Things to see and do in Puerto Cabello?

Puerto Cabello, located on Venezuela’s central coast, is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations for the rich history, beautiful beaches and colonial architecture. Puerto Cabello’s main attractions include the Fortín Solano, an ancient fortress with panoramic views, and the beaches of Patanemo, ideal for relaxing and soaking up the sun. Its historic port and promenade are perfect for leisurely strolls, while the San Esteban National Park offers numerous hiking trails in a unique natural setting.

At Passporter we want you to enjoy your holiday to the fullest, so we have prepared this post where we tell you the essential things to see in the area and the surrounding area, how to get there, where to stay and many other travel tips to help you with your preparations. And of course, we’ve included a section with the most typical dishes that you can’t miss. Take notes and start organising your next holiday!

What are the best places to visit in Puerto Cabello?

1. Fortín Solano

Fortin Solano is an 18th century colonial fortress built to defend the city from pirate attacks. Today it is one of the main points of interest to see in Puerto Cabello and offers an impressive panoramic view of the city and the bay. It also has a chapel and a historical museum displaying artefacts and documents from the colonial era and the war of independence.

The entrance fee is approximately US$1. The fort is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. During the visit tourists can explore the various rooms and defensive structures of the fort, learn about the military history of the region and enjoy the tranquility of the natural surroundings.

2. The Bay of Patanemo

The bay is characterised by its wide beach of golden sand and crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and relaxing, and at the same time has services that allow you to spend the whole day there. You’ll find parking, sunbeds and umbrellas rental, restaurants offering fresh fish and seafood, as well as toilets and showers.

But above all, it’s a popular spot for activities such as snorkelling and fishing due to its rich marine biodiversity. It’s also worth noting that entry to the bay usually costs between US$1 and US$2 per vehicle.

3. Puerto Cabello Promenade

Puerto Cabello’s Malecon is a charming promenade that runs along the city’s coastline and offers beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea. This picturesque boardwalk is ideal for walking, jogging, or just sitting on one of the benches and watching the horizon. During the day it’s common to see people riding bicycles or enjoying an ice cream from one of the nearby ice cream shops.

The malecon has a variety of monuments, fountains and green areas, making it a pleasant space for the whole family. In the evenings, the atmosphere becomes more lively with restaurants and bars offering local food and live music. It is also a great place to watch the sunset and take pictures. It’s the perfect place to end the day.

4. St Joseph’s Cathedral

Located in Puerto Cabello’s Plaza Bolivar, this cathedral is the city’s most important Catholic temple. It was built in the 19th century and its neoclassical architecture stands out with a white façade and two bell towers. Inside, visitors can admire beautiful altars, stained glass windows and frescoes decorating the walls and ceiling.

The cathedral is a historical and cultural landmark, frequented by tourists and religious people. Its visiting hours vary, generally opening during religious services and special events. Admission is free, although donations are accepted for the upkeep of the building and its activities.

All the information you need to organise your trip to Venezuela here

5. Bridge of the Spaniards

The Bridge of the Spaniards is a historic structure built in the 19th century by Spanish immigrants. It is a metal structure with arches and stone pillars that crosses the San Esteban River, linking the towns of Patanemo and San Esteban. Its design and construction reflect the engineering and architecture of the colonial era, and its interest lies not only in its historical value, but also in the natural beauty that surrounds it. From the bridge you can enjoy panoramic views of the tropical vegetation and rural life of the area.

6. Quinta Villavicencio Museum

This 18th century colonial house was restored and converted into a museum in 1974, and houses a valuable collection of personal objects, documents, weapons, furniture and works of art belonging to General José Antonio Páez, one of Venezuela’s independence heroes. The museum offers a detailed insight into the life and times of General Páez, complemented by exhibits on local history and culture.

The Quinta Villavicencio museum is surrounded by a garden with fruit trees and flowers, providing a peaceful atmosphere for visitors. Visiting hours are Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission is usually free or at a symbolic fee.

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.

What to see around Puerto Cabello

1. Larga Island

Located off the coast of Puerto Cabello, this island paradise is known for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, and is a popular snorkelling and diving spot thanks to its rich marine biodiversity and coral reefs.

To get there, you can take a boat from the Quizandal jetty, costing around US$10-20 per person, depending on the season. The island is perfect for day trips as it offers umbrella and sun beds rental services, as well as restaurants serving fresh seafood.

2. El Paují Well

Near the town of El Palito, a 20-minute drive from Puerto Cabello, this freshwater well formed in the middle of the rainforest offers an ideal place to swim and cool off. To get there, take a path through the dense vegetation, where you can observe a variety of local flora and fauna.

Access is free, although it is advisable to bring your own picnic and be prepared for a moderate walk of about 4km that can be done in just over an hour. It’s perfect for warming up before taking a dip in the well.

Travel itinerary to Puerto Cabello for 3 days

The city of Puerto Cabello can be visited in a day, but it’s worth staying a little longer to enjoy the sights in the surrounding area. Here’s our recommended 3-day itinerary.

First day:

• Historic Quarter: visit Plaza Bolivar, San Jose Cathedral and stroll through the colonial streets.
• Castillo San Felipe (St Philip’s Castle): Explore this colonial castle and enjoy panoramic views of the city and harbour.
• Walk along the Malecon: enjoy a relaxing stroll along the promenade, with views of the sea and the opportunity to watch the sunset.

