Situated on the east coast of South America with shoreline on both the North Atlantic and the Caribbean, Venezuela is a Spanish-speaking country known for spectacular scenery and adventure.

Spanish, African, and numerous indigenous cultures blend in Venezuela creating a rich, diverse people who speak many languages, most of them indigenous dialects, and a cuisine unique to the locally available foods combined with European and African influences. Stuffed corn tortillas called arepas are the quintessential Venezuelan dish. Corn is a staple food and finds its way into many dishes including corn pancakes. Venezuela is also known for its chocolate production as cacao beans are abundant.

Venezuela, however fascinating, is also a place where vigilance is required when traveling. Venezuela has a high crime rate and is a major transit country for cocaine and heroin as well as a source of coca and opium poppy.

The topography of Venezuela varies greatly throughout the country as it encompasses a portion of Andes mountain range, Amazon Basin rainforest, a lengthy Caribbean coast, Orinoco River Delta, and miles upon miles of plains. The varied topography and tropical climate allow for Venezuela

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