Venezuela may have been named by Spanish sailors who were reminded of Venice, but it was made famous by its natural attributes like Angel Falls, the highest waterfall in the world, the longest stretch of coast in the Caribbean along with some of the best diving in the Caribbean, snowcapped Andes peaks and the sprawling Llanos (prairie and marshland) region, a paradise for nature lovers.

The political and economic aspects of this South American nation are less desirable, unfortunately. The socialist president, Hugo Chavez, has driven the country deeply into debt with expensive social programs and, among other things, indirectly caused a 2-month oil strike at the end of 2002 and beginning of 2003 which crippled the already struggling petroleum-dependent economy. Fortunately for tourists, most attractions are located outside of the capital. Regardless, be aware of Venezuela’s political instability and its potential affect on tourism. Stay updated on the latest developments to avoid any complications.


Some highlights not to miss on your trip to Venezuela are:


Angel Falls, the world’s highest waterfalls, are so high that during dry season the water can evaporate into mist before reaching the bottom. Set in the rainforest of the Guiana Highlands off the Río Churún, the waterfalls were not discovered by the outside world until US pilot James C. Angel spotted them from above in 1935.

Isla Margarita, off the northern coast of Venezuela, is a major tourist destination for sun worshippers worldwide with wide spans of palm-lined white beaches, clear water and numerous water sports like windsurfing, scuba diving and snorkelling.

Parque Nacional Los Roques is the perfect island retreat for anyone who enjoys snorkeling, fishing, windsurfing, diving or just lounging on peaceful, remote islands in the beautiful Caribbean Sea. Los Roques can be a day-trip from Isla Margarita or Caracas.

The Sierra Nevada de Mérida is the only Venezuelan range with permanent layers of snow on the higher peaks, including Venezuela’s highest, Pico Bolívar at 5,007 m (16,427 ft). This area features excellent hiking, mountain climbing and mountain biking among other activities and is also home to several delightful rural villages.

The Parque Nacional Henri Pittier is the oldest park in Venezuela, established in 1937, and is home to 43% of Venezuela’s bird species - 580 in the park - as well as monkeys, jaguar, puma, ocelots, armadillos, snakes, butterflies and more. Spanning 107,800 hectares to the west of Caracas, the park includes some of Venezuela’s nicest mainland beaches, as well as steep mountains and rich vegetation leading into the Andes.

All information for this overview was researched and written by Dawn Wohlfarth.