Taxi to starting hotel suggestions

[lashes8]

Hi there
i'm taking the "treakking roraima" trip in Venezuela. I will be arriving in Caracas (in the morning) and then plan on??? finding the taxi kiosk and taking a marked/labeled taxi to our starting hotel (i do have basic spanish skills). My question... 1- anything else i can do to ensure my safety? (i called GAP but they said they cannot recommend a taxi company, too many) as a single female, i don't plan on walking around alone but would appreciate any tips~! thanks

[JaliscoJudy]

Gap Adventures will arrange a transfer for you. It costs more than hiring a taxi yourself but it does make life easier after dealing with the flight and and getting your luggage and going through customs and immigration. Depends on your comfort level; It can be a very welcoming sight to see someone waiting for you when you come through those doors and into a new country.

[lashes8]

Judy
actually they don't provide transportation from the airport to the starting hotel... i've called GAP twice to make sure... also the price of said taxi trip isn't known... still waiting for a response as no one in the office was familiar either so i was hoping someone might have suggestions/info.

[JaliscoJudy]

Ah, I see your problem. Looking at the US State Department's travel site for Venezuela, it appears that you do need to be extra careful about transportation. It says:

Travel to and from Maiquetía Airport, the international airport serving Caracas, can be dangerous ... Travelers should take care to use radio-dispatched taxis or those from reputable hotels. Travelers should call a 24-hour radio-dispatched taxi service from a public phone lobby or ask hotel, restaurant, or airline representatives to contact a licensed cab company for them.

Can your starting hotel provide transportation? Or, can it or Gap Adventures provide you with a number to call a reputable radio taxi from the airport? Whichever way you go, your Spanish skills are sure to be a plus.

Hopefully, you will hear from someone who has experience.

[lashes8]

Called GAP yet again... they said the hotel cannot provide transportation, nor recommend taxi service (too many, how can they know them all)... still not feeling very comfortable. Have been scouring websites (who can trust everything you read) and they state "black Fords" are the taxi to take... anyone that has experience please let me know!

[charliemcfarlie]

Hey there,

I'd be really interested to know how you got on?

I too have scoured the net and with the coming elections I am thinking its not safe to go especially if I can't even find a safe way to get to my hotel which is apparently booked in a dangerous area where tourists are not recommended to go!

Any information you can provide would be a great help.

Thanks,

Charlie