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May 21 – 25, 2007, Isla Margarita, Venezuela
Isla Margarita, Venezuela, General Information
General Information:
Located 38 km North of the Venezuelan coast, thanks to its exceptional geographic location and its free port status, Margarita has all the characteristics of an important tourist center. It represents Venezuela's insular paradise in the Caribbean sea, and is called the Pearl of the Caribbean.
State: Nueva Esparta
Capital: La Asunción
Area: 1150 Km²
Population: Approximately 385,000 inhabitants.
Among Isla Margarita's most important attractions are its beaches. The island has a coast approximately 168 kilometers long and exceptional beaches.
Tourist Information
Getting to Isla Margarita
The island's airport receives direct flights from many countries around the world, but it is also possible to fly to Caracas and connect to Isla Margarita using Venezuelan airlines. The flight from Simón Bolívar International Airport at Maiquetía (located 25 km from Caracas) to General Santiago Mariño International Airport at El Yaque, 23 Km from Porlamar, takes only 35 minutes.
It is also possible to reach the island by sea, using a ferry-boat service from the cities of La Cruz and Cumaná. This journey takes approximately 4 hours.
For more information (airport, airlines) visit the following website:
http://www.margaritadir.com/Aeropuerto.php
Airport taxes:
Venezuelan entrance tax (2 tax units): Bs. 58.800,00 or U$D 27.34.
Venezuelan exit tax (3 tax units): Bs. 88.200,00 or U$D 41.
Each tax unit is equivalent to Bs. 29.400,00.
For further info you may visit:
http://www.comunidadandina.org/turismo/perfil_ven.htm
Official Venezuelan time
Official Venezuelan time is UTC -4.
Weather
The average temperature is 27° C.
In contrast to the rest of the country, rainfall is scarce in Isla Margarita and the sun shines almost all year round. Hurricane possibility is minimal, thanks to the protection provided by the island's geographical location.
One of Isla Margarita's charms is the diversity and contrasts of its landscapes.
What to wear:
We suggest wearing light, comfortable clothes and comfortable shoes.
http://espanol.weather.com/weather/local/VEXX0016
Currency
The Venezuelan currency is the Bolivar (Bs.)
- Bolivar banknotes are issued in the following denominations: 1000; 2000; 5000; 10,000; 20,000 and 50,000 Bolivares.
- Bolivar coins are issued in the following denominations: 10; 20; 50; 100; 500 and 1000 Bolivares.
US dollars are generally accepted at commercial establishments, as are traveler's checks and Visa, American Express, Diners and Master Card credit cards.
In general terms, any currency can be exchanged at banks or respectable currency exchanges and hotels.
US Dollar/Bolivar Rate
1 USD = 2,147.30 Bs.
Currency Converter links:
Electricity
110 Volts AC.
Public Transportation
The bus system is made up by bright colorful units that can take you practically to any part of the island at a very low cost.
Around Porlamar's Bolivar Square you will find the terminals for the buses towards Juan Griego, Macanao, the airport, Manzanillo (El Agua beach) and Pampatar.
On average, ticket prices are 3000 Bs.
Taxis
Taxis are white, with yellow license plates issued by the State of Nueva Esparta. It is recommended that you inquire the cost of the trip before boarding the unit. In the city of Porlamar the minimum taxi rate is 8000 Bs.
Typical Cuisine
Isla Margarita's cuisine is characterized by the variety of dishes prepared with sea food and fish.
Among the island's typical dishes are the "empanadas", pastries made with corn flower and stuffed with meat, cheese, fish or other fillings. Although the “cachapa” (a thin corn pastry accompanied with white cheese) is not native of Margarita, it has become one of the island's tastiest options.
The island also offers the taste of the tropics through a great variety of natural fruit juices such as parchita, mango, melon, patilla (water melon) and, among others, cocada. A refreshing alternative is Venezuela's most popular beer – "Polar".
Places of Interest
La Asunción: The island's capital, home to the government powers. This town preserves its colonial characteristics.
Juan Griego: Fishing village of Juan Griego, located to the North of the island, where you can enjoy beautiful sunsets and typical waterside restaurants.
La Restinga: Lagoon located among mangrove swamps and natural channels. 25 km of beach that join the Macanao peninsula with the rest of the island.
Macanao: Beautiful beaches; wild and arid landscapes, plenty of cacti and little low vegetation.
Isla de Coche: Small fishermen's island located towards the South of Isla Margarita.
For more information you can visit the following websites:
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