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10 Top Tourist Attractions in Venezuela

Venezuela is a country of many faces. It has Caribbean coastal beaches, Andean peaks, wetlands teeming with piranhas and anacondas and inland sand dunes. It is a tropical country that has great biodiversity. It is also the country of oil exports, beauty pageant winners, and the birthplace of Simon Bolivar, who liberated many South American countries from Spanish rule. Indeed, most cities, regardless of size, have a plaza honoring the great liberator. An overview of the most popular tourist attractions in Venezuela :

10. Morrocoy National Park [SEE MAP]

Morrocoy National Park is located in the northeastern part of Venezuela. It contains an area of mangroves and numerous islets and cays with beautiful sandy beaches. Coral reefs and tropical fish are abundant in the waters around the cayos. Dolphins, marine turtles and even some coastal caimans live in the remoter mangroves. Birds include pelicans, flamingos, egrets and the colorful scarlet ibis. On the islands, vegetation is sparse and generally adapted to the dry, salty environment.

9. Medanos de Coro [SEE MAP]

The sand dunes at Medanos de Coro National Park are a spectacular sight, especially since they’re located in what is essentially a tropical country. The dunes, some of which are 40 meters (120 feet) high, are in colorful shades of orange and yellow. High winds mean they are always changing shape. The area is quite dry, so there’s limited vegetation and wildlife to see. The dunes are a popular place to go sand boarding, and can also be explored on hired camels. The national park is easily reachable by bus or taxi from Coro.

8. Mochima National Park [SEE MAP]

Mochima National Park is located on the northeastern coast and is designed to protect the marine environment as well as the forests of the Turimiquire mountains. Venezuela’s second marine park, created in 1973, takes in the shoreline from Puerto la Cruz to Cumana, as well as 32 offshore islands. Pelicans nest at La Ciena Cove while dolphins prevail at Isla Cachicamo. The park, named after a nearby town, is also popular with snorkelers and divers with excellent underwater spots, including exploring three ship wrecks, within a 30- to 40-minute boat ride from Puerto la Cruz.

7. Isla Margarita [SEE MAP]

Isla Margarita, the largest island off the northeastern coast of Venezuela, is a great place to do some beachcombing. With 50 beaches strung out over the coastline, popular activities include wind- and kite-surfing, especially at Playa el Yaque. Isla Margarita is a popular vacation destination with Venezuelans, partly because of shopping at the duty-free port. It has several large cities, including La Asuncion, the capital of the Venezuelan state of Nueva Esparta. FYI: Christopher Columbus was the first European on the island, way back in 1498.

6. Mount Roraima [SEE MAP]

Mount Roraima is a tabletop mountain (or tepuy) than sits at an elevation of 2,810 meters (9,220 feet). While most of Roraima lies in Venezuela, it also marks the point where Brazil and Guyana join that country. The only way visitors can climb to the plateau however is from the Venezuelan side. It also is the centerpiece of Canaima National Park, where geologic formations date back two billion years. It rains almost every day on the plateau, which is home to some rare plants and animals. The plateau inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle when he wrote his 1912 fictional novel entitled The Lost World.

5. Merida Cable Car [SEE MAP]

Riding the Merida Cable Car (called the Teleférico) is something that every visitor to Venezuela simply must do. Why? Because it’s the world’s longest and highest cable car. The cable car route is almost 12 km (7.5 miles) and soars more than 4,700 meters (15,600 feet) in the air. The cable car stops along the way, so visitors can get out and maybe do a little trekking; the stops are named after the views and other sights that are seen along the way. December to February is the best time to make the ride because there’s no fog.

4. Choroni [SEE MAP]

Choroni is generally known as one of Venezuela’s best Caribbean beaches, though the town itself actually sits slightly inland, boasting some fine colonial houses around a quiet central plaza. Choroni also makes a good base for bird-, plant- and wildlife-watchers who want to explore the cloud forest and lowland jungles of Henri Pittier National Park. Besides monkeys, snakes and deer, the park has 500 bird species and 200 kinds of butterflies. Venezuela’s first national park was originally known as Rancho Grande but the name was later changed to Henri Pittier, in honor of the scientist who proposed it.

