Things To Do
in Venezuela
Venezuela is a country located on the northern coast of South America, known for its significant oil reserves, diverse landscapes that include Andean mountains, tropical rainforests, and extensive coastlines along the Caribbean Sea. It has a rich cultural heritage that blends indigenous, African, and Spanish influences, manifest in its music, cuisine, and festivals.
However, Venezuela has faced significant political, economic, and social challenges in the 21st century, leading to a severe crisis that has impacted its population's quality of life, causing widespread poverty and mass emigration.
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $5 - $40
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $10
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $10 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $5 - $20
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to El Ávila National Park for a refreshing hike. Enjoy stunning views of Caracas from the top.
Head to the historic neighborhood of La Pastora to explore its colorful streets and local culture. Stop for lunch at a traditional Venezuelan eatery.
Visit the Plaza Altamira for a leisurely stroll and check out local street food vendors. End the day with a drink at one of the trendy bars nearby.
Fly to Canaima National Park and take a boat trip to the base of Angel Falls. Marvel at the tallest waterfall in the world in its breathtaking surroundings.
Enjoy a packed lunch by the falls and take photos of the stunning landscape. Explore the local flora and fauna with a guided hike.
Return to your camp and relax with a local storytelling session. Enjoy traditional meals prepared by indigenous chefs.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Abundant natural resources, particularly oil reserves.
- Diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity.
- A vibrant culture with a rich history and traditions.
- Potential for agriculture due to fertile lands.
- Political instability and economic crises.
- High levels of poverty and unemployment.
- Severe hyperinflation leading to a collapsing economy.
- Issues with crime and safety in urban areas.
Best Activities in Venezuela
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall, Angel Falls, and take a guided tour to witness its breathtaking beauty and surrounding natural landscape.
Explore the pristine beaches, coral reefs, and diverse marine life through activities like snorkeling, diving, and beachcombing in the Los Roques Archipelago.
Embark on a trek to Mount Roraima, paddle through the Canaima Lagoon, or take a flight over the mesmerizing tepuis (tabletop mountains) in Canaima National Park.
Tours
Uncover the best of Venezuela with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Venezuela
Visit one of these nice places.
The world's highest waterfall, an iconic natural wonder in Venezuela.
A stunning flat-topped mountain offering unique panoramic views.
Beautiful collection of islands and turquoise waters, perfect for scenic photography.
Food in Venezuela
Venezuela Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Arepas are a staple of Venezuelan cuisine. These unleavened cornmeal patties are filled with delicious combinations such as shredded beef, chicken, avocado, or cheese. They can be found at local eateries called 'areperas' throughout the country.
Must-Try!
Pabellón Criollo is Venezuela's national dish, featuring shredded beef, black beans, rice, and fried plantains. It's a hearty and satisfying dish that can be found at traditional Venezuelan restaurants.
Cachitos are savory pastries filled with ham or cheese, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack. They are commonly sold in bakeries or street food stalls.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Venezuela better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Located in Caracas, this bustling market offers a variety of fresh produce, meats, and local delicacies. It's a great place to sample street food such as empanadas, tequeños (cheese sticks wrapped in dough and fried), and other Venezuelan snacks.
This vibrant pedestrian street in Caracas is lined with food stalls and vendors selling everything from traditional arepas to fresh fruit juices and desserts like 'tres leches' cake.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Venezuela, it is common to greet friends and acquaintances with a kiss on the cheek, even if it's your first meeting.
It's important to be mindful of personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially when having conversations.
When addressing people, it's customary to use their titles and last names, along with formal language, to show respect.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Venezuela with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Venezuela
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in Venezuela, but it is appreciated in some circumstances, especially at high-end restaurants, hotels, and for exceptional service.
Cash is the most common form of payment in Venezuela due to currency instability, but credit cards are also accepted in many establishments. It's important to carry small denominations of cash as getting change for larger bills may be difficult.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Venezuela.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Venezuela, with warm temperatures, little rainfall, and ideal conditions for outdoor activities and wildlife spotting.
Expect heavier rainfall, especially in the jungle areas, leading to lush green landscapes and increased river levels, but some areas may become inaccessible due to flooding.
Venezuela at Night
Hiking in Venezuela
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Home to the famous Angel Falls, this park offers a variety of hiking trails through stunning landscapes, unique tepuis, and diverse ecosystems.
A challenging trek to the summit of Roraima, where hikers can experience breathtaking views and unique flora and fauna.
Famous for its sand dunes, this park also features walking trails that allow visitors to explore its unique desert-like ecosystem.
A lesser-known park that offers various hiking trails surrounded by lush rainforest and opportunities to see local wildlife.
Various hiking trails can be found in the Venezuelan Andes, providing challenging routes with incredible mountain scenery.
While primarily known for its beaches, the park also has trails that weave through its coastal ecosystems, making for unique hiking experiences.
A beautiful coastal town that offers nearby hiking trails leading to stunning viewpoints and lush tropical forests.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Venezuela through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Venezuela by plane.
Located in Maiquetía, serving Caracas and the surrounding region.
Situated in Maracaibo, this airport serves the western region of Venezuela.
This airport services the islands of Honduras but is a common entry point for travelers heading to Venezuela.
Located in Lisbon, Portugal, this airport has numerous connections to South America, including Venezuela.
Situated in Bogotá, Colombia, it is one of the largest airports in the region and offers connections to Venezuela.
Located near Medellín, Colombia, this airport provides international flights to and from Venezuela.
Also known as Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport, located in Suriname, serving as a regional link.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
People of mixed European (mainly Spanish) and Indigenous ancestry, making up about 67% of the population.
Primarily of Spanish descent, this group also includes Italians, Portuguese, and other Europeans, constituting around 20% of the population.
Various indigenous groups such as the Wayuu, Pemon, and Yekuana, comprising about 2-3% of the population.
Descendants of enslaved Africans, making up approximately 10% of the population, with a rich cultural heritage.
Includes various ethnicities and immigrant groups, such as Arab, Chinese, and others, forming a small percentage of the population.
The Soul of Venezuela
Discover the essence of Venezuela through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is the most popular sport in Venezuela, with a rich history and strong youth participation. The country has produced many Major League Baseball players and has an active professional league.
Soccer is widely played and followed in Venezuela, with a growing league system and national team that has made progress in international competitions.
Basketball enjoys a considerable following, with both men's and women's leagues, and Venezuela has produced talented players who have competed internationally.
Volleyball is popular, especially among women, with various leagues and competitions at both the amateur and professional levels.
Venezuela has a strong boxing tradition and has produced several world champions, making it a significant sport in the country's athletic culture.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While meat is a prominent ingredient in many Venezuelan dishes, most restaurants and cafes in urban areas offer vegetarian arepas, plantain-based dishes, and salads. Some places also cater to vegans by providing dairy-free options and fresh fruit juices.
For those with gluten intolerance, traditional corn-based items like arepas and cachitos are safe choices. Additionally, many establishments are attentive to dietary needs and can often accommodate gluten-free requests.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Venezuela with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Venezuela.