President Nicolás Maduro, the leader of Venezuela, had been captured by the US military during a covert operation in the middle of the night.

Maduro was on a military flight to face justice in the US and Venezuela was now free at last.

Or so we thought…

The reality of the situation quickly kicked in.

While Maduro being removed from power was a huge step in the right direction for the country, the aftermath wasn’t going to be so simple.

There was a power vacuum left to fill. Who would step in and take charge of the country? How would the transition period work?

Just a long list of questions that needed answers.

No one knew how things would play out or how long it would take. In fact, if we’re being honest, we still don’t.

However, clarity seems to be coming sooner than later.

Recently, we’ve seen a string of positive developments and changes that have @Andresevd and myself very excited about what’s to come. The future is bright in Venezuela.

P.S: If you’re currently “monitoring the situation” in Venezuela, make sure to join our Telegram group for daily updates.

Recent Changes

There’s still much to be resolved in Venezuela, but the recent developments have us feeling optimistic that things will open up here soon.

Here’s some of the changes we’re excited about:

1. Political Stability and Status Quo

One of the primary reasons behind Operation Absolute Resolve by the USA was the presence of geopolitical adversaries in Venezuela, often referred to as the "Legion of Doom" —> Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba.

However, following this operation, Venezuela is re-establishing its historically close ties with the U.S., creating new opportunities for citizens from the West, particularly American citizens, in the country in the near future.

This newfound stability is exactly what we wanted, as real estate investment options potentially start to open up.

2. Economic Recovery…Incoming

Venezuela's economy has struggled for over fifteen years, experiencing an 80% collapse in GDP.

This collapses transformed Venezuela from one of the highest GDP per capita countries in Latin America —> to one of the lowest.

Most of these challenges stem from self-inflicted issues and artificial limitations (such as currency exchange controls). Since a large portion of the economic decline was self-created, the rebuilding process is expected to be swift.

Venezuela has the potential to be a half-trillion-dollar economy, with a current valuation around 120 billion. If everything plays out how we’d like, Venezuela could be setup to see consecutive years of double-digit GDP growth in the near future.

3. Oil Industry Investments = Trickle Down

The state of Venezuela's economy is closely tied to its oil sector, which houses the largest oil reserves globally (nearly 20% of the world's reserves).

After witnessing a 67% drop in oil production over the year, mainly due to socialism and corruption, the country is currently seeing significant investments from multinational oil corporations, especially from the USA.

Historically, oil revenues have played a crucial role in revitalizing the broader economy.

We believe as the oil sector in Venezuela opens up again, this will boost the overall economy of the country and “trickle down” to many Venezuela citizens of all social classes.

4. Safety For US Citizens as Embassy Opens

A few years ago, this may have not been the case, but by Latin American standards, Venezuela is relatively safe these days.

The unpredictability of the government and authorities can certainly still pose challenges. However, with the current changes being implemented, this is one of the key improvements we’re seeing in the country.

For American citizens, a significant concern was the inactivity of a formal embassy. Now, the USA consulate is operational after years of absence, with Laura Dogu appointed as the head of the mission.

Some believe she parallels General MacArthur's influence in Japan post-WWII. This consulate presence enhances overall safety for U.S. citizens in Venezuela —> signficantly!

5. International Air Routes Reopening En Masse

Venezuela faced significant air travel restrictions due to its political climate over the years. This is changing, as many previously canceled routes are now being reinstated, with a major breakthrough being the re-establishment of air connections between U.S. cities, likely targeting Miami.

Here’s some of the places that will now have direct flights to Venezuela:

• Panama → Panama City (Copa)

• Colombia → Bogotá (Avianca, LATAM, Wingo), Medellín (Wingo)

• Spain → Madrid (Air Europa, Plus Ultra, Laser, Iberia), Tenerife (Plus Ultra)

• Turkey → Istanbul (Turkish Airlines)

• Brazil → São Paulo (GOL, Rutaca)

• Portugal → Lisbon (TAP)

• United States → Miami (American Airlines — pending approval)

6. Real Estate Prices Up…

Now for some “bad” news…

Many abroad assume the situation in Venezuela is dire financially, but that is not the reality as of today.

The real estate market throughout the country bottomed out in late 2018, and has shown consistent growth since then.

Following the events of January 3, prices have risen between 20-100% depending on the market.

That being said, we could very well still be early. There will be a “goldilocks zone” with the Venezuela real estate market at some point in time…once the market is fully opened up.

