Los Roques
Archipelago de Los Roques is a chain of islands and coral reefs in the Caribbean Sea about 166 km north of the Venezuelan mainland. Administratively, they are part of Venezuela's Federal Dependencies. Understand[edit]The Archipelago de Los Roques National Park spans 225,153 hectares of sea and land and includes over 40 cayos or islands as well as some 250 coral reefs. History[edit]Declared a National Park in 1972. Landscape[edit]Los Roques islands are usually calm, quiet, and usually deserted, which makes it great to be with your family alone. It has the main island, Gran Roque, which is a collection of small villa-style hotels which are small but comfortable. Los Roques is full of natural pools and beautiful fish. Flora and fauna[edit]Climate[edit]Hot and unforgiving. There is very little shade on the cays, and even sun umbrellas don't stop all the sun's rays. If you burn easily, be sure to slap on protection at all times. Get in[edit]By Plane[edit]About a 40 min flight from Caracas in fairly small planes, landing at the air strip on Gran Roque. There are also flights from Porlamar on Margarita Island. There have been safety concerns and incidents regarding the flight from mainland Venezuela to Los Roques. Be aware that some airlines offer flights in small, old airplanes that might not offer optimal safety conditions for the flight. The latest flight disappearance occurred on January 4th, 2013, with four Italian tourists on board, failing to complete the Los Roques - Caracas route.[10][11] Some tourist reports point out Aerotuy as the airline with the largest, newest plane fleet.[12] By Boat[edit]Private yachts stop off at the islands but there is no commercial ferry service. Fees/Permits[edit]Entry to the Park must be paid upon landing in Gran Roque. The latest prices were 127 Bolivars for Venezuelans and 254 for foreigners (April 2014). It's a great place for you and your family to relax and have fun. Get around[edit]The easiest but not the cheapest way of seeing Los Roques is by organising an all-inclusive tour from Caracas. If you arrange your own accommodation, your posada will probably find a boat that can take you out to the cays and may include it in the cost of your room. Alternatively, you can approach boat captains at the harbour area on Gran Roque at around 9:30 each morning. However you get out to the islands, almost all the boats, or lanchas, will leave you there all day and come back to pick you up around 4 pm. On Gran Roque, the only vehicle is the rubbish cart, and everywhere can be reached by foot. By boat[edit]
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Buy[edit][add listing]Eat[edit][add listing]Wonderfully fresh lobsters are available in season. Most people go full board and eat at their posadas every night. One thing you need to know is that the other Posadas only serve dinner for their guests so you won’t be able to eat at those. There only seem to be two or three proper restaurants on the island but they are all good. The Empanada place in the town square turns into a chicken/beef burger place in the evenings.
Drink[edit][add listing]There are a couple of bars on the beach at Gran Roque that serve great cocktails just inches from the sea. The atmosphere is relaxed in the extreme - just melt into a beanbag with a mojito in your hand and watch the sun go down... Sleep[edit][add listing]
Camping[edit]Stay safe[edit]Crime is virtually unknown on Los Roques but you should still take normal precautions. Get out[edit]
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