Things to see and do Venezuela

The market can be served in an active and relaxed atmosphere.

It is 60 000 hectares and 14 000 head of cattle that make this hato one of the most important of Venezuela. Antonio Julio Branger, the owner, understood for some years that a living animal had more value than a dead animal. Hunting is therefore defended at the Hato Piñero. The entrance is reserved for the image hunters. The animals are therefore much less virulent and for the bird observer, this huge hacienda has been a real private reserve of wildlife since 1953 and a biological reserve since 1982. Cayman, capybaras, herons, vultures, lizards, snakes and a myriad of birds are visible. By horse, by boat or by jeep, nature reveals its secrets thanks to the comments (in English and Spanish) of two naturalists, Orlando and Mario. Some areas of hato have never been cleared to allow wildlife to shelter.

In the evening, the fresh, well-kept rooms, with a colonial style, make you feel good for the next day's excursions. Finally note that some readers found the very impersonal atmosphere.

Farmers go down to sell their production: you can discover still unknown fruits in Europe, with strange flavours, which you will even be offered juice… so taste the Jugo de Lolo and you will tell me some new ones! Theobaldo, a young guide, independent, self-fulfilling and self-confident, passes every morning through church square at 8 a. m. sharp. If you are there, it will take you to a coffee hacienda, a waterfall of 100 m or Cerro Negro which culminates at 2 600 m. Not expensive and nice, but discuss the price before.

This small amusement park located 7 km from Tabay, born in July 1984, presents the rebuilding of a Venezuelan village, as it was to be in the 1930 s. There is a typical church, a bank, etc. It's instructive on the art of living at the time, but a little kitsch and business! However, the Venezuelans love, as the high attendance during weekends shows (various bonuses in bonus).

Transport. Located 25 km from Merida via El Páramo or 40 minutes from Apartaderos. By car, find the sign that shows the road to the Paramo, 25 minutes away from Los Aleros. By bus, the stop is located on Calle 19 of Mérida between Avenues 3 and 4. By taxi, the price ranges from 50 Bs F and 80 Bs F, you can still negotiate a round trip.

This statue in the style of the 1970 s and signed by the architect Manuel de la Fuente, measuring 46,72 m high and weighs 1 200 tons. From the size of the statue of freedom New York, one can see by far that which reflects the sincere devotion of the Venezuelans. You can enter the statue to admire the landscape. We climb up to the neck, and then you reach your eyes on a scale. When the time is clear, it is possible to see the Sierra Nevada, and to the lake of Maracaibo.

The smallest park in Venezuela (43 ha only) bears the name of the famous geographer Augustín Codazzi and houses samanes trees as well as specimens of the vegetation of the valley. We can go on a picnic.

Its thousands of books gradually move into new premises, on the square of the Pantheon.

On the lake, this park is a reconstructed village like the old pre-colonization time. The Indians show their way of life, their habitat, their traditional culture and crafts. This discovery can be completed with the Anthropological Museum of the Ateneo de Lagunillas on the Sugar Plaza.

It is the mausoleum of the first Venezuelan saint. The nuns were beatified by John Paul II in 1995. Dead on 2 April 1967, his home house is in the village of Choroni. One can offer a moment of contemplation in front of his body, which, like that of Sainte Thérèse at Lisieux, remained intact.

Located in a well-preserved area, the museum has a blue balcony in 1790. It traces the history of the city and offers a wide panorama of pre-Columbian crafts. Also, colonial weapons and even a room dedicated to Bolívar (who commanded the port in 1812). At present, the Puerto Cabello Artists'association takes part in the House Lifting.

Landscape and romantic waterfalls. On the other hand, the animals are a little in the dark. Notably the puma and the famous glasses bear (Tremarctos ornatus), a threatened animal from the Andes. To my knowledge, it has not been seen for five years, it is the 3rd largest bear among the 8 species. In the last two years, however, efforts are being made, both in terms of the spatial planning and the living conditions of animals.

From November to April, colonies of pink Flemish rose from the Island of Bonaire. Gulls also, des, etc. It's the night that the lagoon becomes magical, its isolation transforms it into a fantastic planetarium. Transport. To ask Arquimedes de la posada, he can take you in 4 x 4 (1 hour) or by boat (2 hours).

Puerto Francés is a bay with crystal clear waters, it offers the same services as the previous one.

A village that offers a variety of different crafts and where each cabin has its theme. The most beautiful center of the island.

Good for surfing.

The beach is large and, when the weather is bad, the waves are quite aggressive. On the edge of the river coming to embrace the sea, fishermen sell the loot of the day in the afternoon.