We will be ready to pounce when that happens.

Investment Viability

Venezuela is entering a phase of reconstruction, with numerous industries and institutions throughout the country needing substantial upgrades.

Obviously, this will present opportunities. The key thing to keep in mind is this…

Treating Venezuela like other countries in Latin America, with regards to investing, could be a fundamental error.

Here’s an example, an idea:

Beach properties bought in Latin America 10+ years ago have seen significant gains. Places in Costa Rica, Punta del Este in Uruguay, and maybe the biggest winner —> Los Cabos, Mexico. And let’s not forget Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

So when I began doing my research on real estate markets in Venezuela, I started my search in the beach towns and cities.

And I ran my research by @Andresevd to get his “boots on the ground” feedback. He quickly changed my thought process. Due to the sheer size of the oil industry in Venezuela, his take was that industrial cities in the country could be better investment markets.

While beach spots like Isla Margarita will certainly be options (personally curious about investing here), so will places like:

• Caracas (obviously…)

• Lecheria

• Valencia

• Maracay

• Maracaibo

• Ciudad Guayana

Overall, real estate stands out as an obvious investment opportunity in Venezuela, but it requires a solid understanding of the market, as well as the necessary liquidity.

Is it currently viable?

Technically, yes…with a caveat.

You’ll need some type of visa/residency in the country to invest as of right now. There’s a few workarounds, but they pose bureaucratic nightmares.

And getting that visa? It’s not exactly simple. More intel on that below…

Visa/Residency Options

We believe this will change here soon, but this is the reality of visa and residency options in Venezuela as of today:

Applications will be judged differently on a case-by-case basis.

The “differently” in that equation can be based on your nationality, the consulate location applying at, a political mandate from “upstairs” to allow certain types of people to get a visa, and even discretionary criteria from the officer you’re applying with.

In practices, there’s a number arbitrary procedures on the back end to allow foreigners to actually get visas in Venezuela. But we can’t share how that works publicly as of now, mainly because it changes weekly.

If you’re serious about getting started, reply to this email.

For now, here’s some of the visa and residency options that are technically available.

For individuals looking to buy real estate, you’ll most likely start with the first option here:

Read more

As is the case with many capital cities, it doesn’t have the best reputation among either locals or foreigners. 

That said, Caracas is also a dynamic, exciting metropolis with a rich history that is reflected in its many streets and avenues.

The Caracas of today remains a vibrant city with a strong cultural identity that many travelers are sure to find captivating.

Thanks to its abundance of activities, quality education and relatively cheap cost of living, the capital of Venezuela could be an excellent option for a LatAm traveler. 

But it’s important to know where to stay.

Altamira and Chacao — the east side of the city — are the most privileged areas of Caracas. Here you’ll find a wide range of hotels with exclusive services. You’ll also find plenty of options for shopping, culture, entertainment, nature, and nightlife.

As you likely know, there are many concerns about Caracas, mainly regarding safety.

Here in our guide, we will answer all the questions you may have and show you how to stay safe and have fun!

Editor’s Note: This is a guest post from a Venezuelan man who has worked in the import/export industry in Venezuela for years, speaks great English, and has been around the whole country.

Caracas, Venezuela 🇻🇪

Population:

About 3.5 million inhabitants

Weather:

Due to its high-altitude, the climate of Caracas is tropical, with mild and stable temperatures year-round. It has a dry and a wet season. The climate is temperate with an average annual temperature of 22°C (72°F).

Overall…

The weather in Caracas is absolutely PERFECT!

The average temperature of its coldest month (January) is 21.6°C (71°F), and the average temperature of its warmest month (May) is 25.2°C (77°F). 

Some quick facts about the city’s geography:

Caracas is in the north of the country in the valley of the Guaire River at the foot of the Coastal Range, beyond which lies the Caribbean Sea.

The highest mountain in the range is Pico Naiguatá, at 2,765 meters. The city’s closest peak is Mount El Ávila, from which the national park that protects this mountainous area takes its name. Coastal cities nearby Caracas include Maiquetía – where the Simón Bolívar International Airport is located – as well as Caraballeda.

What is Caracas Famous For?

Caracas is known for its gastronomy, which has been influenced by waves of immigration over the years.

It also has several museums, theaters, and parks for an international tourist to enjoy and soak up some culture.

The waves of immigrants resulted in miscegenation between Europeans, American Indians, and Blacks…

Some claim this is what blessed our country with the most beautiful women in the world, many of whom can be found in Caracas. 

