Venezuela!

Another country checked off of my Latin American adventures, Venezuela!

Nestled in the heart of South America, Venezuela has long remained a hidden gem, a destination whispered about in hushed tones among avid travelers, a place of unparalleled natural beauty and vibrant cultural heritage. For years, it has sat on the bucket list of many, a land of undiscovered wonders and uncharted experiences.

I’ve always wanted to visit Venezuela but always hesitated due to what I hear about it. Being a full time traveler I ofcourse know that most of what we hear in the media is somewhat (in alot of time) exaggerated. With that said, it is always smart to do extra research and keep an eye of what other people say.

Time has come, I made it to Venezuela!

My schedule was: (Caracas, Margarita Island, Los Roques and finally Canaima National Park). In summary, I’m glad I’ve seen all of it but I’m also happy I did so I could revise and recommend what I think you should be doing on your trip! So here’s what I recommend:

– Caracas

– Merida

– Los Roques

– Canaima National Park

Caracas

Caracas is the capital and largest city of Venezuela, nestled in a valley surrounded by the Venezuelan coastal range. I honestly didn’t spend enough time in Caracas and can’t really tell much about my experience in the capital. I was based near the airport, La Guaira, to have it as a convenient base to take the flights to other destinations.

What can you do in Caracas: Take a Cable Car to Avila Mountain:

For breathtaking panoramic views of Caracas and the surrounding landscape, a cable car ride to the top of Avila Mountain is a must. The cable car, known as “Teleférico de Caracas,” takes visitors on a scenic journey to the Ávila National Park. Once at the top, you can enjoy hiking trails, picnics, and simply revel in the stunning vistas of the city and the Caribbean Sea beyond.

Another option in Caracas is to Visit the National Pantheon:

The National Pantheon, located in the historic center of Caracas, is a significant cultural and historical site. It serves as the final resting place for many of Venezuela’s national heroes, including Simón Bolívar, the liberator of several South American countries. The architecture of the building is impressive, and the surroundings are steeped in the country’s revolutionary history.

Mérida

Although Merida was not on my itinerary; here are a few pointers about it.

Mérida is surrounded by breathtaking Andean landscapes. The city is situated near the Sierra Nevada National Park, home to Pico Bolívar, the highest peak in Venezuela. The region offers opportunities for hiking, trekking, and enjoying the beauty of the Andes.

One of the main attractions is the Mérida Cable Car, or Teleférico de Mérida. It’s the highest and longest cable car in the world, providing spectacular views of the mountains and valleys as it ascends to Pico Espejo. The journey itself is an unforgettable experience.

Mérida’s historic center is characterized by well-preserved colonial architecture. The city has charming squares, churches, and colorful buildings that reflect its rich cultural and historical heritage.

Los Roques: A Caribbean Gem in Venezuela! (loved it so much!)

Los Roques is a mesmerizing archipelago located in the Caribbean Sea, just off the northern coast of Venezuela. With its pristine beaches, crystalline waters, and vibrant marine life, it’s a paradise for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts. Comprising over 300 islands and cays, this national park is a protected area that offers an unspoiled glimpse of nature’s beauty.

Getting to Los Roques: Fly from Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. International travelers often land at Simón Bolívar International Airport and take a flight from here onwards to the island! The flight was around 25 minutes.

I’ve literally spent just a day in Los Roques (so that is an option) but I regret it! I needed to stay longer for at least one night!

Los Roques is an archipelago consisting of numerous islands and cays, each with its own unique charm. Here are five top islands to explore in Los Roques:

1. Cayo de Agua:

   • Often considered the jewel of Los Roques, Cayo de Agua is renowned for its stunning white-sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and a sandbar that divides the ocean. The untouched beauty and the sense of isolation make it a must-visit destination.

2. Francisqui:

   • Francisqui is a beautiful key with calm and shallow waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. It features a long stretch of pristine beach, and the surrounding coral reefs add to the underwater charm.

3. Madrisqui:

   • This islet is characterized by its shallow and clear waters, making it perfect for snorkeling. Madrisqui is relatively small, offering a relaxed atmosphere and a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of Los Roques.

4. Crasqui:

   • Crasqui is known for its long sandy beach and tranquil ambiance. The coral reefs surrounding the island make it an excellent location for snorkeling, allowing visitors to explore the vibrant marine life just off the shore.

5. Noronquises:

   • Noronquises is a quieter island with fewer visitors, providing a peaceful escape. Its serene beaches and crystal-clear waters make it an attractive destination for those seeking a more secluded experience in Los Roques.

Canaima National Park

Canaima National Park is one of the most famous and ecologically diverse national parks in Venezuela. It is located in the southeastern part of the country, in the Gran Sabana region of the state of Bolívar. This park covers an area of approximately 30,000 square kilometers (12,000 square miles) and is known for its stunning natural beauty, including dramatic tabletop mountains known as tepuis, waterfalls, lush rainforests, and savannas.

There are interesting camps and lodges in Canaima! I’ve heard the best is Waku Lodge, and indeed it was really interesting! Another new lodge is called Wakawena which seems to be very new and beautiful!

Canaima National Park is hands down my favorite! I could see why people would make all the way just to the National Park and back!

There are two flights a week in Canaima so its a must to spend around 4 nights in Canaima and for that, a hotel booking is a must, with all activities being all inclusive with full board meals.

Hiking, waterfalls (ANGEL FALLS!), boat rides in the river were the activities that were the highlights of the trip! I highly recommend taking the helicopter tour over Angel Falls.

Angel Falls, is the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall. This natural wonder is named after Jimmy Angel, an American aviator who was the first to fly over the falls in 1933. With a height of 3,212 feet (979 meters) and a continuous drop of 2,648 feet (807 meters), Angel Falls is an awe-inspiring sight surrounded by lush tropical rainforests.

Aside from the above and as I mentioned, I did visit Margarita Island. During my trip to Margarita, we’ve gone by boat visiting the Caribbean island of Coche! Here’s a walk-through of how it looked like! (On my YouTube channel, I focus on walk-through videos and back-ground videos with nice beats! Subscribe and enjoy the music and scenery!)

Safe travels!