Caracas

I am trying to sneak in a little vacation time somewhere in South America and would like everyones advise on Caracas. I am trying to decide which would be the cheaper destination for a non-Spainish speaking monger vacation, Caracas, Rio or Buenos Aires (or where ever else someone recommends).

As far as airline tickets Caracas seems to be the cheapest from Denver, but if the mongering, hotel and food prices are higher then I might select the another place. I will be traveling around the 1st of July and staying for 10-14 days. So what is the weather like during that time?

Thanks in advance for any information you can provide!

One more thing, what would you budget per day to have a really good time (2-3 girls a day)?

Handyman #2

[QUOTE=Handyman #2]I am trying to sneak in a little vacation time somewhere in South America and would like everyones advise on Caracas. I am trying to decide which would be the cheaper destination for a non-Spainish speaking monger vacation, Caracas, Rio or Buenos Aires (or where ever else someone recommends).

As far as airline tickets Caracas seems to be the cheapest from Denver, but if the mongering, hotel and food prices are higher then I might select the another place. I will be traveling around the 1st of July and staying for 10-14 days. So what is the weather like during that time?

Thanks in advance for any information you can provide!

One more thing, what would you budget per day to have a really good time (2-3 girls a day)?

Handyman #2[/QUOTE]

Easy stuff! (Next time Handyman #2 ask more difficult questions) ;)

Where should you go? Ans: Cartagena, Colombia (Spanish speaking
or nor will do you no good in Rio)

What is the weather like? Ans: Very "effin" HOT!

What to budget? Ans: To have a real good time I always bring
$200 a day (but always bring $$ home)

cheers!

Was two times in Caracas ( 2 x 1 night) on my way to colombia. The going rate is USD 25,00. But every cab driver try to screw with you! They start with USD 40,00. Believe me or not, someone try to charge me USD 80,00!

Trendy Andy

I´ve visited Caracas about a gazillion times ... mas o menos.

Never pay more than 50,000 bol from the airport to the city in a taxi ... about $20 with an exhange rate of 2500 to 1.

Suerte!

[QUOTE=Ricker]I´ve visited Caracas about a gazillion times ... mas o menos.

Never pay more than 50,000 bol from the airport to the city in a taxi ... about $20 with an exhange rate of 2500 to 1.

Suerte![/QUOTE]


15K was the going rate for a regular taxi last year and the unofficial exchange rate is more or less the same as it was a year ago. Adjusting for inflation, I wouldn't be shocked if prices are now close to 20K bolivares, but that's still only $8 US under black market rate.

Yeah, it was 12-15K when the bolivar was 800 to 1, therefore $20, but taxi prices for Venezuelans have not been dolarized, cuz no one would pay it.

The airport "ejecutivo" service for tourists is another matter, but even those thieves were charging 25K last year. If they're charging 50K now, then the tourists must be getting more stupid by the minute.

I can't imagine someone showing up to Caracas and negotiating with a taxi for 15-20,000 bolivares ... from the airport to the city.

Most guys ... the vast majority ... of guys visiting Caracas are tourists ... I think finding a secure taxi for 40-50,000 bolivares is about right.

Can you really imagine a gringo showing up ... first time in Caracas ... and trying to find a jalopy taxi to the city for cheap.
His espanol skills are probably weak to begin with.

Yes, of course, if you're a more seasoned traveler, know Caracas, speak espanol, by all means go negotiate a bottom price if you want.

When I show up in Caracas ... I have a friend who is a taxista ... he meets me outside customs, grabs my bags and I know I have a cool dude taking me to the city.

Sure I could probably try to negotiate with him for bottom bolivar pricing ... but why?
Am I stupid? That's your opinion.

Suerte

I thought that perhaps my posts might generate alittle friendly topical discussion/debate on this board, but all it has done is begin a conversation about cab prices! :(

Well, yes I guess I overpayed on my way from the airport - but then I only payed $16 on my way back to the airport so I guess I'm a quick learner. ;)

BTW, I agree with you, Ricker when you suggest that when you take a first trip anywhere its hard to negotiate the very best price "right out of the gates" Some things take a certain degree of experience.

For example this was my first trip to Venezuela, but I've been to the Dominican Republic and a few other places, (what was your line again) about a gazillion times and you'd probably be amazed how I can "spin the sh**" down there! ;)
FORD

I haven't been able to log on for about 6 months due to the forum's troubles, but now Jackson seems to have this under control. I have a few adventures to tell you in the coming weeks so I am glad to be back!

Don't take Bs 15 K cabs as you are sure to get mugged or worse!

Be safe,

Be there

Guys,

as i am still in the proces of were to go this october....I am also intrested in venzuela.
Thailand maybe is cheap......dirt cheap indeed (compared to SA anyway)...but those little yellow petit girlies overthere just don't ring my bell....LOL Sorry can't help it. I mean I would FUCK em.....but they do NOT ring my bell.

I like my chunky ass latina...:-) Besidwes my thai is nearly zero....and seems like it it will stay that way!

So what up with safety in caracas???? Is it that bad??? What about Isla Margarita. I guess the ho's in Caracas are cheaper then in isla M....right?

Is this city of caracas worth a full 14 day stay or not???

cheers,

johan

Does Caracas have their version of the Radio Taxis like in BsAs which seem to be a little more safe and honest then other competing line of taxis? Also, are meters commonly used or do you have to haggle over each fair?