If you note the list of the winners of the famous Miss Venezuela pageant for instance, you’ll find a multitude of uncommon surnames, considering we’re a South American country.

Caraqueños — aka people of Caracas — from the east, are characterized by their kindness and hospitality, which make foreigners feel at home. In general, the people are kind, collaborative, and usually well educated. Good humor and cheerful personalities are common traits and people maintain this approach to life despite whatever difficulties they may be facing.

Currently, the economic situation of the country is complicated. The cost of living has risen steeply and rapidly, and it doesn’t align with the low local wages. That said, you can get cheap goods if you know where to look. 

Essentially, with $2000/month here, you’re living well. We’ll dive into more details on this when we get into cost of living later in the article.

How to Get to Caracas

Likely, you’re going to be arriving here by air. Let’s break down what that might look like…

What airlines fly to Caracas?

The main international airlines that offer flights to Caracas are Iberia, Air Europa, Copa Airlines, and Turkish Airlines — there are a few others as well.

Our national airlines include: Avior, Laser, La Venezolana, Estelar, Turpial and Conviasa.

The Simón Bolívar de Maiquetía International Airport is the main airport serving the metropolitan area of Caracas and the State of La Guaira. It is located about 40 minutes from Caracas.

From the Maiquetía airport, flights are currently offered to 15 cities in 12 countries on 3 continents: Mexico, Cuba, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Bolivia, Colombia, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Russia, and Iran.

To get to the city center from the Caracas Airport, you can take the bus service that runs between 05:00 and 22:00. This departs from the airport terminals and makes stops in most of the central areas of the city. 

IMPORTANT…

The airport taxi service provides a 24-hour service and is the most comfortable and safe means of transportation.

Use ‘Flights From’ for more information about flights to and from Caracas.

Best Neighborhoods in Caracas, Venezuela

Crime can be an issue in Caracas.

Let’s repeat that one…

Crime can be an issue in Caracas — a BIG one.

The good news is that you can massively reduce your risk by avoiding certain areas of the city.

What is the best residential area in Caracas?

Read more

Margarita is the largest island in Venezuela — 950 square kilometers or 590 square miles — and is also the most popular tourism destination in the country. Hundreds of thousands visit the island each year and it remains a sought-after vacation spot for international tourists.

You could say that Margarita is the “Cancun of Venezuela” in some ways.

It’s a place that is dependent on tourism, and therefore it makes every effort to accommodate tourists, whether they’re coming from the US or anywhere else.

The island has a handful of sites and scenes. If you’re seeking a summer refuge with many beaches, this is the best place for you in Venezuela.

Editor’s Note: This is a guest post from a Venezuelan man who has worked in the import/export industry in Venezuela for years, speaks great English, and has been around the whole country.

Margarita Island, Venezuela 🇻🇪

Population:

600,000

Weather:

The weather in Margarita is HOT.

We’re looking at high summer temperatures every single day.

Unsurprisingly, the weather on the island is perfect for the beach, pool parties, tanning and all other water-related activities. Every establishment on the island is equipped with air conditioning (all malls, shops, hotels, restaurants, and apartments). If you can tolerate a little bit of warm weather, you will be fine here. However, if you prefer to experience all four distinct seasons, this destination won’t be ideal.

There is a rainy season that lasts for a few months of the year. That said, it still doesn’t rain much here compared to the rest of the country.

Why Visit Isla Margarita?

As the most popular tourism destination in Venezuela, Margarita has many options and amenities for both domestic and international travelers.

The main activities are, of course, related to the beaches. The island has around 100 beaches and over 300 kilometers of coastline, so you’ll find the same activities here as you’ll find in any other of the world’s popular beach cities.

The people of Margarita are cordial and welcoming and offer good customer service; any modern convenience or service you’ll need can be found on the island.

The food is impressive, notably its seafood. One must-try dish is cazon (shark) empanadas with garlic sauce. You’ll find this at many stands throughout the island. Also, you’ll want to try the fried fish. If seafood isn’t your thing, no worries – you’ll also find restaurants with food from all around the world here in Margarita.

Also, if you’re looking to mingle with people from a variety of other countries, Margarita might be the best place in Venezuela to do so.

Oh, and there’s also your fair share of Venezuelan women found here too…ya tu sabes ;)

How to Get to Margarita 🇻🇪

Margarita is one of the easiest places to get to in Venezuela, especially if you’re coming from another Venezuelan city.

There are direct and frequent flights to Margarita from every major city in the country.

