Venezuela has some of the most incredible sites in South America, however due to politics and instability is one of the least visited countries on the continent. Venezuela has everything from snow-capped peaks to tropical rainforest, chaotic streets and relaxing beaches. Honestly this is a country that has something for everybody. Here are the sites we think make Venezuela extra special!
1. Angel Falls and Canaima National Park
This one kind of goes without saying, it’s pretty well known that Angel Falls, the tallest waterfall in the world is in Venezuela, nestled deep in the jungle in Canaima National Park. This stunning uninterrupted cascade plunges over 900m (3000ft) from the top of Auyán-Tepui. To put this into perspective that is 20x higher than Niagara Falls!
Angel Falls is only reachable by a combination of river boat ride and a little hike through the jungle. This means anyone who comes here is forced to go on a little jungle adventure which is super exciting!
2. Los Roques Archipelago
The Los Roques Archipelago is a group of islands 160km north of Caracas and because of how close it is to the capital, it is a popular getaway for local Venezuelans. The islands are made up of 300 sand banks, inlets and small islands with only the island of Grand Roque being inhabited.
If you’re looking for white sandy beaches, relaxing in hammocks and some of the clearest Caribbean water you can imagine, then Los Roques should definitely be on your Venezuela bucket list. There is nothing loud and chaotic about this part of the country just pure relaxation.
3. Merida and the Andes
When many people think of Venezuela, they don’t usually think of snow-capped peaks, but this tropical rainforest-covered country is also home to part of the South American Andes. Venezuela has the most northern part of the Andes mountains which extend all the way down from Southern Chile and Argentine. The highest peak in Venezuela is 4978m above sea level (16,332 ft), that makes it higher than Mont Blanc in Europe!
To view these amazing mountains, Merida is your gateway. Merida hosts the world record for longest cable car system on earth which has a total length of 12.5km. This super long cable car takes tourists up to Pico Espejo which is also just under 5000m making it not only the longest cable car, but also the highest in the world!
Many people will come to Merida to escape the heat as the altitude means that the climate here is much cooler as opposed to the humidity and heat of the Caribbean coast.
4. Catatumbo Lightning
Venezuela is full of world records and epic places, one of which is the Catatumbo lightning event that takes place on Lake Maracaibo. This area holds the world record for most lightning strikes in the world. Lightning occurs here pretty much every single night of the year, but during the wet season they experience around 200-300 flashes per hour, often without any thunder.
These lightning strikes happen here due to a perfect combination of geography and atmospheric pressure which causes the activity over the lake. This lightning is so consistent that previously sailors has used it as a natural lighthouse.
5. Mount Roraima
Another epic wonder of Venezuela is the amazing Mount Roraima which sits on the tripoint of Guyana, Brazil and Venezuela. The beautiful mountain is characterised by high cliffs and a flat top, like where Angel Falls is. If you have seen the movie “Up!”, Mount Roraima is the mountain he fantasises about visiting with his balloon house.
Mount Roraima is considered one of South America’s greatest natural wonders and is often called the lost world. This is due to its top often being isolated in the clouds making it appear completely separate to the rest of the planet. Due to its geography, many of the species that exist on the top of Mount Roraima can’t be found anywhere else.
6. Caracas
Being the biggest city in Venezuela there is obviously a lot to do! Latin American cities are vibrant and busy and filled with amazing friendly people and Caracas is no different. From amazing street art to great restaurants and bars amongst a mixture or modern and colonial architecture, this amazing city won’t just be a landing point for your arrival into the country.
While Caracas has a reputation of being a dangerous city, as long as you use common sense and listen to locals you will be fine. If you have been to Bogota, Johannesburg or Rio de Janeiro, then we think not only will you be fine in Caracas but you will love it!
Some of the sites you must see are Plaza Bolivar, Museum of Contemporary Art, Casa Natal de Simon Bolivar, Mercado de Chacao, Boulevarde de Sabana Grande. We also think the botanical gardens is always worth a look to escape the craziness.
How can I visit Venezuela?
We have our Venezuela group tours listed on our website here . For more information on travel to Venezuela you can also see our in-depth destination guide as well on our website.
To book and secure your place on a Saiga Tour Venezuela group tour, send us an email to [email protected] .
