Iglesia de San Francisco, Caracas, Venezuela

Advantages: cheap, access to river Orinoco
Disadvantages: can be unsafe

...Ciudad Guayana is in fact 2 cities: Puerto Ordaz and San Félix. They are on the banks of the Orinoco (the longest river in South America). For visitors beware! San Félix has the highest murder rate per head in the whole of Venezuela (more than Caracas, which is always heralded as a safety blackspot). So I would advise you don't linger long in that area. Pto. Ordaz is safe and clean in comparison. The "Llovizna" is worth a trip. This is a natural park on the outskirts of Pto. Ordaz (possibly bus connections, we took a taxi). Due to a dam construction, water rushes down into the river at a tremendous speed and creates a lot of spray and mist. It is impossible not to get wet when taking pictures! Watch out for small, brightly coloured frogs which come out when it rains (but be careful I think they are poisonous to the touch - maybe... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

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

...Zone. They have a remarkable historical value and it is worth to seeing them (Bolivar Square, National Assembly, Cathedral, San Francisco Church, Santa Capilla, Bolivar House, all of them plenty of artworks inside). Be Careful. In contrast, East Zone of the city is safer and enjoyable. People are extremely warm. Although you could notice that they are afraid of strangers, because of criminality, if you talk with them, you’ll see its kindness. Traffic usually is terrible. We count on modern highways, but the number of vehicles overpass normal capacity of the streets. Avoid use of jewels and rings. Hide your money and camera in a safe place. AVOID METRO SYSTEM. It is unsafe because of crime. TAXIS are good solution to go somewhere. The Museums Zone (Gallery of National Art, Museum of Contemporary Art Sofía Imber MACCSI, Teresa Carreño... Read review

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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