint Georges, French Guiana

The water taxi to Saint Georges is R$50 or €10 per person. It’s a beautiful boat ride across the water, but when you get to French Guiana you must ask the shuttle service to take you to Cayenne. The immigration office is close to the bridge (I’m not sure why they insist on the water taxi when it’s probably easier to walk across) so make sure you get stamped in. The shuttle will take you from the boat to immigration to Cayenne for €50 per person.

Cayenne, French Guiana

You can see nearly everything in a few hours in Cayenne and it’s pretty expensive (welcome to France), so I didn’t spend too much time there. Rather than going into the sights, I’ll continue with the logistics of the journey. If you want to read more about what to do in French Guiana, you can check it out here!

You can find a shared taxi to Kourou for €10, and you can ask if they can come back to take you all the way to the border as well since many drive the same route. The taxi to the border was €50, and the water taxi was €5. Immigration closes at 5:30 PM so make sure you arrive by then to get stamped out.

Suriname

To enter Suriname, you need to fill out a tourist card online beforehand and print out the QR code to be stamped. This is a new system instead of getting an e-visa. You also need to fill out an entry form upon arrival. After immigration, the shared taxi was €25 to Paramaribo.

Something to note, if someplace accepts credit card they usually only take Mastercard. Visa is apparently too expensive for the, otherwise cash is the best way to pay. There’s a good money exchange right before crossing the Jules W Bridge into Paramaribo; exchange rates are higher in the city.

From Paramaribo, I took a shared taxi towards the border for €50. It’s a four hour drive and there’s only one ferry that leaves at 11 AM each day so I stayed at the Residence Inn in Nieuw Nickerie (there’s not a whole lot of options). The next morning I went to the port at 7 AM to line up; they open the gates by 8 AM and check your passport, yellow fever card, and covid vaccination so it’s important to be there early. Ferry tickets are $15 USD.

I would’ve loved to go into the interior of Suriname, but unfortunately there was not enough time. If you’re looking for things to do in Paramaribo, Suriname check out my blog post here!

Guyana

Getting shared taxi drivers was like passing on the torch; it started in French Guiana and we would ask the driver, “do you have a friend that could take us from Point A to B?” and sure enough, there would be someone waiting at our next border crossing. We had one more taxi driver take us from the Guyana border to Georgetown, where I would fly out of to end the overland journey. Hotels were quite expensive if you look online; a friend of mine who lived in Georgetown recommended Rima Guesthouse. I couldn’t seem to get a hold of them over email or phone, so I just showed up and they had a room available. I paid $40 (cash only) for a private room with AC and bathroom, whereas everything else online was at least $100. Honestly it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing place I’ve stayed, but it was clean, the wifi was fast, and it was the cheapest option available.

As for things to do, I’ve created another blog post on the best things to do in Guyana including an in-depth guide on how to secure a spot on the famously sought-after Kaieteur Falls tour.

Everything you need to know about the Amazon Ferry from Manaus to Macapá

The Amazon River

Years ago, I don’t know exactly how I stumbled upon it, but I heard about a ferry that goes all the way down the Amazon River across Brazil. It’s a cargo ship that delivers goods and mail to little villages along the Amazon River that is otherwise inaccessible for the people living there. Locals will string up their hammock and pack in tightly on the cargo ship, and is used as transport all across the region. This ferry has been a bucket list adventure of mine for a long time, so I finally decided to go for it, combining it with an overland trip through the Guyanas.

Where to Start?

There are so many places you can start from! You can start from all the way in Peru, or even on the border of Tabatinga, Brazil — funny enough one of my good friends, Peter, decided to do this trip after seeing mine but started in Tabatinga and ended in Manaus. I’m linking his page here because it compliments my trip since I started in Manaus and ended in Macapá.

I included both Peter’s journey (blue) and mine (from the green marker to the red marker) in the map above, starting in Manaus all the way to Macapá. You have to change ferries in Santarém as there are no boats that go all the way to Macapá, but people most commonly take the boat to Belém. I went to Macapá since I was continuing north towards the Guyanas.

One thing to note is going downstream is much faster. So if you go upstream (Macapá to Santarém, for example) the same boat ride takes double the time — something to consider when choosing your route. Anyways, let’s get to the nitty gritty!

Manaus

I flew into Manaus, Brazil and spent the night in a hostel near the port (Local Hostel Manaus was a great spot close-by). At about 8 AM the next morning, I walked over to the port to find someone near the entrance selling tickets to Santarém for about $25 USD (they accept US dollars). Nearby I found a hammock in the local market with the cords for about $10. Make sure you stock up on snacks, water, and any other food just in case.

