Oil and beauty pageants might be the first things that come to your mind when you hear the word Venezuela. Lately, it’s rare to not hear news about the chaotic political and economic situation that the South American country undergoes. However, in this article, you’ll see that Venezuela is more than bad news and that it actually has quite a few things to offer to its visitors. There are options for everyone: high peak mountains, paradise beaches, deserts, central plains, highlands, and rainforests. Get your backpack and dive into the top 10 must-visit places in Venezuela.
1. Angel Falls
The highest waterfall in the world, with a height of 979 meters, is the most famous attraction in Venezuela. It’s also known as “Kerepakupai-merú”, which is an indigenous word that means “falls from the deepest place”. This magical nature wonder inspired the animated film ‘Up’ by Disney Pixar.
2. Merida Cable Car
You need to visit the highest and second longest cable car in the world, which reaches a height of 4,765 meters on Pico Espejo Station. The Merida cable car, also known as Mukumbarí (The place where the sun is born), is made out of 5 stations with a journey of 12.5 km. In some stations, you can drink hot chocolate or do some excursions riding a mule or a horse.
3. Los Llanos
Los Llanos is the wildlife region par excellence of Venezuela. Sometimes known as the South American version of the Serengeti in Africa. You’ll be dazzled by the huge variety of birds and typical animals from the region such as anacondas, capybaras, jaguars, and alligators. This is the region for cowboys, joropo (traditional music) and the best Venezuelan beef. The best moment to visit is during the dry season (from December to April) since there are more chances to see birds and animals near the sources of water.
4. Médanos de Coro National Park
In this National park, you’ll find a piece of the Sahara desert in Venezuela. You can’t miss the opportunity to say that you saw a desert in the tropic. Indeed, Los Medanos are massive sand dunes found at the north of Coro city, in Falcón state.
5. Mount Roraima
The highest chain formation of Tepuys (a flat or table mountain) with around 2800 meters high and 14 km long. You will enjoy a breathtaking view for sure. Mount Roraima is divided into Brazil, Guyana, and Venezuela, but the biggest part of the territory belongs to Venezuela.
6. Orinoco Delta
The Orinoco, the second longest river in South America and the third largest river in the world, lies mostly in Venezuela. This is home for a varied wildlife, flora, and fauna. Most of the Orinoco Delta region is inhabited by indigenous people called Waraos, who live along the bank of the river in traditional stilt houses called palafitos.
7. Catatumbo Lightning
It’s a natural phenomenon that creates an “everlasting storm” and takes place in Venezuela’s Lake Maracaibo, in Zulia state. On average, there are 260 storm days per year. That’s why it’s known as the most lightning-struck country on the planet.
8. Mochima National Park
If you crave for some beach time with staggering Caribbean landscapes and sunsets, this is the place for you. This park is located between the states Anzoátegui and Sucre and covers the northeastern coast of Venezuela. The most visited beach is Playa Colorada (“Reddish Beach”) since the color of the sand goes from red to golden. The crystal clear waters of this beach and others in the park are the perfect place for snorkeling lovers and windsurfers.
9. Margarita Island
It’s the largest island in Venezuela, also known as the Pearl of the Caribbean. This island certainly has beaches to suit everyone’s taste: large, small, with waves or without waves, crowded or private, with cold or warm water and more. Windsurfing, kitesurfing and horseback riding are the main activities that will be waiting for you. Besides, since Margarita is a duty-free port, you can’t miss the opportunity to shop at very low prices. Some of the best beaches are Playa El Yaque, Playa de Piedras, and Playa El Agua, to name some of them.
10. Los Roques
Finally, if you come to Venezuela and you would like to spend some relaxing time at the beach, Los Roques will be your ideal destination. Los Roques is an archipelago and a marine national park that has the best Venezuelan beaches. Here you’ll be able to practice many water sports like snorkeling, fishing, and windsurfing. Besides, visitors can only get to Los Roques by yachts or small airplanes. Therefore, the beaches and streets of this archipelago are not as crowded as in other parts of the country. Even though prices will be higher than in the mainland since most products are imported, the whole experience will be worth every single penny.
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