Things To Do
in Santa Cruz de Los Taques
Santa Cruz de Los Taques is a small coastal town in northwestern Venezuela, rooted in fishing, shrimping, and a growing coastal tourism scene. Set along the Gulf of Venezuela, it offers sunny beaches, a lively waterfront, and warm, welcoming residents. Life here moves at a relaxed pace, with sunsets over the water and days spent by the malecón or fishing docks.
As a gateway to nearby beaches and mangroves, the town provides an authentic taste of coastal Falcón life for curious travelers.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Santa Cruz de Los Taques and check into your local accommodation. Spend your morning relaxing by the beach, soaking in the warm sun and the cool ocean breeze. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a beachside café, where you can taste traditional Venezuelan arepas.
After a hearty meal, embark on a walking tour of the town to discover its vibrant culture and history. Visit local art galleries and craft shops, engaging with local artisans and perhaps picking up unique souvenirs. Take a break for lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling fresh seafood dishes caught that day.
As dusk falls, stroll along the shoreline and witness the stunning sunset. Dine at a local eatery, enjoying the fresh catch of the day paired with refreshing tropical fruit drinks. End your night with a beach bonfire, mingling with fellow travelers and locals under the starry sky.
Start early and head to Parque Nacional Morrocoy, a breathtaking national park known for its idyllic islands and waterways. Enjoy a boat tour, where you can explore various islands, swim in crystal-clear waters, and spot diverse wildlife. A packed breakfast can be enjoyed on the boat as you soak in the stunning views.
Spend your afternoon at Cayo de Agua, one of the most beautiful spots in the park. Lounge on the soft white sand and dip in the turquoise sea as you bask in the sun. For lunch, have a picnic on the beach, indulging in local snacks while surrounded by nature’s beauty.
Return to Santa Cruz and freshen up before dinner. Head to a local restaurant with a laid-back atmosphere for a taste of traditional Venezuelan cuisine. End your day with a leisurely stroll through town, enjoying the relaxed vibe and perhaps some live music.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| ☕Coffee or fruit juice | $1-2 |
| 🚕Taxi ride within town | $2-5 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room (per night) | $25-60 |
| 📱SIM card with data | $5-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm, friendly locals and a relaxed, authentic coastal atmosphere
- Accessible beaches, mangroves, and seafood-centric cuisine
- Low-cost living compared with many Caribbean destinations
- Casual, walkable town center with markets and waterfront views
- Limited healthcare facilities in town; plan for bigger centers if needed
- Public transportation can be sparse and schedules unreliable
- Occasional power outages and water supply irregularities in some areas
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Hablas inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
Places to Visit in Santa Cruz de Los Taques
Visit one of these nice places.
Waterfront promenade offering sunset silhouettes of fishing boats, palm trees, and wide Gulf horizons.
Close-up views of daily fishing activity, colorful nets, and boats moored along the quay.
Colorful facades, shaded plazas, and colonial-inspired architecture ideal for candid street photography.
Coastal ridge lines and crystal-clear water with golden sands—great for golden-hour coastal shots.
Food in Santa Cruz de Los Taques
Santa Cruz de Los Taques Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshly fried whole fish served with crisp patacones (fried plantain slices) and lime.
Must-Try!
A traditional mix of shredded beef (or sometimes chicken), white rice, black beans, and fried plantains.
Sweet corn pancakes folded around soft cheese; often enjoyed with fresh tomato and herbs.
Arepa stuffed with crispy pork cracklings for a crunchy bite.
Hearty fish stew with vegetables and herbs, perfect for cooler evenings.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central market offering fresh seafood, produce, and local snacks; great for daily staples and chatty vendors.
Seafood stalls along the waterfront where you can sample grilled fish and fried plantains after a sunset walk.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use friendly greetings like ‘buenos días’ and address locals with respect. A handshake is common, and eye contact is appreciated.
Dress modestly in religious or community spaces; avoid loud behavior in public; ask permission before photographing people or private homes.
Bargaining is common in markets; do so with a smile and patience. Respect local customs and thank vendors when you finish.
Safety
Tipping in Santa Cruz de Los Taques
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected. In restaurants, a small tip (5-10%) is common if service was good; for tour guides or private operators, consider 10% if satisfied.
Cash in local currency is most reliable in town. Some larger establishments may accept credit cards or USD, but many small stalls and markets operate on cash. Keep small denominations handy for tips and market purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long sunny days with calmer seas; ideal for beach outings, boat trips, and outdoor markets. Humidity can be high in the afternoons, but the breeze from the sea helps keep it comfortable.
Afternoon tropical showers are common; mornings are usually dry and bright. Sea conditions can vary, so plan flexible outdoor days and have indoor options like markets or cafés.
Santa Cruz de Los Taques at Night
Hiking in Santa Cruz de Los Taques
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy to moderate coastal hikes that reveal ocean cliffs, mangroves, and desert-like dunes in some areas; best done with a local guide for safety and navigation.
A more expansive day trip to varied terrains including dunes, with opportunities for unique overlook photos and wildlife viewing.
Airports
How to reach Santa Cruz de Los Taques by plane.
Primary gateway for the Paraguana Peninsula in Falcón state; connects to select national routes and nearby cities. Ground transport to Santa Cruz de Los Taques takes a few hours by car or bus.
Major regional airport in Zulia with more frequent connections; about several hours by road to Los Taques depending on traffic and routes.
The national hub with broader flight options; may be used for longer trips or to connect to international destinations, typically requiring a domestic transfer to Falcon or nearby towns.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mixture of Mestizo and Afro-Venezuelan heritage along with fishing families, artisans, and service workers. A relatively young population with a strong sense of local community and family ties.
Dedicated to fishing, seafood processing, and street vending; many families have lived here for generations.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across towns, with local leagues and informal matches in plazas and beaches.
Widely played in schools and neighborhoods; community fields often host weekend games.
Common in courts around town and at community centers; casual games are a regular social activity.
Beaches support swimming, beach volleyball, and casual snorkeling activities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Santa Cruz de Los Taques.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can enjoy beans, rice, plantains, salads, and fruit; ask for substitutions to avoid meat stock or fish sauces. Look for arepas, cachapas, and veggie stews; many places will accommodate with sides like patacones and fresh salads.