The boat leaves at noon, but come early to get a good hammock spot. The bottom floor seems to have the most air flow, and most people seemed to flock to the sides with AC. I picked a spot towards the middle and had an outlet next to me. It wasn’t too hot and there weren’t really any bugs so I honestly felt like I had a great spot.

The boat was called “Regional,” and the amenities vary per boat — there are bathrooms with showers, a bar on the second floor, and a cafeteria that serves food at certain hours of the day, and overall wasn’t too crowded so I felt like I lucked out.

They said it would take 36 hours but actually took 31 hours to arrive to Santarém. Upon arrival I immediately went to the ticket counter to find out when the next boat to Macapá would leave and they said there wouldn’t be another boat until Saturday evening at 6 PM (2 days later). I bought a ticket for R$220 ($40 USD) and stayed in a hotel nearby.

How much does it cost?

I explained a bit on the pricing above, but to be clear, I bought my tickets spontaneously and haggled a bit. There are “tours” and tickets you can buy online in advance, but they’re so much more expensive than buying them when you arrive. It made me a bit nervous to have a flight booked and fly all the way to Manaus not knowing if I’d get on this ferry or not, but just go early and take a leap of faith.

Santarém

I had a full extra day in Santarém so I took a taxi to Alter do Chão (R$150 or $30 USD). It’s really a lovely town if you have the time! You can take a canoe all the way across to Ihla de Amor for R$10 / $2 USD and hang out at the beach.

On the way back to Santarém I discovered there was a bus, so I took that back to make it to my 6 PM boat to Macapá. They said the bus leaves every hour, but it didn’t end up departing until an hour and a half later. I got off as close as I could to the DER port of Santarém; the boat to Macapá isn’t in the main terminal — you have to go around the side to board.

The Amazonas boat is smaller and much more crowded; this one I definitely recommend arriving a couple hours early to get your hammock spot. Extension cords with a power strip are also extremely helpful. The boat left at about 6 PM and was told we’d arrive the next night, but I think the total was actually about 36 hours. I really liked the scenery on this boat since it drops off goods to small villages on the Amazon.

Macapá

At about 3 AM we docked at Santana, the last stop before Macapá. I happened to be awake with all the commotion of people getting off the boat, and a local man approached me and asked, “Oiapoque?” which is the border town I was trying to get across to French Guiana. I replied in my hybrid Spanish / Portuguese, “yes, I was planning on going to Oiapoque from Macapá. Are you going right now?” He replied, “yes, right now. R$300 ($60 USD),” which was the price I had read was the same from Macapá. In a matter of a few minutes I threw everything into my bag and packed my hammock and we were off. It was perfect because I also read that transport from Macapá doesn’t leave til 8 AM. If you want to arrange transport, Souza’s whatsapp is: +559684180778 [updated October 2024].

The roads were great until around the town Carnot. I had read that the road was one of the worst, but honestly we were in a small Chevy Onix and made it fine. Bumpy with potholes, but I think overlanding from Djibouti to Somaliland or South Sudan still takes the cake for me in terms of bad roads. I still would probably not recommend taking the bus; my driver was highly skilled and I definitely recommend him if you need transport in this region!

When you arrive to Oiapoque, don’t forget to go to the immigration building to get stamped out, which is open from 8 AM - 8 PM. The drove to Oiapoque takes about 10 hours, so even if you arrive before they close you should stay the night to get stamped out the next morning since transport options dwindle later in the day and there’s not much on the Saint George side. Also, another item to note is that the immigration building is not located anywhere near the water taxi launch to Saint George, French Guiana.

Anyways, I hope this helps anyone trying to find info on the Brazilian Amazon ferry from Manaus to Macapá! If you’re interested in reading more about my overland journey all the way through the Guyanas to Georgetown, Guyana, check out the post here.

Best Things to do in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Argentina was the last country I visited before the pandemic hit; in March 2020 I arrived in Buenos Aires and the border had just shut down and I technically couldn’t enter. I bought a return ticket to the US on the spot and they granted me a 24 hour transit stamp so I decided to explore the city for the day. Even though I had checked off the country, it’s one of those I had felt bad about so I knew I had to return one day to see it properly. With this visit to South America it worked out to have a few days to explore Buenos Aires!

