Venezuela is a country blessed with diverse and stunning natural landscapes. From the majestic Angel Falls, the world’s highest waterfall, to the pristine beaches of Isla Margarita and the stunning peaks of the Andes Mountains, there is no …
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backpacking South America
Venezuela
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Backpacking Venezuela in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Venezuela with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Venezuela
Embark on an adventure in Venezuela, where diverse landscapes and cultural richness await the intrepid backpacker. Pros? Immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of Angel Falls, the world's highest waterfall, and the unique blend of Caribbean and South American cultures. Affordability makes it budget-friendly. However, economic challenges and occasional safety concerns can be drawbacks. For the bold backpacker seeking natural wonders off the beaten path, Venezuela offers unparalleled biodiversity and the chance to explore untamed landscapes, making it a distinctive choice for those craving an authentic and adventurous South American journey.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Venezuela
Scenery
Uniqueness
Exploring Venezuela is a unique and off the beaten track experience due to its incredible natural beauty and diverse landscapes. From the stunning Angel Falls, the world’s highest waterfall, to the otherworldly landscapes of the Llanos and the …
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Mountains
The Andes Mountains in Venezuela are great to explore because of their stunning natural beauty and diverse ecosystems. The highest peak in Venezuela, Pico Bolivar, is located in the Andes and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. …
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Beach life
Venezuela is great for beach life and snorkeling because of its stunning coastline and crystal-clear waters. The country boasts a variety of beautiful beaches, from secluded coves to lively resort areas, offering something for every beachgoer. The …
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Cheap
The average costs for backpacking in Venezuela can vary depending on the traveler’s preferences and travel style. On average, budget travelers can expect to spend around $20-30 per day for accommodation in hostels or budget hotels. Meals at local …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Venezuela
- Angel Falls: Visit the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall, located in Canaima National Park. Its breathtaking beauty and surrounding lush rainforest make it a must-see natural wonder.
- Los Roques Archipelago: Discover this stunning Caribbean paradise, consisting of over 300 islands and cays. Enjoy pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling and diving.
- Mount Roraima: Embark on an unforgettable trek to the tabletop mountain, which inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s ”The Lost World.” Explore unique landscapes, ancient rock formations, and encounter endemic flora and fauna.
- Merida Cable Car: Take a ride on the world’s longest and highest cable car system, offering breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains. Enjoy hiking, paragliding, and skiing in the surrounding Sierra Nevada National Park.
- Orinoco Delta: Explore the vast river delta, home to indigenous communities and rich biodiversity. Cruise through the maze-like channels, spot unique wildlife like pink river dolphins, and experience the local culture and traditions.
But Venezuela offers more...
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Venezuela
The best time to visit Venezuela for backpacking is during the dry season, which typically runs from December to April. This is when the weather is most pleasant, with less rainfall and lower humidity. During this time, you can explore the stunning landscapes, hike through national parks, and enjoy outdoor activities comfortably.
Risk level: high (100%)Safety advice for Venezuela
- There's a risk of ongoing demonstrations and civil unrest, particularly following the recent presidential election. Venezuela's political situation is volatile. Avoid protests and large gatherings as they may turn violent.
- Common violent crime includes murder, armed robbery, drive-by shootings, sexual assault and carjackings. Criminals are often armed. Avoid walking in isolated areas, especially at night. Terrorist groups and criminal gangs are active along Venezuela's borders with Colombia, Brazil and Guyana.
- Kidnapping is a serious threat. The risk is higher along airport routes and in border regions. Only use official taxis organised through your hotel. Avoid kidnapping hotspots.
- Shortages of basic goods can result in long line-ups at stores. This can lead to fighting, looting and theft. Be ready to change travel plans. Keep extra supplies of food, water, medicines and other necessities.
- Severe weather, earthquakes, hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding and landslides can occur. The rainy season is from May to December. Monitor local media and the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System for updates.
- If you're in Venezuela, you should consider leaving by commercial means if it's safe to do so. If despite our advice you remain in Venezuela, stay alert, keep stocks of essential supplies and be ready to leave at short notice.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
source: www.gov.uk
VenezuelaMy tips to get you on the way!Does Venezuela sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Venezuela. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Venezuela may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Venezuela. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Venezuela may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Venezuela, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Venezuela, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 28 September 2024