Venezuela is a tourist destination that captivates with its incredible natural beauty and geographic diversity. From the breathtaking peaks of the Andes to the expansive beaches of the Caribbean, to the lush landscapes of the Amazon rainforest and the World Heritage-listed Canaima National Park. There is a huge range of things to do in Venezuela for nature lovers. It also has a rich culture and historical heritage, with colonial cities such as Mérida and Coro.
In addition, welcoming people, lively music and delicious cuisine make Venezuela a complete tourist destination that enchants all its visitors. Although the country has faced economic and political challenges in recent years, it remains a unique and fascinating place to explore, with a wealth of natural and cultural treasures to be discovered. Read on and discover them all!
What are the best natural sites to visit in Venezuela?
1. Canaima National Park, World Heritage Site to visit in Venezuela
The Canaima National Park in Venezuela is a true natural treasure of 30,000 km2. It’s located in the state of Bolivar, in eastern Venezuela, near the border with Guyana and Brazil. The park is home to the impressive Salto Angel, the highest waterfall in the world, reaching almost 1,000 meters in height. A natural wonder that leaves those who contemplate it speechless. The park also has a diversity of ecosystems, from savannahs to tropical rainforests and the emblematic tepuyes. They are flat-topped rock formations with a very particular shape. In addition to the impressive Salto Angel, you can explore other beautiful waterfalls there. And you’ll get a chance to admire the abundant flora and fauna that inhabit the area, such as the giant anteater and the giant armadillo.
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The Canaima National Park offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers. All thanks to the grandeur of Angel Falls, the magnificence of the tepuis and the priceless wealth of wildlife. This place is a true natural paradise.
2. Los Roques Archipelago, a paradise in the Caribbean of Venezuela
The archipelago of Los Roques, a national park formed by islands and cays located in the Venezuelan Lesser Antilles, is undoubtedly a true natural paradise in Venezuela.
It is a perfect place for those looking to enjoy the tranquility and beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Its coral reefs are a dream for snorkeling and diving lovers. Its mangroves and lagoons are home to a great variety of birds and marine species. In addition, activities such as sailing, fishing and kayaking allow you to explore and enjoy the many islands and cays that make up the archipelago.
The main island of the archipelago is Isla Grande, where most accommodations and services are located. But others, such as Cayo de Agua, Cayo Sal, Cayo Pirata and Cayos Francisqui, are equally beautiful and you should not miss them.
3. Margarita Island
Isla Margarita, known as the Pearl of the Caribbean, is one of the best beach destinations you can find in Venezuela. This island offers a perfect combination of white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and an exceptional tropical climate all year round. In addition, it has the Laguna de la Restinga National Park, which is in charge of preserving the valuable natural scenery and ecosystem of Margarita Island.
Its coasts offer a wide variety of resorts, hotels and hostels, as well as a large number of services and water activities, such as windsurfing, kitesurfing and diving. In addition, Margarita Island has a vibrant nightlife, first-class restaurants, shopping malls and a rich cultural history. It is reflected in its colonial towns. Undoubtedly, Margarita Island is a tropical paradise that offers an unforgettable experience for lovers of sun, beach and fun.
4. Morrocoy National Park, beautiful beaches in Venezuela
The Morrocoy National Park is located in the state of Falcon, on the central eastern coast of Venezuela, also in the Caribbean. It is a natural jewel that captivates with its beauty and biodiversity. This national park encompasses an extensive area made up of islands, cays, mangroves and coral reefs. All of them are with white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling and enjoying the Caribbean sun.
Some of the places you can’t miss in Morrocoy National Park are Cayo Sombrero and Punta Brava. The closest town to the park is Tucacas, with 30,000 residents and a wide range of accommodations and services, making it a good starting point from where to explore the park.
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 are the best cities to visit in Venezuela?
1. Caracas, what to see in the capital of Venezuela?
Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, is a vibrant metropolis located in a valley surrounded by mountains. This bustling city offers a fascinating mix of culture, history and breathtaking scenery.
One of the main points of interest is the Avila, a majestic mountain that offers panoramic views of the city and can be ascended by cable car. It is one of the most impressive places to visit in Caracas and in all of Venezuela. In addition, the historic center is a must-see, with its colonial squares and emblematic buildings.
