Gap Year Programs in Venezuela

Whilst there are warnings against traveling to certain areas of Venezuela, particularly close to the border of Colombia, gap year travelers can still experience some of the unique experiences the country has to offer. Safety is a concern in all parts of the country and travelers should exercise caution, particularly at night, and note that it is also advisable to avoid demonstrations and protests, which can quickly turn violent. Overall, visitors to Venezuela should research their destination thoroughly before traveling and make sure they are fully informed about keeping safe.

Caracas. Whilst it is inadvisable to spend too much time in Caracas (it is indeed one of the most violent cities in the world), completing a short-term project in Venezuela’s capital city allows travelers to experience some of the country’s most worthwhile points of interest. El Avila National Park, in contrast to the bustling metropolis, sits in the mountains and can be explored by hiking, biking or even in a cable car. Caracas is also home to various museums and galleries, as well as some of the country’s best eateries. 

Mérida. Home to some of Venezuela’s most beautiful landscapes, Mérida is located in the center of the Venezuelan Andes and is a great location to practice adventure sports, such as paragliding and rafting. Mérida is also a point of cultural and educational interest, being a city occupied by students of the three universities (spread out across many university centers) and home to various museums, monuments, churches, plazas, and other public areas such as the botanical gardens. 

Ciudad Bolívar. Particularly the historic center of Venezuela’s largest state capital is a common stop for travelers and gap year programs in Venezuela. Made up of colorful, colonial buildings and situated to overlook the country’s largest river, gap year travelers can find themselves in the ideal spot to learn about the Spanish colonization and subsequent liberation and independence of Venezuela. Ciudad Bolívar is also a principal stop-off for travelers en route to the Canaima National Park, where the world’s highest waterfalls are located.

Since Venezuela is not so much the obvious choice of gap year destinations, program options are somewhat limited and mostly short term. Good options for gappers are mostly in the fields of traveling and exploring to experience the biodiversity of Venezuela, and learning independently, or through an organized program, about the complex current and past political environment of the country.

Volunteering. Volunteering in Venezuela is one of the most popular types of gap year programs. By undertaking a volunteering program, gap year travelers can experience the country in a safe and structured way, whilst helping in areas such as education (teaching English is a widely explored route), conservation, and healthcare. Volunteers could be placed in a huge variety of settings, from schools and orphanages, to wildlife conservation programs in one of the many rainforests.

Self-Discovery. A common aim for gap year travelers is to engage in self-discovery, and the diverse environment of Venezuela could be the perfect place to do so. A gap year in Venezuela allows traveling through hugely varied cities and towns, and exploring the wilderness of the mountains, including the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. Gap year travelers in Venezuela are more than likely to experience some culture shock, which in turn is a great way for people to broaden their horizons and take time out to consider different ways of life.

Costs. Like many gap year programs elsewhere, particularly volunteering schemes, guided travel in Venezuela comes with a cost. Since programs tend to be short-term rather than for the whole year, costs can be slightly cheaper, but can still run in the region of $2,500 or more. The cost of living in Venezuela is also unstable, with major shortages of food, water, and medicines driving many prices up. The most secure option for those looking for a gap year in Venezuela is to search for a program that includes daily necessities, and to stock up on any prescription and over-the-counter medications before travel. To help fundraise for your travels or for the organization you want to volunteer with, check out FundMyTravel.

Accommodations. For Venezuela gap years, accommodation in hostels is a good option for solo travelers, as sleeping in a dorm is a great way to meet and team up with other gappers. Once again, it is strongly recommended to undertake a gap year travel program with a reputable company, who should arrange accommodation for you and include it in the cost of the program.

Visas. Some nationalities (such as the UK, Canada, and some other European and North American countries) can travel to Venezuela without a visa (just with their passport) for up to 90 days, provided their purpose for travel is tourism. US citizens need to apply for a tourist visa (which costs $30 and is valid for a year) to be able to enter Venezuela for 90 days as a tourist. Those of any nationality who intend to work in Venezuela will require a work permit, which must be applied for after receiving a job offer. For more information on visas, check the GoAbroad embassy directory.

Safety. Crime rates in Venezuela are high, and foreign visitors can, unfortunately, be targeted. This is one of the reasons it’s a good idea to travel with an organized gap year program which will keep you safe while avoiding the more dangerous areas of the country. Whilst it’s important not to think badly of the general population (Venezuelan people are known to be friendly and helpful!) don’t take anything of value with you or carry large quantities of money, and avoid wearing expensive jewellery or showing off your phone as you go. It’s also a good idea to head back to your accommodation early in the night, and don’t travel between cities after dark.

Taking a gap year anywhere in the world is an enormously worthwhile activity, and travelers develop skills and ideas that put them one step ahead. The benefits of a gap year in Venezuela include a more open mind, empathetic outlook, and the obvious organization and independence that is necessary to plan a trip (especially for a whole year!). Depending on their program, gappers can get valuable work experience through paid or unpaid positions and volunteering. They might even pick up a few words of a new language.

Be well prepared before traveling to Venezuela; it is advisable to have a detailed itinerary, and to book any hotels and make travel arrangements before leaving your home country. Whilst local people are mostly friendly, it’s also a good idea to try not to stand out too much. Jeans or pants (not shorts) and comfortable trainers are a good go-to outfit for day-to-day activities.

Those embarking on a gap year in Venezuela can certainly expect to return with experiences unlike any other. They will also come back more politically aware and with a deeper understanding of Latin American culture in general. Adventurous travelers are sure to have a worthwhile, eye-opening experience during their gap year programs in Venezuela.

Keep reading! Check out the 10 Signs You Should Consider a Gap Year Volunteering.