3. Los Roques [SEE MAP]

Los Roques Archipelago National Park was created in 1972 by the Venezuelan government to protect a marine ecosystem of exceptional beauty and ecological . It is the largest marine park in the Caribbean Sea. The almost untouched coral reefs host some of the most beautiful underwater fauna and flora of the Caribbean. The park has exceptionally beautiful beaches of white sand and multicolor, crystalline warm waters which make it a diving, sailing and fishing paradise. The main island is Gran Roque, which has a few small villa-style hotels that are small but comfortable.

2. Los Llanos [SEE MAP]

Los Llanos, or The Plains, is a vast grassland that straddles Venezuela and Columbia. The Orinoco River that runs through it forms the border between the two countries, and is the main river in Venezuela. Los Llanos generally floods during the rainy season (May to October), turning into a birdwatcher’s paradise. Sometimes called the Serengeti of South America, it’s the place to see wildlife in the dry season, when animals flock to the areas that do have water. Besides being the last stronghold for the Orinoco Crocodile, Los Llanos is also home to anacondas, capybaras, jaguars and caimans.

1. Angel Falls [SEE MAP]

Angel Falls is one the most popular tourist attractions in Venezuela as it is the highest uninterrupted waterfalls in the world. It is 978 meters (3,208 feet) tall, and drops off the side of Auyantepui Mountain in Canaima National Park in Bolivar State. Located on the Gauja River, the falls were originally known as Kerepakupai Vená, or “fall from the highest point” by the local natives. The name was later changed to Angel Falls to honor Jimmie Angel, a U.S. aviator who was the first to fly over the falls. The waterfall is at its highest June to December.

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Reader interactions.

January 23, 2021 at 12:10 am

Venezuela is such a beautiful country. But the government has destroyed the economy and tourism is at its worse.

December 17, 2019 at 12:17 pm

truly great pictures of initially speaking of a great destination however not possible due to many political and economical problems

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Home » Travel Guides » 15 Best Places to Visit in Venezuela

15 Best Places to Visit in Venezuela

There are many beautiful and varied regions of Venezuela to explore. It has the Andean mountain range, the Caribbean coast, inland dunes, and the anaconda filled wetlands. It’s a tropical country with incredible biodiversity that you’re sure to fall in love with.

Famous as the birthplace of Simon Bolivar, the liberator of many countries in South America from Spanish rule, you’ll find tributes to him in almost every city and town.

Though the country has been struggling in recent years with inflation and rising crime, Venezuela remains a destination spot and the rewards of travelling here are amazing – it’s full of “trip of a lifetime” places you can’t afford to miss.

1. Angel Falls

Venezuela is home to the world’s highest waterfall.  Needless to say, this is the most popular destination in the country.  With nearly a 1 kilometre drop, spectacular is really the only word to describe it.

Located in a rather isolated jungle in the Canaima National Park, the falls are on the Orinoco River. Hikers will love the trek out to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

To cool off you have the option of taking a dip in the white sand beaches around the lagoon or the natural pools at the base of the falls.

Calling all adventure sports lovers! You’ll want to spend time in the progressive town of Mérida.  This rather affluent city has both fantastic mountain vistas and an unhurried and cultured vibe.  The energy is youthful and friendly, thanks in large part to the university here.

Mérida has a gorgeous climate which attracts the outdoor enthusiasts looking for top quality activities to choose from.  Try rafting, canyoning, mountain biking, hiking, and paragliding – the city’s specialty.

Stay here if you’re looking to take lightening-viewing trips to Catatumbo or wildlife trips to Los Llanos. After you’ve indulged your sense of fun, enjoy a rather fast-paced nightlife.

This small and somewhat deteriorating town on Venezuela’s coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the colonial architecture.

Coro also boasts wonderful museums and a lovely cathedral.  This is a city for walking and you’ll really enjoy Zamora, where the historic mansions are.

Coro is the starting point for the fabulous sand dunes found in Parque Nacional Médanos de Coro and it’s also a nice base camp for exploring areas like the Sierra de San Luis Mountains or the Península de Paraguaná.

4. Los Roques

After your visit to the Archipelago of Los Roques National Park you’ll always think of it as one of the most beautiful places on Earth.  Incredible shades of blue in the surrounding waters, white sand beaches, the vibrant green of the mangrove swamps, and the otherworldly shapes and shades of the coral reefs all combine to make the park truly breathtaking.

You’ll quickly see that it’s an area of bright and gorgeous contrasts. There are over 1,000 keys here and you can find a landscape to suit your preferences – everything from sand beach, good surf, rock beach, still water bays, coastal barrier, lagoons, salt mines, and more.