Ford… LOL, sorry amigo, just thought I’d bust your chops a little with the above question. I would like to know the answers to them though…

I’ve been RTFF and still have a ways to go, but if anyone feels like taking a break from talking about taxis, I have a brief list of places in Caracas that I have made notes on from this forum. Please feel free to comment on any of these places that I am listing or the places that I am not listing (I started at the very last page of this forum and am working my way up to this page, but some of those post were really old):

- Sabana Grande area: El Morrison, Embassy, El Saxo
- Angelus
- Las Mercedes area?

I’ve only read the last ten pages of the Caracas forum, so I would imagine (hope) that the above list would expand a little?? Anyway, Ford’s or anyone else’s comments would appreciated.

I would be curious to know which places are considered Caracas’s high-end establishments like Madaho’s and Black in BsAs or Centaurus and Barbarela in Rio. Also the more reasonably priced places would be nice to know too. Does anyone know if a good all-around summary of Caracas is available somewhere? I know… RTFF, I’m doing that. Just thought I would throw this out there since the activity in the CCS forum has been picking up. BTW Ford, thanks for you’re your nice report on Caracas.

Thanks,

Y & R

As far as those clubs you mentioned Y and Restless ...

I prefer Angelus ... lots of hot chicas!

The place can be pricey ... I like to go in and scout for the "sweeter" type chicas and talk with them and get their phone numbers for a "date" later.

El Morrison is too subdued for me ... too dark and quiet ... they have hot chicas too ... and it's also pricey ... just not my type of place.

A place near Angelus ... actually accross the street from Sambil Mall ... called Flash Dance ... OK place ... chicas are just OK with the occasional hottie.
Nice place to hit after hanging at Angelus and getting a phone contact from an Angelus chica for later.
Flash Dance prices ... lot less expensive ... I think about a $20 bar fine plus the chicas tip ... another $20 to $40, depending on your skills of negotiating.

Suerte!

[QUOTE=Young & Restless]Ford… LOL, sorry amigo, just thought I’d bust your chops a little with the above question. I would like to know the answers to them though…[/QUOTE]

Why you rjwnjnJKEKwbk!! (lol) Absolutely no problem, guys like Ricker and all are the real experts here - and I think you are correct to ask as many questions as you can. When a person ventures into a latin american city for the first time - knowledge is power!

I am happy to say however, that after one week home the one contribution I made to this board is the Hotel Paseo Las Mercedes. I have received 4 separarate pm's now from guys that say they are planning there first trip to CCS and are going to stay at the HPLM due to my review.

I'm glad, I think you will all find this the perfect "player" hotel and a very nice mix of value, convenience and style.

Very much along the lines of the Hotel Naco on Ave Tiradentes in Santo Domingo. (I know, I know another obscure reference that probably only means something to me) ;)

cheers........

[QUOTE=Johan007]So what up with safety in caracas???? Is it that bad??? What about Isla Margarita. I guess the ho's in Caracas are cheaper then in isla M....right?

Is this city of caracas worth a full 14 day stay or not???[/QUOTE]


Hi Johan,

I know what you mean - asia girls do nothing for me either! It always amazed me how guys can get on those 23 hour flights 2/3 the way around the world just to go to Thailand or Malaysia or Indonesia. It sure isn't of any interest to me.

I planned to stay in Venezuela for 14 days but cut my trip short when I found Margarita Is not to be to my liking. Imo, if you spend 14 days in CCS you'll be going stir crazy! (too repetitive) Caracas is worth considering, but is probably about a comfortable 7 day/6 night destination.

Safety in CCS of course like anywhere is an issue but you'll be perfectly o.k. strolling around the Las Mercedes section of the city.

BTW, Carcas has some great restaurants with some damn tasty (criolla-indigenous) food!! Its easy to gain weight here.

FORD

Morrison's is THE high end place in Caracas, IMHO. By the way, I haven't been able to find Flash Dance, though I am friends with one of the owners, a really nice and reputable guy who says just to mention his name at the door. He said right across from Sambil, but I haven't been able to find it!

Be safe,

Be there

Thanks Ford,

from own experience i know places just like Isla M...(and you have the same places in DR and Brasil) they get BUSloads of turists seeking cheap (all-inn) hotels etc..etc Streetvendors/beggars all over the place (warning for this in cartagena Colombia;they are the worst i ever saw in my live!!!!!)
Most hookers you will find here are full pros. So i reckon the prices will go up accordingly.(even if you do speak spanish)
Besides that i HATE it to be a single guy in such all-in hotels were mommy and daddy take their kids...! To me they look more like a prison. I tried to take in girls in Dom.Rep...and Bulgaria...but i had to pay much more money to get the girl inside. Well...this pisses me off. And i don't feel like all the time going to some run down love motel were the cockroches are running on the floor...LOL.(you know what I mean)
So that is why I only rent appartments or girlfriendly hotels;-) The pousada idea in Brasil was great. here I had no problems at all to bring in girls.
Only major backdraw i can imagine on Caracas is that there is NO beach!!!!!!!!!!!:-(
But then again...there are plenty shopping malls instead;-)

regards,

johan.


[QUOTE=Ford]Hi Johan,

I know what you mean - asia girls do nothing for me either! It always amazed me how guys can get on those 23 hour flights 2/3 the way around the world just to go to Thailand or Malaysia or Indonesia. It sure isn't of any interest to me.

I planned to stay in Venezuela for 14 days but cut my trip short when I found Margarita Is not to be to my liking. Imo, if you spend 14 days in CCS you'll be going stir crazy! (too repetitive) Caracas is worth considering, but is probably about a comfortable 7 day/6 night destination.

Safety in CCS of course like anywhere is an issue but you'll be perfectly o.k. strolling around the Las Mercedes section of the city.

BTW, Carcas has some great restaurants with some damn tasty (criolla-indigenous) food!! Its easy to gain weight here.

FORD[/QUOTE]