last edited Dec 11, 2019
What to See in Venezuela
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Location Map of Venezuela
Venezuela
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Venezuela has 3 sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
University City of Caracas (2000)
The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its modern architectural and urban planning quality.
The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its modern architectural and urban planning quality.
Coro (1993)
It was the country's first capital. From that era, it has preserved magnificent colorful colonial architecture, which has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Nearby, the Coro Dunes and the Paraguaná Peninsula are worth visiting.
It was the country's first capital. From that era, it has preserved magnificent colorful colonial architecture, which has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Nearby, the Coro Dunes and the Paraguaná Peninsula are worth visiting.
Canaima National Park (1994)
This vast and stunning UNESCO-listed park on the borders of Brazil and Guyana requires a guide to visit. It is also home to the famous Angel Falls.
This vast and stunning UNESCO-listed park on the borders of Brazil and Guyana requires a guide to visit. It is also home to the famous Angel Falls.
The Coast and Islands
Caracas
Venezuela’s capital is a modern city with a few historic buildings, parks, and museums. Its university, founded in 1721, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. On a less positive note, the city is also known for its high levels of danger and crime.
Venezuela’s capital is a modern city with a few historic buildings, parks, and museums. Its university, founded in 1721, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. On a less positive note, the city is also known for its high levels of danger and crime.
Colonia Tovar
In the mountains around Caracas, this small tourist town at 1,800 meters above sea level, founded by Germans in the 19th century, recreates the atmosphere, traditions, culture, and architecture of a Bavarian village—so much so that it has become quite touristy.
In the mountains around Caracas, this small tourist town at 1,800 meters above sea level, founded by Germans in the 19th century, recreates the atmosphere, traditions, culture, and architecture of a Bavarian village—so much so that it has become quite touristy.
Coro
It was the country's first capital. From that era, it has preserved magnificent colorful colonial architecture, which has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Nearby, the Coro Dunes and the Paraguaná Peninsula are worth visiting.
It was the country's first capital. From that era, it has preserved magnificent colorful colonial architecture, which has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Nearby, the Coro Dunes and the Paraguaná Peninsula are worth visiting.
Cumaná
The first European settlement on the South American continent. The city, surrounded by beautiful beaches, still preserves an old Spanish fort and various other traces of its colonial past.
The first European settlement on the South American continent. The city, surrounded by beautiful beaches, still preserves an old Spanish fort and various other traces of its colonial past.
Maracaibo
It is the country’s second-largest urban area. Built on the shores of the lagoon of the same name, it sees few tourists despite its small historic centre.
It is the country’s second-largest urban area. Built on the shores of the lagoon of the same name, it sees few tourists despite its small historic centre.
Maracay
It is one of the country's largest cities, with around one million inhabitants. It is located west of Caracas.
It is one of the country's largest cities, with around one million inhabitants. It is located west of Caracas.
Margarita Island
A major tourist destination, Margarita Island still attracts some visitors despite the country's current context, thanks to its beautiful beaches and landscapes, water activities, charming colonial-style capital, and its duty-free shopping opportunities. The island is large, so you'll find both busy areas and wilder spots.
A major tourist destination, Margarita Island still attracts some visitors despite the country's current context, thanks to its beautiful beaches and landscapes, water activities, charming colonial-style capital, and its duty-free shopping opportunities. The island is large, so you'll find both busy areas and wilder spots.
Puerto Colombia
A fishing village west of Caracas known for the beauty of its beaches, including those in Choroni.
A fishing village west of Caracas known for the beauty of its beaches, including those in Choroni.
Puerto la Cruz
Along with its neighbor Barcelona, the city forms the largest urban area on the eastern coast. It’s a destination for beaches or exploring the nearby islands.
Along with its neighbor Barcelona, the city forms the largest urban area on the eastern coast. It’s a destination for beaches or exploring the nearby islands.
