General Info

[Haokool]

https://www.facebook.com/chimbotepre...91799094757439

The authorities have been investigating the video that circulates on social networks, in which two foreigners throw from a bridge and kill a young man who said he was from Huánuco (Peru).

The video was uploaded to the TikTok social network through the Captustus account.

Due to the accent of their voices, the alleged murderers are Venezuelans, who, for no apparent reason, charged him by hand and threw him over the precipice, then celebrated that he had died.

[ChuchoLoco]

Man, that suggestion of paying a girl on SA to write the letter. Not sure about that. I mean, those girls are there to earn an easy buck, and I can see one taking advantage of the situation and just asking for more and more.

Honestly, if that letter thing is really needed (I've never heard of such a thing, if it is real then it must be a recent development), I could do it free of charge.

Didn't see anything either on Embassy's site about a letter but Don't worry, I wouldn't do that anyway and probably wouldn't even ask an acquaintance's relative for a letter. I'l go when it's all approved and above board. I like to travel with no chance of being caught doing something under false pretenses or in any way that could go bad. How would I explain getting a letter from Caracas or anywhere and going directly to the islands and not even meeting or knowing the letter writer in Caracas? I'm sure I would be questioned thoroughly.

I've waited this long, I can wait a little longer. I went to Colombia in 1973 for the first time when I was 22. Saw a few Gringo who took dumb chances and didn't listen to my stay safe advice and they all had run ins with the authorities and I stayed sano why salvo then and still do but I've been lucky too.

[MaraCucho]

Will check out the video, should be easy to find. I also need to see about the letter since I didn't see anything on the embassy's site for that.

Thanks for the info. Have a Venezuelan acquaintance here with family there so probably a better option.

Man, that suggestion of paying a girl on SA to write the letter. Not sure about that. I mean, those girls are there to earn an easy buck, and I can see one taking advantage of the situation and just asking for more and more.

Honestly, if that letter thing is really needed (I've never heard of such a thing, if it is real then it must be a recent development), I could do it free of charge.

[ChuchoLoco]

There's a famous American YouTuber who just went to Venezuela recently. So I wouldn't count it out.

I'll bet you could pay a Venezuelan girl from Seeking Arrangement to give you an invite letter.

Will check out the video, should be easy to find. I also need to see about the letter since I didn't see anything on the embassy's site for that.

Thanks for the info. Have a Venezuelan acquaintance here with family there so probably a better option.

[NRandom940]

Bad news but hopefully over soon. One good thing is that they should have been isolated from COVID and all are well. I think from what I could understand on the Venezuelan Consulate site that no visas for US residents at this time unless they are Venezuelan citizens.

All good my friend, I'll be there one day. Thanks for all your help!

There's a famous American YouTuber who just went to Venezuela recently. So I wouldn't count it out.

I'll bet you could pay a Venezuelan girl from Seeking Arrangement to give you an invite letter.

[ChuchoLoco]

I did some inquiries and was told that the island is closed, no flights carrying tourists have been allowed this years. The inhabitants have been in talk with the government to open the island starting this Semana Santa, but nothing definitive so far. Man that REALLY sucks for the people in LOS roques, they depend almost entirely on the tourism business.

Bad news but hopefully over soon. One good thing is that they should have been isolated from COVID and all are well. I think from what I could understand on the Venezuelan Consulate site that no visas for US residents at this time unless they are Venezuelan citizens.

All good my friend, I'll be there one day. Thanks for all your help!

[MaraCucho]

I thought that you would like the red shirt, jajaja. But no prints. Had a class and we did a skit on Venezuelan television journalist and we wore the red shirts. It was during Hugo's time.

I'm sure that I'll get by with my Spanish. It's actually better for me if nobody or few speak English. I need the total immersion.

Thanks for all your input MC! I need to check on visa and a few other things. Hasta luego.

I did some inquiries and was told that the island is closed, no flights carrying tourists have been allowed this years. The inhabitants have been in talk with the government to open the island starting this Semana Santa, but nothing definitive so far. Man that REALLY sucks for the people in LOS roques, they depend almost entirely on the tourism business.

[ChuchoLoco]

I am an American citizen.

Last time I looked, in order for an American citizen to get a visa to visit Venezuela, they need an invitation letter from a citizen of Venezuela. Then they need to meet in person with an official at a Venezuelan Embassy. Many, if not all, Venezuelan Embassies in the USA are closed due to the political situation. I think there might be one open in Texas. Otherwise, he will need to find a Venezuelan Embassy in a third country.

Thanks MR. I was, kind of afraid of this being the situation. I'll look into it in greater detail. An embassy in Colombia may be the answer. Will post anything I find out. Politics aside, Venezuela seems like an awesome country with lots of natural beauty and mostly friendly people and hate to say it but few USA or Euro mongers. Not that all are bad but it only takes a few bad apples.

[ChuchoLoco]

Going point by point:

*Is Venezuela open to tourists: I actually do not know how's the current situation. Last night I searched "LOS roques" out of curiosity on twitter and they do seem to be receiving to tourists. I'll try to ask around and see if I can get a more solid answer.

