Venezuela - The Rough Guide to South America on a Budget - page 856

possible place, payment is usually given
when you alight. Economical buses, or
servicio normal (roughly BsF12/hr), are
common for shorter distances. These are
often cramped, with no toilet or air
conditioning; when choosing your seat,
try to select one away from the sound
system as music is often blasted at
deafening volumes. More comfortable
executive buses, or servicio ejecutivo
(about BsF20/hr), run longer distances
and have toilets. Air conditioning,
however, is so intense that you'll need
a blanket or sleeping bag to stave off
hypothermia. If you're travelling
overnight, be sure to take a bus-cama ,
with almost fully reclinable seats, more
comfortable but more expensive (about
BsF25/hr).

you pay for one of four or five places
and depart when the car is full. They are
generally twice the price of a bus ride,
but take half the time and are sometimes
the only available option. “¿Cuanto
falta?” is a useful expression to ask how
many places are still to be filled before the
car can depart.

BY TAXI
Taxis never have meters, so you should
agree on a price before your journey. In
towns where public buses are rare, taxis
are the established way of getting around.
In these cases, fares within the town
are set; ask a local beforehand. Don't
get into the car until you've agreed upon
the price.

11

ACCOMMODATION
Naturally enough, you'll find Venezuela's
best low-end accommodation in the
towns that attract the most backpackers.
Consequently Mérida (see p.888),

BY POR PUESTO
Another economical option is the
ubiquitous por puesto or carrito .
Essentially shared taxis, por puestos are
gas-guzzling American sedans in which

VENEZUELA TOURS
For better or for worse, Venezuela has yet to develop a budget travel infrastructure on the level
of Brazil's or Peru's, meaning that independent travellers often turn to agencies for assistance
in arranging trips and activities to the country's top attractions. Booking tours is always done
cheapest in the closest town to the attraction itself - see each attraction's account for local
tour prices - but if your time is limited, or if you're looking for a multi-destination tour, the
following Caracas- and Mérida-based companies can arrange trips anywhere. All accept credit
cards, though for the best rates you should pay in US dollars (see p.858); many have foreign
bank accounts, allowing you to pay at mercado paralelo rates through bank transfer if you
didn't bring cash.

non-profit organization assisting the indigenous Pemón
community of Parque Nacional Canaima (see p.903).
Hans Peter Zingg Res. Bravamar, Urb. Caribe, Estado
Vargas T 0414 322 8798, E [e-mail].
Hans Peter Zingg and his team offer a highly recom-
mended pick-up service from Caracas airport (US$40),
in order to allay fears of safety and unnecessary hassle.
They also offer other tourist services including travel
advice and advance purchase of inter-city bus tickets.
Payment is in US dollars.
Osprey Expeditions Same o ce as Angel Eco-Tours
T 0212 762 5975 or T 0414 310 4491, W osprey
expeditions.com. The most economical option for
backpacker-friendly, nationwide trips, with excep-
tionally friendly staff. They can also organize pick-ups
from Caracas airport.

TOUR OPERATORS
Akanán C Bolívar, Ed Grano de Oro, Ground Floor,
Chacao T 0212 715 5433, W akanan.com. Akanán's
o ce has plenty of material for researching trips,
and Rough Guide readers can use the internet for free.
Clients who opt not to hire a guide are lent a mobile
phone for use on their travels.
Andes Tropicales T 0274 263 8633, W andes
tropicales.org. A Mérida-based company devoted to
helping local communities protect the natural environ-
ment while promoting tourism in remote areas.
Angel Eco-Tours Av Casanova, at 2da Av de Bello
Monte, Ed La Paz, Oficina 51, Sabana Grande T 0212
762 5975, W angel-ecotours.com. An excellent agency
specializing in slightly more luxurious travel than a liate
Osprey (see below). The company also manages a