Natural Heritage
Los Roques
Off the coast, facing Caracas, this archipelago, which is also a national park, is a stunning spot for beaches, diving, or observing turtles and local wildlife.
Off the coast, facing Caracas, this archipelago, which is also a national park, is a stunning spot for beaches, diving, or observing turtles and local wildlife.
Lake Maracaibo
This is the largest lake in Latin America, on the shores of which the city of the same name is built. The oil industry here is nothing short of thriving.
This is the largest lake in Latin America, on the shores of which the city of the same name is built. The oil industry here is nothing short of thriving.
El Avila National Park
This mountain overlooking the capital is accessible by cable car. It’s a popular spot for panoramic views and hiking.
This mountain overlooking the capital is accessible by cable car. It’s a popular spot for panoramic views and hiking.
Henri Pittier National Park
Just a few dozen kilometres west of Caracas, this stunning small park where sea, mountains, and tropical forest meet is home to a rich variety of wildlife (birds, snakes, pumas, etc.).
Just a few dozen kilometres west of Caracas, this stunning small park where sea, mountains, and tropical forest meet is home to a rich variety of wildlife (birds, snakes, pumas, etc.).
Los Medanos de Coro National Park
This strip of land separating the city of Coro and the Paraguana Peninsula is a sand desert with towering dunes like those in the Sahara.
This strip of land separating the city of Coro and the Paraguana Peninsula is a sand desert with towering dunes like those in the Sahara.
Mochima National Park
A lovely terrestrial and marine park near Puerto la Cruz. It blends jungle, cliff, and beach landscapes. Scuba diving is available.
A lovely terrestrial and marine park near Puerto la Cruz. It blends jungle, cliff, and beach landscapes. Scuba diving is available.
Morrocoy National Park
A stunning coastal park with beautiful beaches, small islands, and boat trips.
A stunning coastal park with beautiful beaches, small islands, and boat trips.
Paraguaná Peninsula
This arid peninsula north of Coro offers beautiful beaches and great opportunities for water activities. The area is also duty-free for shopping.
This arid peninsula north of Coro offers beautiful beaches and great opportunities for water activities. The area is also duty-free for shopping.
Paria Peninsula
At the far east of Venezuela, facing Trinidad and Tobago, this peninsula is known for its magnificent beaches and landscapes.
At the far east of Venezuela, facing Trinidad and Tobago, this peninsula is known for its magnificent beaches and landscapes.
The Interior and Plains
Ciudad Bolívar
A large city in the south with some colonial buildings located on the Orinoco River. It's primarily a stopover on the way to Brazil or Angel Falls.
A large city in the south with some colonial buildings located on the Orinoco River. It's primarily a stopover on the way to Brazil or Angel Falls.
Puerto Ayacucho
On the Colombian border, this town steeped in indigenous culture serves as a base for exploring the surrounding area and the forest, or for boat trips on the Orinoco and other rivers.
On the Colombian border, this town steeped in indigenous culture serves as a base for exploring the surrounding area and the forest, or for boat trips on the Orinoco and other rivers.
Santa Elena
Officially called Santa Elena de Uairén, it is a town on the border with Brazil from where you can set off to explore Canaima National Park.
Officially called Santa Elena de Uairén, it is a town on the border with Brazil from where you can set off to explore Canaima National Park.
Natural Heritage
Gran Sabana
This sparsely populated high plateau in the southeast is one of Venezuela’s most spectacular regions, with its famous tepuis (table-top mountains). It is home to stunning sites like Canaima National Park, Angel Falls, and Mount Roraima.
This sparsely populated high plateau in the southeast is one of Venezuela’s most spectacular regions, with its famous tepuis (table-top mountains). It is home to stunning sites like Canaima National Park, Angel Falls, and Mount Roraima.
Llanos
This is a vast expanse of grasslands and marshes covering much of the west-central part of the country. Beyond herds of livestock, you can spot a fairly rich local wildlife (anacondas, crocodiles, birds…).
