What's

Post-August 2004 election analysis from Le Monde Diplomatique

Updates -- July 2003 --

-- Demonstrations
They continue in Caracas and its environs. Many of these turn violent when the pro- and anti-Chavez supporters meet, or when the National Guard and Metropolitan Police get involved.
These demonstrations are organised in advance, so read the local press (The Daily Journal, or a Venezuelan title) to get informed when you arrive. The demos will NOT affect if you steer clear of them.
There have also been some violent clashes in Maracaibo and San Cristobal (Tachira State). Again, be informed.
A referendum on Chavez' government is due to be held at some point this year, earliest date is August. Things will definitely hot up in the run up to this vote.

Exchange controls
The wise traveller will bring US cash (or even Euros) to Venezuela at the moment.
There is a strong black market since exchange controls were imposed in Feb. This is running at nearly 1,000 bolivares higher than the official rate. Eg beg of July 2003: Official = 1,600 Unofficial = 2,400.
Cash machines will only give you the official rate, as will Travellers cheques, unless you change them on the street, but it's much less than cash, cash, cash.
Don't change all your dollars at once. The rate is moving fast. Even 2 weeks will make a difference.

Prices
Lower than ever, especially if you're converting at 2,400+. Most flights are far cheaper than they were. Average taxi ride in Caracas is 3,000 Bs., so $1.25. Decent hotel (Ritz) in Plaza Venezuela is now 20,000 Bs, $8 unofficial. That's cheaper than ever people!

Caracas
Is more unsafe than ever. Please be careful. Sabana Grande after 8 pm is iffy. Stick to the Gran Cafe or Chacaito ends. Around Gran Cafe is fine till 10-11 -- try their cheese board, it's a bargain..!
There are lots of new, trendy bars in the Centro San Ignacio, in Chacao/La Castellana. Also a club at the Terraza level, called Loft. Many, many beautiful people... and good music. Kicks off at 12am. Drinks under $2!
New place in the basement of the Paseo de las Mercedes shopping center, with cafe, artsy cinema and great music store.
For going out, look out for the mags Urbe and Arrumbear.
Good, bargain CDs to be had at the artisans market, by the Ateneo/Museo de Arte Nacional, at the weekend.
Trip to the Teresa Carreno Theatre, with good seat: $5.
The British Council has a great internet cafe. It's on the third floor of the Torre Creditcard, Chacaito, one block to the north of the Chacaito square where the ranks of telephones, stray dogs, and taxis are.

Gran Sabana and Roraima
Very few foreign tourists to make groups. But local operators are desperate, so you can bargain hard and get results.
Look out for the great new map of Roraima by Emilio Perez. See www.lastrefuge.co.uk/tepuis for more.

El Pauji -- the 'creative-type' village in the back of beyond - which could just change your life!
Still going strong, just about. Places cheaper than ever. Do your shopping in Santa Elena and the Brazilian border. See www.elpauji.com for more.
Please see these sites for more information:

Celebrating the International Year of Fresh Water, the second annual EXPOECOTURISMO 2003 conference, exhibition and trade show, will be held in Ciudad Guayana - Bolivar State, Venezuela on October 30, 31 & November 1st. This is the first conference of its kind to be held in the center of an eco-designated territory. Ciudad Guayana is a short commuter flight from Caracas.

Venezuela is a diverse country that combines Caribbean, Amazonia and Andes regions, making it one of the most desirable destinations for eco-tourism anywhere in the world.

The three-day event is expected to showcase more than 75 businesses, NGO's, foundations, and government agencies while hosting more than 10,000 visitors and participants. Mr. Antonio Rojas Suárez, Governor of Bolivar State, will open the conference and Venezuela's Vice Minister of Tourism; Wilmar Castro Soltedo is once again expected to be present as will a number of senior government officials, delegates from the World Tourism Organization and other executive members of international ecotourism organizations.

EXPOECOTURISMO 2003 is designed to create an international awareness of the importance of ecotourism and other conservation initiatives for the sustainable development of Venezuela. The event is organized by Angel-Eco Tours based in New York/Caracas and Venezuelan companies Hékura Consultores, C.A. and MarkCom Eventos, C.A.

The conference will be held at the world-class Intercontinental Hotel, situated on the edge of Cachamay Park, directly opposite of the incredible Llovizna Falls.

EXPOECOTURISMO 2003 will once again display the numerous eco-tourism businesses and products that differentiate Venezuela from other South American countries. The exhibits offer companies the opportunity to display products, projects, services and their organizations while promoting Venezuela as an exceptional eco-tourism destination. Exhibitors will include, airlines, tour operators, eco-related international businesses, NGO's, lodges and posadas and Venezuelan government tourism offices from the various states throughout the country. The conference will also showcase the natural ecological wonders found in the 43 national parks of Venezuela and will feature a multitude of cultural activities including music and colorful folkloric dances.

Conference segments of EXPOECOTURISMO 2003 will focus on subjects such as the International Challenges of Eco-tourism; Innovative and Sustainable Development in the Rural Communities and Natural Areas; Strengthening and Expanding the Work of Social Responsibility and the vast array of current ecological programs throughout Venezuela, South and Central America.