Hacienda Aguamiel, Caracas

Advantages: beautiful historic inn at a reasonable price
Disadvantages: the beach is 40 minutes away

...I have stayed at this wonderful hacienda inn twice, in March 2005 and March 2006. And I am going back again in January 2008. It just gets better each time. What I like most about the 400-year-old restored hacienda are the lovely grounds, staying in a pretty room just a few steps from the large pool, the hospitailty of the owners, and the wonderful breakfast (included) on the large covered terrace each morning: fresh orange juice, fruit, eggs anyway you like them, ham, bacon, etc. This is a charming, peaceful place, where you can spend hours by the pool and listen to all the birds, or head into Merida, which is just 10 minutes away by taxi ($6) or 20 minutes by bus (a few cents). The hosts go out of their way to make families comfortable, with toys and activities for the kids, and there also are very pretty private suites where you... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Good night life
Disadvantages: Dangerous

...The Caraqueños like to think that Caracas IS Venezuela and to a certain extent, if one is seeking the trappings of modern days living, they may be right. However, if you are seeking to touch base with Latin American culture, you should avoid the capital completely. The city has grown hugely in what would have been a delightful position, high in a valley and enjoys a good all year round climate, but it's heavily congested, highly polluted and in recent years extremely dangerous. Foreigners tend to stick out like the proverbial 'sore thumb' so you'd do well to travel in groups avoiding any ostentation of wealth. As the city is very modern, there are loads of restaurants and cafes, but little else in terms of culture.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Avila Mountain, Gastronomy, Latin Flavor
Disadvantages: Crime, Unsafe.

...I’ve been reading some opinions on Caracas. Since I was born there, I hope you can find my opinion a little bit helpful. You have to analyse Caracas by traveling and experiencing the city. You'll find a very hidden beauty. When you arrive to Simon Bolivar Airport and take the highway to Caracas, you’ll see an enormous belt of shanty towns (poor districts). At first, it seems to be shocking and depressing. Once in the city, you discover that Caracas is located in a wonderful place: the skirts of Avila Mountain, a beautiful national park that separates Caracas from Caribbean Sea. A sunny day, at dusk , you’ll find delightful the green and blue shades of the mountain. It is essential for you to take the cableway that leads to the top of the mountain (Humboldt Station 9000 ft. above sea level) . Now, watch the landscape: on one hand... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful