Venezuela is a natural paradise. Its location means it has some of the most beautiful and impressive tourist destinations in the world. Its coastline towards the Caribbean Sea offers miles of beaches of turquoise waters and white sands. It also has mountain ranges, the beauty of the Andes, 85% of the world’s tepuis and, in the middle of the jungle, one of Venezuela’s most important treasures: El Salto Ángel (Angel Falls).
Mexican documentary filmmaker Alex Tienda, known for having millions of views on his YouTube videos, visited Venezuela a few months ago and related, in a series of 11 documentaries, his impression of the South American country and its people.
Tienda was fascinated by Venezuelans. He was impressed by their attitude, fighting capacity and the will to enjoy life, despite adversities. In his series, he shows the different faces of a complex Venezuela. Not only the natural beauties, but also the economic, social and political reality.
In the first episodes, he gives a master class on the history of Venezuela, so that foreigners can understand the current situation. He showcases the Venezuelans who guided him through the streets of Caracas and explained the meaning of the symbols and scenarios unknown to those who do not live in the country.
While touring the capital, he felt watched by the giant eyes of former President Hugo Chavez painted on different buildings and walls. Also, he was impressed by the amount of propaganda announcing ‘patria o muerte’ (fatherland or death).
At the same time, Alex experienced the economic systems prevailing, with a shortage of bolivars, few low-denomination dollar bills and a forced digital economy, in a country that is not technologically prepared for it. But he found a way to pay for services, he ventured to be swindled, he had in his hands millions and millions of bolivars (the equivalent of 5 dollars) and he saw both the poor face and the millionaire face of Venezuela.
He saw the social inequality in its streets and, as he walked around, he did something that few dare to do: he entered Petare, one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the world, the largest and most violent in Venezuela. But there, Alex found children playing, friendly adults, large families, humble people, problems with public services, poverty, and a lot of love and kindness.
In Petare he watched the sunset with a breathtaking view of Caracas from the poorest angle. Earlier he had seen the sundown from the top of the Avila mountain, in the most expensive and luxurious hotel in Venezuela, the Humboldt. There, after taking the teleferic cable car up, he was able to enjoy a jewel of architecture that was built more than 60 years ago, but has been closed most of the time since.
At the top of the Avila, Tienda saw Caracas between a bed of clouds that provides a dreamlike image to the exclusive hotel that few can enjoy. On the other side of the building, the views were of the stunning Caribbean Sea.
The Humboldt represents the beauty of Venezuela. But it also marks opulence and is a clear symbol of social inequality, since a room costs $300 a night, which for many minimum wage earners represents more than 100 times their monthly salaries.
Alex Tienda also visited the beaches (episode 9). One of the most representative places, because Venezuela is almost synonymous with beaches. For the quick two-day tour of this area, he chose the Morrocoy National Park, where the color of the water in each key he visited is mesmerizing.
He finished his trip in one of the most imposing places in the world, which represented one of the best experiences of his life (episodes 10 and 11). When he saw Angel Falls up close for the first time, he was moved to tears and fell in love. It was of those moments where words are superfluous and the only thing he could do was to admire the more than 900 meters of waterfall (the highest in the world) in one of the biggest and most impressive tepuis in existence, the Auyantepuy.
Alex had the opportunity to see the Angel Falls (Kerepakupai Vená in the Pemón language) from different perspectives and each one was more impressive than the last. It is a magical place with a unique energy that takes the breath away from everyone who experiences it. It’s no wonder that the creators of the movie ‘Up’ were inspired by this place to set the ‘Paradise Falls’.
After returning to his country, Alex Tienda wanted to help the Petare community. In collaboration with the foundation Unos Venezolanos he started a GoFundMe campaign, hoping to raise about $25,000 to help the children and the population in need. The goal was surpassed, in a few days they raised more than $100,000. This shows the positive power of social media and the people who are influencing through it.
Venezuela is not the first destination many tourists think of when planning a trip. But after watching Alex Tienda’s documentary, many will want to visit the beautiful beaches, admire the Angel Falls and walk its streets. No doubt many will forget the problems and help tourism grow in the country.
Alex himself promised to return, he still has many places to visit, because Venezuela has plenty of earthly paradises and one week is not enough to tour the country.
Image credit: Clay Gilliland