{"id":15632,"date":"2025-09-12T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-12T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mrm-style.com\/en\/?p=15632"},"modified":"2025-09-04T14:15:16","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T12:15:16","slug":"letters-from-venezuela-caracas-bolivars-hidden-jewel-of-south-america","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mrm-style.com\/en\/letters-from-venezuela-caracas-bolivars-hidden-jewel-of-south-america\/","title":{"rendered":"Letters from Venezuela: Caracas, Bol\u00edvar’s Hidden Jewel of South America"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

My dear travelers and lovers of unusual journeys, welcome to the new series of travelogues on the Mr.M blog. During the previous months, you had the opportunity to get to know some of the countries of the unusual continent: South America, and during the month of September, I will show you the beauty of the country located in the very heart of this continent – Venezuela. At the very beginning of today’s travelogue, where I will try to convey to you the capital of Venezuela – Caracas, which many say is the Bol\u00edvar’s hidden gem of South America, I would like to thank the Ministry of Tourism of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela – MINTUR<\/a><\/strong>, as well as other partners who selflessly supported my adventure in Venezuela. With their help, travelogues from this exotic country were created, as well as numerous fashion stories that you will have the opportunity to read during this series of posts, and I sincerely hope that you will enjoy the new adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n

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First meeting with Caracas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, remains shrouded in exoticism, contrasts and special energy for many travelers. Unlike the European metropolises I have visited before, Caracas welcomed me in a way that cannot be compared to any previous travel experience. From the moment the plane begins its descent over the steep mountain slopes and descends towards the valley where the city is located, it is clear that this will be no ordinary journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The city is surrounded by mountain ranges, and above all rises the mighty El \u00c1vila mountain, the natural symbol of Caracas, which is not only a landmark for the residents but also a place of spiritual respite. On one side you have a bustling city of over five million inhabitants, and on the other, just a few minutes away by cable car, silence and untouched nature.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Caracas is full of contrasts, on one side you can see luxurious villas located on the hills, modern glass buildings that testify to the former economic strength of the country, but on the other side there are neighborhoods where life is much simpler. It is this mixture of luxury, history and raw reality that makes it a fascinating destination for all those who want to experience the true beauty of Latin America up close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The trip to Caracas was not accidental for me. I wanted to explore the city from the point of view of sustainable tourism, but also to find cultural traces that set it apart from other Latin American capitals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PREPARING FOR TRAVEL: VISAS, SECURITY AND CURRENCY<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before you pack your bags, it’s important to know a few practical things that will save you time and reduce stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visas:<\/strong> For many European citizens entry to Venezuela requires a visa, but the situation may vary depending on current agreements. My advice is to always check with the embassy or consulate before you travel. The rules change often, so it’s best to have the latest information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Security:<\/strong> Caracas is known as a city where security requires extra attention. It is important to follow only the recommended routes, to use proven transport and to rely on the advice of guides or locals. Although the city has many beautiful places to visit, there are parts that are better to avoid, especially at night. My advice is to never show expensive items openly and use your camera or phone discreetly.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Currency:<\/strong> Venezuela has a complex monetary system due to economic challenges. The official currency is the bolivar, but in practice it is much easier to use US dollars. Cash in dollars is widely accepted and often preferred. Cards sometimes work, but should not be relied upon exclusively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Packing tips:<\/strong> Be sure to bring light clothes for hot days, but also something warmer for evenings, because Caracas lies at an altitude of about 900 meters above sea level and the temperature can drop. Also, if you’re planning a trip to El \u00c1vila, you need comfortable shoes and a slightly more comfortable sports outfit (which I don’t own, so this trip taught me that I need to be better equipped for the trip).<\/p>\n\n\n

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Arrival in Caracas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The flight to Caracas was just an introduction to what awaited me. Already from the plane, the view of the city surrounded by mountains seemed unreal. At Sim\u00f3n Bol\u00edvar Airport, located in the coastal town of Maiquet\u00eda, you can feel the true Caribbean spirit, the sea is at your fingertips, and only a few kilometers away the ascent to the Caracas Valley begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The road from the airport to the city center leads through a highway that twists around the mountain massifs. It’s a ride that lasts between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on traffic, and already then you can feel the contrast of Caracas, the sea view in the background and the urban jungle in front of you.<\/p>\n\n\n

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ACCOMMODATION IN CARACAS: EUROBUILDING HOTEL CARACAS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For my stay in Caracas, the Ministry of Tourism chose the Eurobuilding Hotel & Suites Caracas<\/a><\/strong>, one of the most famous luxury hotels in the city. It was not only a good choice of accommodation, but also their desire to provide me with the right base where I would feel safe and relaxed after exploring the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The hotel is located in a quieter part of the city, but at the same time close enough to the main attractions. The building itself exudes elegance, a spacious marble lobby with crystal chandeliers and smiling reception staff who greet you with a friendly “bienvenido”.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The suite I stayed in was spacious, with a panoramic view of the mountains surrounding the city. What particularly delighted me was the view in the early morning hours, as the sun rises, illuminating El \u00c1vila, the city slowly wakes up and the sounds of Caracas invite me to explore the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The hotel has several restaurants, including fine dining options, as well as a pool bar where you can try cocktails with local rum. Breakfast was a mix of international specialties and Venezuelan classics such as the arepa, a traditional corn pastry filled with cheese, meat or vegetables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For travelers like me, who want a luxurious experience but also safety, Eurobuilding proved to be an ideal starting point. In addition, the hotel offers organized transportation with drivers who know safe routes, which is a big plus.<\/p>\n\n\n

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FIRST IMPRESSIONS: THE ATMOSPHERE OF THE CITY<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Caracas is not a city that immediately opens up to a foreigner. At first glance it seems chaotic, traffic jams, energetic people constantly moving somewhere, contrasts between modern buildings and traditional old Venezuelan architecture. But when you relax a little and surrender to the rhythm of the city, you begin to discover its true soul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walking through the main streets, I noticed how much art is present in everyday life. The walls are covered with murals, many of them carry political messages, but also strong artistic expressions. It is a kind of open-air city museum, where every street tells its own story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People are warm, love to talk, even though English is not often spoken, a smile and a simple “gracias” opens many doors. It is noted that the locals have a special pride for their city, despite the challenges they face.<\/p>\n\n\n

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CARACAS: TIPS FOR TOURISTS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you are planning to visit Caracas as part of a luxury trip, here are some tips from my experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n