Don’t leave without trying the fishing, sailing, diving, lobster catching, and windsurfing on offer.

5. Ciudad Bolívar

Ciudad Bolívar has a proud history as the centre of the struggle for independence in Venezuela.  Simon Boliver set up his military base here as he began the final campaign in the War for Independence.

It’s the capital of the country’s largest state and the historic centre, known as Casco Historico, is without doubt the countries best.  There’s a staggering array of colourful colonial buildings, the Paseo Orinoco, and tons of shaded squares to loiter in.

Most travellers find a reason to stop here on their way to Angel Falls. Be sure to check out the Plaza Miranda, the cathedral and historic cemetery there.

6. Henri Pittier National Park

This is Venezuela’s oldest national park. Its claim to fame is birdlife, and with over 500 bird species, it’s little wonder.

Named for Henri Pittier, who came to the country in the early 20th century and worked to classify over 30,000 plants.

He is also one of the founders of the national park system in Venezuela.  The park has fantastic coastline, beaches, bays, mountains, and a few resorts.  There’s great opportunity for diving, swimming, and sunbathing.

7. Isla Margarita

One of the best places for beach bums in Venezuela is Isla Margarita, the largest island off the coast. You’ve got more than 50 beaches to choose from and each will suit various personalities – for instance, Playa el Yaque is great for water sports, Juangriego is a large laid back beach town, and Península de Macanao is largely untouched and deserted.

Venezuelans love to come to Isla Margarita thanks to the duty free shopping at the port.

The capital is La Asuncion, a large and surprisingly urban city. You’ll find great shopping, restaurants and nightlife here and in Porlamar. Be sure to head inland and do some trekking in the mountains before you go.

8. Mount Roraima

Sitting at an elevation of almost 3,000 metres, Mount Roraima has a flat tabletop that feels otherworldly.  Lying mostly in Venezuela but partly in Guyana and Brazil, it is the main attraction of Canaima National Park.  The hike to the top is usually done in two days.

The geological formations are as old as two billion years.  Home to rare animals and birds, Mount Roraima was the inspiration for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Lost World.

Because of its uniqueness, the mountain figures prominently in many of Venezuela’s folklores.

9. Maracaibo

Usually people come to Maracaibo because they’re in the oil business, but there’s a lively historic centre that history buffs will want to see. Most people stay in the new centre where you’ll find nice shopping and upscale hotels.  This is Venezuela’s second largest city and a nice day excursion.

10. Barquisimeto

The capital of the state of Lara, Barquisimeto is simply lovely, charming, and timeless.  Situated on the Turbio River and nicknamed “City of the Twilight,” this is a place you’ll want to linger.

Known as the musical centre of Venezuela, there’s an energetic cultural vibe that has a definite global influence. While you’re there, stop by the Museo de Barquisimeto.  This museum is housed in a large historic building with a central courtyard and chapel inside.

There’s a so the Iglesia de la Concepción, the town’s first cathedral originally built in the 19th century.

11. Los Llanos

Also known as The Plains, the grassland region of Los Llanos is located on the border between Columbia and Venezuela.  During the summer months the plain tends to flood making this the perfect destination for bird lovers.

When it’s dry season Los Llanos is ideal for wildlife sighting when the animals gather in the few areas with water – giving it the nickname of the Serengeti of South America.

You’ll find anacondas, jaguars, caimans, capybaras, and the Orinoc Crocodile – now found in no other place.

12. Guayana

Not to be mistaken for the country of Guyana, the southeast region of Guayana is Venezuela at its exotic best.  This is the region of Angel Falls and Parque Nacional Canaima as well as the Orinoco Delta, a phenomenal wildlife area.

You’ll find the Venezuelan Amazon, Rio Caura, and The Great Savanna (La Gran Sabana) where the Tepui Mountains loom large and distinctive.  Several large communities of indigenous groups call Guayana home, including the Pemón, the Yanomami, and the Warao.

Some travellers come to Venezuela just for this region and spend their entire holiday discovering its many delights.

13. Choroni

Choroni is a quiet and charming beach town where those looking to relax and do a lot of “nothing” should plan to spend some time.  The town has a colonial feel and a quiet plaza perfect for relaxing.

If you want to spend time in Henri Pittier National Park, Choroni makes a good base camp.

This is the perfect place for those who want to slow down and unwind.

14. Medanos de Coro National Park

Medanos de Coro National Park is famous for its sand dunes – considering that they’re located in a tropical country.

