Located on the northeast coast of South America, this beautiful country is not short on the best places to visit in Venezuela before you die. It has wonderful modern and older architecture, fabulous beaches perfect for sunbathing and watersports, and even waterfalls to keep you in awe of this country’s beauty. It is a state of extreme biodiversity, with mountains and forests full of wonderful flora and fauna and perfect for hiking in. It was colonized by Spain in the 1500s, and declared independence in 1911. It is incredibly urbanized for a South American country, with most of its 33-million inhabitants living in cities (especially Caracas, the largest city in Venezuela).
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This top eight list of the best places to visit in Venezuela before you die is by no means exhaustive, and a country with such natural and cultural beauty as this deserves to be explored in its full. However, if you only have a limited time to spend exploring Venezuela, this list should help you prioritize, based on your base location and interests. Venezuela is a very safe country to visit; it is politically-stable, and has a strong economy based around the export of agricultural commodities (such as coffee). You should not encounter any problems whilst visiting Venezuela, but it is always important to check local news and weather reports, as well as any travel reports, to make sure your trip is as smooth as possible. When visiting Venezuela’s many natural delights, always follow the instruction of a tour guide and try not to get lost in the forests! If you’re visiting the cities, be sure to stick to well-lit areas if out at night and trust your gut instinct on whether something seems okay.
Venezuela could easily be considered one of the safest countries in the world to live in peace, but if you’re just visiting, check this list out for tips on where to go!
8. Angel Falls
Dropping over the edge of the incredible Auyantepui Mountain is a mighty waterfall, in fact the mightiest of them all, towering at over 3,000 feet. It’s the highest waterfall in the world and having the opportunity to see it and all of its glory is a sure must while visiting Venezuela.
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7. Mochima National Park
This mix of marine and coastal marine reserves protects the beautiful coastline, but is open to visitors. If you would like to see stunning vistas and crystal clear waters, as well as mountainous regions and forests, then this is the place to go! It covers nearly 95-thousand hectares and crosses two of Venezuela’s states (Anzoátegui and Sucre).
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6. Llovizna Falls
Located in the Llovizna Park, the flow of water through these falls is restricted by the Macagua dam. But don’t let that put you off, this waterfall is still stunning to behold, and returns to its full glory at several points during the year when the flood-gates of the dam are opened. Waterfalls are always a site of natural glory, and this one is a fine example of everything that nature holds.
5. National Pantheon of Venezuela
The word ‘pantheon’ comes from the ancient Greek, meaning ‘temple of all gods’. This pantheon is built on the northern edge of Caracas, and is now a resting place for national heroes (although previously it was built as a church). If you’re interested in the history of Venezuela, this is certainly not something to miss. The centre is dedicated to Simón Bolívar, a famous military leader.
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4. Playa el Yaque
Priding itself on being one the of the seven best locations in the world, the conditions at Playa el Yaque are perfect for water sports such as windsurfing. It’s the place to come for your sports gear, boasting a boulevard of shops, as well as being a fine place to eat and stay.
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3. Los Caobos Park
One of the oldest parks in Caracas, this park was opened in 1920 and features beautiful trees and pieces of art, including a fabulous fountain. Located close to the shops and museums in Caracas, this park is the perfect place to relax after a long hard day of being a tourist to this beautiful city.
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2. Caracas Cathedral
This cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic church in Caracas, and thus makes a beautiful location for a spot of religious quiet if you’re Christian. Otherwise, the cathedral boasts fabulous architecture, built after an earthquake leveled the cathedral in the 1600s. It has been rebuilt and expanded upon ever since.
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And, the best place to visit in Venezuela Before You Die is: Miraflores Palace
Again located in Caracas, this is the workplace of the Venezuelan President. Started in the late 1800s, this palace is a wonder of modern architecture. If you’re into your politics or pretty buildings, then this palace is not to be missed on your visit to the wonderfully charming Caracas.
The best places to visit in Venezuela before you die are not contained within this top eight; be sure to explore as many places as possible whilst using your common sense and staying safe in this wondrous country. With a good climate, stable political atmosphere and blossoming economy, Venezuela is set to become a very popular place to visit.
