Venezuela: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know Venezuela is home to Angel Falls, the world’s tallest uninterrupted waterfall, plunging an astonishing 3,212 feet (979 meters) from the summit of Auyán-tepui? This breathtaking natural wonder is just one of the countless treasures awaiting visitors in this diverse South American nation. From pristine Caribbean beaches and offshore archipelagos to towering Andean peaks and vast grasslands teeming with wildlife, Venezuela offers extraordinary experiences for every type of traveler.

Getting to Venezuela

The main gateway to Venezuela is Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, near Caracas. Several international airlines operate flights to Venezuela, though options may be more limited than for other South American destinations. Before planning your trip, check visa requirements as most visitors need to obtain a tourist visa in advance through a Venezuelan consulate.

Best Time to Visit Venezuela

The best time to visit Venezuela is during the dry season, from December to April, when rainfall is minimal and outdoor activities are more enjoyable. This is particularly important if you plan to visit Angel Falls, as water levels are optimal for viewing between June and December after the rainy season has filled the rivers. The Los Roques Archipelago and coastal areas enjoy pleasant weather year-round, though the dry season offers the clearest waters for snorkeling and diving.

Getting Around Venezuela

Venezuela’s diverse geography means transportation options vary by region. Domestic flights are the most efficient way to cover long distances, especially when visiting remote areas like Canaima National Park or Los Roques. Buses connect major cities and towns, offering an economical option for shorter journeys. For greater flexibility, especially in exploring the Andes region or coastal areas, consider renting a car.

Where to Stay in Venezuela

Venezuela offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. In major cities like Caracas and Mérida, you’ll find international hotel chains alongside boutique hotels. Coastal areas and islands feature beach resorts and posadas (guesthouses), particularly on Isla Margarita and in Los Roques. For more remote destinations like Canaima National Park, eco-lodges and basic camps provide authentic experiences close to nature.

Practical Travel Tips

Venezuela requires careful planning for a smooth travel experience. The currency situation can be complex, so research the latest information before your trip and consider bringing US dollars for exchange. Credit cards may not be widely accepted outside major cities. Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. Stay connected with a local SIM card or international roaming plan, though internet access may be limited in remote areas.

Top Attractions in Venezuela

1. Angel Falls (Salto Ángel)

The crown jewel of Venezuela’s natural wonders, Angel Falls plunges from the summit of Auyán-tepui in Canaima National Park. As the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall, it creates a spectacular sight as water cascades nearly a kilometer before dissolving into mist. Visiting requires a boat trip along the Churun River followed by a jungle trek to the base viewpoint. For a different perspective, scenic flights offer breathtaking aerial views of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

2. Los Roques Archipelago

This stunning national park comprises over 350 islands, cays, and islets set in the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea. Los Roques offers some of Venezuela’s best things to do for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. The main island, Gran Roque, serves as a base for exploring the archipelago’s pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life. Popular activities include snorkeling, diving, kitesurfing, and sailing between the islands.

3. Canaima National Park

Beyond Angel Falls, Canaima National Park encompasses a vast area of unique tepui (table-top mountain) formations, savannas, rivers, and waterfalls. The park’s biodiversity is extraordinary, with numerous endemic species adapted to the isolated tepui ecosystems. Don’t miss the beautiful Canaima Lagoon with its pink sand beaches and multiple waterfalls. The Gran Sabana region offers spectacular landscapes of rolling hills, crystalline rivers, and dramatic tepuis that seem to touch the clouds.

4. Mount Roraima

This ancient tepui on the border of Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyana inspired Arthur Conan Doyle’s novel “The Lost World.” The flat-topped mountain rises dramatically from the surrounding savanna, its summit often shrouded in clouds. A challenging multi-day trek leads adventurous hikers to the top, where they discover a surreal landscape of strange rock formations, crystal valleys, carnivorous plants, and endemic species found nowhere else on Earth.