In the past, several international destinations offered flights to the island. However, those flights have since been canceled. There are plans to reintroduce new international flights from Brazil, Colombia, and Spain, and there are charter flights from Russia. 

Here’s the current cities you can fly to the Porlamar Airport from.

Also, if you want to bring your car from mainland Venezuela, you can do so using a ferry service. These services operate from Puerto la Cruz, Guanta, Cumana and La Guaira, and arrive to Punta de Piedras on the western side of the island. The cost of a one-way ticket is around $20-$30 per passenger and around $80-$100 per vehicle.

Overall…

You basically need to be in Venezuela already to get here.

Best Neighborhoods

First, we’ll explain Margarita’s geography — and then you can decide which neighborhood might suit you best.

Margarita is in the state of Nueva Esparta, which consists of three islands — Margarita, Coche and Cubagua.

The other two islands are small and don’t offer as many attractions, although some niche tourists prefer to stay there. 

The state is divided into 11 municipios (counties) which have many small cities. 

Some of these cities include: 

• La Asuncion (capital of the state)

• Porlamar

• Pampatar

• Juan Griego

• Punta de Piedras

• Punta de Mangle

• El Valle

• San Juan Bautista

• Santa Ana

Read more

That’s what Venezuelans say when they’re visiting this city.

While the entire metropolitan area of the northern part of Anzoategui state is loosely called Puerto la Cruz, this is not entirely accurate. The metro area is comprised of four different cities:

• Puerto la Cruz

• Lecheria

• Barcelona

• Guanta

Each city has its own dynamic and vibe. Here’s a quick breakdown of each of these four cities:

Puerto la Cruz 

Population: 306,000

Puerto la Cruz is the most famous city in this region. It’s close to the beach, and its main landmark is Paseo Colon (Colon Dr.), which is a beautiful boardwalk by the sea. It’s a middle-class area, mostly populated by small business owners. This city is full of small shops and businesses.

Lecheria 

Population: 78,000

This is the most beautiful city in Venezuela, as well as my hometown — so yes! I am biased.

It is a small city surrounded by beaches and water canals, like Venice. The city is young, with an average age of only 31 years, and it was built on salt flats using artificial islands.

For this reason, some say that Lecheria is the '“Dubai of Venezuela” in some ways. The city is surrounded by boats and high-end properties. Residents are comprised mostly of middle class and many wealthy individuals.

Barcelona 

Population: 421,000

Barcelona is the capital and most populated city of the state of Anzoategui. It has many businesses, offices, and residential complexes, and serves as an important logistic hub for the region.

Although it has the least touristic appeal of any city on the list, it is nevertheless the most economically important. Residents range from middle-upper class to people living in slums.

Guanta 

Population: 74,000

Guanta is located next to Puerto la Cruz and is considered one of the most important ports of the country. Due to its location by the Caribbean Sea, the city has many beaches nearby.

Although a little underdeveloped, the city is very picturesque.

**Guest post by esteemed Venezuelan scholar: Andres Villarroel

Weather

The region has a tropical climate. It’s warm during the daytime, with temperatures ranging from about 77F to 95F (mid 20s to mid 30s Celsius). Nights can be cooler and windy.

The dry season is from December to April and the rainy season is from May to September.

The city has sunshine every single day, so it feels like summer all year round. If you are worried about the heat, don’t be – every facility is equipped with A/C.

Climate data for Barcelona, Venezuela 🇻🇪

Why Visit?

This area is a major tourism hub in Venezuela with many beaches and amenities. It offers a host of activities, from taking a walk on Paseo Colon, to navigating the canals of Lecheria. 

Any hobby or activity that you enjoy, you will find here. It doesn’t matter if you’re a day or night person, if you’re hard working or laid back, prefer beaches or mountains, you will find something to do here that’s to your liking.

And if you’re a fan of the sea, you’ll find every possible related activity: beaches, sailing, surfing, diving, seafood, you name it. This area is a dream come true for any ocean enthusiast.

This area is also quite safe for Venezuela standards.

And of course, you’ll find many beautiful Venezuelan women here.

How to Get to El Puerto?

The main airport is in Barcelona, and it only offers one direct international flight right now (to Panama City). The city used to offer direct flights to Miami, Lima, Manaus, and Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic). 

The good news? 

It’s likely that in the next months or year(s) new international routes will be introduced.

Considering this, the best way to get to the city is through the Maiquetia Airport in Caracas. The Caracas airport receives several international flights and the flight from Caracas to Barcelona takes only 40 minutes.

