Things to see and do in La Guaira?

The state of La Guaira, formerly known as Vargas, is one of Venezuela’s 23 states, and from a tourism standpoint, it boasts a stunning coastline with popular beaches such as Playa Grande, Los Angeles and Macuto, which attract visitors in search of sun, sea and outdoor activities such as scuba diving and paragliding. Amongst all the things to see in La Guaira, its capital is also known for its historical heritage with fortifications such as the Castillo de La Pólvora and Castillo San Carlos de La Barra, which date back to the colonial period.

In this post we tell you about the must-sees and the main activities you can do during your stay. In addition, to help you plan your trip, we’ve prepared a couple of sections with travel tips and useful information such as how to get there, what to eat and where to stay in La Guaira. Join Passporter in this post and start organising your next holiday.

What are the best places to see in La Guaira?

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

1. The best beaches to see in La Guaira

This region is famous for its impressive beaches that attract both locals and tourists in search of sun and sea. Some of the best beaches include:

• Playa Grande, wide and well-equipped, ideal for families and water sports.
• Camurí Chico offers calm waters perfect for swimming and relaxing.
• Playa Los Ángeles stands out for its natural beauty and optimal surfing conditions.
• Playa Caribe is known for its festive atmosphere and entertainment options.
• Macuto, which combines beautiful scenery with a rich offer of restaurants and services, is a complete destination for all tastes.

2. Armando Reverón Museum

Located in Macuto, this museum is a homage dedicated to the life and work of one of the country’s most significant visual artists. Located in what was once the painter’s residence and studio, the museum exhibits a vast collection of his works, including paintings, sculptures and personal objects. In addition, the site preserves the famous ‘Castillete’, built by Reverón himself, which reflects his peculiar lifestyle and his deep connection with the natural environment and the light of the Caribbean.

The museum is open Thursday to Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00.

3. Malecon de La Guaira

The Malecon of La Guaira is a lively promenade that offers a stunning view of the Caribbean Sea. This space has areas for walking, exercising and enjoying spectacular sunsets. It is also adorned with various monuments and sculptures that enrich its cultural value and make the visit more entertaining.

In addition, in the area you will find a wide variety of restaurants and cafes where you can try delicious local dishes, as well as small shops selling handicrafts and souvenirs. It is the perfect place to end the day.

4. Dr. Knoch’s Mausoleum

This is an iconic site that houses the remains of the German physician Gottfried Knoche, famous for his experiments in mummification. The mausoleum, located in the serene hills of the region, offers beautiful panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding vegetation.

Knoche, who lived in the 19th century, developed a formula for mummifying bodies that remains a mystery today. His mausoleum has become a point of both historical and scientific interest, attracting visitors fascinated by his life and legacy.

5. The castles of La Guaira

La Guaira is guarded by several historic castles that are silent witnesses to its colonial past. These include the Castillo de San Carlos, built to defend against pirate attacks, and the Castillo de San Joaquín, which offers breathtaking views of the ocean. Each fortification has unique architecture and sturdy walls that evoke stories of battles and defensive strategies. Visiting these castles allows tourists to explore the vestiges of the colonial era and better understand the historical and strategic importance of La Guaira.

What to see around La Guaira?

1. Caracas

Venezuela’s capital is just a half-hour drive from La Guaira, making it the perfect place to spend the day. The city is characterised by its mix of modernity and tradition, and its unique setting as it is located in a valley surrounded by mountains.

Sights include the Teleférico de Caracas, which takes visitors to El Ávila National Park and offers panoramic views of the city and the Caribbean Sea, the Sabana Grande Boulevard, the historic centre houses the Plaza Bolívar, the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo and the Museo de Bellas Artes, which offer rich collections of local and international art.

In this post you can read more about this lively city: How to plan a trip to Caracas?

2. Colonia Tovar

Less than two hours’ drive away and bordering Aragua is Colonia Tovar, a small town known for its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets and beautiful churches.

There you can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing and horseback riding, sample the local cuisine and take in the smells and colours of the markets. And if you want to discover more about the region of Aragua, we encourage you to read on in this post: What to see and do in Aragua?

Travel itinerary to La Guaira for 2 days

Our visit to La Guaira lasted 2 days, which we made the most of before heading to Caracas. Here’s what the itinerary was like.

First day in La Guaira:

• Visit the Armando Reverón Museum to learn about the life and work of the famous Venezuelan artist.
• Castillo de San Carlos.
• Spend the afternoon on the Malecón de La Guaira, where you can enjoy a relaxing stroll along the waterfront, explore the monuments and perhaps grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants overlooking the sea.
• Visit La Guaira’s Plaza Bolívar, which is central and provides a good historical and cultural backdrop.

Second day at the beach:

• Visit the Mausoleum of Dr. Knoche and learn about the intriguing stories of this German doctor and his mummification experiments.
• Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Playa Grande, one of the best beaches in the area, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.

Do you want us to help you manage your trip to La Guaira?

Are you one of those who prefer to travel on your own? Whatever your preferences, with the free app of Passporter you can discover different travel itineraries that will help you to organise your visit. And if, on the other hand, you understand that holidays are for relaxing and you don’t want to worry about anything, we also have the solution.

