When people travel to Venezuela, they usually like to immerse themselves in the culture and history of this Latin American country. Here are some of the main highlights to suit almost everyone’s tastes:
Angel Falls
While remote, the world’s highest waterfall plummets from Auyan-Tepui, or “Devil Mountain.” There are three ways to travel to Angel Falls: flightseeing (one or two days), overland trek (four- or five-day trek through the jungle) or an overnight canoe trip.
The falls are best seen in the wet season; in the dry season, the cascade can evaporate into mist before it reaches bottom.
Barquisimeto
Venezuela’s fourth largest city, Barquisimeto has the feel of a small town because of a few colonial buildings that survived an earthquake in 1812. A museum and modern cathedral also offer the traveler beautiful stops.
Canaima
Meaning “god of thunder,” Canaima offers seven rose-colored waterfalls. You can walk behind Canaima Falls and then climb to the top, where masses of orchids grow. Treks to Sapo Falls and nearby Indian villages are also possible. Be prepared for heat, humidity and insects.
Caracas
The country’s capital city, “city of eternal spring,” is a study in paradox — modern in some areas, wretched in others.
Images of Simon Bolivar, the great liberator, as well as his name saturate the city. Modern-day street cops, dressed in flak jackets and toting machine guns, should not discourage travelers from stopping in Caracas. Crime has not reached a level to warn tourists away from the city.
El Calvario is a park that gives an overall view of the center with a 56-story concrete tower complex that houses a Hilton Hotel and four museums. Theater and opera lovers will want to visit Teatro Teresa Carreno, a cultural center like New York’s Lincoln Center. Tourists can experience both local and international culture through these events.
Plaza Bolivar offers the visitor a place to relax amid shade trees and squirrels. A brass band plays on Sunday mornings. Surrounding the plaza are Caracas Cathedral, Edificio la Francia and Santa Rosa Chapel or “cradle of independence.” The cathedral houses the Bolivar family chapel as well as a gold altar and paintings by Rubens, Michelana and Murillo. Nine floors of gold and jewelry shops and dealers make up Edificio la Francia. The Pantheon, located north of the plaza, holds the tomb of Bolivar and other national heroes.
Experience the city’s cultural life through the city’s subway system. Each station is decorated with works of modern art. With a dome made in Belgium, murals painted in France and ironwork forged in Britain, the capitol is also a nice place to visit.
Ciudad Bolivar
If tourists want to see Indian villages and shop for gold, Ciudad Bolivar, formerly known as Angostura or “the narrows” is the place to go. South America’s longest suspension bridge is a popular attraction for this historic port city. A reconstructed cathedral and several museums also offer tourists places to stop. One of the more popular attractions is Parque Miranda, where an old theater building contains contemporary art exhibits. Ciudad Bolivar is the site of the republic’s first Congress in 1819. In each corner of the Plaza Bolivar is a statue of women symbolizing the original republics of Gran Colombia (Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru).
Ciudad Guayana
Established in 1961, the city is a relatively new iron ore boomtown. It is not known for appealing places, but there are some stops nearby. The Salto Llovizna and Caroni waterfalls are both south of the city. Other possible side trips include hunting and fishing in the mountains, Raul Leoni Dam, one of the world’s largest hydroelectric dams, and Los Castillos de Guayana, the ruins of two Spanish forts.
Colonia Tovar
Settled in 1843 by German immigrants, the city offers tourists homemade jams, bread and bratwurst, as well as an old gristmill, wooden church and German architecture.
Coro
Set in a desert area, Coro is architecturally fascinating. South America’s oldest Jewish cemetery, dating from 1531, is located there. It is also the site of Venezuela’s earliest cathedral.
Cumana
A 1929 earthquake destroyed much of the original section of town. But the San Antonio castle has been restored. Visitors can also find cobblestone streets, fortresses, castles, museums and lagoons.
La Gran Sabana
Numerous rivers, vistas, wildlife and ecological ruin are part of this area known as the great savannah. Tepuis, similar to mesas or buttes, are spread throughout.
Maracay
Known as the headquarters of General Gomez, who was ruler from 1908-1935, the city contains a number of buildings erected by the dictator. Lake Valencia, which offers good boating, has 22 islands. Henri Pittier National Park contains a cloud forest, a tropical coastline and two villages.
Margarita Island
There are plenty of hotels in this popular resort town. It is also a frequent stop for cruise ships because of duty-free shopping. The area offers some beautiful beaches and scenery.
Merida
Located in the Andes, Merida is also known as the rooftop of Venezuela. The city is known for its cable-car system that runs from Merida up to the peak of El Espejo. The trip is divided into four stages. Tourists can stop along the way to visit an ice cave and a village.
Puerto Ayacucho
While little is located in this town, it is a good base for other excursions. Visitors will find an early-morning crafts market, square concrete houses and an ethnology museum.
Puerto La Cruz
While Puerto La Cruz is known as an oil port, it is also a popular beach resort. The best beaches are farther out, along Mochima Bay. Mochima National Park is known for its snorkeling and diving. Visitors can also explore a cloud forest.
San Cristobal
San Cristobal is a popular stop during its 10-day festival of San Sebastian held every January. Tourists can take in bull fights, folklore shows and sports events.
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