More info here.

If you are coming from Margarita Island, you can take one of the many ferries that go to Puerto la Cruz.

Where to Stay + Best Neighborhoods

If you are a foreigner and this is your first time to the city, I strongly suggest staying in Lecheria — we will do a breakdown of the whole area.

I’ll also mention that, if you don’t want to stay in a hotel, I recommend renting a property in a nice residential complex. Many of these complexes serve as city landmarks, and, in some cases, can be cheaper than staying in a high-end hotel.

Here are some of the options I recommend.

Pueblo Viejo

This is a residential complex built on artificial islands. Inspired by Greek Mediterranean aesthetics, it resembles Santorini or Mykonos. It is surrounded by canals, a Marina, and a golf course.

Playa Lido

This is one of the main beaches in the city. It has water sports and is a great choice if you want a walkable area. It’s also close to many places of interest.

Playa Mansa

This is another major beach in Lecheria. It also has a walkable area, a beautiful boardwalk, and is close to many restaurants.

Cerro El Morro

This likely offers the best view of the city. It’s a hill surrounded by the sea. The area is divided into the lower part of the hill and the higher part; the most expensive area is the lower part, but the higher part will also do just fine! The only caveat of this location is that there tends to be problems with the water supply.

Do your best to ensure that your lodging of choice is equipped to endure water shortages — the most expensive places are adequately equipped.

Caribbean Mall

The area surrounding the mall boasts fancy restaurants, hotels, residential complexes, as well as its own beach.

Las Villas

This is the Beverly Hills of Lecheria. It’s one of the best neighborhoods in Venezuela and probably all Latin America.

It’s a complex of large and luxurious mansions that rival celebrities’ houses! Folks that stay here have access to sailing waters, and the owners of the houses will typically own yachts as well. These houses can cost anywhere between several hundreds of thousands of dollars to several million. If you can afford it, you can rent a house for $1,000 per day or several thousand per month.

Casas Bote

This is a high-end neighborhood with phenomenal houses that have access to the canal. If you’re on a mid-range budget, instead of paying for a hotel, you can rent one of these houses for a little over $100 per day. Usually, these houses will have a BBQ area and their own swimming pools. 

Puerto la Cruz

Paseo Colon has a beautiful view of the beach, it’s close to restaurants and amenities, and it’s walkable during daytime. San Jorge’s Church is a decent area with nice complexes and is a hub for Middle Eastern descendants; Prolongacion Paseo Colon is not the best area, but if you like the Marina aesthetics, it’s a beautiful place to stay.

Barcelona

Here you’ll find a lesser-developed zone of the metro area. If you want to stay in Barcelona, I recommend you stay in El Ingenio, a middle-class neighborhood in Nueva Barcelona. It’s on the outskirts of Barcelona and has some newer residential complexes that are decent, as well as a few hotels to choose from that are close to the airport.

Hotels

Punta Palma: This is located on Cerro El Morro. It has nice beach views and solid amenities.

Eurobuilding: This is a brand-new hotel on Cerro El Morro. It is a high-end hotel branch, so you can expect top level services.

Maremares: This is close to Caribbean Mall. It has great amenities and its own marina. It serves as a city landmark.

Hesperia/Paradise: This hotel is located at the end of Paseo Colon. It has nice facilities and a superb view of the beach.

Hosteria El Morro: This is an affordable option with a great location. It’s in Lecheria.

Cost of Living

At first glance, these prices look outrageous. This is supposed to be Venezuela…

However, it’s important to remember that offers here are geared toward high-income individuals. That said, depending on your budget, Lecheria can be as cheap or as expensive as you need it to be.

• Airbnb Apartment in Best Area: $500-5.000 USD a month

• Hotel in Best Area: $2.000-5.000 USD a month

• Maid: $300-400

• Grocery Store: $500-800

• Eating Out / Delivery: $200-1.000

• Gym: $40-70

• BJJ / MMA: $20-40

• Partying / Dating / Social: $300-1.200 USD

• Cell Data: $20

Dining out is probably the most expensive activity here, relatively speaking. While everything else can be obtained at reasonable prices, dining out will always be somewhat pricey.

The good news is that, in Venezuela, utilities and gas prices are very cheap compared to the rest of the world. So, you’ll be able to save money on these expenses.

Bottom line?

You can have a great experience here with a budget between $2,000-3,000 a month. If you are minimalistic or skilled at budgeting, you may be able to cut that estimate in half. It will depend on your preferences and your lifestyle, of course.

