Getting Here
Our home base
Getting here in 3 Steps:
Step 1:
Flying into caracas
Following Immigration, you will pass through customs and then walk into the main terminal. Your previously booked "Pick-up Service" will be waiting for you! If you arrive late, the driver will wait for you at the airport and transfer to the bus station, assist you in purchasing your ticket, or to the hotel if you choose to spend a night in Caracas before traveling on to our location in Santa Elena.
Step 2:
From the airport to the bus terminal or hotel
If you look for peace of mind you may want to hire a professional Airport Pick-Up Service. We highly reccommend Nelson
Nelson speaks perfect English and is extremely helpful and patient. He will bring you to the bus terminal or
his guest apartment
"Nelson´s Place" if you prefer to spend a night before catching the bus. Nelson will pick you up at the airport avoiding you the typical airport hassles.
nelson@gmail.com ,
nelsoneas@hotmail.com
So basically I’ve had like the best time ever here in Santa Elena!!! Three weeks flew by, I wish I could have stayed longer.
∼ Pallavi Nadendla / Huntingtown, USA
Step 3:
From Caracas to Santa Elena
The fastest, cheapest, and most convenient way to travel from Caracas to Santa Elena is by bus. Luxury buses are equipped with new, stretch reclining seats, air conditioning, a bathroom, and DVD system. Several companies operate ultra-modern buses which bring you directly to Santa Elena,
our charity headquarters. The trip passes by much faster than you would expect! Please keep in mind that these buses are much more sophisticated and comfortable than buses in Europe or North America, for example.
Your bus will arrive at Santa Elena bus terminal. Its the last stop and can´t be missed, Our Staff will welcome you and bring you to the charity headquarters. We will ensure that all of your needs are met - from a safe and comfortable accommodation to unparalleled access to volunteer opportunities and perspectives and insight about the local culture.
Don’t Forget
Important documents to remember
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- Your passport
- Airline tickets and a copy of your flight itinerary
- Insurance certificate and policy document
- Travelers’ cheques receipt numbers - keep these separate
- Vaccination card
- A copy of all credit card and bank account numbers
- Your pre-departure info with useful contact numbers
For all of the above, make sure you have a duplicate copy for backup.
Important Numbers
Keep these phone numbers on you
Coordinator (0414) 870-4895, (0426) 295-0932, (0289) 414-5721; English and Spanish speaking
To call from outside Venezuela, add 058 before dialing the number and leave the first 0 away.
General Travel Safety
General Safety Precautions
- If your luggage is searched make sure you are present
- Don't leave unlocked valuables in your hotel room or the bus
- Do not openly display money
- Walk confidently, directly and at a steady pace
- Walk on the side of the street that is facing the traffic
Exchanging Money
The Venezuelan Currency
The currency of Venezuela is the Bolivar Fuente (BsF). It is best to change about US $100 into Bolivar before traveling. Currency controls remain in place in Venezuela and the official changing rate is (USD 1 = BsF 4,3 ). Bolivars can be obtained through banks and some travel agencies in your country.
Mostly mayor credit cards are accepted at Venezuela´s ATM´s and over the counter bank transactions.
Bureau de change at the Caracas airport, will exchange US dollars or Euros for Bolivars, as will some major hotels (USD 1 = BsF 4,3).