Venezuela
There’s plenty to see in alluring Venezuela. Discover majestic waterfalls, pristine beaches, tropical wildlife and colonial towns. Try thrill-seeking sports or dance the salsa. Venezuela sits on the northern tip of South America and became one of Christopher Columbus’ first South American conquests in 1498.
A good place to start your visit is in Caracas, the lively capital set in the foothills of Mount Avila. Explore modern districts, museums and the salsa clubs of its energetic nightlife scene. Discover a curious mix of colonial heritage and giant sand dunes in Coro. Visit 500-year-old Cumana and picturesque Colonia Tovar, a town established by German immigrants in 1843.
Venezuela’s interior features natural wonders and colorful wildlife. Marvel at the glorious Angel Falls, the highest uninterrupted waterfall in the world, located in Canaima National Park. Spot caiman, jaguars, primates and toucans on an Amazon safari from Puerto Ayacucho. The Parque Nacional Henri Pittier is filled with over 500 species of bird. Watch lightning storms over the lakes of Parque Nacional Cíenagas del Catatumbo.
Find excellent hiking and skiing in the Andean peaks of the Cordillera de Mérida. The mountain resort of Mérida is a great base for paragliding, mountain biking and mountaineering. Ride the Mukumbari Cable Car from Mérida to the snow-capped Pico Espejo. Trek through the wilderness to the summit of Mount Roraima, the inspiration for Arthur Conan Doyle’s novel The Lost World.
Relax on pristine beaches at resorts such as Choroni, Playa Colorado and Puerto Píritu. They form part of a 1,740-mile (2,800-kilometer) long coastline on the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. For the ultimate beach experience, visit Margarita Island, which has more than 50 beaches and superb snorkeling. Picture-perfect Caribbean islands, including Aruba, Curacao and Trinidad and Tobago, are just a short boat ride away.
Venezuela has transformed into a welcoming and safe country with good infrastructure for tourism and plenty of reliable local transportation. Moreover, consistently balmy temperatures make it a year-round destination.