Venezuela, named by the explorer Alonso de Ojeda in honor of Venice, offers an abundance of experiences for the traveler. Whether your interests lie in pre-Columbian and colonial history and architecture, in urban culture and nightlife, or in nature’s majestic wonders, Venezuela will fascinate you. It’s hospitable climate, tending towards the tropical, make it a suitable destination year round.
For colonial history and architecture, the town of Coro is a place that simply must be seen. Located on the Caribbean coast of Venezuela, near the base of the Paraguana Peninsula, this town was among the earliest of colonial settlements. Founded in 1527 by Juan de Ampies, Coro formally became a World Heritage Site in 1993.
An abundance of well-preserved colonial architecture, in addition to some amazing structures created in the 18th century, contributed to Coro receiving World Heritage Site status. From its earliest days, Coro has been among the religious centers of Venezuela and is home to the first cathedral built in the country. This magnificent 16th century structure is steeped in cultural and religious history and is open to public viewing.
Its entrance marked by a picturesque arch of deep yellow and white, Coro’s colonial section has been restored to reflect the original character of the town, with its vibrant colors, cobblestone streets and distinctive architecture. Special attention has been given to the preservation of such buildings as the baroque influenced House of the Iron Windows on Zamora Street, and other old-style mansions including the Treasure House and the House of the Sun. Coro is also home to several museums with a broad assortment of historical relics and displays reflecting the colonial way of life.
Venezuela’s capital city, Caracas, is a center of urban culture and nightlife. It, too, has a center colonial area that has been restored and preserved and is home to many remarkable museums and art galleries. The capital building, which takes up a full block and is gloriously constructed in a golden-domed, neoclassical style, is just one of many remarkable structures to be enjoyed by the discerning traveler. Many of these fine buildings are located on and around the Plaza Bolivar.
Public transportation in Caracas is affordable and widely available. For those interested experiencing the city’s nightlife, there are a wide variety of nightclubs and dance clubs. Among the most popular are the always-busy El Mani Es Asi, a salsa club on El Cristo Street at Francisco Avenue, Latino’s, a more upscale salsa club in the Centro Commercial Los Chaguaramos, and Villaflor Street’s O’Gran Sol, where live music can be found on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
For those that are more interested in what nature has to offer, Venezuela is a country of many wonders. Flowing from the flat top mountain Auyantepuy in the western part of Canaima National Park is the highest waterfall in the world, Angel Falls. 16 times the height of Niagra Falls, Angel Falls beauty draws countless travelers annually, with tours being offered both by land and by air.
Venezuela has more than 40 national parks, offering a broad range of hiking experiences for hikers of all skill levels, including guided tours of the Amazon jungle and the Andes. Pico Bolivar is the highest peak in Venezuela and is a popular destination. There are ample opportunities for out of the ordinary nature experiences, such as cave exploration and butterfly watching on the eastern and western slopes of the Andes, where more than 2,000 species of butterflies can be found.
With its Caribbean coast, Venezuela, of course, is home to the traditional enjoyments of sun, sand and surf. North of Caracas is the beautiful Archipelago de Roques with its classically Caribbean ivory sands and clear waters. Located in the eastern part of the country are the Medina and Colorada beaches, which easily can be considered to be among the most beautiful beaches in this part of the world.
Venezuela is, simply put, the perfect travel destination. Offering a wide variety of activities and experiences, Venezuela is sure to satisfy, entertain and enlighten.
