Hey Mika, I like you, but I respectfully disagree with you. Just because you traveled there and nothing happened does not mean it was a wise decision to go there or that it is a safe place right now.

We both have heard of motorcycle travelers who have disappeared in South America.

I am writing this from Colombia right now. Over 25% of Venezuela's population has fled the country.

Venezuela's inflation has been so bad, that the local merchants had to switch to accepting other countries currencies instead.

I have always really wanted to go to Venezuela, but even in 2007 when the country was much more stable I did not think the risk was worth it. The most dangerous place I have been to was Colon, Panama and I have no desire to return to a place like that where you are playing Russian Roulette with your safety.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOScCHtNWYM

The guy in the above video is a popular youtuber who tries to go to places he thinks are dangerous. In this video he is on the outskirts of Caracas. He meets a lot of really nice Venezuelans in the video, but I can tell by his mannerisms that the guy is genuinely scared. None of these dumb youtubers are posting about when they got robbed, etc.

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http://www.journeyrider.net Latin America blog (07-8)

I crossed Venezuela in 2010, using a route similar to Mika's above--Santa Elena to San Antonio, with some poking around and a few side trips like Salto Ángel. At that time things were awkward but perfectly reasonable and totally worthwhile (IMO). For example, the obvious threats and corruption were relatively mild by African overland standards, accommodation and food were not difficult to find, and currency controls could be circumvented.

I can't say I was ever scared in Venezuela, although it's true I was uncomfortable at times, or annoyed, or perplexed. I didn't go to Caracas because it sounded significantly more difficult--and I don't like big cities anyway. Besides I was trying to make a scheduled Stahlratte sailing on my trip homeward, so I had to hurry a bit.

We each assess danger and difficulty by our own standards, based largely on our interpretations of more and less informed secondhand speculation. Gatogato decided not to go based on secondhand reports in 2007; I thought it great fun in 2010; Mika describes it as "not easy or safe," but says it "can be done and maybe even enjoyed" in 2022. Decisions should be made on the basis of multiple data points, not just one report--even if there is fear in the eyes of someone filming for Youtube.

My personal standards include a real reluctance to travel during times of famine or other food shortages, since under those circumstances I'm competing with locals for scarce, life-sustaining resources--in fact, driving up prices by my ability to pay whatever it takes to keep myself fed. I'm not in a position to tour thru Venezuela at the moment, but if I were this would weigh heavily in any decision.

Glibly speaking, mileage varies.

Mark