Traveling To Venezuela

Situated on the northern coast of South America, Venezuela occupies most of the northern coast of South America and is the sixth largest tropical country in the Caribbean. Islands off its coastline include Aruba, the Antilles and Trinidad and Tobago.

Colonized by Spain in 1522, the country gained its independence in 1821 and is now divided into 23 states and 335 municipalities. Although Spanish is the official language, 31 other indigenous languages also exist.

In the early 1900s, Venezuela was ruled by the military, but in 1958, a democratic government was established. The country is an oil-rich nation, but one in which there tends to be both crime and corruption. For this reason, a visitor would do well to exercise considerable caution when traveling in the country. Pickpockets abound and it is always wise to avoid the appearance of great wealth.

From its tropical beaches, rain forests and rivers to its gigantic plains, jungles and tall mountains, Venezuela boasts an extraordinary diversity of landscapes. Destinations you won’t want to miss include Angel Falls, which is the highest waterfall in the world, where it is said that during the dry season, water evaporates into a mist before it ever reaches the bottom of the falls.

Also an impressive destination is the park established in 1937 where animal life abounds and includes jaguars, ocelots and monkeys, to say nothing of armadillos, snakes and birds. Called the Parque Nacional Henri Pittier, it consists of some 107,800 hectares to the West of Caracas and also features some 580 species of birds.

For something really different, you may wish to consider touring the Guajira Peninsula, where members of the native tribe, the Wayuus, live in homes on stilts above the water. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to find your trip to Venezuela both fascinating and enlightening.