I just came through, southbound on that route. I didn't feel especially threatened anywhere. The police helped me out several times. A major portion of the population has been taught for 14 years that all things gringo are bad. Dont expect a welcome parade but nobody turned that ill will into anything but indifference and poor service. By far the greatest problem is money. ATMs, liscenced Money changers and individuals are forbidden to trade Bolivars for dollars or accept them in payment. That said, some banks might be able to exchange at about 1/5 of the market value. You can use credit cards at some hotels, fancy restaurants and travel agencies. Albeit at the horrible bank rate 5/1. Basically plastic is almost useless.
Coming from Colombia you can trade dollars in Cucuta for great rates 22/1. Cucuta is the only place on earth that will buy or sell Bolivars for US $ s.
Coming fom Brazil you will have to really hide your US $ s. Over $1000 and it gets confiscated, like forever. Bring Brasilian Reais, you can change them in front of a downtown shop In Santa Elena called Cuatro Esquinas legally. Not scary or dangerous at all but you wont get the super-duper rates that the US$ can get in Cucuta. To trade US $s you will need to make a personal contact. Business people and the upper class love collecting dollars but you should be discrete. Offering to change bucks with a party official might not work out. Je je
Santa Elena is a great place from which to explore the Gran Sabana. Although Venezuelanos might be snarky, the indígenas are quite friendly. Plan a week Guayana department and the Gran Sábana. Mérida, supposedly the nicest town in Vzla had rubbish 2 feet deep on the streets, the tramway is shutdown and traffic is at a standstill. The nightlife was excellent however. I know nothing of the beaches or islands. Prices: 90cents US (wimpy), hotel 2** $20, gasoline usually free for motos but could be as high as 3 cents a gallon, Iphone $3000 US.
Very few in Vzla has respect for the law. IF you stop at a yellow light you'll probably get killed. If you stop at a red they'll blow their horn until you run the light (which you should not do).The lawlessnes gets MUCH worse after dark. In other words don't cut it close on arrival times. From NE Brazil GOOD LUCK!