Jörg Bütefür's Story
Experience Venezuela’s Unique Wonders in Total Safety
My Core Values
- Authenticity
- Sustainability
- Safety
- Cultural Respect
- Passion for Discovery
My Philosophy
Quote from Alexander von Humboldt:
“The most dangerous of all world views is the world view of people who have not viewed the world.”
My Mission
Bringing “the Real Venezuela” to you! From the Caribbean to the Andes, the Llanos to the Amazon — its stunning diversity shapes a rich culture. I offer safe, authentic experiences to unveil its hidden wonders through local eyes.
>> Unveiling Venezuela: A Land of Adventure, History, and Culture <<
Who Am I...
Hey there!
I’m Jörg Bütefür, born in ’64, and I started Criollo Travel. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had this urge to explore lesser-known spots, especially in Eastern Europe back in the early ’80s. My first solo trip was to Hungary in 1981, when it was still behind the Iron Curtain. It was super cool to meet folks from a totally different ‘system’ and see how they lived. That kickstarted more adventures across various ways of life, including places like Turkey, Syria, Jordan, sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America.
Connecting with the local people and organizing my own trips has always been a priority for me, and I was also happy to handle arrangements for my travel buddies too!
As I delved deeper into my experiences in foreign lands, each destination offered a unique tapestry of culture, history, and human connection. Hungary welcomed me with its thermal baths and the melodic strains of folk music, while Moldova’s quaint villages and resilient spirit painted a picture of endurance and warmth. Poland, with its rich history and vibrant cities, was a testament to resilience, and Belarus, often overlooked, unveiled its own hidden gems through the kindness of its people.
The charm of the Czech Republic, with its fairy-tale castles and bustling markets, was juxtaposed with the haunting remnants of history in Ukraine, where stories of struggle and hope intertwined. The Baltic States, each with their distinct identity, offered a glimpse into a shared past and a promising future, all while celebrating their individual heritages.
Peru
Lessons Learned: Exploring Humanity Through Global Travel
As I ventured beyond Europe, the landscapes transformed dramatically. In Kenya and Uganda, the vast savannahs and towering mountains were a backdrop to the rich biodiversity and vibrant tribal traditions. Morocco’s bustling souks and aromatic spices awakened my senses, while the stark beauty of Western Sahara challenged my perceptions of desert life. Each country in Africa was a chapter of its own, filled with stories of resilience, tradition, and the intertwining of the old and the new.
The adventures abroad through South America was equally transformative. In Nicaragua, the fiery sunsets over the volcanic landscape were matched only by the warmth of the locals. Ecuador’s biodiversity and the majestic Andes provided an unparalleled adventure, while Peru’s ancient ruins whispered tales of the Inca civilization. Colombia’s vibrant street life and Cuba’s nostalgic charm offered lessons in joy and survival, while Venezuela’s struggles painted a more complex picture of modern-day challenges.
As I moved further east, Laos and Cambodia beckoned with their lush jungles and ancient temples, inviting me to reflect on the fragility of history. Thailand’s bustling cities and serene beaches provided a contrast that was both exhilarating and calming. In India, the cacophony of colors and sounds enveloped me, revealing a way of life steeped in spirituality and diversity. Pakistan, with its breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage, reminded me of the intricate tapestries woven by human hands across generations.
My journey through Central Asia, particularly Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, revealed ancient Silk Road treasures and the enduring spirit of the people who called these regions home. China captivated me with its dynamic blend of tradition and modernity, while Japan’s meticulous attention to detail and harmony offered a glimpse into a world that balances the ancient with the cutting-edge.
Transformative Travel: Stories of Adventure Across Continents
Every destination was not just a point on a map; it was a story waiting to be told, a connection waiting to be made. The friendships forged and the lessons learned enriched my understanding of humanity, reminding me that despite our differences, we share the same dreams, hopes, and desires. Each trip was a reminder of the beauty of exploration — not just of places, but of the people who inhabit them. And as I continue exploring different ways of life, I remain committed to the idea that the journey is as important as the destination.
The Venezuela Chapter
A 30-Year Love Affair with Latin America
I first got to know Venezuela in 1988. Over the next thirty years, I traveled regularly to Latin America. Venezuela was a country that always fascinated me with its extraordinary natural, cultural, urban, and gastronomic attractions, as well as its particularly friendly people. In 2018, my dream of living in Venezuela came true.
Until 2018, I had lived a more or less “normal” life in Germany, pursuing various professional activities along the way: from founding an organic supermarket to public administration and roles in the social (and educational) field. I have always found it easy to familiarize myself with new contexts, which also has its own appeal.
Off the Beaten Path: My Six-Year Adventure discovering the Heart of Venezuela
In 2018, the time had come: my two sons were able to stand on their own two feet and my father’s care in his own apartment was secured. Now my wife and I could finally realise a long-held dream and go abroad for at least a certain period of time. My wife is a teacher and as such she was able to apply to the German schools abroad. And indeed, there were suitable job postings. When I saw Caracas below, it was clear to me where it had to go. Fortunately, my wife was persuaded, she applied, was accepted (I was accepted immediately too) and we went to Caracas in the summer of 2018. At that time, the international media was full of negative reports about the country and the capital. Caracas was considered the most dangerous city in the world.
After we arrived and got our own small jeep, we took the opportunity to explore the country and the city. Our range of action expanded rapidly, and after just a few weeks we were driving to more remote beaches and taking trips in the coastal mountains. We quickly learned what to look out for, in order to travel around the country safely and relaxed. After two years at the latest, we knew the country so well that our Venezuelan friends asked us when they wanted to explore within Venezuela. Or if they wanted to visit a bar in Caracas in the evening, they could have our safe recommendations too.
In short, Venezuela had (and is) our home. So it was all the more difficult to learn in 2023 that we would have to leave Venezuela in the summer of 2024: My wife’s work at the German School in Caracas was ending (I had also worked there as a German and geography teacher) and her German home office wanted to reinstate her in the German school system.
Once this was settled, I decided to introduce this wonderful country, Venezuela, to other people. I decided to found a tour operator and Criollo Travel was born.
This is now my new mission!
Venezuela
A Personal Mission
Bringing the Real Venezuela to You
The relationships I’ve built with local communities over the years have been essential. Locals have shared with us hidden gems that aren’t found in guidebooks or online, allowing us to safely explore unexpected places. They’ve also introduced us to destinations in the most authentic way, telling the stories from the locals’ perspective.
Although I no longer live in Venezuela, it remains in my heart and mind. Now that you know this, you’ll understand why I founded Criollo Travel, sharing our experiences too on our travel blog. Do you want to put a face to every destination?
You can experience the extraordinary, safely. Hear what the locals have to say! All the testimonials you’ll see, come directly from our local partners.
Want to discover the secrets of Venezuela? Are you prepared for an unforgettable adventure? Let’s go beyond the usual!
