Traveling in Venezuela is not for the faint of heart. Visitors need to be smart about their travel plans, and aware of their surroundings. But for those with the courage to try, there will be great rewards. Expect cities full of history and culture, and a natural world with unparalleled beauties. Discover the most beautiful towns in Venezuela.
* BarquisimetoFounded in 1552, Barquisimeto is the fourth largest city in Venezuela, and one of the country’s oldest. The city sits on the edge of the Turbio River and has a moderate and pleasant climate. Along with old, Spanish-style buildings, newer modern and experimental designs have become a part of this city’s skyline. The highlight is the Barquisimeto Cathedral, which was completed in 1968. However over the years, a mix of architectural styles have made this city’s landscape unique and endlessly interesting. Barquisimeto is also said to have some of the most beautiful sunsets in the country. So find a romantic spot and enjoy the view.
* CanaimaCanaima is a tiny city, if you can even call it that. Located inside the UNESCO World Heritage site, Canaima National Park, the village mainly serves as an outpost for adventure seekers. From here, visitors can start out on their own hiking or backpacking trip, or hire a tour guide to help them navigate the huge national park. Undoubtedly, the most famous site is the breathtaking Angel Falls: the tallest waterfall in the world. But before you head out for your grand adventure, take in the sights immediately around Canaima. The Carrao river gently curves into the village, with the Laguna de Canaima forming at the base of a handful of small waterfalls. All of this is easily viewable from many of the lodges and camping spots in the town.
* CaracasCaracas is the capital of Venezuela and is a bustling metropolitan city. It has had some unfortunate bad publicity due to rising crime rates, but don’t let that scare you. With solid research and some savvy street smarts, the city can be safely visited. Even hiring a touring company and going as part of a group may be a good idea. Safety in numbers. But for those willing to look past the potential risks, Caracas is a wealth of history, art, and culture. Geographically, the city rests at the base of a majestic mountain range that sets a stunning backdrop. The Avila mountains are an excellent hiking destination for those wanting to get a bird’s-eye view of the city. For travelers looking for a city experience, there are numerous museums, historical sites, restaurants, and even a zoo.
* Carupano
The Caribbean Sea is said to be one of the most beautiful in the entire world. Tourists flock to its many islands for holidays and relaxation. Venezuela’s Carupano city is situated in the far north of the country, right on the water. This makes for access to amazing beaches and unbelievable vistas. The city itself is moderately sized, with under 150,000 people. Historically, Carupano’s port was important for the exportation of coffee and cocoa products. If you’re planning a trip, the best time of the year may be the month of February. The temperature will be perfect, and Carupano has one of the best Carnival celebrations in the country. So book a ticket and party in the sun.
* CoroAnother UNESCO World Heritage site on this list, Coro was actually once the capital of Venezuela. What makes this town really beautiful is the architecture that has been preserved since its colonial days. Brightly colored buildings with high detailing feature an Andalusian Spanish style. Many of these buildings are churches or other mission buildings and can be toured or visited by the public. Immediately north of the city, the Paraguana Peninsula is connected by the Medanos Isthmus – a small strip of land that has such an unique geography that smooth sand dunes have formed. The area is the only desert in the entire country, and the dunes can easily be seen from the road driving out of Coro.