Venezuela has stunning landscapes and amazing sights from the coast to its mountain tops. Beautiful waterfalls cascade from the tops of mountain peaks, while coastal towns and islands offer tranquil escapes and soft-sand beach options.
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The Andes Mountains rise to more than 16,000 feet above the city of Caracas. And the Orinoco Delta is home to a wealth of wildlife. Caracas is the capital and the largest city of the country. It offers its own kind of adventure with many cultural sites and other attractions.
Venezuela is an example of this. These destinations may be off the beaten track. See our list of top tourist attractions in Venezuela for inspiration.
Angel Falls
Angel Falls is located in the middle of the country where the table top mountains rise like monolithic giants from the landscape. It drops 979m and is one of the most spectacular sights in South America.
Although this stunning location in Canaima National Park can be difficult to reach, flights over the falls can be arranged.
The best season to view the falls, is between May and November. This is when there is more water and the falls don’t disappear into mist before they reach the bottom like in the dry season. The falls might be a trickle during the dry season. You will need to check ahead to ensure that there is enough water for the trip.
You can either take a sightseeing flight to the falls or go on a three-day boat tour that starts in Canaima. The boat trip includes a hike through jungle to reach the base of the falls. It is not a luxury tour. There are basic accommodations along the way. Due to the low water level in the river, the boat trip might not be possible during dry season.
Many cities offer flights over the falls. They can be booked from Caracas, Ciudad Bolivar or Santa Elena as well as other major cities. However, it is usually connected with another flight.
Los Roques Archipelago (Archipielago Los Roques)
These beautiful islands are 160 km north of Venezuela’s central coast. They offer sun-drenched beaches and turquoise waters. Coral reefs and modest development without high-rise hotels are the main draws.
Although the archipelago is called Los Roques National Park by most, it’s simply known as Los Roques. This is one the most beautiful places in Venezuela. Gran Roque is a small fishing village on Gran Roque Island. It has single-story homes that are painted in bright colors typical of Venezuela.
The beachfront seems to stretch on forever as the buildings line up along it. Cayo de Gua is one of the most popular spots. This is one of Venezuela’s most picturesque beaches. It can be reached by boat and has shallow turquoise waters that are perfect for snorkeling or swimming.
You can reach the islands by plane from Caracas. There is no ferry service from Caracas. Gran Roque is home to the airport. For those who wish to visit the nearby islands, dive, or snorkel, boats can be chartered at the waterfront.
Isla de Margarita (Margarita Island)
Isla de Margarita, one of the most popular beach destinations in Venezuela, is also known as “Isla de Margarita”. This is a popular tourist destination for sun-seekers in Venezuela, located approximately 40 km north of the main island. The main attraction of the island is its beautiful beaches with soft sand, which are loved by both Venezuelans and foreigners.
Charter flights often fly direct to Isla Margarita, from many international destinations. However, it is also possible to ferry to the island via Puerto La Cruz.
Porlamar is the main island’s capital. However, there are many beaches all over the island. Some of the best beaches can be found on the east and north sides. Many of these beaches have restaurants or hotels. La Playa El Agua and Playa Puerto Cruz are some of the most well-known beaches.
Parque Nacional Morrocoy (Morrocoy National Park)
Morrocoy National Park is located on the coast, about two hours west of Caracas. It is well-known for its coral reefs and white-sand beaches. These reefs stretch along the coastline and surround the offshore islands and bays. Divers can enjoy more than just a day at the beach.
A large variety of birds can also be found in the park, including scarlet ibis and osprey parrots, flamingos, and scarlet ibis. Cayo Sombrero and Cayo Borracho are some of the most visited islands.
Two main access points are located at Tucacas, and Chichiriviche. Both towns offer boat service to the islands. It is easy to access and very popular among Venezuelans. It can be very busy during holidays.
Canaima National Park, Gran Sabana
Canaima National Park is three million hectares in size and is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites List. Although it is often associated with Angel Falls, and the surrounding area of Canaima town, this is only a small part of the vastly varied park.
It also includes the high plateau of La Gran Sabana. The park also contains more than 100 Tepuis (tabletop mountains) that rise over 1,000m above the savannahs. It is possible to combine a Gran Sabana or Canaima National Park trip with Angel Falls, especially during dry seasons.
The numerous waterfalls that are scattered throughout the area, especially in Gran Sabana near Brazil’s border, are a highlight. One of the highlights is to swim at the base the waterfalls. This can be a great way to escape the heat during dry season.
Roraima
Roraima, a tabletop mountain on the top of the Andes Mountains, has a captivating appeal for adventure-seekers and nature lovers. It also boasts a mystical Jack and the Beanstalk style of wonder. Roraima, a strange rock formation, waterfalls and meat-eating plant that rises from the lowlands, has been captivating people for centuries. This table-top mountain was the inspiration for Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic novel The Lost World.
Roraima is the highest tepuis of Canaima National Park. Although it’s a multi-day, strenuous hike, it is one of the most accessible. Roraima’s elevation drops and the temperature is more cold. It can also get misty, cloudy or rainy so be ready to brave the elements.
Orinoco Delta
The Orinoco Delta is located in northeast Venezuela and offers a unique landscape and experience. You will find all sorts of wildlife in the river delta, including monkeys, macaws and piranhas.
Multi-day trips to Riverside lodges allow guests to visit local Warao and wildlife sites. Night safaris are offered by some camps. It is important to research the lodges before you go. You can arrange trips from Ciudad Bolivar or Ciudad Guayana, Puerto Ordaz, or from other cities. These can also be combined with larger tours of other areas.
Galipan
Although few people intend to spend much time Caracas, there are a few sites that are worth visiting. A trip up the funicular on Avila Mountain to Galipan, a small town in northern Caracas, is one of the highlights.
You can also drive but it is difficult to see the road. You can see Caracas from the top, especially on clear days. There are many stalls selling various goods and there are several decent restaurants that offer delicious treats.
National Pantheon of Venezuela
One of Caracas’ most popular attractions is the National Pantheon. After the 1812 earthquake, the original church at this location was destroyed, the building was built. It is today the nation’s most sacred shrine, and it houses the remains prominent Venezuelans such as Simon Bolivar.
Parque Nacional Los Medanos de Coro (Medanos de Coro National Park)
Medanos de coro National Park has some amazing sights. It boasts rolling sand dunes that are typical of a desert scene. Locally known as Medanos, the sand dunes roll across the landscape with twisting lines and curving lines. Some dunes can reach 40 meters high.
A number of lagoons formed from decades-old flooding are scattered throughout the hills. It is a great place to explore, slide down the dunes and take photos.
Mochima National Park
The park includes a section of the coast as well as a group of islands off the coast east of Puerto La Cruz to Cumana. There are two main attractions: the beaches and diving. You can reach the islands by boat from Puerto La Cruz or Santa Fe.
You can also explore the mainland section of the park by bus or car, stopping at small villages along the highway 9 and bays lined with beach-lined bays. However, this area is best for boating. It is quieter than Morrocoy and doesn’t get nearly as much traffic. It is a great option for those who are in the area or heading to the Paria Peninsula.
