Venezuela is a country of unique features and one of the most irresistible and overlooked destinations in South America. Its astounding geography, the amazing variety of its cultural heritage, the warmth of its people and the modernity of a country with unlimited potential, are just some of its many attractions.

Caribbean Coast

The nearly 3,000 km of Caribbean coastline in Venezuela  is a paradise of silky white sand lapped by aquamarine waters and shaded by palm and coconut trees.  Puerto La Cruz, Morrocoy, Mochima are favorite destinations as well asLos Roques, La Blanquilla and Los Testigos islands.

Margarita Island

No doubt. The swimming, surfing and sunning capital is Margarita, the largest of Venezuela´s 72 islands and preferred destination for domestic as well as foreign tourists. Margarita is located in the NE and can be reached via airplane (arriving to Margarita International Airport) or sailing via "Ferry". Ferries depart either from La Guaira (very close to Caracas) or from Puerto la Cruz, located in Anzoategui state. Margarita has a wide selection of accomodation facilities, ranging from modest tropical lodges or apartments to top-notch luxury hotels. The island is also filled traditional places to visit as well as duty-free shopping spots ranging from depot-like stores to modern malls like Margarita Sambil, which houses major brands of worldwide fashion and design. 

Southeast Plateau

Tepuis are unique geological formations of huge size that can only be seen in the Venezuelan south. Scientists and explorers have been fascinated for long time with these rare structures and the endless diversity of the animal and vegetal life they harbor. The Gran Sabana, Venezuela´s largest plateau (some 1,000 meters -3,000 ft- above sea level), is home to the Roraima tepui reaching 2,810 mt. (9,220 ft) above sea level. The Canaima National Park, located at the confluence of the Carrao and Hacha rivers, is one of the world´s largest natural reserves— a steamy jungle where 500 species of orchids have been identified and home of the Angel Falls, the world´s longest cascade of water. In 1994 the Park was added to Unesco's World Heritage List.

Amazonian Jungle

Farther south along the Orinoco is Venezuela´s jungle, a lightly populated virgin zone abutting Colombia and Brazil, home to rare and exotic species of plants and animals. A territory rich in precious minerals such as gold, iron, bauxite, copper, among others. The population density of these areas is very low as they are almost exclusively inhabited by indigenous people and military personnel assigned to border military posts. 

Amazonas

Amazonas, is a treasure chest filled with thousands of species of rare plants and animals as well as at least 20 different indian cultures. Amazonas state stretches over 180,000 sq. Km. (70,000 sq. Miles) in the southern most region of Venezuela. It includes lush rain forests, hundreds of rivers and broad savannahs. Its unique ecosytem and geologic formations (such as Cerro Autana) are object of scientific studies worldwide.

Andes

In contrast to the low, steamy jungle are the Andes mountains, cold, crisp peaks cut by green valleys and icy lakes. Venezuela´s Andes are novel because they are the only spot in this Caribbean country where residents can actually see snow. Half the snow-capped area belongs to Pico Bolívar and another bit pertains to Pico Espejo, the latter being accesible in a cable car from Mérida city that reaches an altitude of 4,763 meters (15,626 ft.). On the mountains slopes, and in the valleys at their feet, potatoes, grains and flowers are cultivated.

Caracas

Caracas, the capital city is home to approximately 5 million inhabitants. It is separated from the Caribbean Sea only by the Avila mountain and a mountain range called the "Cordillera de la Costa". The city has a pleasant climate and nice temperatures almost all year long, with a rainy season starting around March and a dry season starting around July-August. Caracas has been labeled by many the "city with two faces" because the modern capital with impressive architecture, residence buildings and huge luxury commercial malls coexists with large areas of "barrios" o shanty towns serving as home for as many as 70% of its inhabitants, most of them underprivileged people. With all of its contradictions, Caracas is a city with its own charm and with many ongoing things to show to all of its visitors. 

Venezuela Promotional Video

(Courtesy of the 

Venezuelan Ministry of Tourism)