Matthew Hampton reports on the enigmatic South American country of Venezuela
Caracas | Merida | Isla de Margarita | Guayana | Roraima
Venezuela is something of an enigma. Oil rich, it doesn’t need tourism to survive.
It’s rich in natural attractions and according to one specialist it’s ‘the sleeping giant of South America.’ Sunvil director Lloyd Boutcher said: “In terms of natural beauty it is up there with Brazil. There’s wildlife, indigenous culture and incredible scenery.”
Angel Falls – the world’s highest waterfall – is the obvious tourist sight, but if your clients are up for an adventure there are the lofty Andes, grassy savannahs and the Caribbean coast.
Caracas
What to see? Known, perhaps unfairly, as a dangerous city, the Venezuelan capital has its pros and cons. It’s no Rio but it does have some impressive architecture, from colonial era buildings around Plaza Bolivar to soaring skyscrapers in the financial district.
Be sure to check out the contemporary art museum in Parque Central, which houses several ‘kinetic sculptures’ by Venezuelan artist Jesus Soto, along with works by Picasso, Miró and Chagall.
Merida
What to see?The Andes.
For a contrast with the coast take a detour to the mountains. South America’s jagged, rocky spine runs all the way from Chile up to Venezuela, and Merida is the jumping off point for all kinds of mountain sports and tours.
Pico Bolivar is just a few miles from Merida, and Pico Humboldt is also nearby.
Isla de Margarita
What to see? The sea. So many of Venezuela’s attractions are inland it’s easy to forget it has a Caribbean coast.
Margarita Island is 30 miles off the mainland and popular with Venezuelans. Cheap and cheerful, it’s a nice place to spend a few days chilling at the beach and it’s easily reached by air from Caracas.
Los Roques is an archipelago of even smaller islands and is also a great place to chill out.
Guayana
What to see? Waterfalls, and a lot more besides.
The state of Guayana is home to a wealth of natural attractions, not least the rainforest around the Orinoco and Amazon, but also Angel Falls.
The world’s highest falls are accessed from Canaima, a fair-sized village connected to the outside world by a landing strip. Local operators sell tours from Ciudad Bolivar from around £175.
The trip can be done in two days and the rainforest is a fascinating place to spend time. It’s also the best way to meet Venezuela’s indigenous population.
Roraima
What to see? Dinosaurs, or rather the landscape that inspired our view of them.
In the Gran Sabana region of Guyana, is the best example of a Tepui – a flat-topped mountain particular to Venezuela.
This was the landscape that inspired Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Lost World, which in turn inspired Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park.
Roraima is a tough climb but rewarding – allow at least five days for it. Adventure specialists such as Explore Worldwide and Exodus arrange guided treks.