And, as always, the longer your stay, the cheaper you’ll pay each month on a rental.

Cool Things to Do

Read more

Is there any Venezuelan city worth visiting these days? 

Allow me to introduce you to…

Merida 🇻🇪

Among Venezuelans, Merida has always been one of the country’s most popular destinations for travel. Unfortunately, it remains relatively unknown to most international tourists.

This is a shame, as it’s a geographically stunning city with plenty to do and offers a pleasant vibe for locals and visitors alike.

In today’s article, I’ll go over all the things that make Merida, Venezuela well worth a visit!

Editor’s Note: This is a guest post from a Venezuelan man who has worked in the import/export industry in Venezuela for years, speaks great English, and has been around the whole country.

Merida, Venezuela 🇻🇪

Population:

290,000

Weather:

Due to the geographical location of the city, Merida has cooler weather than most other parts of Venezuela.

That said, you can generally count on moderate temperatures that most will find comfortable. Expect a temperature range between 54°F and 81°F throughout the year (12 to 27°C). Summers are short, warm, and somewhat humid, with daily average temperatures around 66°F to 75°F (19 to 24 °C). In the winter months, temperatures range from about 54°F to 64°F (12 to 18°C).

Even though Merida is a mountainous city, it receives a lot of sunshine throughout the year. The rainy season occurs between May and September, so if you’d prefer to skip the rain, it’d be best to avoid this time.

Merida is also one of the few places in Venezuela where you can see snow, which tends to fall on the mountain peaks nearby the city.

Why Visit Merida, Venezuela?

It’s impossible to discuss Merida without mentioning one of its finest attributes:

The People

Merideños (people of Merida), are extraordinarily kind, caring and welcoming.

Typically, the women of Merida are old-fashioned. They take good care of their partner, they are phenomenal cooks, and take responsibility for household chores.

A curious characteristic of this student city is its European colonial architecture. The main squares of the city — such as Chorro de Milla, Bolivar, and Las Heroinas — serve as meeting places for people to gather, drink alcoholic beverages, and enjoy a bit of music. 

Since it’s one of the most visited cities in Venezuela, Merida has several points of interest, tourist sites, and beautiful landscapes. It also offers an affordable cost of living. 

The harmonious mix of friendly people, engaging activities, beautiful women, and a reasonable cost of living make Merida a city that you should consider adding to your Latin America adventures.

How To Get to Merida, Venezuela

The best way to travel to this lovely city is by plane.

A roundtrip ticket from Caracas will cost around $160 per person. If you choose to go by private vehicle instead, you’ll be rewarded with views of the stunning mountainous landscapes that surround the city.

However, it’s important to consider that Merida is about 400 miles (700 km) from Caracas, so it’ll take some time to arrive by land.

Throughout the last 2 years, the state of Merida has experienced some problems with fuel supply so, if you’re traveling by car, I recommend topping up your gasoline when you reach the city of Barinas, which is only 172 km from Merida.

Overall…

Your best bet is to fly to Caracas, and then fly to Merida from there.

Best Neighborhoods in Merida, Venezuela

The best area to live in Merida is the north and northeast section of the city. This area is characterized by the largest concentration of middle and upper-middle class households.

On this northern side of the city, you’ll find the neighborhoods of:

• Los Chorros de Milla

• La Hoyada de Milla

• Liria

I consider these be among the best neighborhoods to stay.

If you’re looking for a more authentic experience, staying in the city center is also an option.

Although the city is walkable, if this is your first trip to Venezuela, I’d suggest traveling in a ride share car to access the best views. Indeed, the entire city resembles a timeless postcard.

Where to Stay in Merida, Venezuela?

The best hotels to stay in while visiting Merida are as follows…

• Posada Tramontana: A fine choice for those on a budget. This posada is modern and conveniently located near Milla Square. Room prices start from $25 per night.

• Hotel Plaza: A cozy hotel in a central location. Price start from $35.

• Convencion Hotel Boutique: Modern, comfortable, and higher end. Room prices are about 70-75 USD per night

• Venetur: A convenient location with many amenities, excellent services, and good facilities. The price is around 75$ per night.

• Tibisay: Excellent facilities, great location, and best suited to business travel. Price 95$ per night.

• Posada Rafaela Cristobal: This Posada is a Venezuelan gem thanks to the majesty of the landscapes that surround its facilities and the luxury and comfort offered to visitors. Guests will be able to enjoy haute cuisine, embark on tourist expeditions, visit natural parks, or simply relax and recharge by taking full advantage of the attentive care offered by the spa.