Second day:

1. Quizandal Beach: enjoy a day at Playa Quizandal, swimming, sunbathing or doing water sports.
2. Isla Larga: Take a boat to the Larga Island to snorkel and explore the marine life. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the island.
3. Return to Puerto Cabello: Back to the city for a rest at the hotel.

Third day:

1. San Esteban National Park: explore San Esteban National Park, hiking and visiting the Indian Cave and San Esteban Waterfall.
2. Museum of the History of Puerto Cabello: visit the museum to learn more about local history and culture.

Do you want us to help you with your travel arrangements to Puerto Cabello?

At Passporter we understand that no two travellers are the same, and as our mission is to help you organise your trips so that you can enjoy them to the full, we offer alternatives that will simplify the arrangements for your visit to Puerto Cabello.

If you are one of those who prefer to travel on your own and organise everything, we encourage you to use our free app where you can discover different travel itineraries that will help you to prepare 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 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, Puerto Cabello 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’ll take care of everything!

Where and what to eat in Puerto Cabello?

The gastronomy of Puerto Cabello is characterised by its rich variety of fresh seafood and traditional Venezuelan dishes, and the use of typical ingredients such as fish, shrimp, yucca, plantains and chilli peppers. The dishes are usually tasty and spicy, and we’re sure you’ll eat deliciously.

Here are some of the most typical dishes:

1. Sancocho de Pescado: a thick broth made with fresh fish, yucca, green plantain, corn and various seasonings.
2. Empanadas de Mariscos: fried dough stuffed with shrimp, crab or fish, typically accompanied by a spicy sauce.
3. Cazuela de Mariscos: a hearty stew with different types of seafood, cooked with tomatoes, peppers and spices.
4. Patacones: fried and mashed green plantains, often served with shredded cheese or larded meat.
5. Arepas de Pabellón: arepas stuffed with shredded beef, black beans, ripe plantain and grated white cheese.

We had the opportunity to eat in these restaurants, where we were able to try many of the most typical dishes:

• Del Mar CA: This restaurant offers fresh seafood overlooking the sea in a relaxed atmosphere. It is ideal for lunch and dinner and prices range from €20 to €50 per person.
• La Bokaina de Patanemo: This beachside kiosk offers fresh seafood in a beach atmosphere with excellent service and sea views. Prices range between €15 and €40 per person.
• Bar Restaurant El Milano: Offers Venezuelan and South American cuisine with a pleasant atmosphere and attentive service. Prices range between €20 and €50 per person.

Where to stay in Puerto Cabello

Puerto Cabello offers a variety of accommodation ranging from luxury hotels to family-run inns built in restored colonial houses, providing a unique historical experience. The best neighbourhoods to stay in include the historic centre and the Playa Blanca area, where the main attractions and services are located.

Here is a list of our favourite places to stay in the area:

• Hotel Suite Caribe: Located in Puerto Cabello, this hotel offers rooms with king-size beds, jacuzzi and sea views. The hotel has a swimming pool, gym, restaurant and bar. It is ideal for relaxing and enjoying a comfortable stay, with prices around $50 per night.
• Hotel Aparto Suites Esenada: this cosy hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with kitchenettes. The hotel has a swimming pool, restaurant and bar, and is well located near the local beaches. Nightly rates are affordable, starting at around $30.
• Posada Santa Margarita: is a charming inn located in the Colonial Zone. It offers 17 rooms, a swimming pool, terrace overlooking the sea, and games room. Nightly rates are affordable, starting at around $40.

How to get to Puerto Cabello

Puerto Cabello does not have its own airport, the closest is Arturo Michelena International Airport in Valencia, but if you are travelling from abroad, you will most likely land at Caracas airport, from where you can get to Puerto Cabello in the following ways:

• Car: from Caracas take the Autopista Regional del Centro (ARC) to Valencia and then follow the Valencia-Puerto Cabello highway. The journey takes approximately 2 hours.
• Bus: there are several bus lines, such as Aeroexpresos Ejecutivos and Expresos Occidente, which offer routes from Caracas and other major cities to Puerto Cabello at a very economical price.
• Plane: the nearest airport is Arturo Michelena International Airport in Valencia. From there, you can take a taxi for about $20 and $30 or a bus to Puerto Cabello. The journey by road takes about an hour.

Once in Puerto Cabello you can get around by public transport, which includes buses and taxis. Local buses are an economical option for getting around the city, with fares around $0.50 each way. Taxis offer greater convenience and flexibility, with fares varying according to distance, generally between $2 and $10 within the city.

What should I consider before travelling to Puerto Cabello?

• The currency of Venezuela is the Venezuelan bolivar
• Hedge against medical emergencies: travel insured. Choose good travel insurance such as Mondo.
• We recommend that you change money before your trip to Puerto Cabello, as it will be cheaper than at the airport.
• The best months to see Venezuela are December to April, in the dry season.
• Always drink bottled water.
• Use sunscreen, especially in the summer months, as well as light but sun-protective clothing and stay hydrated.
• Get yourself an eSIM card so you’ll have internet connection on your trip to Puerto Cabello.
• Use the Passporter App to organise your travel itinerary, get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, manage your bookings and save all relevant documents.

How to prepare what to see on your trip to Puerto Cabello

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 to it.
• Add the stops you’re most interested in, 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 we present in the post)
• Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip.
• Share your experience. Upload photos of the places you’ve visited on your trip to the app and recommend other travellers the things to do in Puerto Cabello.

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter. 

Frequently asked questions about a trip to Puerto Cabello