5. Mérida and the Venezuelan Andes

The charming Andean city of Mérida serves as the gateway to Venezuela’s mountain region. Here you’ll find the world’s highest and longest cable car, the Teleférico de Mérida, which ascends to Pico Espejo at 4,765 meters. The surrounding mountains offer excellent hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding opportunities. Don’t miss the picturesque mountain villages, the Mucubají Lagoon, and the Sierra Nevada National Park with its diverse ecosystems ranging from cloud forests to páramo (high-altitude moorlands).

6. Morrocoy National Park

Located on Venezuela’s Caribbean coast, Morrocoy National Park features a stunning collection of small islands (cayos) with white-sand beaches, mangrove forests, and coral reefs. Just a few hours’ drive from Caracas, it’s one of the most accessible natural attractions in Venezuela. Popular cayos include Cayo Sombrero, Cayo Borracho, and Cayo Sal, each offering excellent swimming, snorkeling, and relaxation opportunities. The park is also home to diverse bird species, including flamingos in certain areas.

7. Orinoco Delta

This vast river delta in eastern Venezuela offers a unique ecosystem where the mighty Orinoco River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Explore a maze of waterways surrounded by lush rainforest on dugout canoe trips led by local guides. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with possibilities to spot river dolphins, caimans, monkeys, and numerous bird species. Visits to Warao indigenous communities provide cultural insights into traditional life adapted to this aquatic environment.

8. Isla Margarita

Known as the “Pearl of the Caribbean,” Isla Margarita offers some of Venezuela’s best beaches along with duty-free shopping and vibrant nightlife. Popular beaches include Playa El Agua, Playa Parguito, and Playa El Yaque, the latter being a world-renowned windsurfing and kiteboarding destination. Beyond beach activities, explore the historic La Asunción, visit the fortress of Castillo de Santa Rosa, or take a boat trip to the nearby Los Frailes archipelago for excellent snorkeling.

Unique Experiences in Venezuela

Wildlife Watching in Los Llanos

The vast plains and seasonal wetlands of Los Llanos offer South America’s best wildlife viewing outside the Galápagos. During the wet season (May to October), the flooded savannas become a haven for birds, caimans, capybaras, anacondas, and other wildlife. Stay at a traditional hato (ranch) and join guided safaris by boat or on horseback to spot diverse species in this remarkable ecosystem.

Exploring the Médanos de Coro

Venezuela’s surprising desert landscape at Médanos de Coro National Park features towering sand dunes that can reach 40 meters in height. This mini Sahara offers unique activities like sandboarding down the dunes, dune buggy rides, and camel treks. The contrast between the desert environment and the nearby Caribbean coast makes for a fascinating geographical juxtaposition and one of the more unusual things to do in Venezuela.

Traditional Venezuelan Cuisine

Sampling local cuisine is among the best things to do in Venezuela to understand its culture. Start with arepas, cornmeal patties split and filled with various ingredients like cheese, shredded beef, or black beans. Try the national dish, pabellón criollo, featuring shredded beef, black beans, rice, and fried plantains. Coastal areas offer fresh seafood dishes, while the Andes region specializes in hearty soups and trout. Don’t miss sweet treats like quesillo (similar to flan) and tres leches cake.

Safety Information

Venezuela has faced economic and political challenges in recent years, making safety considerations particularly important. Check your government’s travel advisories before planning your trip and stay informed about current conditions. Working with reputable local tour operators is highly recommended, especially for visiting remote areas. In cities, take standard precautions like avoiding displays of wealth, using registered taxis, and being vigilant in crowded areas.

Ready for Your Venezuelan Adventure?

From the world’s highest waterfall to pristine Caribbean islands, from Andean peaks to wildlife-rich plains, Venezuela offers extraordinary natural diversity and unforgettable experiences. While traveling here requires careful planning and awareness of current conditions, the rewards are immense for those who make the journey. The warm hospitality of Venezuelans, the country’s remarkable landscapes, and its rich cultural heritage combine to create a destination unlike any other in South America.