Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

Key facts

• Region: South America — Sovereign states
• Capital: Caracas
• Currency: Venezuelan bolívar (VES)
• Languages: Spanish
• Main airport: CCS — Simón Bolívar International Airport at Maiquetía, serving Caracas
• Best time to visit: December to April, the dry season; check current government travel advice before planning, as security conditions are volatile

Overview

Venezuela has more geographic variety than almost any country in South America, from Caribbean islands and beaches to the Andes, the Orinoco plains and the tepui table mountains of the Guiana Highlands. Angel Falls, the world's highest waterfall, and the wildlife-rich Los Llanos are its best-known natural attractions. Travel here requires more planning than elsewhere in the region, and conditions should be checked carefully before booking because of ongoing security and economic issues.

Airports

Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS) at Maiquetía serves Caracas and is the main international gateway. La Chinita International Airport (MAR) serves Maracaibo, and Arturo Michelena International Airport (VLN) serves Valencia. Santiago Mariño Caribbean International Airport (PMV) serves Porlamar on Margarita Island, and Juan Pablo Pérez Alfonzo Airport (VIG) serves El Vigía, the closest commercial airport to Mérida. Alberto Carnevalli Airport (MRD) serves the city of Mérida itself.

Main cities

Caracas is the capital, a large Andean-framed city with museums and colonial traces, though it sees little leisure tourism. Mérida in the Andes is a university city and the base for Venezuela's high mountains. Ciudad Bolívar on the Orinoco is the historic gateway for trips to the Guiana Highlands and Angel Falls. Maracaibo is the western oil capital, and Porlamar is the main town of Margarita Island. Coro is a small colonial city near the dunes.

Places to go

Canaima National Park and Salto Ángel (Angel Falls) are the country's signature destination, reached by light aircraft and river boat. Mount Roraima, the flat-topped tepui that inspired Conan Doyle's The Lost World, is climbed on a guided multi-day trek from Santa Elena de Uairén. Los Roques is a protected archipelago of white sand and coral, popular for sailing and diving. The Los Llanos plains are the best place in the country for wildlife, including capybara and river dolphins. Médanos de Coro is a large dune field beside the colonial city of Coro, and Morrocoy National Park offers beaches and mangroves near the central coast.

Getting there

Cheapest cached round-trip fare into Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, refreshed every 6 hours:

Where to stay

Practical information

Frequently asked