Wow - I just checked out flights from L.A. to Caracas, in May they are $508! From NYC to Caracas, $570.
I thought I'd pass these prices along, $500 is as cheap as it gets flying from the U.S. to Caracas (except Miami, which is closer, and usually less). Typical fares are $800 to over $1000.
Hato El Frio (elfrioeb.com), the biological field and tourist station where I conducted research, now charges $85 per person in May, $30 a night less than in high season (which ends April 30). Stay includes meals, outings, and beverages.
May is the very end of the dry season, it's not necessarily the perfect time to go to the Llanos for the average tourist, because it is one of the hottest times to be there, but it can be the beginning of the rainy season, if the rainy season is normal/early. Things are also less green, again since it is the end of dry season.
However, if your primary goal is to find anacondas, May is a good time to go, as it is dry season, and still breeding season, therefore anacondas are more easily spotted. The other wildlife is readily visible, too, since they will be more clustered around the remaining pools and modulos. May/ June is when wet season begins. Temps are between 90 and 105, but cools when it rains.
El Frio is one of just 2 places you can readily see Orinoco crocs, too - we have been releasing them there as part of the repropagation program.
Flights from Caracas inland are $110 round trip. Typically a tax, or shuttle, from the airport (in San Fernando) is around $40 to $80, one way. If you are willing to take a regular bus, it will be less. Travel from San Fernando to Hato El Frio is 2.5 hours.
Just FYI.
Renee