*Are Americans welcome: Man, 99% of the population don't give a crap about any hostilities our stupid government may have towards the US. Also, the people in the island are super-chill and friendly since their livehood depends almost entirely on the tourists. On the other hand, I think Americans still need a visa to enter Venezuela, I don't recall that situation changing.

*Low-intermediate spanish: Probably will be enough. Just bear in mind that few people around here speak english. Even people you would assume that *should* be english speakers (like, the person at the counter of a tourist agency), odds are that at best they barely know the language..

I thought that you would like the red shirt, jajaja. But no prints. Had a class and we did a skit on Venezuelan television journalist and we wore the red shirts. It was during Hugo's time.

I'm sure that I'll get by with my Spanish. It's actually better for me if nobody or few speak English. I need the total immersion.

Thanks for all your input MC! I need to check on visa and a few other things. Hasta luego.

[NRandom940]

Going point by point:

*Is Venezuela open to tourists: I actually do not know how's the current situation. Last night I searched "LOS roques" out of curiosity on twitter and they do seem to be receiving to tourists. I'll try to ask around and see if I can get a more solid answer.

*Are Americans welcome: Man, 99% of the population don't give a crap about any hostilities our stupid government may have towards the US. Also, the people in the island are super-chill and friendly since their livehood depends almost entirely on the tourists. On the other hand, I think Americans still need a visa to enter Venezuela, I don't recall that situation changing.

*Low-intermediate spanish: Probably will be enough. Just bear in mind that few people around here speak english. Even people you would assume that *should* be english speakers (like, the person at the counter of a tourist agency), odds are that at best they barely know the language..

I am an American citizen.

Last time I looked, in order for an American citizen to get a visa to visit Venezuela, they need an invitation letter from a citizen of Venezuela. Then they need to meet in person with an official at a Venezuelan Embassy. Many, if not all, Venezuelan Embassies in the USA are closed due to the political situation. I think there might be one open in Texas. Otherwise, he will need to find a Venezuelan Embassy in a third country.

[MaraCucho]

Thanks for your excellent response MaraCucho. I have been interested in Venezuela since 6th grade which was in very early 1960's in grade school and then again in 1970 in college. Both times a fellow student, one a boy and the other a girl, both lived there as kids. Father's were petrol engineers a the they loved it and gave me the interest to see for myself. I have also talked and made acquaintances with a few vendors in Medellin who are Venezuelan and my impression has been very positive.

Is Venezuela open to tourist now with the COVID situation? Would an American be welcomed in the islands since USA is not on friendly terms and lastly is that my Spanish is passable probably low intermediate. Will that be sufficient? I would most likely only visit the islands you have mentioned but am open to suggestions.

Thanks again! P.S: I have an awesome red shirt. Should I bring it and wear it?

Going point by point:

*Is Venezuela open to tourists: I actually do not know how's the current situation. Last night I searched "LOS roques" out of curiosity on twitter and they do seem to be receiving to tourists. I'll try to ask around and see if I can get a more solid answer.

*Are Americans welcome: Man, 99% of the population don't give a crap about any hostilities our stupid government may have towards the US. Also, the people in the island are super-chill and friendly since their livehood depends almost entirely on the tourists. On the other hand, I think Americans still need a visa to enter Venezuela, I don't recall that situation changing.

*Low-intermediate spanish: Probably will be enough. Just bear in mind that few people around here speak english. Even people you would assume that *should* be english speakers (like, the person at the counter of a tourist agency), odds are that at best they barely know the language.

*Suggestions: Well, for pure mongering purposes Caracas is the place. For an actual vacation, I must say that I am not really a beach person, so my favorite is is the Venezuelan Andes region. Be it a city like Merida or small towns such as Timotes or La Puerta, I just love going to those mountains. In theory Canaima at the south east of Venezuela (where things like Roraima and Salto de Angel are located) should be a 10/10 spot, but in reality it is not a very tourist-friendly are, much less nowadays that the government took over the mining of the region (in parternship with the Chinese) and a lot of shady things are going on over there. A shame, really.

*Red shirt: Hahahaha. You should get it printed with the "ojitos de chavez" or a picture of El Che!

But seriously, like I said before, I am here to answer any other questions you may have.

[ChuchoLoco]

Well, I am a venezuelan living in venezuela, so I certainly do know a thing or two about this country, hehehe!

But now seriously, it's literally been ages since I've been to Margarita, so unfortunately I don't have a lot of direct, current knowledge of how things are there nowdays. Now, about LOS Roques, I visited the island a few years ago while serving as sorta of a guide (but mostly I was there to deal with exchanging dollars to bolivares) to a group of three british tourists, so that I can tell about. First off, LOS Roques is a totally different experience from Margarita, a small archipielago in the Caribbean where 3000-ish people live in town on a tiny island. If you are looking for a comfy, very private beach vacation avoiding the troubles that plage the mainland Venezuela, that's the place. The downside being that, like I mentioned is a small place so night life is very limited and mongering is non-existant. If you want to take a girl there, you will need to contact here beforehand and make the arrangements, but on the other hand I can assure you that if you invite a venezuelan girl to LOS Roques she is going to LOVE you..

