Venezuela is a country of extraordinary natural richness and profound human difficulty. It sits on the northern coast of South America, bordering Colombia to the west, Brazil to the south, and Guyana to the east, with a Caribbean coastline and over 70 offshore islands. The terrain runs from the Andes in the west through the vast Orinoco plains to ancient tepui highlands in the southeast and tropical delta in the east.
The natural highlights are stunning by any measure: Angel Falls — the world's highest waterfall — plunges off the face of Auyán-tepui in Canaima National Park. The Los Roques archipelago offers some of the Caribbean's best coral and clearest water. The Gran Sabana plateau is geologically among the oldest landscapes on earth. The Orinoco delta and the llanos grasslands hold extraordinary concentrations of wildlife. Venezuela has recorded over 1,400 bird species.
This is a country undergoing a severe crisis. Since around 2013, economic collapse, hyperinflation, shortages of food and medicine, and political repression have caused an estimated 7–8 million Venezuelans to leave — one of the largest migration crises in the Western Hemisphere. Infrastructure has deteriorated sharply. Crime, particularly in Caracas and other major cities, is among the worst in the world. The US, UK, and other governments advise against travel or urge extreme caution.
None of this erases what Venezuela has to offer. Travelers who prepare carefully, use reputable guides and operators, and exercise appropriate caution visit and have remarkable experiences. The country has an open, warm population who take pride in showing what remains of their country's beauty. But it is not a destination to approach casually or without preparation.
The capital Caracas is a high-risk city that most visitors pass through quickly. Mérida in the Andes is considered significantly safer and is the base for the cable car and adventure activities. Margarita Island remains the most developed tourist destination. Ciudad Bolívar is the gateway to Angel Falls and the Gran Sabana.
