We consider Venezuela a safe destination. After more than 15 years of operating trips to Venezuela, our travelers have never experienced a problem with safety, whether in the cities or trekking routes. You can receive an updated Consular Information Sheet from the US State Department's website (www.travel.state.gov/travel/warnings.html) or by calling their hotline at 888-407-4747.

Despite rumors that these destinations are dangerous places, this is simply not the case. Travel in Mexico, Brazil and Venezuela is much the same as it is in the U.S. and other countries. For the bass fisherman using Bass N Mexico services, the lodges cover all transportation from the airport to the lodges.

You may do this by continuing to browse VEN-USA's web-site or by visiting: www.venezuelatuya.com OR www.frailejon.com

Venezuela is located in the north of South America . It is between the 0º 38' 53" of latitude north in Amazonas and the 12º 11' 46" in Falcón and between the meridian 59°45' 00" of longitude west in Delta Amacuro and the 73°25' 00" in Zulia. Venezuela borders the Caribbean Sea to the north, Brazil to the south, Guyana Essequibo ( Venezuela claimed this territory) and Atlantic Ocean to the east, and Colombia to the west.

In accordance with the national institute of statistic of Venezuela , the country counts with a population of 26.872.086 (February 2006).

The best way to pay is cash and in Bolivar, however, this brings also the most risk. In almost all the stores in Venezuela you can use your credit card visa and master card as well as the debit cards (EC Card) cirrus, maestro and conexus. Both the credit cards and the debit cards can be use in the ATM.

WEATHER: Daytime temperatures typically range from 80-100 during the day, but typically cool down to the 70s in the evening. Heavy tropical downpours can occur in the "rain season" but it usually only last a short while. Humidity in the tropics can play havoc with cameras or other electronic devices.

WorldTeach is partnering with the Fundacion del Estado para el Sistema Nacional de las Orquestas Juveniles e Infantiles de Venezuela (FESNOJIV). FESNOJIV is also called “El Sistema.” FESNOJIV is a system of classical orchestras that practice and perform classical music in music centers called “núcleos” throughout all 24 states of Venezuela. The program reaches out to embrace children, especially those who are at-risk or from poverty, from an early age.

The official language of Venezuela is Spanish, though there are others indigenous languages which are recognize in the constitution.

The national plate is the "Pabellon" that consist of rice, flank steak, black beans and fried banana. In the daily diet of the Venezuelan the meat, fish or chicken is always present, it could be a little problem for the vegetarian if they don't communicate before the arriving the intention of not eating meat.

For many years the best source of information about watching birds in Venezuela has been Mary Lou Goodwin's Birding in Venezuela, now in its 5th edition published by Lynx Edicions. The book is available for order from Los Angeles Audubon Society in the USA and Natural History Book Society in the UK . These days there is a lot of information available on the Internet, too - see my links page.

Most visiting birders start with an "easy" two week itinerary in north- west Venezuela such as Henri Pittier National Park , the Andes and the Llanos. This is likely to net some 550 species and is a nice introduction to northern South American birding. On a second trip, the Escalera in south-eastern Venezuela can be added, in combination with the Imataca Forest Reserve or perhaps the Paria Península to make a good ten day to two week trip.

YES. We do prefer that you travel with other students and/or friends. You will have the opportunity to travel as much or as little as you'd like. Typically, students love to take off on the weekends to explore!

In general, Venezuelan people are very receptive to North American people. Any animosity is of an impersonal nature, i.e., it is directed against the foreign policy of the U.S. rather than at its people. You will be judged as an individual, and how you act and react will determine your acceptance by the Venezuelans. Use your observational skills to adapt to a new culture.

D-Mannose is a naturally occurring sugar. It is found in certain fruits and even produced in the body. The body doesn't metabolize the majority of the mannose when taken and instead it is passed to the urine. There it rapidly binds to the offending bacteria. No side effects have been reported. The body does not react to mannose in the way it does to most sugars.