Venezuela is known as the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and is located on the northern coast of South America. This country borders Guyana, which is to the east, Brazil to the south, and Colombia, which is westward. Venezuela is near to the equator in the Northern Hemisphere and is affected by that and many other geographical factors. The country is actually located in the tropical region, but because of these factors, its climate varies. High temperatures can reach eighty degrees, but lows can lead the formation of freeze and glaciers. Rainfall also varies, though most rain falls in the months between June and October. This is known as the “winter” season in this part of the world.
Personality wise you will see right away that Venezuela is a very urbanized country, especially when compared to other countries, which combine the best or rural and urban sensibilities. Even while Venezuela is urban and touristy, it also boasts a great diversity of wildlife.
What can you expect from Venezuelan cuisine? Like most other South American specialties, meat is on the menu and you can expect to eat plenty of delicious local servings such as arepas, cachapas and empanadas. The arepa is one of the most popular dishes as this is a cornmeal biscuit filled with any variety of food you choose. For drinks, be warned that some beer you may taste in Venezuela could be a bit thin with what you’re used to. On the other hand, Venezuelan-made rum is much stronger and worth the higher price. Lastly, you can ask for the desert drink chicha andina, which is a Venezuelan specialty made with pineapple and corn flour.
Major Cities In Venezuela
Caracas: The capital city and a city known for its modernism and strong commercial presence. Here is where you can find modern businesses like theaters, malls, museums, galleries, parks and colonial architectures.
Coro: Another city rich with history and colonial architecture, not to mention wonderful dusk scenery.
Ciudad Guayana: One of the country’s most organized cities in terms of business and industry. You can tour the Guri Dam and Reservoir from this city.
Maracaibo: Known for its warm temperatures, musical events, shopping malls and wonderful parks like Vereda del Lago.
Mérida: The best city for outdoor activities like the Teleférico, the longest and highest cable car, mountains Pico Bolivar or Pico Humboldt for climbing, and various other adventure activities like mountain biking, canyoning, paragliding and white-water rafting.
Puerto La Cruz: The best spot for beaches, though you might also want to check out Caribbean Mall and Plaza Mayor for some grade A shopping.
San Cristobal: Known for its mountainous valleys, beautiful green hills, waterfalls and agricultural sports.
Valencia: Industrial city but not without its natural joys, including a natural thermal hot springs resort.
Other Things To Do In Venezuela
Some of the best features of Venezuela are the city’s natural wonders. Angel Falls is the world’s highest waterfall, measuring a drop of about 978m. Along the way to the top, you can also enjoy other attractions like boat rides, walks through the jungle and lots of sightseeing. You can also relax at the Archipelago de Los Roques, a chain of islands and coral reefs in the Caribbean Sea just north of Venezuelan’s mainland. Finally, if you want to get away from the noise of the city and relax in a tranquil, more rural setting then visit Los Llanos, and enjoy taking in the beautiful flat landscapes and amazing animal life.
This prosperous country has something for everyone and taking a trip to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela won’t disappoint you. Its motto is “Glory to the Brave People” and if Venezuela is the manifested glory of the spirit of Venezuela, then it is indeed something to celebrate.
Venezuela Trivia: There is estimated to be 4.1 million television sets in Venezuela, a country with a population of 26,084,662. Looks like some Venezuelans like picking up a good book over watching recycled TV shows.