This is a vast expanse of grasslands and marshes covering much of the west-central part of the country. Beyond herds of livestock, you can spot a fairly rich local wildlife (anacondas, crocodiles, birds…).
Mount Roraima
This large table mountain (flat-topped) is located at the intersection of Guyana, Venezuela, and Brazil. You can reach its summit (2,810 m) via a multi-day trek (from Venezuela only) and enjoy an extraordinary panorama from the top.
This large table mountain (flat-topped) is located at the intersection of Guyana, Venezuela, and Brazil. You can reach its summit (2,810 m) via a multi-day trek (from Venezuela only) and enjoy an extraordinary panorama from the top.
Canaima National Park
This vast and stunning UNESCO-listed park on the borders of Brazil and Guyana requires a guide to visit. It is also home to the famous Angel Falls.
This vast and stunning UNESCO-listed park on the borders of Brazil and Guyana requires a guide to visit. It is also home to the famous Angel Falls.
Angel Falls
At 979 m, these are the world's tallest waterfalls. They are accessible after a stunning journey through Canaima National Park.
At 979 m, these are the world's tallest waterfalls. They are accessible after a stunning journey through Canaima National Park.
The Andes
Mérida
The main city in the Andes, at an altitude of 1,600 m. While it has beautiful parks, museums, and colonial buildings, its appeal lies primarily in its surroundings, including Pico Bolívar and several stunning natural parks (Sierra Nevada, La Culata, Tapo-Caparo) ideal for outdoor activities like trekking.
The main city in the Andes, at an altitude of 1,600 m. While it has beautiful parks, museums, and colonial buildings, its appeal lies primarily in its surroundings, including Pico Bolívar and several stunning natural parks (Sierra Nevada, La Culata, Tapo-Caparo) ideal for outdoor activities like trekking.
Natural Heritage
Sierra Nevada National Park
This is the site of Pico Bolívar (4,972 m), right next to Mérida. It is also a traditional habitat for pumas and spectacled bears.
This is the site of Pico Bolívar (4,972 m), right next to Mérida. It is also a traditional habitat for pumas and spectacled bears.
Pico Bolívar
The summit of the Venezuelan Andes is (almost) accessible by cable car from the city of Mérida. It can also be reached on foot.
The summit of the Venezuelan Andes is (almost) accessible by cable car from the city of Mérida. It can also be reached on foot.
Must-see & highly recommended
Gran Sabana
★★★★ This sparsely populated high plateau in the southeast is one of Venezuela’s most spectacular regions, with its famous tepuis…
Mount Roraima
★★★★ This large table mountain (flat-topped) is located at the intersection of Guyana, Venezuela, and Brazil. You can reach its summit (2,810 m)…
Canaima National Park
★★★★ This vast and stunning UNESCO-listed park on the borders of Brazil and Guyana requires a guide to visit. It is also home to the famous…
Angel Falls
★★★★ At 979 m, these are the world's tallest waterfalls. They are accessible after a stunning journey through Canaima National Park.
Recommended
Coro
★★★ It was the country's first capital. From that era, it has preserved magnificent colorful colonial architecture, which has earned it UNESCO…
Los Roques
★★★ Off the coast, facing Caracas, this archipelago, which is also a national park, is a stunning spot for beaches, diving, or observing…
Margarita Island
★★★ A major tourist destination, Margarita Island still attracts some visitors despite the country's current context, thanks to its beautiful…
Henri Pittier National Park
★★★ Just a few dozen kilometres west of Caracas, this stunning small park where sea, mountains, and tropical forest meet is home to a rich…
Sierra Nevada National Park (Venezuela)
★★★ This is the site of Pico Bolívar (4,972 m), right next to Mérida. It is also a traditional habitat for pumas and spectacled bears.
