Become Familiar with the Currency on Isla Margarita

When visiting Caracola Beach and Spa Resort on Isla Margarita you have to keep into account the different currency that is used on the island. However, you don’t need to worry because US dollars can easily be exchanged for Isla Margarita currency on the island. Both exchange houses and banks can easily exchange dollars and travelers’ checks at the official rate.

The currency used on Isla Margarita is Bolivars. The current official exchange rate of US dollars to Bolivars is 4,30 to one US dollar (January 21, 2010).

It is suggested that you talk to the concierge at the hotel or hotel personnel to find the most convenient place to readily exchange US dollars for Bolivars.

However, do not be trapped into exchanging all your money at once at the Caracas airport by ‘helpers’. Once you change US dollars to Bolivars you will not be able to change the local currency back to dollars, so be sure to just exchange a little at a time.

Also, stay away from using your credit card or ATM card, if at all possible. It may end up costing you much more (20%+) for what you can readily receive for US dollars by visiting a bank or exchange house.

Enjoy a Fun Filled Day at The Kingdom of MUSIPAN

If you are looking for a way to entertain your children during your visit to Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, on Isla Margarita, be sure to visit The Kingdom of MUSIPAN.

The Kingdom of MUSIPAN is a tourist based theme park based on the descriptions of Benjamin Rausseo, who is a well-known humorist of the area. The theme park offers its guests a variety of different swimming pools, waterslides, and restaurants to enjoy. The park also offers an animal farm, children’s play area, theater, and cinema.

While there, don’t miss the professional greased pig capturing contest, which is the official sport of the kingdom.

Discover the Importance of Historical Forts on Isla Margarita

During your visit to Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, travel back in history to the colonial days when Spaniards on Isla Margarita found refuge in fortresses and forts that were used to protect its ports from pirates and other threats to the island.

Isla Margarita has five prominent forts and fortresses that still remain today which visitors of the island can visit.

Castillo de Santa Rosa and Fortin La Caranta, both which were built between 1586 and 1595, are located atop la Caranta hill in Pampatar. These forts were originally built to shut off access to Pampatar’s shore; however, their tasks could never be achieved because they were destroyed by Dutch pirates during an attack in 1626.

Castillo de San Carlos, which was built between 1664 and 1684, was the most important fort on the island because it was built to protect the bay of Pampatar.

Fortin Espana, which is located atop a hill on the outskirts of Santa Ana del Norte, is only a small guard outpost; however, it proved to be of great importance to protect the main road between Juan Griego and La Asuncion.

Fortin de la Galera, which was built in 1811 by the Margarita Provincial Joint, was given the name la libertad (freedom) after a battle for independence was held around its walls on August 8, 1817.

Be sure to visit one, or all, of these historical forts on Isla Margarita for more information of their importance to the island.

Construction Has Begun on Caracola Beach and Spa Resort

Construction has begun on Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, located on Isla Margarita, and the resort is scheduled to open in July 2011.

Caracola Beach and Spa Resort will consist of 1244 luxury condominiums and duplexes spread over 15 floors overlooking Caracola Beach. With four different floor plan layouts to choose from, the apartments vary in size from 52.5m² (565 SF) to 117.1m² (1260 SF), nearly all with their own view of the Caribbean Sea.

Each deluxe condominium will be constructed of the highest standards and will feature a fully-fitted modern kitchen, inviting living room, tranquil balcony, and climate controlled air conditioning system. High quality products will be installed throughout units. These spectacular units will be the ultimate in comfort and luxury.

Within the resort, guests will find a multitude of services and facilities. They will be sure to enjoy our delectable restaurants, tropical swim-up bars, full-service spa, and refreshing swimming pools. Caracola Beach and Spa Resort will also boast a fully-equipped gym, hairdressers, and high end retail establishments. Guests at Caracola Beach and Spa resort will find themselves lost in paradise while relaxing in seaside hammocks or lying on the sandy beach while the waves of the Caribbean Sea travel over their feet.

Stay tuned for more pictures of Caracola Beach and Spa Resort throughout the different phases of construction!

