Popular Destinations in Venezuela
Caracas
Capital of Venezuela, Caracas is nestled in a northern mountain valley.
Located along the Guaire River, the city was founded in the 16th
century and is former capital of the Venezuela Province of the Spanish
Empire. The city is lined with landmarks from the Spanish colonial era and
architectural marvels such as the Caracas Cathedral, Iglesia de San
Francisco, Central University of Venezuela (UNESCO World Heritage Site),
Palacio de las Academias, Lourdes Chapel, National Pantheon of Venezuela,
Federal Capitol, and Paseo Los Proceres. The past intermingles seamlessly
with the present in Caracas. In addition to the historic landmarks, the
city’s skyline comprises South America’s tallest skyscrapers, Parque
Central Towers. Caracas is also the cultural, industrial and economic hub
of Venezuela. The city is home to some of the most significant museums in
South America, such as Museum of Contemporary Art of Caracas, Museum of
Fine Arts, Museo Bolivariano, and National Art Gallery of Caracas.
Maracaibo
Located in Northwestern Venezuela, Maracaibo is the capital of Zulia state.
The city is the Venezuelan oil industry’s center and the second largest
city in the country. Maracaibo is known for its traditional music, modern
shopping malls, huge parks and a buzzing nightlife. The main attractions of
Maracaibo are found in the downtown area around Plaza Bolivar. Santa Lucia
and Carabobo are the two main streets here where you will come across many
colonial buildings and architectural gems. The city is home to several
museums such as Zulia Contemporary Art Museum, Centro de Arte Lia de
Bermudez, Museo Rafael Urdaneta, and Casa de la Capitulacion. Popular
tourists’ attractions in the city include the Botanical Gardens, Zulia
Metropolitan Zoo, Basilica of Our Lady of Chiquinquira, General Rafael
Urdaneta Bridge, Church of St. Lucia, Casco Central De Maracaibo, La Marina
Park and its lookout tower, and Centro Sambil.
Merida
Capital of the municipality of Libertador and the state of Merida, Merida
is one of the principal cities of the Venezuelan Andes. It is an
exceptional city located in the middle of the little Venice and is nestled
wonderfully in a long valley encircled by the imposing mountains of Andes.
Colonial heritage of Merida is reflected in the numerous Spanish colonial
style buildings spread across the city. Merida serves as a base for outdoor
activities in the nearby Sierra La Culata and Sierra Nevada national parks.
Visitors here can enjoy several activities such as climbing, paragliding,
biking, rafting, hiking, and rafting. Merida is a treasure trove of tourist
attractions ranging from historic spots to panoramic sights, markets to
museums, parks to shops, and much more. Major attractions in Merida include
Cathedral Basilica of Merida, Plaza Las Heroines, Botanical Garden of
Merida, Museum of Colonial Arts, Albarregas Metropolitan Park, Venezuela
Antier, Museo Arquidiocesano, and Beethoven Park.