Check out Curiosities
Test your Knowledge on a Quiz
Compete on Challenge Prizes

Venezuela Tourism

Papelón with lemon is a traditional and refreshing drink from Venezuelan cuisine. This delicious mixture combines a sweet and fresh flavor, made with papelón (hardened sugar cane paste), lemon and water. Served cold, it is an ideal option to quench your thirst on hot days or as an accompaniment to meals. Additionally, it can be enhanced with mint or ginger for an extra touch of flavor and freshness. Papelón with lemon is a natural and healthy alternative, rich in nutrients and with an irresistible balance between sweet and acid.

Chicha is a traditional fermented drink of the indigenous people of the Andes and Latin America, dating back to the Inca Empire. Prepared mainly with corn, but also with other cereals, such as quinoa, peanuts and cassava, chicha has several regional variations. The most common version, called chicha de jora, was used ritualistically by the Incas. The term "chicha" has debated origins, and may come from Taíno or Kuna, meaning "corn". Chicherias, places where the drink was consumed, were often illegal family establishments. Chicha is served in specific containers, such as caporal or qero, with different traditions in different regions.

Arepa is a traditional delicacy from Bolivia, Colombia, Panama and Venezuela, made with ground corn dough or pre-cooked corn flour. Originating from the indigenous cuisine of these countries, the arepa is a gastronomic icon in Colombia and Venezuela, and is also appreciated in the Canary Islands and Madeira due to Venezuelan migration.

Pabellón Criollo is a traditional Venezuelan dish, considered the national dish, which incorporates influences from indigenous, Spanish and African cultures from colonial times. Composed of rice, shredded meat in stew and cooked black beans, the dish has variations, such as additions of tajadas (fried banana) or fried egg, each receiving specific designations. Additionally, people can customize the dish with ingredients such as sugar in the beans, palmita cheese or hot sauce. The shredded meat can be replaced with chigüire, alligator meat or freshwater fish, depending on regional preferences, time of year or personal taste.

Laguna de la Restinga National Park, on Isla Margarita, Venezuela, is an area of international wetland importance, with a vast salt lagoon surrounded by mangroves and canals. Established in 1974, it covers a diversity of ecosystems, including mangroves, thorn forests and shrubs. The lagoon is home to several marine species, while birds such as scarlet ibises, frigatebirds and flamingos are common. The park offers boat trips through the canals and mangroves, allowing tourists to explore its natural beauty and enjoy a gastronomic experience with fresh fish fried on a shell beach.

Cayo de Agua, located in the Los Roques Archipelago, in the Caribbean Sea, is an island administratively part of the Federal Dependencies of Venezuela. Belonging to the Los Roques National Park and the Territory of Miranda Island, its name derives from the freshwater wells in its interior. The island, known for its white sands, secluded beaches, birdlife and a small natural pool formed by neighboring coves, is a popular destination for activities such as diving. Located in the north of Venezuela, Cayo de Agua is relatively far from the Los Roques airfield, located on the island of Gran Roque.

Playa El Yaque, on Margarita Island, is internationally known as one of the seven best windsurfing and kitesurfing locations in the world. Attracting water sports enthusiasts from around the world, especially Europe, the beach offers ideal conditions such as consistent trade winds and a warm, shallow sea. With a variety of hotels, shops and restaurants nearby, the area is a popular destination for those practicing these sports, with up to a thousand people browsing simultaneously on typical days.

The Basilica of Our Lady of El Valle, a neo-Gothic basilica in El Valle del Espíritu Santo, Margarita, Venezuela, honors the Virgen del Valle. Founded as San Nicolás de Bari, it was declared the Basilica of Nueva Esparta in 1955. Its festivities include events in September and December, marked by the descent and ascension of the Virgin, respectively. The building has undergone several modifications since its origins, being declared a Minor Basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1995.

The Caracas Cable Car is a cable car that ascends the El Ávila mountain within the El Ávila National Park, in Caracas, Venezuela. Opened in 1955 and closed in the 1970s, it underwent unsuccessful reopening attempts until 2000, when it was granted to Empresa Inversora Turística Caracas. Currently, with more than 70 trams in operation, it covers 3.5 km in 15 minutes. Control returned to the government in 2007, renaming the park "Waraira Repano". The Bauhaus-influenced Hotel Humboldt reopened in 2018 after a 13-year restoration. At the top of the mountain, there is a walkway with vendors, kiosks, a restaurant, an ice skating rink, and views of the city and coast, often obscured by clouds.

Isla de Coche, one of the three islands in the State of Nueva Esparta, Venezuela, is located in the Caribbean, between Isla Margarita and the mainland. Covering 55 km² with a population of around 8,200, the island is tropical, with an average climate of 27 to 38 °C. Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1498, Coche was colonized in the 19th century after an attempt in the 16th century. Currently, its economy depends on tourism, offering ideal conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing to the west. The island maintains close communication with Margarita Island and the state of Sucre, on the Venezuelan mainland. The story of the novel "Robinson's Island" took place in Coche in the 18th century, involving a pioneer, runaway slaves and sea adventures.

Angel Falls, also known as Salto Ángel, is the second highest waterfall in the world, with a total height of 978 meters and an uninterrupted drop of 807 meters. Located in the Gran Sabana region of Venezuela, near Auyan-tepui, the falls were named after pilot Jimmy Angel, who discovered them in 1937. The region offers a rich diversity of tropical wildlife. Guided tours depart from the village of Canaima, providing a complete canoeing, hiking and waterfall viewing experience over the course of two or three days. This journey offers a unique opportunity to explore one of Venezuela's most impressive natural wonders.

Tizana is a typical Venezuelan drink, made up of cut fruits mixed with orange, watermelon or grenadine juice, giving it a reddish hue. Consumed throughout the year, it is found in different places. The first records date back to colonial times, initially enjoyed by the upper classes. Over time, it became popular, with varied recipes. It differs from sangria because it is non-alcoholic and from fruit salad because it has more liquid. In Costa Rica, colata replaces grenadina, and compared to Colombian salpicón, Tizana doesn't usually have scoops of ice cream as a topping.

On his third trip to America, Christopher Columbus arrived at the Paria peninsula in 1498, which he initially considered an island. Venezuela was explored by Alonso de Ojeda in 1499, who named the country for its similarity to Venice. The first Venezuelan city, Santa Cruz, was founded by Ojeda in 1502. The country was initially divided into jurisdictions, with a focus on pearl fishing. Colonization began with Cumaná in 1523. In 1528, Venezuela was granted to the German bankers Fugger, returning to the crown in 1546. The province of Trinidad was separated in 1591, and the islands were lost to the Dutch. In the 18th century, there were economic and cultural changes, including the creation of the Royal and Pontifical University of Caracas. The Companhia Guipuzcoana de Caracas monopolized trade, but was dissolved in the 1780s. The country joined the viceroyalty of New Granada in 1717.

Venezuela is a country with many natural tourist attractions, including beaches, mountains, forests and rivers. Here are some of Venezuela's top tourist destinations: Los Roques: An archipelago of islands and coral reefs off the north coast of Venezuela, known for its crystal clear waters and diverse marine life. Canaima: A national park in southern Venezuela, home to Salto Angel, the highest waterfall in the world. Isla Margarita: an island in the Caribbean Sea, with beautiful beaches and many water sports options. Mérida: a city in the Andean mountains, with many options for adventure sports, such as climbing, hiking and mountain biking. Morrocoy National Park: a national park along the coast of the Caribbean Sea, with white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Henri Pittier National Park: A national park along the north coast of Venezuela, with beautiful beaches, rainforests and a wide variety of wildlife.