Venezuela
South America

Best things to do in Venezuela

Find out more about those top places in Venezuela

  • Capital: Caracas
  • Language(s): Spanish
  • Currency: Bolívar fuerte (VEF)
  • Dial Code: + 58
Venezuela

Venezuela Travel Guide: Jungle, Beaches, Oil—and Arepas!

Looking for a destination that combines Caribbean beaches, Andean peaks, Amazon rainforests, and a splash of tropical chaos? Meet Venezuela, South America's hidden gem with enough natural beauty and drama to be its own telenovela. Whether you're a beach bum, mountain hiker, cultural explorer, or thrill-seeker, Venezuela should be on your list of places to visit.

Despite its complex history and political ups and downs, Venezuela remains a land of astonishing biodiversity, jaw-dropping landscapes, and welcoming people. Ready for a whirlwind journey? This travel guide to Venezuela is packed with things to do, top attractions, and everything you need to know to plan your next epic adventure.

Where Is Venezuela, Anyway?

Venezuela is located on the northern coast of South America, rubbing shoulders with Colombia to the west, Brazil to the south, and Guyana to the east. It also has a stunning Caribbean coastline that stretches for nearly 2,800 kilometers (that’s a lot of beach time), plus a sprinkle of islands nearby like Aruba, Curaçao, and Trinidad and Tobago.

The country's geography is wild—in the best way. You've got the towering Andes Mountains in the west, the vast Orinoco River Delta in the east, the flat and endless llanos plains, and the dense Amazon jungle in the south. And did we mention Angel Falls, the tallest waterfall in the world? Venezuela is like nature’s theme park—but without the entry fee.

A Quick Dive Into History (With a Splash of Revolution)

Once part of the Spanish Empire, Venezuela became the first Spanish-American colony to declare independence in 1811. After a bit of back and forth (because revolutions are messy), it gained full independence in 1830. The 19th and 20th centuries were packed with military leaders, political turmoil, and enough coups to make your head spin.

Things finally stabilized in 1958, and Venezuela has been a democracy ever since—although not without a few bumps. Most notably, the 1990s brought economic collapse, riots, and the rise of Hugo Chávez, who kicked off the so-called Bolivarian Revolution. Love it or hate it, that revolution changed the country forever.

Today, Venezuela is a federal republic made up of 23 states, a capital district (hello, Caracas!), and various offshore islands known as Federal Dependencies. Despite the economic struggles, Venezuelans remain resilient, vibrant, and proud of their cultural identity—and delicious food (more on that later).

Top Attractions in Venezuela

Let’s talk about the good stuff: the top attractions in Venezuela that make it a must-see destination for travelers who love nature, culture, and a bit of adventure.

Angel Falls (Salto Ángel)

At a heart-stopping 979 meters (3,212 feet), Angel Falls is the tallest waterfall in the world and arguably Venezuela's most iconic natural wonder. It’s hidden deep in Canaima National Park, which is so remote that you’ll need to fly in on a small plane and then hop on a canoe to reach it. But trust us—it’s worth the effort.

Canaima National Park

While you’re chasing waterfalls, don’t miss the rest of Canaima National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site covering savannas, rivers, and the famous tepuis (flat-topped mountains). These prehistoric plateaus inspired Pixar’s “Up,” and they look like something straight out of Jurassic Park.

Los Roques Archipelago

Los Roques is the Caribbean’s best-kept secret—a national park made up of more than 300 islands, cays, and islets. Powdery white sands, turquoise waters, world-class kite surfing, and coral reefs await you. It’s ideal for sightseeing and unplugging completely. There are no mega-resorts here—just rustic charm and plenty of sun.

Mérida and the Andes

Want mountains? Head to Mérida, a university town nestled in the Venezuelan Andes. It’s the launchpad for exploring Pico Bolívar, the country’s highest peak, and home to the once-longest cable car in the world, the Teleférico de Mérida. Plus, the cool weather is a nice break from the tropical heat.

Caracas: Urban Adventure

The capital, Caracas, may be a bit rough around the edges, but it’s still full of life. From museums like the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo to historic neighborhoods like El Hatillo, it offers a taste of Venezuela’s culture and complexity. Just travel smart and stick to well-advised areas.

Mochima National Park

Located between the cities of Barcelona (no, not the one in Spain) and Cumaná, Mochima National Park is a coastal paradise full of coves, bays, and marine life. Hop on a boat, snorkel in crystal-clear water, and feast on fresh fish caught the same morning.

Things to Do in Venezuela

So what are the best things to do in Venezuela aside from sightseeing until your camera dies?

  • Try arepas in every region. These cornmeal pockets are national treasures. Stuff them with cheese, beans, meat, avocado—you name it.

  • Dance salsa or joropo with locals. Venezuelans don’t wait for the weekend to have fun.

  • Go wildlife spotting in the llanos plains. This is the land of capybaras, anacondas, and pink river dolphins.

  • Visit colonial towns like Coro, a UNESCO site with colorful architecture and desert dunes nearby.

  • Take a boat tour through the Orinoco Delta, where you’ll find indigenous communities and more biodiversity than you can count.

Travel Tips for Venezuela

Here are some quick tips to make your trip smoother:

  • Currency: The bolívar is used, but U.S. dollars are often preferred. Bring cash—ATMs can be unreliable.

  • Internet and phone service: Patchy in rural areas, so download offline maps and info.

  • Safety: Stick to known tourist routes and get local advice. Venezuela can be unpredictable, but well-informed travel is possible and rewarding.

  • Language: Spanish is spoken everywhere, and English is rare outside major cities—so brush up or download a translation app.

Final Thoughts: Why Venezuela Belongs on Your Bucket List

Venezuela is not your average travel destination—and that’s exactly why it’s amazing. It’s a country of contrasts: pristine beaches and chaotic cities, ancient mountains and futuristic oil rigs, incredible food and unforgettable scenery.

This travel guide to Venezuela is just the beginning. Whether you’re into hiking tepuis, lounging on Caribbean beaches, or getting lost in history, you’ll find that this country is full of surprises. It may not be the easiest place to visit, but for adventurous travelers, it’s absolutely one of the most rewarding.

So pack your curiosity, a sense of humor, and plenty of sunscreen—Venezuela is calling.