The rooms are truly architectural jewels. The structure dates from 1910 and has been restored and modernized in a responsible manner that’s preserved its historical charm. The posada consists of 4 beautiful and comfortable double rooms, equipped with all services and superb attention. 

The prices of the rooms start from 200 USD, but it's worth it for the combination of luxury and nature.

That said, there is a catch. Posada Rafaela Cristobal it is about 1 hour outside the city of Merida. 

If you choose to go the Airbnb route, it’ll cost between $300-$1500 a month. If you intend to stay for many months, it’s advisable to hire a real estate agent to secure a better deal.

In short, you can find many inns or posadas for affordable prices within the city limits or slightly outside of the city. As a popular travel destination, Merida has a wide range of lodging options to choose from.

Cost of Living in Merida, Venezuela

These prices may surprise some of you, as many see the inflation rate in Venezuela and assume everything is priced in “pennies” these days.

That is not true, as you can see below with some average prices here…

• Airbnb Apartment in Best Area: $300-1500 USD a month

• Hotel in Best Area: $700-2,500 USD a month

• Maid: $200-300

• Grocery Store: $200-600

• Eating Out / Delivery: $300-600

• Gym: $20-35

• BJJ / MMA: $10-25

• Partying / Dating / Social: $200-500 USD

• Cell Data: $10-20

However, there’s real value to be had here.

It’s possible to live very comfortably in Merida as a tourist for less than $1500 USD per month.

Of course, the exact amount will depend on your lifestyle. Merida is one of the cheapest major cities in Venezuela. There are many families that get by with $500 dollars a month. Again, it depends on your needs and lifestyle, but unless you’re renting luxury accommodations, $1500 a month should be adequate.

As mentioned, the most convenient means of transportation here will be ridesharing services.

In Venezuela, we don’t have Uber, or any other ride share app that may be familiar to you.

The two mayor ride-sharing services in the country are Ridery and Yummy Rides.

Each ride will cost around 3-5 USD within the city limits. Longer distances, such as a trip to the airport, will be more expensive.

Merida has options that can accommodate every budget. What you spend here will depend on personal preferences. If you can afford it, the higher end options tend to be good value for money. 

Safety in Merida, Venezuela 🇻🇪

As I’m sure you know, Venezuela is not the safest country in the world.

That said, crime rates in the country have been steadily declining over the past 5 or 6 years.

Merida has historically been one of the safest cities in the country, and this remains true today.

Crime – particularly violent crime – is lower here than in most parts of the country.

However, I still advise that you exercise basic caution.

For LatAm veterans, Merida is probably more than safe enough to warrant a visit. For noobies, you probably want some experience under your belt before hitting Venezuela. Punto.

Dating in Merida, Venezuela

The women in Merida are probably the kindest of all Venezuelan women. They tend to be polite and well mannered, so initiating conversations with them should not be a problem.

Merida is also a student city, so the demographics are in your favor when it comes to finding young, beautiful women as well as professional, career-minded women.

Additionally, Merida is a popular destination for national conferences. This will provide you the opportunity to meet Venezuelan women from other parts of the country.

Venezuelan women from other cities love Merida.

So, if you’re seeing a girl from another region, she’ll be thrilled by the idea of visiting Merida with you.

Essentially, Merida is a great city for dating because it has a lot of young women and, since it’s not one of the richest places in Venezuela, the competition isn’t as fierce.

One thing to note:

Merida, even though the women are educated and well-mannered, this does not mean that they are conservative – there is a lot of promiscuity and infidelity in this city.

Just like in the rest of Venezuela, in Merida you’ll see the most beautiful women at the high-end gyms. And a great thing about Merida is that these gyms are affordable — $20-35 per month. 

Nightlife in Merida, Venezuela

People in Merida like to party.

They generally prefer to change things up and don’t always frequent the same bars and clubs every weekend.

For instance, new discos often pop up as previous ones go out of style. Again, there are options for every budget.

Here are some recommendations…

• Brangus BAR: The best place in Merida to eat which doubles as a popular disco. It’s a cool place to check out the local crowd.

• Rosario Cortés: Rosario Cortés is a spectacular, pleasant place with excellent service. You can enjoy snacks, have cocktails, order international entrees or Mexican appetizers, or sample its famous hamburgers which feature juicy and exquisite cuts of meat. The setting, music, lighting, and impeccable and jovial attention of Rosario Cortés is well worth it!