Some of the dunes reach 40 metres and are shaded yellow and orange.  The high winds here mean the dune constantly and delightfully change shape.

Visitors love to come and sand board on the dunes or explore the larger area on camel.

15. The Andes

Most people think of sun and sand when they think of Venezuela so it’s worth noting that it’s also home to a 400km stretch of snow capped Andes Mountains. Pico Bolivar, the country’s highest peak, stands at just over 5,000 metres.

If trekking through the high passes isn’t for you, don’t discount the area.  You’ll find cascading waterfalls, green valleys of cloud forest, quaint mountain villages that are only accessible by winding roads.

Start in Mérida state, which has some of the best tourist infrastructure right now for exploring the mountains.  For those big into adventure, try Táchira and Trujillo.

15 Best Places to Visit in Venezuela:

• Angel Falls
• Ciudad Bolívar
• Henri Pittier National Park
• Isla Margarita
• Mount Roraima
• Barquisimeto
• Medanos de Coro National Park

10 BEST Places to Visit in Venezuela in 2024 (Plus Tips)

• Last Updated: February 6, 2024

From Angel Falls to Mount Roraima, these are the best places to visit in Venezuela!

Venezuela’s economic problems, bad reputation and political uncertainty haven’t helped in the development of tourism to this Caribbean country in South America.

The truth is that, as one of the largest oil producers in the world, the government has focused most of its efforts on the exploitation of oil fields, sometimes to the detriment of other economic activities.

However, the reality could be very different. Venezuela is a jewel to discover, a virtually unexplored territory with places of incomparable beauty.

From paradisiacal beaches to impenetrable jungles to vertigo-inducing routes through the Andean highlands, the possibilities for visitors are almost endless.

Table of Contents

1) Salto Angel

2) the amazon rainforest, 3) cayo sombrero, 4) mount roraima, 5) the orinoco delta, 6) los llanos, 8) puerto colombia, 9) los médanos de coro national park, 10) parque mochima national park, 1) bring dollars or euros, 2) stay safe, 3) relax and enjoy, top places to visit in venezuela.

If you’re feeling like an adventure to one of the most beautiful countries on the planet, then don’t miss out on these amazing places to visit in Venezuela.

Angel Falls , at 979 meters high, proudly boasts being the highest waterfall in the world. Located in the Venezuelan Gran Sabana, this is a place holding a sacred character for the natives. It is, without a doubt, the biggest out of all Venezuela tourist attractions.

To get there, you’ll have to navigate up the Carrao River, right in the heart of Canaima Park, until you reach the base of the falls. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1994 , this park offers hundreds of cascades of equal beauty, as well as wild rivers and red-water lagoons.

Mystical and legendary, this dense and humid territory is the largest jungle in the world. Visitors can venture along its rivers to find wild animals, lush plants and tribes that have barely changed their traditions in the last 500 years. The Amazon rainforest is one of the best things to see in Venezuela.

Although uncontrolled logging and the construction of dams are seriously threatening the future of this ecosystem, it’s still possible to visit several protected reserves and enjoy one of the seven new natural wonders of the world. Definitely an amazing spot on the list of places to visit in Venezuela.

Because Venezuela’s coasts are completely bathed by the Caribbean Sea, it’s no surprise that there are plenty of amazing islands and beaches to visit.

When you think about a paradisiacal destination, you probably envision yourself lying in the shade of a palm tree on a white-sand beach with turquoise water, right?

That’s the exact description of Cayo Sombrero, a tiny island located a few kilometres off the coast of Chichiriviche, in Morrocoi National Park.

Enjoy the peace of this place with no infrastructure, houses, restaurants or hotels. You can easily arrange a boat to get you there, and agree on a time so they can pick you up.

Mount Roraima, called Tepuy Roraima by the indigenous population, is a majestic table-shaped mountain located right on the triple border point of Venezuela, Brazil and Guyana.

The hike will take at least five days to complete. You’ll have to cross wild rivers and walk along steep paths before enjoying amazing views from the summit.

Once you’re on the top, the extravagant rock formations will certainly make you feel like you’re on another planet. It’s easy to understand why this mount inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to write his famous novel “ The Lost World “.

For all avid hikers, Mount Roraima is one of the Venezuela attractions they can’t miss!

The beautiful Orinoco River, one of the most important in South America and the third largest river in the world after the Amazon and Congo, has been a subject of study by dozens of explorers since Christopher Columbus documented its existence in 1498.

