Gen. inf. on the subject about 8 months old,(1-2-3 still same),depending on my club friends memories (already back in İstanbul after 1 year sa. trip without any foreign language.), and exchanged inf. with 2 cyclist and 2 biker friends who are still in sa. and several turkish businessmen living there..
1-Venezuela has only 1 border gate open for coming vehicles and that's the st.elena one from Brasil.
2-None of the countries surrounding venezuela accept vehicles coming from venezuela.
3-Maicao and Leticia are open for everybody on foot or bicycle.Easy to load on boats or busses and easy/fast paperwork...prepare your needs well for the long boat trips..No inf. about others..
My club friend met an azerbaijan cyclist at the maicao gate and soon a Pakistani cyclist friend will be in colombia coming from ushuaia(In equator now) we all message eachother and exchange inf...Probably you will also meet several travellers coming from the opposite directions..
4-Eastern venezuela is definately nogo area.Also all roads dangerous after sunset..If you meet a blocked road by locals, dont try to pass through them instead become their amigo to get some current tips and if lucky free food and couch..Gas and food is in black market.Best is make a local friend to make life easy and then ask for his friend at your next stop..(Done same and worked, started with a local dentist friend)
See attached market photo dd.Aug 9. 2016
5-Ayahusca ceremony recommended!!!
How we solved...So we made it a problem between governments by messages and news on newspaper and tv.s hoping we could reach a fast solution but the special written permission to enter colombia from venezuela (while he was already in colombia)and then leave colombia by bike was given 50 days after he escaped to equator,just after the ceasefire....Ipıales gate is easy when the bridge is crowded!!!!(Dont miss to visit the great church.
@IanJ.
I did great searchings personally for my club friend while he was stuck in venezuela/Colombia by bike.Couldnt find an opportunity to airfreight, seafreight or truckfreight from venezuela or from surrounding countries..all borders was officially closed for any vehicle coming from venezuela..( even after transferring the bike to a neighbour country in illegal ways and then do the freightening.)....I sincerely hope you will solve this problem insallah.
@lostcyclist
***About the part "never was completely closed" for gringos"***
was not legal but possible even by local taxis and was opened for gringos officially last summer a few days before the ceasefire...
Venezuela huge country with boring roads for cycling but possible to travel by local buses everywhere.
Pakistani friend has a great website, perfect for cycling between ushuaia and alaska and shares all his experiences,tips friendly..
I guess will be helpful for you..If you meet him,a big selam from me too pls..
Route – Kamran on Bike
Hope helps.All the best..