Caminito La Boca

Easily my favorite area of Buenos Aires, Caminito La Boca is a colorful street where the dance Tango originated. Have lunch, wander the alley ways, and enjoy the music!

Everything you need to know about Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, is a must when visiting Brazil or Argentina. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting these stunning waterfalls!

Must Know

The falls flow at the highest rate during the summer from November to February. This means a lot more water, but also a lot of mist which can make it a little difficult to photograph.

Check out both sides of the falls! Even though Brazil offers the best overall view of the falls, there’s a lot more to do on the Argentina side and is much cheaper!

If you want the falls to yourself, consider staying at the Belmond Hotel on the Brazil side — it’s the only hotel in the national park so you can visit the falls after park hours and when it’s closed to the public on Mondays.

How to Get There

You can either fly in on the Argentina side or Brazil side. I was flying from Buenos Aires, so it was much cheaper to fly into the Argentinian side than Brazilian side. Since I was short on time, I wanted to go straight to the Brazilian side of the falls and booked an easy airport transfer that took me straight to the hotel. This company made it so easy!

Best Uruguay Road Trip Itinerary

URUGUAY

When the pandemic hit, I was in Buenos Aires, Argentina and I had plans to take the ferry across to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay. Unfortunately the borders shut down the day I arrived, so for nearly two years I waited until the country opened up again. That day finally came in the beginning of 2022! Rather than taking the ferry across to Colonia del Sacramento to just check it off, I decided to do a little road trip throughout the country. Here are my top tips for the best road trip itinerary in Uruguay!

Montevideo

Montevideo, the vibrant capital of Uruguay, is a city that effortlessly blends a rich historical heritage with a modern cosmopolitan vibe. Located on the banks of the Rio de la Plata, Montevideo offers visitors a unique combination of stunning architecture, picturesque beaches, and a thriving cultural scene. Strolling through the city's enchanting old town, known as Ciudad Vieja, one can explore colonial-era buildings, bustling markets, and vibrant street art. The city's famous rambla, a picturesque waterfront promenade, invites both locals and tourists to enjoy breathtaking sunsets and leisurely walks along the coast. Montevideo's friendly locals, or "Montevideanos," add to the city's allure, ensuring that visitors feel welcome and at ease exploring the hidden gems of this captivating destination.

I honestly didn’t spend too much time in the capital, but if you’re flying into Montevideo grab a rental car and head towards Colonia del Sacramento!

SEARCH | Alternatively, check out Expedia for the best deals on car rentals.

Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento, a charming coastal city in Uruguay, is a captivating destination that effortlessly blends history with natural beauty. Steeped in colonial charm, this UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases cobblestone streets adorned with colorful buildings, giving visitors a glimpse into its rich past. The Barrio Histórico, with its well-preserved colonial architecture, is a highlight, offering a delightful stroll through its narrow lanes and picturesque plazas. Overlooking the Rio de la Plata, the city boasts stunning waterfront views, making it a perfect spot to unwind and appreciate the breathtaking sunsets. With its enchanting atmosphere and historical significance, Colonia del Sacramento is a must-visit for travelers seeking a unique blend of old-world charm and natural splendor.

Colonia del Sacramento, although quite tiny and can see everything in a day or two, was one of my favorite stops on this trip. Most people tend to take the ferry from Buenos Aires and “check off” the country on a single day trip here but there’s so much more to Uruguay! If you have time definitely check out the vineyards of Caramel!

WHERE TO STAY

If you’re looking for something picturesque overlooking the river running between Uruguay and Argentina, I highly recommend the Radisson Colonia del Sacramento Hotel. They even have an infinity pool on the water!

SEARCH | Alternatively, check out Booking.com for more hotels in Colonia del Sacramento.

For my budget-friendly friends, check out Viajero Colonia Hostel, located in a great part of town. They also have private rooms available if you’re looking for something a little more private on a budget.

SEARCH | Alternatively, check out Hostelworld.com for more hostels in Colonia del Sacramento.

Punta del Este

Punta del Este, a vibrant coastal city nestled on Uruguay's southeastern coast, is a true gem in South America. With its pristine beaches, upscale resorts, and lively nightlife scene, Punta del Este has emerged as a glamorous playground for the rich and famous. The city's iconic landmarks such as the hand-shaped sculpture emerging from the sand and the famous lighthouse are testaments to its unique charm. Whether you're strolling along the boardwalk, enjoying water sports, or indulging in exquisite seafood, Punta del Este offers an unforgettable blend of relaxation and excitement. It's a destination that effortlessly combines natural beauty with cosmopolitan flair, making it a must-visit location for travelers seeking sun, luxury, and a taste of the good life.