The delta region, formed mainly by materials the river washed away and by mudslides from nearby volcanoes, attracts all kinds of adventurers looking for wildlife, flora and fauna.

The delta is an important starting point for jungle expeditions, during which you can see alligators, anacondas and even jaguars if you’re lucky enough.

This huge savannah is to South America what the Serengeti is to Africa: a wild extension where animals are the real lords. You can take a multi-day safari and watch hundreds of birds, caimans, deer, capybaras, sloths and more.

Although the region’s activity involves mainly cattle ranching and oil production, eco-tourism is growing in Los Llanos and more visitors have the chance to take in its natural beauty.

When traveling to South America, Los Llanos must be included in your itinerary – it’s one of the best things to do in Venezuela.

Venezuela’s attractions go beyond tropical jungles and dream beaches. The Andean Range, the mountainous backbone that so drastically affects the climate of the continent, also creates amazing landscapes in the land of Simon Bolivar.

Merida is the most important city in the Venezuelan Andean region, and it’s an excellent starting point for visiting the nearby colonial towns.

It is known as the adventure capital of the country, and it offers a wide variety of activities for all preferences. Adrenaline junkies will find top-class hiking, rafting, paragliding and rock climbing.

Located on the coast of the Henri Pittier National Park, this small village is characterized by steep mountains, extensive beaches and friendly people.

The beaches are not like those of white sand and turquoise water, but they still have a special charm. It’s a region with strong waves, cliffs that dominate the landscape, and local fishermen who make their living out on the rough waters.

The landscapes and ecosystems in Venezuela are so varied that it’s possible to find a desert in the northwest region of the country.

Located in the Falcón state, Medanos de Coro National Park is a dry setting of large dunes that are the products of erosion and the whims of incessant trade winds.

When one arrives at Mochima National Park, one immediately feels the magic of a place where it seems as though time has not passed.

Located between the states of Sucre and Anzoátegui in the eastern part of the country, this park contains a long coast of beaches and islands with pristine water.

The beautiful sunsets and the tranquility of its villages make Mochima one of the most attractive destinations on the Caribbean coast.

Tips For Visiting Venezuela

Now that I’ve inspired you to pack your bags and travel to this South American nation, here are our best travel tips for visiting Venezuela.

Venezuela has one of the world’s craziest economic systems. While the local people can’t buy more than a few dollars a year, they still need dollars or euros to travel out of the country and to conduct certain transactions. Therefore, the dollar black market is big business there.

Don’t get money from an ATM. You’d get the official exchange rate, and that would ruin you. Bring dollars or euros and change them on the black market.

When I say black market, don’t imagine guys in an alley, dealing with opium or AK-47s. Many people change dollars in Venezuela. Ask in your hostel or in any jewelry store and you will have your money changed in a matter of minutes.

We all know that the current situation in Venezuela is not the best. However, the places on this list are safe to visit if you take the normal precautions. The countryside is still relatively safe.

Avoid visiting big cities like Caracas, Valencia, Maracaibo, etc. If you need to stay in a city, try to make those visits as short as you can. Stay away from big concentrations, protests and other public demonstrations.

Don’t trust military officers. If your bus is stopped at a military checkpoint, hide your money in your underwear. They could ask if you have money with you.

Show them a few bolivares and tell them that’s all you have. Don’t show them your dollars because you might “lose” some of them.

Despite the bad reputation, Venezuela is an incredible country that offers just about anything you can imagine. The people are friendly and the landscapes are unbelievable.

Use common sense and avoid big cities, and everything should be alright!

Miguel Travelsauro

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Hoe do you get in? they currently not issuing visas.

I can’t stress this enough! Do not, I’ll repeat it, Do not travel to these places, not now at least, Venezuela is in a constant turmoil, you can’t trust the Police nor the Government to protect you, if anything should happen, you would be left on your own! I’m not JOKING! Venezuela is the third most dangerous Country in the World and it has out of the 15 most dangerous cities in the World, 6 within the list, including the most dangerous one been Caracas, the third been Valencia and the fifth been Barquisimeto; it would be inevitable not to have to find yourself in one of those cities trying to get to your destination; so, I’ll make myself very clear again, DO NOT TRAVEL TO VENEZUELA! Not now. That’s all I have to say.

All these places are a must visit in Venezuela. Also I would say the Angel Falls are the best to see in these country.

Awesome. Thank you for your comment and tip. 🙂

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