Tourist Information: Visit http://think-venezuela.net.
Location: The archipelago of Los Roques lies 80 miles north of the Caribbean coast of Venezuela.
Topography: All of the 50 or so islands are flat coral sand keys, except for Gran Roque, which is made of volcanic rock and rises to 400 feet at the top of Mount Cabelon. The islands surround a large shallow lagoon, while coral reefs fringe the outer edges of the archipelago.
Currency: The Venezuelan bolivar is the official currency. At press time, the bolivar was exchanging at Bs 689 to US$1. While most posadas accept major credit cards, it's best to exchange enough currency to cover expenses at a bank or at your hotel in Caracas prior to arriving in Los Roques.
Language: Spanish, though the fishing guides and anyone who works at the posadas are at least bilingual.
Climate: Hot and dry. Los Roques gets very little rain during the year. Trade winds keep temperatures in the mid-80s during the day, and mid-70s at night.
Area Code: From the U.S., dial 011-58-14 and then the six-digit local number.
Documents: U.S. citizens arriving in Venezuela are required to have a passport and return plane ticket.
Electricity: 110 volts, the same as U.S.
Time: GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) minus four hours; Eastern Daylight Time all year.
Taxes and Tipping: There is an entrance fee of about US$15 to Los Roques National Park. Boat captains should be tipped US$10 per day, per angler; fishing guides - who double as emergency travel agents, translators and all-around expeditors - should be tipped at least 10 percent of the cost of the trip. Guides also appreciate it if you leave behind a few of your unusual flies.
Ground Transportation: Your two feet.
Airlines: LTA - Linea Turistica Aereotuy (Caracas 58-27-62-3009 or www.tuy.com) - operates flights to Los Roques from both Caracas and Margarita island. Caracas is the international gateway for travelers from the U.S. heading to Los Roques. For travel arrangements, call New World Travel at 800-308-SURF.
FISHING GUIDES
Book a fishing trip through Caribbean Fly, guided by Felipe Reyes Sabal (call 011-58-23-83-804, 014-229-6610 or e-mail him at cfly@etheron.net). A trip with Reyes can also be arranged from the U.S. through New York's Urban Angler (800-255-5488, or visit www.urban-angler.com).
ACCOMMODATIONS
Posada Acuarela on Gran Roque (011-5814-323502, e-mail airone@cantv.net or visit www.posadaacuarela.com/pages/ingles) is an 11-room, two-story hotel offering double suites. The charming guesthouse opens onto a courtyard that encircles a sea-grape tree. The rooftop sundeck offers views of Mount Cabelon. Acuarela's new restaurant serves a seafood-based lineup and specializes in Italian fare. Vistalmar, also on Gran Roque (011-58-27-62-3009 or visit www.tuy.com) is owned and operated by the airline LTA. This 13-room posada features a terrace bar overlooking the harbor. Guests partaking of the hotel's meal plan enjoy buffet-style breakfast and dinner at the nearby El Muelle restaurant.
Posted online 11/01/00.