As always…

The best way to figure out what spots are popping in any particular city is to ask young women living there where the hot spots are.

You can do this pre-arrival on Tinder and Instagram to get a better feel.

BJJ/MMA in Merida, Venezuela

Venezuela is a country where martial arts are very popular, especially taekwondo. Merida is no exception. You will find a lot of gyms in the city dedicated to combat sports. 

I don’t have a specific place to recommend, but it should be relatively easy to find a place to practice any of the most popular combat sports.

This Instagram page shows off a variety of martial arts gyms in the city.

I didn’t see much BJJ, but there was MMA and Judo.

Cool Things to Do

As one of the most touristic cities in the country, Merida and its surrounding areas offer a variety of activities. Here are some of the main ones.

• Teleferico Mukumbari: This is the longest cable car system in the world. It has 5 stations, each one offering a spectacular view of the Sierra Nevada National Park. The final station reaches the top of Pico Bolivar, the highest point of the country. The price for the ride is $15 per person.

• Paramo de la Culata: This walk is beautiful. There are also great dining options here. I recommend going on weekends, as there is more movement of vehicles, and you won’t be alone. They still sell traditional Andean chicha and cakes on the route. There is also horseback riding and some local artisans selling their wares. You can also go fishing (trucha, which is trout, is the fish found in this area). 

• Venezuela De Antier: This is a 1920’s theme park that features folklore, dance, customs, architecture and many more traditions from Venezuela’s past. The price of a ticket is $17.

• Los Aleros: This park is the place where we return to the Merida’s past. It’s a fun park and provides an opportunity to taste food of the region's proud gastronomy. 

• Laguna Mucubaji: A beautiful place with scenic views of the lagoon. It’s quiet and easily accessible. Be sure to bring a camera, a coat, and comfortable shoes. There is a cafe you can relax at if you opt not to do the horseback riding or the walk.

• Botanic Garden: If you want a calm and relaxing walk to connect with nature, this is a good option. The entrance for adults is $10. You’ll see plants and flowers of all kinds, as well as a pond with fish that you can feed. Note that there are no food or drink stalls here, so you’ll want to bring your own snacks and refreshments.

• Chorro de Milla Zoo: Here you’ll enjoy the regional landscape and be able to observe different species of animals. This zoo offers kiosks where drinks, food, and souvenirs are sold. If you so choose, you can also get a photo with the pet snake of the serpentarium.

• Coromoto, an ice cream shop with 1000 flavors: This is a business dedicated to the sale of extravagantly flavored ice cream. It permanently offers between 70 and 80 flavors, but at one time it offered a whopping 870 different flavors, which led it to obtain a Guinness World Record on two consecutive occasions. 

Do you Need to Speak Spanish in Merida?

It’s important to speak at least a little Spanish here in Merida.

But it’s worth noting that, in hotels and tourist sites, you’ll encounter people who speak some English.

Also, as a city with a large student population, some of the young people here will speak basic English and will always try their best to communicate with foreign visitors.

ULA (La Universidad de Los Andes) is arguably the best university in the country, and the people around the campus are educated, polite and accommodating.

Overall…

While it may kinda be doable in certain instances, you are far better off learning some Spanish before going anywhere in Venezuela.

P.S: This is how to actually learn Spanish…

Recommended Length of Stay

Depending on your level of interest, it could range from a couple of days to a lifetime!

If your goal is to see every major tourist attraction, I would suggest one week.

If you’d like to become more familiar with the people and the culture of Merida, that may take a month or two.

And if you’re seeking an affordable longer term stay in a Venezuelan city, Merida is probably the best choice.

You’ll be more than welcome here!

Other Notes

• The official name of the city is Santiago de los Caballeros de Merida

• The city’s main airport stopped operating in 2009. There are plans to reopen the airport in 2023

• You can see snow on Pico El Aguila on specific dates

• The Venezuelan national sport is baseball, but in Merida it’s soccer

• There are many colonial era houses and constructions in the city

Merida, Venezuela 🇻🇪 Overall

The city of Merida has a charming vibe. It’s comfortable, clean, and welcoming, has mild weather and boasts many activities for every taste.

If you want to enjoy a pleasant experience with great people and beautiful women, Merida makes for a fantastic option.

American visitors may have trouble getting a visa to Venezuela, but if you’re able to get one, for a first trip to the country…

Merida is an excellent choice overall.