Thanks for your excellent response MaraCucho. I have been interested in Venezuela since 6th grade which was in very early 1960's in grade school and then again in 1970 in college. Both times a fellow student, one a boy and the other a girl, both lived there as kids. Father's were petrol engineers a the they loved it and gave me the interest to see for myself. I have also talked and made acquaintances with a few vendors in Medellin who are Venezuelan and my impression has been very positive.

Is Venezuela open to tourist now with the COVID situation? Would an American be welcomed in the islands since USA is not on friendly terms and lastly is that my Spanish is passable probably low intermediate. Will that be sufficient? I would most likely only visit the islands you have mentioned but am open to suggestions.

Thanks again! P.S: I have an awesome red shirt. Should I bring it and wear it?

[MaraCucho]

Thanks for clearing things up. I'm too old to go barebones so can you tell me what a decent room would be in Margarita or Los Roques? Would $40-50 a night be enough for a decent room? I'm guessing food would be reasonably priced. Would you go there now? You obviously know Venezuela so your advice will be well taken. My purpose would be to enjoy and relax and meet a girl or two but not all out mongering. My Spanish is decent enough, Mayne low intermediate. Thanks again MC.

Well, I am a venezuelan living in venezuela, so I certainly do know a thing or two about this country, hehehe!

But now seriously, it's literally been ages since I've been to Margarita, so unfortunately I don't have a lot of direct, current knowledge of how things are there nowdays. Now, about LOS Roques, I visited the island a few years ago while serving as sorta of a guide (but mostly I was there to deal with exchanging dollars to bolivares) to a group of three british tourists, so that I can tell about. First off, LOS Roques is a totally different experience from Margarita, a small archipielago in the Caribbean where 3000-ish people live in town on a tiny island. If you are looking for a comfy, very private beach vacation avoiding the troubles that plage the mainland Venezuela, that's the place. The downside being that, like I mentioned is a small place so night life is very limited and mongering is non-existant. If you want to take a girl there, you will need to contact here beforehand and make the arrangements, but on the other hand I can assure you that if you invite a venezuelan girl to LOS Roques she is going to LOVE you.

There are no proper hotels there (building stuff there has a lots of limitations by law), the lodging consisting of several small posadas. The way they explained me things are organized in the island, the posadas are classified as Standard, Intermediate, Superior, and VIP, each one with a jump in price. If you are interested going there, I recommend buying a full package from a local tourist agency that includes everything, since it can be a ***** to find a fligth to LOS Roques (and I mean it, I witnessed a couple of tourists raising some hell in the airport because they thougt it was going to be as simple as buying some tickets at a counter). One that is usually recommended is "viajando a LOS roques", the website should be easy to find using google. I asked them once, and they quoted a stay of 6 days / 5 nights for 2 people including the flight tickets, the prices ranging from $1400 to $2200-ish depending of the posada (I asked for prices to a few intermediate and superior, not any of the VIP posadas).

Well, not much I can think of to add. If you have any further questions, I'd glady be of help.

[ChuchoLoco]

Well, I am reffering specifically to a ultra-cheap place I have been using recently whenever I go to Caracas, Hotel Yare in sabana grande. The rooms are small andbarebones, and the service is subpar at best and non-existant at worst, but *cheap* it is. I used to stay at another hotel that was a bit better, but nowadays they are charging $20 a night.

As for our beaches, a problem is that there are indeed plenty of nice beaches in Venezuela, but the tourist infrastructure is not great. Margarita has some great ones, Mochima and Choroni are great too, there is Marrocoy which is pretty awesome, but the absolute place for a beach person is LOS Roques.

Thanks for clearing things up. I'm too old to go barebones so can you tell me what a decent room would be in Margarita or Los Roques? Would $40-50 a night be enough for a decent room? I'm guessing food would be reasonably priced. Would you go there now? You obviously know Venezuela so your advice will be well taken. My purpose would be to enjoy and relax and meet a girl or two but not all out mongering. My Spanish is decent enough, Mayne low intermediate. Thanks again MC.

[MaraCucho]

Well $150 for 2 weeks in a hotel is just over $10 a day. Can't get much cheaper unless it's a hostel for the backpackers.

What kind of place and where? Where do you like to go there? Any advice would be great too, thanks.

I've been watching some YouTube videos and they have some awesome beaches on their islands.

Well, I am reffering specifically to a ultra-cheap place I have been using recently whenever I go to Caracas, Hotel Yare in sabana grande. The rooms are small andbarebones, and the service is subpar at best and non-existant at worst, but *cheap* it is. I used to stay at another hotel that was a bit better, but nowadays they are charging $20 a night.

As for our beaches, a problem is that there are indeed plenty of nice beaches in Venezuela, but the tourist infrastructure is not great. Margarita has some great ones, Mochima and Choroni are great too, there is Marrocoy which is pretty awesome, but the absolute place for a beach person is LOS Roques.