Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Caracas

Accommodation

$8-25 per night

Shared dormitories in hostels, basic guesthouses, budget hotels in residential areas

Food & Dining

$5-15 per day

Street food, local areperas, empanada stands, neighborhood cafeterias, occasional grocery shopping

Transportation

$2-8 per day

Metro system, public buses (carritos), walking, occasional shared taxis

Activities

$3-12 per day

Free walking tours, public parks, free museums on certain days, hiking in nearby areas

Use the Metro system extensively - typically 80-90% cheaper than taxis for getting around the city

Eat at local areperas and neighborhood restaurants instead of tourist areas (usually 60-70% less expensive)

Stay in residential neighborhoods like Las Mercedes or La Castellana rather than central tourist zones for 30-50% accommodation savings

Take advantage of free museum days and public cultural events, which can save $15-40 per day on entertainment

Shop at local markets like Mercado de Chacao for snacks and drinks instead of hotel convenience stores (typically 70% cheaper)

Use shared transportation (por puestos) for longer distances - often 50-60% cheaper than private taxis

Book accommodations well in advance during stable periods to secure better rates, potentially saving 25-40%

Relying solely on taxis and avoiding public transport - can increase daily transport costs by 300-500%

Eating exclusively in upscale areas or hotel restaurants instead of exploring local food scenes (typically doubles food costs)

Not carrying small bills or exact change for public transport and street vendors, leading to overpaying or forced upgrades

Booking last-minute accommodations during peak periods without comparing options, often resulting in 50-100% higher costs

Exchanging money at airports or hotels instead of official exchange houses, losing 10-20% on unfavorable rates