Venezuela is a diverse country that offers a variety of landscapes and attractions. It boasts stunning Caribbean beaches, majestic Andean mountains, and thriving wetlands filled with fascinating creatures like piranhas and anacondas. Inland, you can find impressive sand dunes. Being tropical, Venezuela is home to abundant biodiversity.
Moreover, the country is well-known for its oil exports, as well as its success in beauty pageants. It is also the birthplace of Simon Bolivar, a prominent figure who played a crucial role in freeing several South American nations from Spanish rule. In honor of Bolivar, most cities in Venezuela have a central plaza dedicated to him.
Here’s an overview of some of the most popular tourist attractions in the country:.
10. Angel Falls
Angel Falls, located in Venezuela, is a very popular tourist spot because it is the tallest uninterrupted waterfall in the world. It stands at a height of 978 meters (3,208 feet) and can be found on Auyantepui Mountain in Canaima National Park, which is in Bolivar State.
The falls are situated on the Gauja River, and the native people originally called them Kerepakupai Vená, which means “fall from the highest point.” However, the name was later changed to Angel Falls to pay tribute to Jimmie Angel, a U.S. aviator who was the first to fly over the falls. The waterfall is at its highest from June to December.
9. Mount Roraima
Mount Roraima is a tall, flat mountain located at a height of 2,810 meters (9,220 feet). It is mostly situated in Venezuela but also acts as a border between Brazil, Guyana, and Venezuela. Visitors can only access the plateau by climbing from the Venezuelan side.
The mountain is part of Canaima National Park, known for its ancient rock formations that are billions of years old. The plateau experiences frequent rainfall and is home to unique and rare flora and fauna. This scenic landscape served as inspiration for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s novel, The Lost World, published in 1912.
8. Los Llanos
Los Llanos is a wide grassland found in Venezuela and Colombia, with the Orinoco River running through it and acting as the border between the two countries. This river is the main river in Venezuela. During the rainy season from May to October, Los Llanos tends to flood and becomes a great spot for birdwatching.
It is often referred to as the Serengeti of South America because it has a lot of wildlife. In the dry season, animals gather around the areas with water, making it the perfect time to observe them. Los Llanos is not only a natural habitat for the Orinoco Crocodile, but also for other creatures like anacondas, capybaras, jaguars, and caimans.
7. Isla Margarita
Isla Margarita, the biggest island near Venezuela’s northeastern coast, is a fantastic spot for beachcombing. It has 50 beaches along the coastline, making it a popular spot for activities like wind- and kite-surfing, particularly at Playa el Yaque.
Many Venezuelans love to visit Isla Margarita for vacations, in part because of the duty-free shopping at the port. The island is home to various large cities, including La Asuncion, which is the capital of the Nueva Esparta state in Venezuela.
Just so you know, Christopher Columbus was the first European to set foot on the island way back in 1498.
6. Los Roques
The Venezuelan government established Los Roques Archipelago National Park in 1972 to preserve a stunning and ecologically important marine ecosystem. This park is the biggest of its kind in the Caribbean Sea. Underwater, you can find incredible coral reefs teeming with colorful and diverse marine life.
The park also boasts breathtaking beaches with white sands and warm, crystal-clear waters, making it a perfect destination for diving, sailing, and fishing enthusiasts. The main island in the park is Gran Roque, where you can find a handful of cozy villa-style hotels.
5. Choroni
Choroni is a town in Venezuela that is famous for its beautiful Caribbean beaches. However, the town itself is actually located slightly inland and has lovely colonial houses surrounding a peaceful central plaza. Choroni is also a great place for people who enjoy observing birds, plants, and wildlife.
It is an ideal starting point for exploring the cloud forest and lowland jungles found in Henri Pittier National Park. This park is home to not only monkeys, snakes, and deer but also boasts an impressive 500 species of birds and 200 different types of butterflies.
Originally known as Rancho Grande, Venezuela’s first national park was later renamed Henri Pittier to honor the scientist who suggested its creation.
4. Mochima National Park
Mochima National Park is situated on the northeastern coast of Venezuela. Its main purpose is to protect both the marine environment and the forests of the Turimiquire mountains. It became the second marine park in Venezuela in 1973. The park covers the coastline from Puerto la Cruz to Cumana, along with 32 islands located offshore.
La Ciena Cove is known for its pelican nesting grounds, while Isla Cachicamo is home to many dolphins. The park is a popular destination for snorkelers and divers due to its fantastic underwater locations. Visitors can explore three shipwrecks, all reachable within a 30- to 40-minute boat ride from Puerto la Cruz.
3. Merida Cable Car
If you visit Venezuela, you should definitely ride the Merida Cable Car, also known as the Teleférico. It is the longest and highest cable car in the world. The route of the cable car is almost 12 km (7.5 miles) long and reaches a height of more than 4,700 meters (15,600 feet) in the air.
During the ride, the cable car stops at various points, allowing visitors to step out and even go for a small trek. These stops are named after the beautiful views and other attractions along the way. The best time to take the cable car ride is between December and February because there is no fog during this period.
2. Medanos de Coro
The sand dunes in Medanos de Coro National Park are a breathtaking view, especially considering that they are found in a tropical country. These dunes, reaching heights of up to 40 meters (120 feet), display a mesmerizing array of orange and yellow shades. Constantly shifting due to strong gusts, they never maintain the same shape for long.
As the region is quite arid, there is limited plant and animal life to observe. However, these dunes are a popular destination for sandboarding enthusiasts and can also be explored atop camels available for hire. Accessing the national park is conveniently possible by bus or taxi from Coro.
1. MORROCOY NATIONAL PARK
Morrocoy National Park can be found in the northeastern part of Venezuela. It boasts a diverse landscape including mangroves, stunning sandy beaches, and many islets and cays. The waters surrounding these cayos are teeming with vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish.
In the more remote areas of the mangroves, you may even come across dolphins, marine turtles, and coastal caimans. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, such as pelicans, flamingos, egrets, and the colorful scarlet ibis. On the islands, due to the dry and salty environment, vegetation is sparse and specially adapted.
