When to go
The Caribbean coast is consistently dry and hot with plenty of sun. Most rain falls between Nov-Jan.
Getting local currency
Bolívar Fuerte. Banks will offer advances on a credit card. Money exchange offices and many hotels will happily buy US dollars cash (very few accept euros or sterling and the rate will be poor). Obtain your local currency before heading to the coast.
Time difference
GMT -5.5 hours (yes, really).
Getting there
There are regular short domestic flights between Caracas and Cumaná (for the eastern beaches) and Los Roques. The drive from Caracas to Choroní through the hilly Henri Pittier National Park (170km); or to Morrocoy takes 3.5hrs.
Combines with
A tour in Colombia to the west, with daily flights from Caracas to Bogotá taking just 1hr 45mins; the Inca archaeological sites of Peru (daily flights Caracas to Lima take 4hrs).
Key events
Carnival, countrywide, Feb-Mar. Most Venezuelan urbanites enjoy a 4-day weekend and choose to vacate the city and head for the beach.
Easter (Holy Week), countrywide, Mar-Apr. Many Venezuelans spend this week away at the beach.
Weekends and public holidays: Beach destinations along the coast can get very busy, but are usually deserted during the week.