Margarita Island, Venezuela

[Thomaso276]

Anyone been there, info on trips, resorts, costs, Security.

Any and all info appreciated.

Thanks,

Tomas

[Tequila Tim]

I've been there several times but not in the past 4 years. Overall Margarita Island is a great destination with mongering opportunities. Here's a quick overview:

Layout: There are around 30 different beaches each with a different vibe. The larger ones like Playa del Agua are well developed with restaurants and affordable hotels along the beach. The rates were $30-40 US / night. The capital, Polamar is a mid sized town with any type of need (bank, mall, etc. Easy to find. Hilton runs a big casino just outside of town. When I was there we ferried my friend's car from the mainland but I would recommend a rental car since the beaches are spread out. Overall, I felt safe but there were some drugged out losers at some of the beaches. The topless European girls are an added bonus.

Costs: As mentioned, the hotels were not expensive, even cheaper in Polamar (although the beach scene is more relaxing) All merchants took dollars at an exchange rate better than the official rate. My Venezuelan friends say the rate is even better these days. I wouldn't recommend changing money on the street but rather paying in dollars and getting the change at the better exchange rate. There are many good seafood places (try el Pescador) with good local rum and great service. Great value for seafood and rum lovers.

Mongering: There are a couple of web sites for girls (I forget the magazine) but there are various girls hanging around the beach bars at the larger beaches. It's easy enough to figure out who's on the program. I believe the girls were asking 60-80K bolivars (~$30-40) short-time. Also, the various male hotel workers are a good source for girls, I would tip them 20K for bringing a girl by.

I hope this helps, PM if you need specific info.

TT