Travel Guide Valencia

In the west of Maracay with more than two million inhabitants, the 3rd city of the country and capital of Carabobo state is an industrial city and an agricultural centre, located in a green and warm valley, fortunately caressed by the winds. Captain Díaz Pereira chooses the place to make it thrive and for his safety. However, if the Valencia Valley is remote from the coast, it will not escape smallpox, Indian attacks (in 1582 and 1583), French pirates (in 1677), or even the famous 1812 earthquake! No fewer than 35 battles were delivered in the vicinity of Valencia during the wars of independence, including the great battle of Carabobo, on 24 June 1821, which permanently sealed the independence of Venezuela. Valencia, the first city of South America to have been electrified, presents a small colonial centre interesting and a majestic main artery (Avenida Bolívar, long lasting several kilometres). But for the rest, the city has little to offer to tourists.