Venezuela is one of the most colorful South American countries. Here, side by side, one can see the snowy peaks of the Andes and the Amazon jungle, the beautiful Gran Sabana plateau, and almost 3,000 km of sandy beaches, the largest lake in South America, Maracaibo, and the third longest river in the world, the Orinoco, the highest waterfall of the planet, Angel, and the longest cable car in the world. And all of this is surrounded by a luxurious and diverse flora represented by over 3000 species of exotic animals, including jaguar, ocelot, tapir, armadillo, anteater, and the longest snake in the world, the anaconda. Request your Venezuela tour operator to prepare a tour focusing on all important attractions in Venezuela.

The bustling capital of Venezuela, Caracas, is situated in a picturesque valley on the northern coast of the country. The city was founded in the 16th century and carried the original name of Santiago de Leon de Caracas, which was composed of the names of the patron saint of Spain Santiago, the Governor Pedro Ponce de Leon and the name of American Indian tribal groups inhabiting these Land, 'Caracas'. The city was located quite successfully. It was safe from pirate attacks from the sea. There were mountains of El Avila around, with many rivers and streams all around and relatively cool climate and rich soil to expand this cultivation of cocoa beans.

Venezuela did not prove to be a priority in the list of new territories, there being neither gold, nor silver here, so Caracas has never come close to greatness and the colonial splendor characteristic of other Latin American cities. However, the 'oil boom' of the late 20th century brought unprecedented growth in the city. Many of the old quarters were replaced by modern skyscrapers and narrow streets have become typical for the region. Today, it is a very dynamic and modern city, populated by almost six million people, nearly a quarter of all the inhabitants of Venezuela. It is the largest political and economic center of the country.

Most of the cultural and architectural attractions are concentrated in the old town in Caracas, which is called El Centro. The surrounding Plaza Bolivar area abounds in historical monuments. The most outstanding ones are the building of the Museum of Caracas and the Cathedral de Caracas. The museum's collection includes numerous pictures and documents related to the struggle for independence and other significant events of the past. The Cathedral is rather modest compared to most other cathedrals of Latin American capitals. To the south of the cathedral, there is Musa Sacro de Caracas with an extensive collection of religious art. Also nearby one will see the residence of the Archbishop of Venezuela and the building of the Casa Amarilla of the country.

The Casa Natal de Simon Bolivar is a large colonial-style house. Five blocks north of the Plaza Bolivar is the Pantheon Nacional, where the national heroes are buried. Just two blocks west on Avenida Universidad, there spreads the Capitol Complex in which Parliament sits.

The central part of the city includes Plaza Morelos, which is often called the 'Museum Square', the Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of Colonial Art and the Museum of Transport. A long strip of Park Central is filled with hundreds of street vendors offering every conceivable variety of goods.

Noteworthy is the neo-Gothic church of Santa Capilla, a monumental palace Palacio de Miraflor, the colonial district Petares, the noisy night time squares of Las Mercedes, El Rosalia, La Floresta and La Castellana, as well as the largest and most modern race track in South America - La Rinconada.

Around Caracas, there are also many interesting places. First and foremost is the famous National Park, Avila, with its uninhabited emerald slopes towering over the city. Reaching a luxurious Caribbean coast, the focus is on the beaches and resort areas. The town of La Guaira is Caracas’ sea gate famous for its colonial architecture. There is even a small museum, whose collection contains many documents, clothing, tools, weapons and other relics of the period.

Contact one of trusted Venezuela travel agents to prepare a safe and interesting trip and use available rebates and discounts.
Acient palaces and ruins in Venezuela