Margarita Tropical Gardens and Labyrinth is a Must See Site

During your visit to Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, on Isla Margarita, be sure to visit the Caribbean’s only multi-species labyrinth, Margarita Tropical Gardens and Labyrinth. Here you will be accompanied by monkeys and other entertaining species as you wander through a maze of tropical plants and unique trees.

The park is divided into four areas. The first area includes vegetation which grows between sea level and 400 m above sea level. This area consists of different species of cactus, spiny bushes, and the emblematic tree of Nueva Esparta, the Guayacan.

The second area, The Flower Garden, includes the greatest number of flower species on Isla Margarita. Here you will also come in contact with mango, native plum, bananas, sugar cane, and guava trees.

The third area includes plant species which grow above 400m sea level. This area consists of bromeliads, orchids, callas, fern pal trees, and climbing ferns.

The fourth area consists of a pond where you can watch and interact with some of the tropical fauna, turtles, black spiders, royal parrots, a boa constrictor, and a Capuchino monkey named Pancho.

The park is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and is definitely worth a visit during your time on Isla Margarita.

Enjoy The Beautiful Weather of Isla Margarita

When visiting Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, on Isla Margarita, you will undoubtedly enjoy beautiful weather during your stay. Temperatures on the island are fairly consistent at 80 degrees, and although located in the Caribbean, it is not in the hurricane belt. All guests that visit the area are provided with a very comfortable environment due to the warm days and cool evenings.

Isla Margarita doesn’t have a typical rainy season. The island experiences most of its rain from mid June to mid July and mid November to early January. It doesn’t rain continuously for days either; instead it will usually rain for a couple hours and the sun will reappear.

Percent of days with at least 6 hours of Sun on Isla Margarita during 2009: (sunny days/days in month)

• January- 28/31
• February- 24/28
• March- 28/31
• April- 30/30
• May- 31/31
• June- 29/30
• July- 29/31
• August- 30/31
• September- 30/30
• October- 29/31
• November- 28/30
• December- 31/31

Minimum and maximum temperatures on Isla Margarita during 2009: (low/high)

• January- 77/82
• February- 73/82
• March- 77/82
• April- 79/84
• May- 81/86
• June- 79/86
• July- 75/84
• August- 79/84
• September- 81/88
• October- 81/84
• November- 79/84
• December- 77/82

For more information regarding Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, please visit www.CaracolaBeachSpaResort.com.

There is so Much to do on Isla Margarita

Not only does Caracola Beach and Spa Resort offer its guests an array of amenities at the resort but the area has a lot to offer as well. Caracola’s location on the Caribbean Sea provides guests with an abundant amount of outdoor activities where guests can enjoy the beautiful scenery, as well as the fairly consistent 80 degree temperatures throughout the year.

Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, located on Isla Margarita, offers:

• Remarkable golfing locations
• Numerous hiking grounds from mountainous rain forests to sand flats
• High end duty-free shopping at locations such as Tommy Hilfiger, Benetton, and Tiffany’s,
• Horseback riding
• Extraordinary scuba diving and snorkeling locations with abundant and diverse underwater life
• Windsurfing (it’s the surfing capital of the world)
• Uninhabited islands for exploring
• National parks, forests, lagoons, and beaches
• Historical forts

Relax in the Perfect Tropical Setting on Isla Margarita

Caracola Beach and Spa Resort is located on the tropical Isla Margarita. Isla Margarita, which is also known as the “Pearl of the Caribbean,” is the most developed of the three islands that make up the State of Nueva Esparta. Isla Margarita features dramatic mountainous terrain, lush vegetation, flora and fauna, and many stunning white sandy beaches. Temperatures on the island are fairly consistent at 80 degrees, and although located in the Caribbean, it is not in the hurricane belt. All guests that visit the area are provided with a very comfortable environment due to the warm days and cool evenings.

Isla Margarita remains practically untouched, despite how close it is to the mainland and the Latin lifestyle, mixed with the European and American influences, make for a developed, democratic, and welcoming environment.