The road stops and there is a green road climbing in the freshness of the páramo, 4 737 m, where some try paragliding. In the woods, monkeys and toucans give the reply. Hiking from Mérida to Mucuchíes. It was declared a national park in 1989.

Closed during our maintenance passage, however, we have sneaked a few testimonies of the past, with parts like trapiches (tool used to work the sugar cane).

A photogenic beach of half a kilometre bordered by coconut trees with beautiful waves (dangerous yet, as the local rescuers will not fail to notice if you're bodysurfez with too much enthusiasm). The mountains in the background carry you to Réunion. So much to say that the beach is very high, perhaps even too much, if you refer to the waste left on the beach. Just next door, several seafood restaurants compete fiercely, but are well organised: order several Polar, and you will be given a cooler. Many abound, but watch your business. Information: during the holy week, it is overcrowded (and it is a euphemism!). The local authorities set up a beautiful walk with a breakthrough and a few light lights to enlighten the site at night. The restaurants just opposite must rub their hands; all they have to do is improve their kitchen and clean the furnaces… The freshness of the food is questionable.

A small quiet beach awaits you, ideal for dipping.

We only reach the beach by inland waterway in the summer. In winter it seems difficult both currents are violent. Indeed, we consider its rapids to be the largest and most dangerous in the world. Visit mainly to appreciate petroglyphs and rock paintings.

It's here, on the Plateau plateau, that was created Merida the first time. In Plaza Bolívar you can rent a mule for a walk. If you have time… you can also visit a finca of cocoa and its museum. A relic of the time when, not so long ago, cocoa, sugar cane and coffee were living in the region.

There is electricity, grills and an interesting trail for discovery. You can also see the beautiful pauji. Information and reservation required (by fax or mail, indicate date, number of persons and passport numbers) from Inparques to Barquisimeto (see above).

In week, contact the warden of the park. The huts, gently planted between wood and pasture, are large (capacity of 12 to 60 people) and well maintained (electrical and sanitary). From here, you can romp a waterfall or watch birds surprised at them! A bed in the dormitory costs 20 Bs. F.

It's a 15 m high drop that finishes its race in a huge, dark, dark basin. It is to discover in the middle of the day to appreciate the sunlight that penetrates between the trees. Quite magical.

Overlooking the hacienda, the strategically located house allows to monitor the Maracay valley.

It was here that the Spanish established their headquarters in the war of Independence. On March 18, 1814, Captain Antonio Ricaute (statufié at the entrance, under Gómez, in 1911) will enter the powder reserve to detonate her. The officer will perish - and a thousand royalist soldiers - and will go to posterity for his act of bravery.

In the reconstituted house, the small museum of military history exhibits original pieces (time weapons, uniforms, letters, furniture). The gunners will note the presence of cannons, recovered from a boat in Puerto Cabello.

A white sandy beach, the funds are decorated with beautiful coral reefs. A little snorkeling is enough to observe beautiful specimens under water. Service for the rental of umbrellas and chairs, small restaurants to enjoy fish broths, squid, fried fish etc.

You can bathe, so you can avoid the weekends where you will share the places with a crowd of children children. Unfortunately not very clean. Bring food, a picnic area is available. Beverage sales on site. Possibility of renting the services of a guide.

In the 1960 s, only one Condor (Vultur gryphus) had the pleasure of flying in the Venezuelan sky, all were exterminated. The mission was then to incorporate the emblematic vulture into the Andean sky. We must remember that the Condor is on the badges of Bolivia, Colombia, Chile and Ecuador. Today 5 condors imported from Argentina fly up to 10 000 m in total freedom. The male that you will see in the cage answering the name of "El Combatiente" shares his prison with a female "Anicsi". The members of the association decided to offer him a company so that the two new lovers would breed.

In the north of the city, the garden of the Faculty of Sciences, a true living museum, was created in 1991 by the University of the Andes (U.L.A.), which then yielded 44 hectares to its headquarters. You can see the Sierra Nevada. Its limits range from the northeast to the road leading to Los Chorros de Milla, by the south at Alberto Carnevali avenue and by the east at the Faculty of Forestry. At weekends you can enjoy the.

This post-colonial building houses, apart from the personal objects of Bolívar and its family, the weapons of the founding families of Caracas. You will learn everything about Libertador: its genealogical tree, its letters, its military victories… Note, in this connection, the presence of the newspaper Correo del Orinoco, which traces, particularly in French, the legendary battle of Carabobo (24 June 1821). It, let us remember, sealed the true independence of the country. For once, the collection is well placed, thanks to the explanatory terminals that guide the visits.

