Climate
Venezuela lies close to the equator but temperatures and rainfall vary widely with altitude. The resorts in the Andean region have a spring-like climate and it can be cold at night. On the coast and in the lowlands temperatures are tropical (30oC during the day). There is a dry season from December to April, although Angel Falls may be best appreciated in the rainy season.
Fiestas and holidays
Most fiestas are celebrated in accordance with the Catholic calendar and saints' days. They are essentially religious in character, with plenty of music and dancing, and even bull-fights during Carnival in February/March. There are processions in many towns at Easter. At Corpus Christi, towns of the central North such as San Francisco de Yare hold the Diablos Danzantes festival, where people dress up as devils in grotesque masks and perform a ritual dance.
Currency
Bolívar. See www.oanda.com for exchange rates.
Visas
British citizens can find up-to-date travel advice on the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website. Citizens of other countries can find visa information here.
Vaccinations
See www.MASTA.org for up-to-date health advice for travellers.