Travel to South America

Lonely Planet Venezuela

Format: Paperback
Author: Krzysztof Dydynski
ReleaseDate: August, 2004
Publisher: Lonely Planet Publications
Rating:

Disappointing, for a Lonely Planet
However, I was surprisingly disappointed with this guide for Venezuela. I have been using Lonely Planet guides for years. To me, both writers seem so enamored with the country that they could have been writing for the national tourism office. Much of the info is out of date, and important details -- for example, about less-traveled bus routes, or warnings about dangerous neighborhoods -- were missing entirely. For this country, I would recommend that you consider another guidebook, preferably one which has been written more recently. (Note to Lonely Planet: consider updating your guide books more often for countries that are in as much transition as VZ).

Practical & helpful, but flawed
This Venezuela guide seems to have a few more flaws and omissions than expected. I've used Lonely Planet (LP) guides in several nations now, and each time the LP guide has proven highly readable and practical, but never flawless. True, the book has that wealth of practical information on budget hotels, restuarants, night life, busses, the metro, travel tips, etc. , plus some decent maps, and it captures the nation's lively character. But a couple city maps omit vital parts of town, prices are occasionally off mark, and the book omits words on dangers to pedestrians from speeding drivers or the congestion in Caracas. The author's exalted view of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Caracas left me puzzled, and travelers should understand that at this writing free speech seems questionable under the rule of left-leaning President Hugo Chavez.

One wonders if LP authors occasionally fail to complete their homework and merely reprint old information. This LP guide is useful but needs a few corrections, and travelers that speak a little Spanish might be advised to call ahead.
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Take Venezuela w/ a grain of salt
One was Fodor's, one was Lonely Planet. We took two guides with us to Venezuela during our July 2006 trip. Both were valueable for their insights into culture and customs, but only Lonely Planet offered practical information such as names and phone numbers for hotels and attractions. That said, much of the information was outdated or deceptive. For instance, food and taxi service in Venezuela is very expensive! (not the $5 a meal lonely planet represents). Caracas is not set up for tourists and many of the areas are unsafe to travel without a local guide. Also, finding an offical place to change money can be challenging, I recommend using taxi drivers who are readily available. Good luck! You may need it. .

Related products:
click image or link for details on these South America travel books.

	Venezuela Map (Travel Reference Map)
	Venezuela, 4th: The Bradt Travel Guide
	Insight Guides Venezuela (Insight Guides)
	Lonely Planet Colombia
	Lonely Planet Brazil