At Passporter we also help you with bookings and all the travel arrangements so that all you have to worry about is packing your suitcase and not forgetting your camera. As you’ve seen throughout this post, La Guaira is one of our favourite destinations, so we’ve designed a trip that will exceed all your expectations and allow you to enjoy the incredible scenery and exciting activities without having to organise anything. We take care of everything!

Where and what to eat in La Guaira?

The gastronomy of La Guaira is noted for its seafood due to its coastal location. Dishes such as fried fish and ceviche are common, and are made with snapper, grouper and dogfish, which are combined with local ingredients such as avocado, coriander and lime to create flavourful meals. Here are some of the most typical dishes:

• Pargo Rojo a la Plancha: fresh and seasoned with garlic and lime.
• Cazón en Salsa: small shark in a rich tomato sauce.
• Patacones con Guasacaca: fried green plantain with avocado sauce.
• Fried Fish: traditionally served with rice and salad.
• Ceviche de Pargo: fresh seafood marinated in lime juice with onions and coriander.

On our trip we had the opportunity to eat at these restaurants, where we tried some of the aforementioned dishes.

• El Rey del Pescado Frito: An open-air restaurant in the Carmen de Uria sector. Famous for its fried snapper and battered seafood; average price $15 – $25 per person.
• Pobre Juan: a neighbour of El Rey del Pescado Frito, this restaurant specialises in fried fish and seafood with crispy tostones; average price $15 – $25 per person.
• Cristalmar: a traditional beachfront restaurant on the El Playón de Macuto descent. It is known for its seafood canoe gratin and asopados; average price $20 – $30 per person.

Where to stay in La Guaira?

Accommodation in La Guaira offers a variety of options ranging from luxury hotels to more budget accommodation, ideal for all budgets. The city, known for its beaches, has a range of hotels that often offer stunning views of the Caribbean Sea, adding to the charm of your stay.

Some of the most recommended neighbourhoods to stay in are Playa Grande, Macuto and Caraballeda. Playa Grande is popular for its proximity to the beach and varied accommodation, ranging from moderate to expensive. Macuto is quieter and cheaper, ideal for a relaxing stay. Caraballeda is distinguished by its luxury and exclusivity, being one of the most expensive due to its golf courses and high-end residences.

Here are some of our favourite places to stay in the city:

• Hotel Olé Caribe: offers a luxurious stay with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and surrounding mountains. Its rooms are well-equipped with modern amenities and offer options that include terraces and sea views. Average prices for standard rooms are around 92 euros, including a quality breakfast.
• Eurobuilding Express Maiquetía: Located just a 5-minute drive from Simón Bolívar International Airport, this is the most convenient accommodation for those seeking proximity to the airport with a free shuttle service. This hotel offers stylish, air-conditioned rooms with cable TV, some with spacious living areas. Guests can enjoy a daily breakfast buffet and relax in facilities such as a swimming pool, gym and hot tub. The average price for a standard room is 172 euros.
• Hotel Restaurant Santiago de Macuto: accommodation with services such as free airport transfers, Wi-Fi and free parking. With rooms from €65, some with sea views, the hotel is valued for its location and comfort.

How to get to La Guaira?

La Guaira, located very close to Caracas, is a destination accessible by various means of transport, thanks to its developed infrastructure and its proximity to the capital. But above all, it is the location of the country’s main international airport.

• Airplane: Here you’ll find the Simón Bolívar International Airport. Several national and international airlines operate here, including Conviasa and Laser Airlines.
• Car: You can easily get here by car from Caracas via the Caracas-La Guaira highway, which takes approximately 30 minutes depending on traffic.
• Bus: several bus companies operate from Caracas and other major cities, offering regular services to La Guaira.

Once at Simon Bolivar International Airport, you can get to the centre of La Guaira using taxis or app-based transport services such as Uber. A taxi ride can cost around US$10-15 and takes about 20 minutes depending on traffic.

Public transport in La Guaira consists mainly of buses and ‘carritos por puesto’ (shared taxis). These services are inexpensive, with fares ranging from US$0.50 to US$1 per trip. Moving around La Guaira by public transport is a viable option, although less frequent compared to using taxis or private vehicles for more specific or comfortable journeys within the city.

What should I consider before travelling to La Guaira?

• Venezuela’s currency is the Venezuelan bolivar.
• Be covered for medical emergencies: travel insured.
• We recommend that you exchange your money before your trip to La Guaira, as it will be cheaper than at the airport.
• The best months to see Venezuela are December to April, during the dry season.
• Always drink bottled water.
• Take sunscreen with you, especially in the summer months, as well as light but sun-protective clothing and stay hydrated.
• Have an eSIM card so you can connect to the internet on your trip to La Guaira.
• Use the Passporter app to organise your travel itinerary, get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, manage your bookings and save all relevant documents.

How do you prepare what to see on your trip to La Guaira?

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers.
• Create your own itinerary and add suggestions from the app.
• Add the stops that interest you most, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
• Organise your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can take inspiration from the routes presented in the post).
• Make any modifications you need and you’re all set for your trip.
• Share your experience. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and recommend to other travellers what to see in La Guaira.

If you have doubts about how to create your itinerary, you can consult our post: How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter.

Frequently asked questions about a trip to La Guaira