Caracas: Conquering South America’s Most Challenging Destination

Today marks a milestone in my South American journey—I’ve arrived in Venezuela, the hardest country to visit on this trip! 😁 🛂 Visa Drama & Miraculous Entry 3-month wait for a 3-day transit visa (yes, just 72 hours!). Horror stories online had me nervous, but… magic happened: Smooth entry after showing my Spanish residency card, exit ticket, and two fully stamped old passports. Customs? One glance at my backpack and "¡Adelante!"—30 minutes total. 🌆 First Impressions of Caracas Skyline & Urban Energy: Downtown’s Plaza Bolívar buzzes with life—modern avenues, packed markets, and a mix of hustlers and dreamers. Architectural whiplash: From colonial squares to brutalist towers. Bolívar Everywhere: The Liberator’s equestrian statue dominates the plaza. His birthplace nearby features a wall engraved with revolutionary quotes. UNESCO Gem: Universidad Central de Venezuela 🎓 A "young" World Heritage Site (1950s modernist campus). Oasis of calm and creativity in this chaotic city. ⏳ Why Such a Short Stay? Transit visa limits + flight unpredictability = 36 hours max. But oh, what a dense, dazzling 36 hours! #Caracas #Venezuela #TravelAgainstTheOdds