Area: 912,050 sq miles

Population: 23,543,000

Language: Spanish is official language plus more then 30 indigenous languages. Local people in the tourist trade speak English, French, German, Italian and other foreign languages.

Religion: 96% of the population is Catholic. Other denominations 4%.

Entry documents + Visa: To enter Venezuela you must have a passport and it must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure date from Venezuela and onward bound ticket. Visitors can stay up to 60 days. Citizens from US, Canada and most Western European countries do not require a visa to enter Venezuela. Bring a couple of photocopies of your passport plus extra photos to expedite a new one in case you lose or misplace it during your trip.

Travel Insurance:Andean & Rainforest Expeditions LLC (ARE) prices do not include travel insurance. ARE recommends travelers contacting their health, property and homeowners insurance providers to determine the extent of their coverage while traveling abroad. Travel insurance policies are also available through ARE office.

Health: You must check with your physician or travel clinic to make sure you have the proper vaccination before departing. Dengue fever, hepatitis, malaria and yellow fever are present in different areas of the county. It is important for the visitor to have the right protection against diseases and to understand fully what type of vaccinations that will be needed according to the regions he/she will be visiting. Travelers with heart or blood pressure conditions should check with their local doctor about visiting high altitude regions. Medical facilities are readily available throughout the country in large cities but not available in remote areas.

For general protection it is important to have the following vaccinations:

• Hepatitis A
• Tetanus
• Typhoid

For more information on medical considerations when traveling to tropical countries contact the:

Center for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/tropsam.htm

Altitude: Travelers to the Andean areas need to take common sense measures in regards to altitude acclimatization. Visitors are encouraged to limit exertion for the first few days and maintain themselves adequately hydrated. Individuals with coronary or other health problems should consult their physician before deciding to travel to the Merida region of Venezuela.

Time: GMT/UTC minus 4 hours (minus 5 hours in summer)

Electricity: 110V, 60 Hz

Weights & measures: Metric

Currency: Bolívar (Bs)

Banks: Banks change cash and travelers' checks, but casas de cambio (money exchange offices) deal only in cash. ATMs are also available in mayor cities. The machines are compatible with the international system.

Climate & Clothing Hints: You must plan your packing according to the region you are going to visit. Common sense and a little research will go a long way. Our list provided bellow is only a suggestion and clients must take responsibility for the items they will bring. Sports clothes for the day are appropriate. Proper rain gear is important. For evenings in the city, dress as formal as you wish (establishments don't require suits or cocktail dresses). Light long-sleeve shirts/blouses and sweater or well-insulated windbreaker is necessary for cool nights in the highlands and even the jungle or the Gran Sabana region.

Suggested personal gear for trekking:

Suggested reading:

Suggested personal gear for birding: