It is with great regret that I was not able to visit Venezuela as a part of my trip through Latin America. It was due to poor planning on my part, and horrible diplomatic relations between my country (the US), and Venezuela. In order to get a Visa to enter the country, for me I would have had to await a 3-month Visa application process. I was already well into Colombia when my seat of my own pants ass decided to begin to look into how to get there. I quickly realized it would be impossible. It is the country that everyone seems to fear more than anything. In my opinion, no matter where you go someone is going to tell you it's dangerous and you shouldn’t go. The sad thing is that’s just what everyone says about Venezuela. My personal experience is that nowhere I’ve ever been has been remotely as dangerous as everyone who has never been there thinks. I am sure Venezuela is the same. I have heard that it’s the gem of South America, with some of the best beaches, mountains, waterfalls, jungles, waves — what have you, in the entirety of the continent. That’s not to say that the country is not without its own serious political struggles at the moment, and realistically it is probably the most dangerous place to go in South America at the moment. But if you aren’t an idiot, have street smarts about you, and are confident, I am sure Venezuela would be an amazing and rewarding experience. I wish I could have gone — I hope to one day update this page with my experience in a country that I have heard is unbelievable. If you have the balls, I say go for it!!!
