Safety Information
Venezuela is by far safer than other countries in the region.
In-Country Safety
Venezuela is rarely featured in international news, and when it is, the information is usually negative. There are reports of protests and crime, corruption and intrusive government. While there are occasional cases of all of these things, Venezuela is in fact by and large a very peaceful country and certainly one of the safest in South America! We must stress that not one of the numerous (450 so far) volunteers that have come to volunteer with us has had any safety related problems.
The chance of having a negative experience (theft, assault, etc.) is as likely in Venezuela’s big cities as in large cities worldwide. The majority of Venezuela's problems are based in Caracas or on the Columbian border and Aldeas de Paz is located on the opposite side of the country. The Aldeas de Paz home base is located on the south eastern border with Brazil, an extremely peaceful and safe region. Venezuela is by far safer than other countries in the region. In Santa Elena there would be no knowledge of many of Venezuela's problems if not for newspapers and TV reports.
IMPORTANT: The Aldeas de Paz home base is in Santa Elena which is located on the south eastern border with Brazil, an extremely peaceful and safe town and region. Santa Elena has about 25.000 inhabitants. It is the regional capital and the heart of the Gran Savannah region which consists of a protected and well guarded national park with numerous security checkpoints all the way through it. Also the bus trip from Caracas to Santa Elena is absolutely safe and reliable!
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here with your organization. Santa Elena is a special place, with a lot of charm. I have never seen anything quite like it in ALL my travels throughout this amazing country, or anywhere else in the world.
∼ Alfred Olivas / Miami, USA
Your safety is important to us!
We are very confident that every potential volunteer will be safe in Venezuela and that there is no cause for concern. However, we understand the necessity for each volunteer to make a personal decision. No person should come unless s/he is comfortable with the decision. If you would like further information on the experiences of past/current volunteers please Volunteer Experiences & Testimonies
Traveling within Venezuela
Santa Elena is a very safe town of about 25.000 inhabitants. It is the regional capital and the heart of the Gran Savannah region which consists of a protected and well guarded national park with numerous security checkpoints all the way through it. Also the bus trip from Caracas to Santa Elena is absolutely safe and reliable!
Travel Tips
Important things to keep in mind while traveling
- Do not become involved with drugs of any kind. Penalties are severe and convictions for drug offences can lead to imprisonment. You should always pack your own luggage and you should never carry any items through customs for anybody else.
- It is not advisable to overtly criticize the Catholic Church as this can cause great offence in a country where the religion is greatly respected and revered.
- Do not walk around alone, and if you do then please let someone know of your whereabouts.
To call outside Venezuela, add 058 before dialing the number.