We were wondering as since its so close and we hear there is a beautiful waterfall there.

A/M.. Between you & me I don't think Americans are really welcome there and my advice would be to avoid Venezuela like the plague. As far as I'm concerned, I REALLY don't want to be any closer to Hugo than on Bonaire!

I agree with Vince, not a place go right now.

Vince,
You said what I was about to type! That man is a whack job and being in Bonaire is already TOO close to him as it is.

I truly don't think we would be welcome nor would my government recommend me traveling there.

Ann, I agree with my friends above. However, to my knowledge, there are some very reputable tour companies in Caracas, that will arrange a tour of Angel Falls. We almost did it one year.

Ann, I did it several times but many years ago. Avensa use to fly from Bonaire to Venezuela. There are some really beautiful sights in Venezuela but I have to agree with what everyone else has already said..I'd avoid it like the plague right now. Even 15 years ago we were told unless directly asked by a person of authority do not reveal you are American.

We did it from Aruba 4 years ago. It is a beautiful and very busy country. We went on day day trip to Caracas. Had a great time. Got stared at , they knew we were Americans. We went to the Simon Bolivar boot camp and everyone had guns. They even checked our bus for stow-aways from time to time. Right now, we are glad we did it, but I do not think we will return

Ann, I'm thinking you're gonna be an interesting gal to be around! First, was the CPA for poker players, then can you bring a gun on island, now it's visiting Venezuela? LOL! You definitely aren't planning on a boring lifestyle!

And, Bill, check out her personal quote....I'm sold....

Many years ago I took my car on the ferry from Curacao to Venezuela and travelled by car through the Andes. A great experience.
Made it to Colombia, but was send back there by the police.
I did not have a visa :-) No hablo Español señor and a friendly Columbian boy saved me :-)

Is it wrong to want to be one of Bob Smits' kids? Or heck, I could just BE Bob Smits !

Bob, you have very, very lucky children to have so many cool life experiences.

a "hop" to Venezuela is not as easy as it seems ... my son and his family live in Venezuela near the Colombian border so i travel there frequently...you have to connect thru Curacao for a starter.. and can travel to Las Piedras,Valencia or Caracas. Usually the flights are full and you must book far in advance. there are very reputable tour companies and it is also possible to arrange a tour to Angel Falls ( you can only visit on tours) with the airline companies which I recommend. Angel Falls is fantastic and really not to miss since you are so close. I have NO problems traveling in Venezuela and Colombia .. i am a 60 plus widow, always traveling alone , blonde and speak limited Spanish and certainly look like and act like a gringo. Caracas can be iffy,if you go to Cental district but if en route to Angel falls on a tour you would stay near the airport and there are first class hotels in the area. Valencia is a beautiful resort area on the coast and very safe .. perhaps you could book via Valencia.you will certainly notice the presence of the La Guardia National.. actually the soldiers have been very friendly and helpful (and most speak English)I think Mr. Chavez has Americans bullied at which he is a master .. my experiences which are several visits per year have been just fine. don't believe everything you hear. I say go for it...

Much civil unrest in Venezuela. I have a friend who is a pharmaceutical rep, and when they travel to Caracas, they are provided with an armed escort.
I'd rather see the evening lights from Bonaire.

@ Kelly
Our kids are infected by the travel bug too.
Went to Finland on a home exchange last year with side trips to St.Petersburg and Tallin.
Great trip.

I will make a trip report this summer of our travels to Vancouver and Tanzania.
Even my 35 year old daughter still wants to accompany us on many trips :-)

I hope to be in Bonaire in 2011 again :-)

(Message edited by bpsmits on February 17, 2010)

I would listen to the US State Dept warnings and sorry but not this time Petrie. I know we are friends but your advice is irresponsible and I know to many horror stories of muggings at the airport and adjacent areas.

Ann, the State Department has a very extensive page dedicated to Venezuela here...
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1059.html

Mr. Bill....you are too funny. The funny thing is when I saw your post about me and that I might be interesting, I was at Mardi Gras in New Orleans. I guess I'm a different kind of CPA!!!

LOL! Yep, call 'em like I "see" 'em! Hope you're having fun! Just vacated the premise "next door" to your wonderful new abode! Great view, great dives, great service!

Hopefully next time you will rent ours!!!

Too bad, it looks like they have some beautiful places to visit. Google Los Roques and La Orchila. "So close but yet so far " as "you can't get there from here"