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We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
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- Destinations
- South America
- Venezuela
- Isla Margarita
Isla Margarita
Fondly known as the 'Pearl of the Caribbean', Isla Margarita is
part of the Neuva Esparta state, which comprises three islands off
the north coast of Venezuela, Coche and Cubagua being its
neighbours. Dotted with palm-fringed beaches, crystal clear azure
waters and vast sugary white beaches juxtaposed by high mountains,
Isla Margarita is a favourite attraction for most tourists who
travel to Venezuela.
With year-round sunshine, a tropical climate, a laid-back
atmosphere and oozing with distinct character, Isla Margarita
offers world-class scuba diving opportunities, kayaking,
windsurfing and hiking. Being two islands joined by a stretch of
sand where the breathtaking Restinga Lagoon National Park leis,
Isla Margarita is home to more than just rugged and natural
beauty.
Boasting a duty-free status, many travellers from far and wide
come here on shopping sprees, while the capital of La Asunción
features magnificent colonial Spanish architecture dating back to
the 1500s. Visit the Macanao peninsula in the west for some of the
most pristine isolated beaches in the Caribbean, east a coconut ice
cream while relaxing on one of Margarita's 50 sandy white beaches,
or sip on your favourite cocktail at a local beach bar while the
sun goes down.
Information & Facts
Climate
Isla Margarita experiences constant year-round temperatures
making it an ideal destination to visit in any month. During the
summer months the temperature in Isla Margarita can climb as high
as 100F (37C) but thankfully the cooling sea breezes help to
maintain a comfortable temperature. Isla Margarita does not
experience a rainy season but sporadic rains are common during the
summer months or from the middle of November to the beginning of
January.
Language
Spanish is the official language of Venezuela.
Money
Venezuela's currency is the Bolivar Fuerte (VEF), which replaced
the Bolivar (VEB) in January 2008. The revaluation means that Bs.
1, 000 becomes Bs F 1. It is divided into 100 centimos. US dollars
are the most favoured foreign currency so it is best to have cash
and travellers cheques in US$. Foreign currency and cheques can be
changed at bureau de change offices found in most larger cities and
tourist destinations. Some banks (e.g. Banco Mercantil) will now
buy US dollars for bolivares or sell bolivares against a foreign
credit card; some major hotels will also swap US dollars for
bolivares. Banks are usually open Monday to Friday. It is best to
obtain local currency where possible before travelling, and
bolivars should be exchanged before exiting Venezuela. There are
ATMs in the cities (however some travellers have experienced
problems using them), and most credit cards, including
MasterCard/Eurocard, American Express and Visa, are accepted in
major cities. Diners Club has more limited acceptance. Visitors are
also warned that there is a serious problem with credit card
fraud.
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