The house also houses the Athenaeum and the Michelena room where painting contests are occasionally held. His first owner, General llanero Páez (1790-1873), elected president in 1830, himself oversaw the execution of the frescoes of Castillo, which illustrate his battles and other mythological scenes, and accompanied by maxims of the kind: " It is a great evil not to do good "… Internationally recognized (he had found himself at the side of Grant during the American Independence Parade, as well as in the baptism of Napoleon III's son…), Páez died in exile in New York. His ashes are now at the Pantheon in Caracas.

Here you will find information on the Excursionist centre of Valencia, which meets on the first Thursday of every month at 20 pm.

This path in the middle of the coffee trees is a nice walk to walk to the village. Convenient to go to Grados camp for example. Willmar of the Posada Posada can take you to you, he will tell you about the riches of the flora, like the Corozo, a palm whose fruit similar to a little mango is used by the elders because of his anti-inflammatory virtues; The Fiqué, a delicate and fine cactus cactus whose fiber is used to make ropes. Opposite, to go back to Altamira, turn left at the La Quinta sign (hamlet).

Before venturing into Grande Sabana, it is always interesting to admire all the species (rare!) of Venezuela snakes like the boa esmeralda, rainbow. A total of about specimens are presented. The founder Saúl Gutierrrez Eljuri ([email protected]) is currently the largest "biologo" in Venezuela. Terrario is not limited to snakes: there is also, in the family of arachnids, scorpions and; in the amphibians family, the cornu toad; and even in the turtle family, the rare matamata turtle (Chelus fimbriatus). The possibility to organize an interactive one hour tour is very rewarding, especially if it is with Saúl.

The oldest new New World cemetery still in operation is not so old that it! The first falls in fact only to 1832. Many Jews were expelled by the Inquisition in America. As the Inquisition was also in Venezuela, they settled in the Netherlands Antilles and settled on the continent only after Independence and thus the end of the Inquisition. Among them, Don José Curiel, buried here, was one of the first to trade with the new Bolívar Republic.

The must for snorkeling. Imagine a quiet beach along the waters where a boat is buried with coral and colorful fish.

How to dissociate Venezuela's Pleasure from its Polar beer? The company, which announces fabulous economic results every year, is a country-driven engine!

The visit starts with a video which will explain to you how the factory out of earth in 1961 produced 2 million litres per month. It is today.

36 million litres coming out of the plants of ethyl plantigrade. Children are not forgotten, a series of small attractions (lake, small zoo) is destined for them…

Founded in 1967 by the first Venezuelan speleologists, this scientific institution recorded over 500 caves in the national cadastre. In total, the registry contains 600 topographiées caves, placed and described according to international standards. Contact Enrique Bolón, who should be able to inform you about the possibilities for exploring caves in Venezuela.

For further information on the website of the Ministerio del Poder Popular para el ambiente - www.www.minamb.gob.ve -

A few babas sympathiques dip into the lagoon. After many attacks inside the garden (not by the same crocodiles), the government has done a big job to enhance security inside. Today you can walk there in a day.

This natural monument was declared a national park on July 15, 1975 in tribute to the famous technologist Alexander Humboldt. The average temperature of 181 ha is between 18 and 19 ° C. Scientifically known as Steatiornis Caripensis, definition of the bird hosted and reproduced in the cave. These specimens live in symbiosis in an obscure, protected and humid zone, feed fruit and build their nests on the walls of the cave walls. Histographie reveals that, in 1977, Francisco de Ybarra y Herrera, bishop of the diocese of Saint-Thomas-de-Guiana, was one of the first people to explore the cave. But there are still historical facts: prior to colonization, the natives visited it.

From 1657 onwards, the Franciscan Capuchin missionaries discovered it at the evangelization of Alanya Province. Humbold visited her during his expeditions in 1799, as shown by a plaque dedicated to the great man (to venture further, enlightened cave fans must apply for a permit in Caracas in Caracas). The author says that he travels 472 m to reach a giant stalactite, "El Castillo" (the castle). It was in 1855 that Agustin Codozzi travelled the cave in its entirety to reach the "No silence" and the "Salon de los Pechos".

During heavy rains, from July to September, it may happen that the bed of the river déborde and flooding a good part of the cave, making the visit impossible. A very good path matching the cave, accessible from 4 to 77 years. During the rainy season, a pair of trainers will be more adapted than your Teva sandals. Finally, the use of flash is forbidden for the first 800 metres.

Indeed, the guácharos, animals photophobiques, have wards completely dilated by the darkness and light of your device blind blind to lose any marker! They then drop against the walls of the cave and die. In the cave, the use of oil lamp in discrete light is tolerated. The largest cave in Venezuela is also venerable, 130 million years old, and definitely deserves displacement. Of the 9 000 m of galleries, just over 1 800 m are visible.

