Situated on the east coast of South America with shoreline on both the North Atlantic and the Caribbean, Venezuela is a Spanish-speaking country known for spectacular scenery and adventure.

Spanish, African, and numerous indigenous cultures blend in Venezuela creating a rich, diverse people who speak many languages, most of them indigenous dialects, and a cuisine unique to the locally available foods combined with European and African influences. Stuffed corn tortillas called arepas are the quintessential Venezuelan dish. Corn is a staple food and finds its way into many dishes including corn pancakes. Venezuela is also known for its chocolate production as cacao beans are abundant.

Venezuela, however fascinating, is also a place where vigilance is required when traveling. Venezuela has a high crime rate and is a major transit country for cocaine and heroin as well as a source of coca and opium poppy.

The topography of Venezuela varies greatly throughout the country as it encompasses a portion of Andes mountain range, Amazon Basin rainforest, a lengthy Caribbean coast, Orinoco River Delta, and miles upon miles of plains. The varied topography and tropical climate allow for Venezuela’s high rate of biodiversity. You can spot Amazon river dolphins, Giant Anteaters, jaguars, and many more species throughout the country. Plant diversity is high as well and includes over 25,000 species of orchids.

Angel Falls, the world’s tallest waterfall, is located in the Gran Sabana region of Venezuela is one of the most popular natural attractions in the country and is one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. The trip to the 3,200-foot falls is an adventure of its own. The falls are located in deep in the jungle and are accessed at the base by riverboat trips from Canaima camp.

Venezuela has a high crime rate for both petty and violent crime. In fact, Venezuela has the highest per capita murder rate on the planet. Most murders go unsolved. Travelers, however, are more likely to be victims of theft, which includes armed robbery. It is advisable to give thieves what they ask for and to do so quickly as many will turn violent if you resist, but will let you go if you cooperate. Many thieves travel in gangs, will attack in broad daylight in crowded places, and will target tourists. It is not safe to walk in most places at night, especially in Caracas or on the outskirts of any city. Pickpockets are common in crowded areas.

Several types of kidnapping also occur frequently here. In addition to traditional kidnappings for ransom, virtual kidnappings and express kidnappings are becoming more frequent. Express kidnappings are a form of armed robbery in which the victim is taken away, robbed or otherwise used, and then released. Virtual kidnappings are often committed against children, but do not involve actually kidnapping the child; in this instance, kidnappers obtain information about a child then call their families asking for ransom.

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