Top Things to Do & Places to Visit in Venezuela

Did you know that Venezuela, a country on the South American continent, is home to the world’s largest rodent, capybara? Even a few endangered animals like Orinoco crocodiles and the giant Arrau turtle are found in the country. Nature lovers, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts would love to go on a trip to the ‘Land of Grace.’

If you are planning to go on a trip to Venezuela, the country which is abundant in natural beauty and resources, you are at the right place. This guide will help you plan your trip better. But remember, when you are out on wildlife adventures, emergencies may strike at any time. Hence, an international travel insurance policy from Bajaj General Insurance is important to keep yourself protected.

Venezuela’s Physical Geography Explained

The physical geography of Venezuela is important to understand if you want to visit the country.

• Western Venezuela: In the western part, the Andes are tall mountain ranges, and there are fertile valleys and rivers. This area is famous for hiking and the temperature is cooler than the other parts.
• Central Venezuela: In the central region, Llanos or plains, stretch over thousands of kilometres. Here you can find wildlife like anacondas and capybaras and during the rainy season, the area floods. You can experience horse riding, savanna landscapes, and rural life.
• Southern Venezuela: This region is made up of Guiana highlands, plateaus, and forests. You can find the famous waterfall, Angel Falls, which is the highest in the world, here. Also, there are many tropical plants and exotic birds.
• Northern Venezuela: The Caribbean coast near the Caribbean Sea is famous for sunny beaches, islands, and coastal towns. There are many tourist spots known for water sports.

Places to Visit in Venezuela

Venezuela is famous for Caribbean beaches, waterfalls, wildlife, and ancient mountains. Read on to know the places you must visit when you are in Venezuela.

Angel Falls

Did you know that a pilot named Jimmy Angel discovered this tallest waterfall, the Angel Falls? If you want to see the waterfall in full force, visit during the rainy season, from June to December. You can also visit the area in a small plane over the rainforest and take a boat trip along the river.

Canaima National Park

This massive area which covers over 30,000 square kilometres is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Flat-topped mountains called tepuis are famous here, and you will be surprised to know that tepuis had inspired the novel, the Lost World. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle envisioned these mountains where prehistoric dinosaurs could survive.

In the Canaima National Park, you can enjoy trekking, spot wildlife, and click photos.

Los Roques Archipelago

Los Roques is a group of 300 islands in the Caribbean Sea. It is famous for coral reefs, clear water, and white beaches and you can enjoy snorkelling, surfing, and fishing at the beach.

Mérida and Andes

Mérida, a city in the Andes mountains, is famous for the Mérida Cable Car, which is the longest and the highest in the world. You can experience paragliding and mountain biking through the snow-capped mountains.

Morrocoy National Park and Mochima National Park

Morrocoy National Park has beautiful beaches and small islands with mangroves and inland wildlife and exotic birds. Mochima National Park is famous for whale watching and diving.

Lake Maracaibo and the Catatumbo Lightning

Lake Maracaibo is the largest lake in South America, and is famous for Catatumbo Lightning. It is a natural phenomenon, where lightning storms occur every night. Photographers would love capturing the view.

Orinoco Delta

The Orinoco Delta is a vast network of rivers in eastern Venezuela. You can take boat tours to see the beautiful wildlife like monkeys, river dolphins, piranhas, etc. The Warao community who stay in this region love to welcome visitors and share their traditional way of life.

Some Unique Things to Do in Venezuela

When you are in Venezuela, do these unique things that you might have never experienced before.

• When you visit Tepuis, you will find small natural pools on the top of the cliffs. Cooling off in these God-made pools feels like being in a paradise above the clouds.
• Some caves in the Guayana region shelter glowing insects that light up the ceilings at night. Visiting these caves is a magical experience, as you feel you are under a sky full of stars.
• In certain seasons, you can find beaches full of flamingos in Laguna de Chichiriviche, which is a small water body in the town of Chichiriviche. You will love watching these flamingos in their natural habitat and enjoy this unique experience.
• In the small town of San José de Guaribe, there are centuries-old rock carvings. You can learn about Venezuela’s history by studying these carvings.

Conclusion

Venezuela is a land of variety. You can find mountains, beaches, exotic wildlife, waterfalls, and forests, all in one country. When visiting this beautiful country, ensure you have purchased a travel insurance plan from Bajaj General Insurance. It will cover medical emergencies or other sudden crises. Remember, as an Indian traveller, drink only bottled water and not tap water, as diarrhoea is common among first-time visitors. Take all the necessary precautions so that you can enjoy each moment of your trip and bring back memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.

FAQs

Do Indian travellers need a visa to visit Venezuela?

Yes, Indian travellers require a visa to visit Venezuela. You can apply for the visa through the Venezuelan Embassy.

What is the best time to visit Venezuela?

The best time to visit Venezuela is in the months from December-April when the climate is dry. But if you want to visit Angel Falls at its peak, then you must visit during the rainy season, from June-December.

How long should I plan my trip to Venezuela?

You can visit Venezuela for 8-10 days to explore all the famous places.

Can I explore Venezuela’s wildlife safely as a first-time traveller?

Yes, guided tours and national parks like Canaima and Morrocoy are available and can make wildlife exploration safe and enjoyable.

Is international travel insurance necessary for a trip to Venezuela?

An international travel insurance plan is a must when visiting Venezuela. It will cover sudden medical emergencies, passport/baggage loss, trip cancellation & curtailment.

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***Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.