Worth a look / Other
Colonia Tovar
★★ In the mountains around Caracas, this small tourist town at 1,800 meters above sea level, founded by Germans in the 19th century, recreates…
Cumaná
★★ The first European settlement on the South American continent. The city, surrounded by beautiful beaches, still preserves an old Spanish…
Llanos
★★ This is a vast expanse of grasslands and marshes covering much of the west-central part of the country. Beyond herds of livestock, you can…
Mérida (Venezuela)
★★ The main city in the Andes, at an altitude of 1,600 m. While it has beautiful parks, museums, and colonial buildings, its appeal lies…
Morrocoy National Park
★★ A stunning coastal park with beautiful beaches, small islands, and boat trips.
Los Medanos de Coro National Park
★★ This strip of land separating the city of Coro and the Paraguana Peninsula is a sand desert with towering dunes like those in the Sahara.
Mochima National Park
★★ A lovely terrestrial and marine park near Puerto la Cruz. It blends jungle, cliff, and beach landscapes. Scuba diving is available.
Paraguaná Peninsula
★★ This arid peninsula north of Coro offers beautiful beaches and great opportunities for water activities. The area is also duty-free for…
Paria Peninsula
★★ At the far east of Venezuela, facing Trinidad and Tobago, this peninsula is known for its magnificent beaches and landscapes.
Pico Bolívar
★★ The summit of the Venezuelan Andes is (almost) accessible by cable car from the city of Mérida. It can also be reached on foot.
Puerto Colombia
★★ A fishing village west of Caracas known for the beauty of its beaches, including those in Choroni.
Caracas
★ Venezuela’s capital is a modern city with a few historic buildings, parks, and museums. Its university, founded in 1721, is a UNESCO…
University City of Caracas
★ The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its modern architectural and urban planning quality.
Ciudad Bolívar
★ A large city in the south with some colonial buildings located on the Orinoco River. It's primarily a stopover on the way to Brazil or…
Ciudad Guayana
★ It’s the major city (industrial) in the south, on the Orinoco Delta.
Lake Maracaibo
★ This is the largest lake in Latin America, on the shores of which the city of the same name is built. The oil industry here is nothing…
Maracaibo
★ It is the country’s second-largest urban area. Built on the shores of the lagoon of the same name, it sees few tourists despite its…
Maracay
★ It is one of the country's largest cities, with around one million inhabitants. It is located west of Caracas.
El Avila National Park
★ This mountain overlooking the capital is accessible by cable car. It’s a popular spot for panoramic views and hiking.
El Guacharo National Park
★ This is a vast cave known for housing a unique bird species, the oilbird.
Puerto Ayacucho
★ On the Colombian border, this town steeped in indigenous culture serves as a base for exploring the surrounding area and the forest, or for…
Puerto la Cruz
★ Along with its neighbor Barcelona, the city forms the largest urban area on the eastern coast. It’s a destination for beaches or…
San Cristóbal (Venezuela)
★ It's the second-largest city in the Venezuelan Andes, near the Colombian border.
Santa Elena
★ Officially called Santa Elena de Uairén, it is a town on the border with Brazil from where you can set off to explore Canaima National Park.
Valencia (Venezuela)
★ It is the third-largest city in Venezuela with around 2 million inhabitants.
- Margarita Island
- Mount Roraima
- Caracas
- Colonia Tovar
- Coro
- Cumaná
- Maracaibo
- Maracay
- Puerto Colombia
- Puerto la Cruz
- Valencia (Venezuela)
- Los Roques
- Lake Maracaibo
- El Avila National Park
- El Guacharo National Park
- Henri Pittier National Park
- Los Medanos de Coro National Park
- Mochima National Park
- Morrocoy National Park
- Paraguaná Peninsula
- Paria Peninsula
- Mérida (Venezuela)
- Ciudad Bolívar
- Gran Sabana
- Puerto Ayacucho
- Santa Elena
- Llanos
- Angel Falls
- Canaima National Park
- San Cristóbal (Venezuela)
- Sierra Nevada National Park (Venezuela)
- Pico Bolívar
- Ciudad Guayana