Tips to enjoy Los Roques, Venezuela

The small archipelago Los Roques, Venezuela with only 40 km ² is great in beauty. They are 42 islands and 300 sandbanks surrounded by crystal waters and many coral reefs. Here are some tips to explore the place and how to enjoy this little piece of paradise in the Caribbean.

There are options for flights to Los Roques from other capitals. You will have to leave the Venezuelan capital, Caracas. The flight Caracas-Los Roques takes about  15 minutes. Before leaving the airport there is a departure tax location, around $ 6.

At the airport, beware of scalpers. Besides excessive harassment is unfortunately a common scam, to exchange currency with tourists.

Off the plane in Gran Roque the main island, must pay a fee of preservation (since the island is part of the National Park). The price is a little salty: approximately $ 30. Nobody warned you about this in Caracas.

For peace of mind, please bring cash there, because there is only one ATM on the island, if gives problem may end your trip.

The streets are all sand, home and guesthouses are simple, almost all without hot water. Moreover, water is rationed well because had experienced supply problems. On the island, the only means of transport is a truck collects the garbage.

There are some pretty good lodging and affordable, rooms with air-conditioner and a good breakfast, in between, Pousada La laguna, and Pousada Los Corales. And for those who are willing to pay more for more comfort and luxury, the Pousada Natura Viva.

From the pier of the small port, run the tours to other islands. Nearby, there is a shop that rents snorkel and fins for snorkeling and a good breakfast restaurant: Aquarena. At night, it is a great place to drink wine. Chairs and pouffes are arranged on the sand, facing the sea.

Start by Cayo de Agua. It is the island furthest with visit allowed. To there, it is 1 hour by boat. The tour costs $ 30, with umbrellas and chairs included. Indeed, without them you cannot stay in place. The sun is intense and there is no shade anywhere. The good news is, usually, hotels yield guests coolers to bring food and drinks.

Coming back from Cayo de Agua to Gran Roque stopped at two other islands: Dos Mosquises and Sarquí and Espenquí (these two connected by a sandbar). Both are beautiful, with calm sea of transparent waters and fine white sand.

Francisquí is 20 minutes by boat from Gran Roque. In our opinion, this is the most beautiful. Water very calm and shallow (you can walk through the sand banks), it is still excellent for the practice of snorkeling and windsurfing.

Before Francisquí, passed by Madrisqui, just 10 minutes inland. Great for swimming and also with translucent waters. It is occupied by summer homes of Venezuelans. By the way, you must pay between $ 4 and $ 6.