Notes on the article: Is Caracas dangerous?
The article that attempts to answer the question “Is Caracas dangerous?” was written shortly after the earthquake of June 24, 2026, which affected, especially the state of La Guaira. The capital, Caracas, was less severely affected than the city of La Guaira, but as of early August, the capital’s airport remains only partially active, with flights rescheduled to Panama City and Bogotá.
Also the death toll continues to rise, and in the first week of August the total death toll stands at 5.546.
This data alone should make it clear that is better to postpone any travel in the country, not only for your own safety but also not to create chaos during the first phase of the reconstruction. An already difficult humanitarian and social situation has undoubtedly been further complicated by this catastrophic event. Venezuela can certainly benefit from some tourist cash but, in my opinion, it’s still too early to not be in the way of reconstruction effort.
And now for the rest of the article.
Is Caracas dangerous? The short answer is yes, I’m sorry I have to disappoint you this time.
However, many interesting things are hidden in the details, and while Caracas is undoubtedly the most dangerous capital in South America, and by far, that doesn’t necessarily make it absolutely unapproachable.
The question is: why do you want to go to Caracas? And if you do want to go, which area do you want to visit? And what travel experience do you have? So let’s take it one step at a time and provide a brief introduction.
Caracas e Venezuela, past and present. Also called introduction
Gone are the days of Chavez and the petrodollars that filled the state coffers. From 2013, the year of Chavez’s death (the socialist president who created more than a few headaches for the Americans and the Venezuelan oligarchy with a program to help the poor but also with a gradual, authoritarian centralization of power), the President was Nicolas Maduro, Chavez’s vice president and right-hand man. He succeeded in significantly worsening the economy of an extremely rich country, unleashing a rampant hyperinflation that wiped out the value of the bolivar (the local currency) and ultimately crippled the oil industry, Venezuela’s golden goose.
The result was street protests, miles-long lines for state-subsidized gasoline, and shortages of imported goods and even basic foodstuffs (rice, beans, milk, eggs, bread, meat, etc.). In short, a vertical collapse à la Weimar Germany.
The darkest years were between 2016 and 2018. The pandemic then added fuel to the fire, but as often happens, after hitting rock bottom, the Venezuelan economy resumed growth in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. Inflation fell from 1600% in 2021 to 160% in 2023, then rose again to 475% in 2025. Some of the 7.5 million Venezuelans who left the country have decided to return, but many still prefer to remain abroad, even though they are often not welcome.
As you probably have seen, in the early days of 2026, the political situation has changed, with Maduro arrested thanks to a U.S. military operation. His place has been taken by Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who appears to be trying to maintain a difficult balance between satisfying Venezuelan citizens who want real change and U.S. President Trump, who appears, essentially, to want oil.
Is Caracas dangerous? The capital isn’t suitable for first-time tourists.
Let’s now move on to what concerns us as tourists. Is Caracas dangerous? The capital of Venezuela is, let’s face it, in a better situation than the rest of the country.
However, the small economic recovery of 2021-2023 has begun to languish, and now we’ll have to see whether President Rodriguez’s policies can continue on this path of growth. Robberies and kidnappings are decreasing, but the problem of violence remains decidedly serious, especially for tourists on the journey from the airport to the city. Violence is obviously present in many of the poorer neighborhoods, but you’re unlikely to see it firsthand, as they’re far from the city center.
Caracas is one of those places that requires a certain amount of experience and attention. If you don’t know your way around and feel confident, you’d better think twice before going. In short, I’d say Caracas isn’t a place for first-time tourists.
Is Caracas dangerous? Which neighborhoods should you avoid?
Some of you may have heard of Petare, one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Caracas and the world. Petare, however, is in good company; 23 de Enero and Catia are also two places with a decent reputation, not suited to the average tourist.
The question that comes to mind, however, is why you would want to visit these neighborhoods, located on the western and eastern edges of the city, far from the city center and any potential tourist attractions. In the video below, the famous and controversial YouTuber Kurt Caz, also known as Caz Kurt in italian, takes a girl to Petare.
The South African guy isn’t alone; the Italian Ale della Giusta also has a few videos where he tries to answer the question “Is Caracas dangerous?” and he also has something about Petare. The bottom line is this: unless you want to exploit poverty for a few clicks, I don’t understand why you should go and film in these places.
It’s a different story if you work for an NGO or have some official role for the Venezuelan government. In these cases, perhaps in a group and with the right connections, passing through these neighborhoods might be possible or even relatively simple.
Is Caracas dangerous? Some precautions to take.
You probably have to be smarter in Caracas than in other cities. Having a fake wallet with $50 to hand to the thug in case of a robbery, might not be a bad idea. We could also say something about a fake cell phone, but that might be going too far.
Clothes should never be flashy, unless you’re the guest of honor at a country club reception. Fitbits, smartwatches, and expensive cameras are best left at the hotel, assuming it’s a safe place.
The police aren’t very helpful, as is often the case. They’re not popular in the barrios, for obvious reasons, and they might not be very helpful to you either. There should still be a tourist police force in Chacao, which could be a bit more helpful, but don’t expect miracles. More than anywhere else in Caracas, you’re left with your own wits.
The best neighborhoods to stay in Caracas
Now that we’ve understood that Petare, Catia, and 23 de Enero are neighborhoods/favelas that are best avoided, especially alone, we can now discuss where it might be worth staying in Caracas.
Here, as in Medellín and Bogotá, there’s a neighborhood called Candelaria, which roughly coincides with the historic center, where most of the tourist attractions are located. There are some interesting and/or affordable hotels, but here, more than in Bogotá, you need to be really brave or really stupid to wander around alone at night. Definitely better traveling with official taxis.
As always, splitting your money and/or asking your hotel to keep your cash and/or passport in a safe might be an option.
A slightly more modern and high-end neighborhood, is Chacao, about 4-5 km east of the historic center. Chacao has slightly more expensive hotels, interesting restaurants, and is where many wealthy Venezuelans live (sort of like Miraflores in Lima).
You might certainly feel more comfortable here, but never abandon your cautions, your common sense, and don’t be shy about running on the other side of the street (even though guns are widespread and criminals generally have no qualms about using them, running might not be enough in these cases).
Another interesting area to stay in is Altamira, in the southeast of Chacao. The above also applies to this neighborhood.
Is Caracas dangerous? let’s draw some conclusions
So, what do you think… Is Caracas dangerous?
Recently, Venezuela has been a difficult place to visit. Quite a few people who have been there have told me they didn’t appreciate the tense atmosphere in the streets, and they, somehow, felt they were in danger. This tension doesn’t help tourists relax and is often due to the difficult economic conditions Venezuelans are forced to face.
Things improved slightly in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Poverty levels have dropped, and rampant inflation has returned to high but manageable levels. Furthermore, many of the criminals, with almost nothing left to steal, have left the country, joining the 7.5 million people who have fled. Or at least that’s what the vox populi says.
If you want some final, unbiased advice, I wouldn’t go to Venezuela unless I know someone who can guide me through the country. Alone, you have to be very careful; with someone local, it could be very interesting and perhaps you could have experiences you can’t have elsewhere. The same goes for Caracas. I don’t know if I’d go alone, but with someone local who can guide you.
If you really want to go, keep your eyes open, use common sense, and have a plan B, especially in the event of a kidnapping.
The post that tries to answer the question, “Is Caracas dangerous?” is finished if you have enough strength to proceed with reading, I have some suggestions:
