Later this year, I'll be on my own in Caracas for five nights. Is it safe? If
not, can you name a reputable travel company to arrange accommodation and
escort with? I have travelled alone many places in South America, but I am
worried by reports of abductions. Jean Yarrow, London
Sunday Times travel expert, Richard Green, responds: As with many of
South America's big cities, there are parts of Caracas that as a visitor,
you should certainly avoid, but then there are large areas in which are
entirely safe, so long as you exercise the streetwise caution you've picked
up from your previous trips. So don't wear expensive-looking jewellery or
carry large amount of cash, and keep to well-lit paths.
There has been the odd kidnapping of late, though not aimed at tourists. To
get off on the right foot and keep you safe from the moment you arrive, it's
best to book a transfer with an experienced tour operator. A list of these
can be found at the website of LATA (Latin
America Travel Association).
A good rule while in the city is not to go with anyone who approaches you
claiming to be a taxi driver or moneychanger. You can change money at the
airport when you land at the official Italcambio office there. If you do
make your own transfer, use one of the black Ford Explorer airport taxis
that wait immediately outside the terminal.
At last the main road from the airport to the city has been repaired, so the
journey should be a smooth one and take under an hour. A tour operator can
choose a suitable hotel in the Chacao district, which is full of
restaurants, and safe day and night. But do steer clear of the area around
Plaza Venezuela, the historic centre, and the Bellas Artes museum district,
which aren't safe after dark.
The metro is cheap, clean, and safe and perfectly fine during the day. If you
feel nervous at night time, it is better to organise a taxi through your
hotel's front desk, rather than hailing one on the street. Hotels only deal
with reputable companies and drivers, who are often known to them. Or book a
guide through a tour operator.
A resident Brit in Caracas, Peter Gebler, well aware of the bad reputation of
his adopted city, is launching a venture called Carefree Caracas to assist
visiting tourists. He plans to publish a colour-coded map with No-Go areas
clearly marked and offer experienced guides for daytime sightseeing, as well
as acompanying tourists on night time visits to venues such as the El Maní
Salsa club or the Juan Sebastian Jazz Bar. In the meantime, email him at
info@carefreecaracas.com and he can reply with a fact sheet on the city.
For homelessness, try Canada - especially Vancouver.
wills, vancouver, canada
I has been in paris someone stole my bag and in united states , you can't walkin east la you get shoot anywhere, and some area include orange county my brother someone stole put knife in neck and took 100 dolarrs so pls critized country for nothing why not come to lounited states and never visi twashington dc have big population home less in street never see in latin amercia.,
carlos, pasadena, usa/ca