VENEZUELA INFO SHEET
Toucan Birding Tours Jan 2008.
Capital City: Caracas (pop. 5m).
Area: 916,445 sq km - 353,839 sq miles
Population: 26,000,000
Time Zone: GMT -4
Languages: Spanish (official). Spanish is the official language, but more than 30 Amerindian languages still survive, predominantly belonging to the Arawak, Cariban & Chibcha ethnolinguistic categories
Religion: Roman Catholic (96%), Protestant
Currency: Venezuelan Bolívar (Bs). We recommend that participants bring US Dollar traveller’s cheques or currency and change some to local currency on arrival at the airport. US Dollars are generally not accepted at hotels so we advise participants to change sufficient amounts on arrival in Venezuela.
Electricity: 120V 60HzHz
Visa Requirements: US nationals, Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, UK nationals, South Africans and most western and Scandinavian Europeans do not require a visa if they fly directly to Venezuela. All foreigners entering Venezuela by land require a valid visa; get one before you leave for South America.
Climate: The dry season from December to April is the best time to hang out on the coast and soak up the rays. While temperatures can get a bit fevered, peaking around 32°C (89°F) during the day, there is decent sunshine and insignificant rainfall. For the rest of the year temperatures are just a pinch hotter, especially between June and September, and rainfall peaks around October. Moving inland, temperatures are a fair bit cooler but still with little seasonal change, averaging highs between 24-27°C (75-80°F). While the wet season is still the same inland, rainfall is more frequent throughout the year. In the southern plateau region of Venezuela the temperature climbs again, however the hottest months are now February and March and it is wet for most of the year with slightly drier periods in September and October and between January and March.
Vaccinations
See www.masta.org for up-to-date health advice for travellers
Insects: Insect repellent recommended, preferably not in a spray can (not good for use in group conditions). However so far in many years of travelling here we have not experienced any mosquito-infested areas.
Clothing: Drab-coloured, lightweight clothing is best for most trips to Venezuela but a jacket or light fleece is useful for some sites (Upper Escalera and maybe Caripe) as unexpected cold spells can occur. Collapsible umbrella is very handy as an alternative to a poncho. Walking boots can be used at most localities but we recommend that participants bring wellingtons as some trails can become muddy.
Security: All personal possessions such as cameras, film, binoculars, etc should be secure when not in use. For personal security, always remain together as a group - do not wander off on your own. Do not present opportunities for theft. Please make sure your passport and tickets are carried on your person and not in a bag or case.
Charging Batteries: All hotels have electricity so please bring your adaptors to charge batteries for cameras, etc.
Suggested Reading: Birds of Venezuela by Steven L. Hilty (Helm Field Guides).
The above may be used in the field.
For research at home: Ridgely, R. S. & Tudor, G. Birds of South America Vols 1 & 2. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1989/1994.
SUGGESTED PACKING LIST
- Binoculars & Telescope
- Daypack.
- Shorts (optional).
- Long sleeved cotton shirts.
- Walking boots / shoes.
- Rubber boots.
- Light fleece jacket.
- Sweater.
- Rain poncho or waterproof jacket and trousers.
- Collapsible umbrella.
- Hat for sun protection - sombre colours please.
- Personal toiletries.
- Insect repellent – roll-on better than spray (please do not spray in the bus!)
- High factor sunscreen.
- Lip balm.
- Sunglasses.
- Personal medication.
- Torch, spare bulb and batteries.
- Penknife.
- Camera.
- Bin bags for dirty washing etc.
- Water bottle.
- Malaria tablets.
Please remember not to put any penknives, etc. in your hand luggage prior to your flights.
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