Your walk (sometimes slippery) in the cave will be enliven by the strange forms of stalagmites and stalactites. They form figures - or shadows - as varied as breasts, King Kong, a mushroom, a palm tree, a pelican, an elephant head or a couple of lovers. It's really fascinating!

You will pass from the room assourdissante of the guácharos to that of Silence, to reach the room of the "Pechos" breasts. But for now, you're in the lair of the photophobique cave: Steatornis caripensis. This barbaric word means etymologically "bird of Caripe oil", guácharo for the intimate.

He lives only in the dark, reaches 1,10 m tall and has very little utiles eyes since the volatile moves, like a bat, by emitting ultrasound. At night he leaves in the national park looking for seeds that he feeds.

These are the same seeds that he rejects, after digestion, in the cave and which germinate a few days, until the lack of light becomes fatal to them. The particular ecosystem of the cave is also made up of mice, crabs, fungi, spiders, frogs, bats and other graceful creatures.

So, as a good citizen, do not hesitate to assert your rights to obtaining documentation! Inatur is installed right next to the department (MINTUR) and VENETUR since flooding damaged the old premises of Torre Oeste in downtown. For specific information on other Venezuelan regions, it is more fruitful to direct directly to local tourist offices mentioned in cities.

A sign indicates Playa de Uva. You will reach a beautiful and long beach with coconut trees and perhaps even some surfers.

Oysters are eaten in mangrove trees where the beach is enclosed, but also cocktails from the sea caught in the corner. The waters are quite deep.

Although it is large, it is desert and not equipped. Think of taking everything necessary to spend a moment of dreams. The beaches in the south are paradise, white sand and crystalline waters facing a reef. Those in the north open onto the ocean, the water is less clear.

At the time of the construction of the dam, the Swedish botanist Pédro Loefling collected the Indigenous Fauna (Guri area), which now places the scene: monkeys, chiguires, babas (small crocos), reptiles, etc. This gives an opportunity to cross a Jaguar and the Orinoco union! The flora is spoiled by a collection of sumptuous trees: Acajou, samanes, araguaney, ceibas and oak (robles).

The children's museum, divided into several rooms (ecology, telecommunications, physics…), explains the science in a playful way thanks to many experiences of children… and their parents. You can play the sorcerer's apprentice, make television, see pousser, make paper, or play with our friends. Very recommended. Their cafeteria offers latte, coffee, drinks and confectionery.

One of the most popular beaches in the high season. Ideal for family, it is wide, the water is calm, clear and shallow. Restaurants y tutti at disposal!

Clemente Aliendres alias Botuto is a school master, but also organizes excursions, boat walks, scuba diving and underwater hunting. He also served as a guide for the team of the French magazine Apnéa. His perfect knowledge of the region makes it an excellent guide, and his excursions around Santa Isabel are unforgettable. Two hours to the Cuerda of Santa Isabel, this 15 m high rock is ideal for canyoning. Departure is at 9 pm, return to 17 pm. Count 200 Bs. F per person (open bar and breakfast included). Caution in December, the tower is dangerous, the sea is agitated. It will take you for several days along the peninsula to its end.

To go, put your boots together, take food for 2 days and leave early. The stone chapel of the Virgin of Coromoto du Tisure is indeed 4-5 a. m. on foot. To access it, exit San Rafael towards Apartaderos (for example self-stop). Just a few kilometres away, go to La Mucuchaché bridge. On the right begins the splendid walk (you will pass the La Ventana pass at 4 200 m above sea level, before turning towards El Tisure) to the sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin which safeguards the artist during construction. The church, completed in 1954, houses a treasure of Andean art, sculptures of the calvary and the Holy Sepulchre. Let's say that Sánchez was born in 1900 and still created two other chapels, in 1964 and 1966.

In perfect condition, it houses an interesting museum which covers the whole history of coffee, its culture and its development. From the hacienda, you can take a detour to the charming village of Santa Cruz de Mora, to purchase a good quality homemade coffee. To get there, if you are not transported, pass through Lagunillas. 

Suddenly, completely anachronistic observatories are lost, lost in solitary mountains only chatouillées by an insignificant road. At 3 600 m altitude, under an ideal sky, you can still go to see the stars. The visit lasts 1 hour 30 and includes the museum facilities, two videos, and then a guide accompanies you on two observatory domes only to discover the telescopes. If the weather conditions are there, it is possible to observe the sky through the small telescope located in the museum. For those who wish to observe a night, you must be in the facilities before the closing time. Think of hot clothes because it can easily make 5 ° C.