Even though it’s one of the most popular beach resort destinations in all of South America, I found that most of the hotels were a lot older, which I thought was unusual given it’s popularity. Not that it matters, but something to keep in mind if you’re the type to “wing it.” This is a great spot to go surfing, but my favorite attraction was “La Mano,” which I found sunrise was the best time to capture the sunburst between the fingers.

Jose Ignacio

Located on the southern shores of Uruguay, Jose Ignacio is a charming coastal village that encapsulates the essence of relaxation and natural beauty. With its pristine beaches, quaint cobblestone streets, and vibrant local culture, Jose Ignacio attracts travelers seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. This small but captivating town is known for its bohemian atmosphere, attracting a mix of artists, celebrities, and nature enthusiasts. Whether it's enjoying a picturesque sunset over the Atlantic Ocean, strolling through the art galleries, or indulging in fresh seafood at one of the local eateries, Jose Ignacio offers a serene retreat that rejuvenates both mind and soul.

Cabo Polonio

Cabo Polonio, a hidden gem nestled along the rugged coastline of Uruguay, is a place of raw and untouched beauty. With its isolation from modern amenities and limited access, this small fishing village holds a certain mystique that captivates the adventurous traveler. As I stood on the windswept dunes, gazing out at the crashing waves and sheer cliffs, it felt as though time had stood still in this untamed paradise. The absence of electricity and paved roads only added to the charm, allowing me to truly disconnect and immerse myself in the simplicity of life. Cabo Polonio is not just a destination, but an escape to a bygone era, where nature reigns supreme and serenity abounds.

Punta del Diablo

Punta del Diablo, a small fishing village located on the southeastern coast of Uruguay, is a hidden gem with a captivating charm. This laid-back destination boasts breathtaking beaches, rugged landscapes, and a bohemian atmosphere that enchants travelers from all walks of life. With its traditional thatched-roof houses, colorful fishing boats, and pristine golden sands, Punta del Diablo offers visitors an authentic taste of Uruguayan coastal life. Whether you're surfing the Atlantic waves, strolling along the beach, or savoring local seafood delicacies, this idyllic village is a perfect escape for those seeking a peaceful and rejuvenating getaway. Punta del Diablo truly embodies the essence of tranquility, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wanderers in search of serenity.

Tips for Visiting Paraguay

PARAGUAY

In March 2021 I had the opportunity to visit Paraguay! I have this itch to finish out South America since I only have a few countries left, and I saw a cheap ticket to Asuncion from Miami. Often times I look for the cheapest route from cities like LAX, Chicago, Miami, and Atlanta and then using my Southwest points I’ll book a flight to that city before taking my international flight.

eNTRY REQUIREMENTS

From Miami, all I needed was a health declaration form, negative PCR test, and a crisp $150 USD for the visa on arrival. And when I mean “crisp,” I mean, straight-off-the-press brand new bills. I had $20 bills that were 2017 or later plus no tears or markings, but they wouldn’t accept them! They really had to be brand new, but in the US a lot of banks aren’t getting new bills because of covid. Luckily there was an ATM next to the visa on arrival booth that I could withdraw money, but don’t count on it.

Another thing to note, the only reason I was flying into Asuncion was to get the visa on arrival. It’s the only way to get it without having to go to a consulate somewhere else, otherwise I would have rather flown to Iguazu Falls and crossed the border into Paraguay that way.

WHAT TO SEE IN ASUNCION

Originally my plan was to hop on a bus and go straight to Monday Falls in Ciudad del Este, but apparently the government decided to shut down the whole bus system for Easter week, which put a wrench in all my plans. I usually avoid taxis, but I found a wholesome driver to take me to get a sim card and find a hostel to stay at for the week (Policarpo +595984159826).

WHERE TO STAY IN ASUNCION

I stayed at Hostal El Nomada, which was walking distance to all the sights in the city center and had a really nice atmosphere. Policarpo also picked me up one day to take me to Jardin de Yacare Yrupe, where they have these giant lilypads. The locals will take you on their boat and you can paddle around on the water. For me, that was the highlight of my stay in Asuncion, Paraguay. I would’ve liked to stay longer and explored the waterfalls near Ciudad del Este and the Jesuit ruins of Trinidad in the south, but maybe one day I’ll be back! Especially now that I have that handy visa!