The Bolivar Square is the heart of the city and a meeting point for locals and visitors. The Caracas Cathedral, with its impressive architecture, is a testament to the religious importance in the life of the city. In addition, the Miraflores Palace, seat of government, is a visit not to be missed to learn about Venezuela’s political history. And the Caracas Museum of Contemporary Art offers an extensive collection of works of art by renowned Venezuelan artists.
2. Merida, a beautiful city in the Andes of Venezuela
Merida is located in the majestic mountains of the Venezuelan Andes. It is another destination that captivates with its natural beauty and historical charm. This is a must-see on your trip to Venezuela.
Known as the City of Knights, Merida offers a unique combination of colonial architecture, culture and breathtaking scenery. As you stroll through Mérida, you can explore its historic center, full of cobblestone streets, ancient churches and charming squares. In addition, Mérida is famous for being the starting point for climbing Pico Bolívar, Venezuela’s highest peak. The world’s longest and highest cable car, the Teleférico de Mérida, offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Venezuela, the unknown country in Latin America
What to eat in Venezuela
Some of the best dishes in all Latin America can only be found in Venezuela. Venezuelan cuisine is a delicious and diverse mix of flavors. Some emblematic dishes include arepas, corn breads stuffed with cheese, meat and other ingredients, and pabellón criollo, a national dish composed of rice, black beans, shredded meat, fried plantain and arepa.
Venezuelan cuisine also has a variety of regional dishes. In the Andes region, for example, the highlights are the “pisca andina“, a thick soup based on chicken or chicken, potatoes, coriander and spices. The “pastel de chucho“, a fish pie accompanied by sweet chili sauce is a delicacy of the eastern region. And on the coast, especially in the region of Nueva Esparta, you will find the famous “asado negro“, a dish of stewed beef in onion sauce, sweet chili and spices.
As for desserts, the “torta tres leches” is one of the most popular. It is a sponge cake soaked in a mixture of three types of milk: condensed milk, evaporated milk and heavy cream. A real treat!
What should I know before a trip to Venezuela?
- The currency of Venezuela is the Venezuelan bolivar.
- Be covered in case of medical emergencies: travel insured. Choose a good travel insurance such as the one from Mondo.
- We recommend you to change the money before your trip to Venezuela, as it will be cheaper than at the airport.
- The best months to visit Venezuela are from December to April, in the dry season.
- Plan your travel itinerary with the places you are going to visit in the free Passporter App.
- Avoid walking outside the marked trails in the natural parks to avoid getting lost.
- Always drink bottled water.
- Take sunscreen with you, especially in the summer months, as well as light clothing that covers you from the sun. And stay hydrated.
- Get yourself an eSIM card to have internet connection on your trip to Venezuela
How to organize the things to do in Venezuela
Register or download the Passporter App and discover all of its possibilities.
- Get inspired by the experiences of other travelers.
- Create your own itinerary and add the suggestions from the app to it.
- Add the stops you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest we listed in this post as a reference).
- Organize your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can be inspired by the routes presented 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 to other travelers things to do in Venezuela.
If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter.
Frequently asked questions about a trip to Venezuela
The climate of Venezuela is generally tropical, with high temperatures year-round and a long rainy season. The average temperature varies between 25ºC-35 °C, depending on the region, with minimal seasonal variations. The rainy season usually runs from May to November, with abundant rainfall, especially in the mountainous regions and in the Amazon rainforest. However, some desert areas in the north have a drier climate.
The best time to travel to Venezuela is from December to April, in the dry season, with hardly any rainfall which favors outdoor activities. However, it is important to check the weather depending on the region you are visiting as conditions may vary.
The most common way to get to Venezuela from abroad is by plane. Venezuela has several international airports, such as the Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, near Caracas. There are numerous airlines operating flights to Venezuela, so you can find direct flights or flights with stopovers, depending on your place of origin.
To cover long distances, a good option is always the plane, although it is also the most expensive one. If you have time and do not want to spend a lot of money, you can use the buses. It is a very popular and efficient means of transport, although usually tickets cannot be bought in advance and you have to wait in long queues. For greater autonomy, the rental car is best. However, driving habits in Venezuela and sometimes the lack of signage can make this a somewhat dangerous option. As for taxis, it is important to know that they do not use taximeters, so you should agree on the price beforehand.
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