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