From Angel Falls to Mount Roraima, these are the best places to visit in Venezuela!
Venezuela’s economic problems, bad reputation and political uncertainty haven’t helped in the development of tourism to this Caribbean country. The truth is that, as one of the largest oil producers in the world, the government has focused most of its efforts on the exploitation of oil fields, sometimes to the detriment of other economic activities.
However, the reality could be very different. Venezuela is a jewel to discover, a virtually unexplored territory with places of incomparable beauty. From paradisiacal beaches to impenetrable jungles to vertigo-inducing routes through the Andean highlands, the possibilities for visitors are almost endless.
Places To Visit In Venezuela
If you’re feeling like an adventure to one of the most beautiful countries on the planet, then don’t miss out on these amazing places to visit in Venezuela.
1) Salto Angel
Angel Falls, at 979 meters high, proudly boasts being the highest waterfall in the world. Located in the Venezuelan Gran Sabana, this is a place holding a sacred character for the natives. It is, without a doubt, the country’s biggest tourist attraction.
To get there, you’ll have to navigate up the Carrao River, right in the heart of Canaima Park, until you reach the base of the falls. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1994, this park offers hundreds of cascades of equal beauty, as well as wild rivers and red-water lagoons.
2) The Amazon Rainforest
Mystical and legendary, this dense and humid territory is the largest jungle in the world. Visitors can venture along its rivers to find wild animals, lush plants and tribes that have barely changed their traditions in the last 500 years.
Although uncontrolled logging and the construction of dams are seriously threatening the future of this ecosystem, it’s still possible to visit several protected reserves and enjoy one of the seven new natural wonders of the world. Definitely an amazing spot on the list of places to visit in Venezuela.
3) Cayo Sombrero
Because Venezuela’s coasts are completely bathed by the Caribbean Sea, it’s no surprise that there are plenty of amazing islands and beaches to visit. When you think about a paradisiacal destination, you probably envision yourself lying in the shade of a palm tree on a white-sand beach with turquoise water, right?
That’s the exact description of Cayo Sombrero, a tiny island located a few kilometres off the coast of Chichiriviche, in Morrocoi National Park. Enjoy the peace of this place with no infrastructure, houses, restaurants or hotels. You can easily arrange a boat to get you there, and agree on a time so they can pick you up.
4) Mount Roraima
Mount Roraima, called Tepuy Roraima by the indigenous population, is a majestic table-shaped mountain located right on the triple border point of Venezuela, Brazil and Guyana. The hike will take at least five days to complete. You’ll have to cross wild rivers and walk along steep paths before enjoying amazing views from the summit.
Once you’re on the top, the extravagant rock formations will certainly make you feel like you’re on another planet. It’s easy to understand why this mount inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to write his famous novel “The Lost World“.
5) The Orinoco Delta
The beautiful Orinoco River, one of the most important in South America and the third largest river in the world after the Amazon and Congo, has been a subject of study by dozens of explorers since Christopher Columbus documented its existence in 1498.
The delta region, formed mainly by materials the river washed away and by mudslides from nearby volcanoes, attracts all kinds of adventurers looking for wildlife, flora and fauna. The delta is an important starting point for jungle expeditions, during which you can see alligators, anacondas and even jaguars if you’re lucky enough.
6) Los Llanos
This huge savannah is to South America what the Serengeti is to Africa: a wild extension where animals are the real lords. You can take a multi-day safari and watch hundreds of birds, caimans, deer, capybaras, sloths and more.
Although the region’s activity involves mainly cattle ranching and oil production, eco-tourism is growing in Los Llanos and more visitors have the chance to take in its natural beauty.
7) Mérida
Venezuela’s attractions go beyond tropical jungles and dream beaches. The Andean Range, the mountainous backbone that so drastically affects the climate of the continent, also creates amazing landscapes in the land of Simon Bolivar.
Merida is the most important city in the Venezuelan Andean region, and it’s an excellent starting point for visiting the nearby colonial towns. It is known as the adventure capital of the country, and it offers a wide variety of activities for all preferences. Adrenaline junkies will find top-class hiking, rafting, paragliding and rock climbing.
8) Puerto Colombia
Located on the coast of the Henri Pittier National Park, this small village is characterized by steep mountains, extensive beaches and friendly people.
The beaches are not like those of white sand and turquoise water, but they still have a special charm. It’s a region with strong waves, cliffs that dominate the landscape, and local fishermen who make their living out on the rough waters.
9) Los Médanos de Coro National Park
The landscapes and ecosystems in Venezuela are so varied that it’s possible to find a desert in the northwest region of the country.
Located in the Falcón state, Medanos de Coro National Park is a dry setting of large dunes that are the products of erosion and the whims of incessant trade winds.
10) Parque Mochima National Park
When one arrives at Mochima National Park, one immediately feels the magic of a place where it seems as though time has not passed.
Located between the states of Sucre and Anzoátegui in the eastern part of the country, this park contains a long coast of beaches and islands with pristine water. The beautiful sunsets and the tranquility of its villages make Mochima one of the most attractive destinations on the Caribbean coast.
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