Venezuela Overview
By Rachel Newcombe
Venezuela is located at the top of South America, bordered by Colombia to the west, Brazil to the south and the Caribbean Sea to the north. It’s the sixth largest South American country and boasts a variety of stunning landscapes and natural phenomena.
Caracas, the capital, is a bustling city and home to over four million people. It’s located close to the coastal regions, but still sits at a high altitude of 800m / 2400ft, under the Avila Mountains. There are fantastic views and great walks to go along with a nice cool climate.
Other notable places worth visiting include Parque Nacional Morrocoy, on the northwest coast, which has glorious beaches and reefs for divers to explore, Isla de Margarita, 40km off the mainland, with its modern capital of Porlamar, and the Amazon Rainforest, where guided tours are available. In the rain forest, as well as other areas of the country, you’ll see a rich and diverse range of flora and fauna, including tropical birds such as flamingos and toucans.
Venezuela is home to the highest waterfall in the world. Salto Ángel, or Angel Falls, is 979m / 3211ft, which is approximately 16 times higher than Niagara Falls. It’s located in the Guayana Highlands in southeastern Venezuela. The water cascades down into Cañón del Diablo, or Devil’s Canyon, creating a spectacular sight.
With a wide variety of local delicacies to try, modern and traditional cities to explore, tranquil landscapes and breathtaking coastal areas, Venezuela has plenty to offer the discerning tourist. Go!
