Venezuela Destination Guide

Venezuela remains one of the most popular destinations in South America. Four of the most popular destinations have been previewed here Los Roques, Isla de Margarita, Angel Falls (Salto Angel) and Caracas. All four places have activities that will keep the young and independent traveller, families, the older traveller and all travellers of all shapes and sizes active. But equally as important, each place will help to create a thousand memories that will long live in the memory.

Venezuela is an intriguing place to visit with wonderful colonial towns, fantastic nature and wonderful beaches.

This Venezuela Destination Guide page lists some of the highlights worth checking out on a trip to Venezuela. Keep in mind that there are much too many things to list here. For more detailed information about things to see and do in specific cities or regions, check out the following:

- Canaima National Park
- Los Roques

Things to See & Do in Venezuela

Angel Falls, Salto Angel, is the world's highest waterfall and one of the world's most spectacular natural events. The indigenous name for the falls "Parakupa-vena" in the Pemon language means "the fall from the highest point". The falls are roughly 15 times higher than Niagara Falls and descend from a height of 979 metres. The height of the falls is so great that before reaching the ground, the water is atomised by the strong winds and turned into mist. The mist is so strong that it can be felt from over a mile away. The base of the falls feeds into the Kerep River which flows into Churun River, a tributary of the Carrao River.

The falls are located in Canaima National Park in the south of Venezuela. The national park is home to an incredible variety of tropical wildlife in the area including species of monkeys, parrots, frogs jaguars and pumas. Accessing the national park and the falls is not straightforward as both are inaccessible by road and can be accessed only by plane, Avoir and Rutaca, via Caracas and Ciudad Bolivar. While tours can be arranged from your home country, tours can also be arranged via Caracas and Ciudad Bolivar.

Travelling to the park from Caracas via plane and for a two night stay may cost from US $400. A cheaper option is to take an 8 hour bus journey to Ciudad Bolivar from Caracas and to charter a plane from the local airport. From Ciudad Bolivar, an equivalent two night stay may cost from US $200. Unlike many other major waterfalls, Angel Falls can be experienced up close. From June to December during the wet season, river tours as possible by the Pemon Indian guides on wooden curiara boats. Swimming is also possible at the base of the river which is very refreshing. Trekking is possible including trips to 700 sq-km plateau of Auyan-tepui. These treks can be arranged in Ciudad Bolivar. A warm fleece and waterproofs is necessary because the weather can be wet but the climb is challenging and exciting.

The tourist village of Kavac is also a nice day trip with a bar, small shops and traditional huts. There is good accommodation and there is a narrow canyon and refreshing plunge pool near.

With nearly 4.5m inhabitants, Caracas is the largest city in Venezuela and one of the most important cities in Latin America. The main gateway to the city is via its international airport Simon Bolivar Airport some 30km from the city centre. While Caracas may not have the tourist sights that Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro may have there are more than enough sights and attractions to fill three or four days. Particularly recommended is La Plaza Bolivar in the city centre with statues of Simon Bolivar and important Government buildings like congress. The Museo Bolivariano contains some of the best preserved relics of Venezuela's most famous son Simon Bolivar.

The university district of Caracas, Universidad Central, is one of the most impressive neighbourhoods in the city and declared a World Heritage Site by the UN in 2000. The university campus, Ciudad Universitaria, has modern artwork by modern artists such as Fernand Leger combing the urban with the modern. Jardim Botanico has a number of tropical plants and trees and is well worth a visit.

The Avila Mountain to the north of Caracas is recommended for hiking, views of Caracas and the fresh air. The Sabas Nieves entrance is accessible by bus from Altamira. It top of the mountain is 2600metres and there is a beautiful view of Caracas to the south and the ocean to the north. Views are best in the morning. There is a cable car that takes visitors up the Avila Mountain for US$12. At the top there is a staking ring and other attractions. Within the city, downtown Caracas has some of the best nightlife and restaurants found in Venezuela. The best district to stay is the Sabana Grande district or midtown with safest and best-priced accommodation.

The Archipelago of Los Roques is so beautiful that you really have to see it to believe it! This group of 50 islandshas virgin beaches, amazing coral reefs and lagoons, and ideally placed Los Roques hotels, all right in the middle of the Caribbean. Los Roques is situated 150 kilometres north of Caracas. Out of the 50 islands, Gran Roque is the only inhabited island. This village is characterised by its multicoloured houses, yachts, Los Roques hotels, fishing boats and sea birds.

Around 40 km north of the mainland in the beautiful Caribbean Sea is the Island of Margarita, one of the premier destinations for tourists in South America. Known as "the pearl of the Caribbean" deriving from its name in Spanish, the island was first discovered in 1498 by Christopher Columbus. Its name in Spanish merely reflects the island's beauty and historical significance to Venezuelan history.

Most visitors will arrive at the island by air via the new Del Caribe International Santiago Marino Airport. There are direct connections from North America, Europe and from Venezuela. The journey by plane from Caracas is only 35 minutes and may cost around US $70 for a return ticket. The island can also be accessed via ferry, Conferry, from Puerto La Cruz on the mainland to Punta de Piedras. A return ticket by ferry from the mainland starts from around US $35 return for a foot passenger and with a car an extra supplement may be charged.

The majority of tourists come to the island for some of the best beaches in Latin America. There are over 50 world class accessible beaches and famous beaches include Playa Parguito, Playa Caribe and Playa Punta Arenas. Benefiting from over 340 days of sunshine a year, Playa El Agua is a magnet for tourists. Sunbathing, relaxation, fine dining and people watching are just a few of the many activities that draw tourists to the beach. The beach has over 46 restaurants, nightclubs and excellent accommodation options. Other recommended beaches include Playa Manzanillo and Playa Guayacan. While both beaches may not have the glamour of Playa El Agua, both beaches are more secluded and offer tourists a chance to get a glimpse of the local way of life. Local fishing boats (peñeros) bring in the local catch and there are some great fish restaurants.

Isla de Margarita offers so much more than beaches. The island is home to more than five national parks. The most famous Laguna La Restinga is a lagoon with mangrove swamps and colourful flamingos. Bird watching is popular in the lagoon and it is possible to take a guided boat tour. Insect repellent and long sleeves are necessary due to the mosquitoes. The lagoon is easily accessible from the island's capital La Asuncion and from Porlamar. Located to the far west of the island, the Macanao Peninsula is privileged to have over 100 species of birds and is very popular for long walks and bird watching. Other popular activities on the island include trekking to the highest peak on the island La Sierra in the El Copey Hill National Park for spectacular views. The national park covers over 7,130 hectares of mountainous and flat land and is easily accessible from La Asuncion.

The city of La Asuncion makes a great day trip. The city is a traditional colonial city the centre of which has the famous Cathedral of Our lady of La Asuncion built in 1571. This makes it one of the oldest churches in Latin America. As a duty free port in the 1970s Margarita makes shopping for imported goods very reasonable. Rattan Plaza Shopping Center in Porlamar and Los Robles Shopping Center are excellent places to shop. For families and children Diverland, an amusment park, and Waterland, an aquarium, both in Pampatar are excellent days out. Diverland has over 16 attractions including a rollercoaster with tickets starting from US$20.