Venezuela after Chavez
While the nation was best known for its brash leader, rich oil deposits, unwavering friendship with Cuba's Fidel Castro, and its unmatched ability to produce international beauty pageant winners – 6 Miss Worlds in all – it offers a huge amount for the adventurous traveller.
The country claims Andean peaks, the steamy Amazon Rainforest and rolling savannah punctuated by flat-topped mountains called tepuis. It's home to the longest stretch of Caribbean coastline to be found in any single nation.
With tranquil offshore islands set amid turquoise seas, its wetlands are the subject of David Attenborough documentaries and teem with caimans, piranhas and anacondas.
While the capital Caracas pulsates to the rhythm of salsa clubs.
And that's to say nothing of the world's highest waterfall, Angel Falls.
Visiting comes with a risk though as Venezuela has one of the world's highest crime rates and the Colombian border is a complete no-go zone.
The question is, will the fall of the nation's leader of 14 years herald newfound prosperity through tourism or a continued exile in the shadows. Only time will tell.
If your clients wish to experience Venezuela for themselves, Tucan Travel has a range of tours including the four-day Canaima and Angel falls itinerary, priced from $1069.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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