Venezuela is a fabulous destination. Not many countries in the world offer the range of natural beauty Venezuela does. A feast for the eyes, this South American nation features the breathtaking Andes Mountains, idyllically lush islands, turquoise-blue Caribbean waters, and vast grasslands. Venezuela is the birthplace of Simon Bolivar - who liberated several countries on the continent from oppressive Spanish rule - and many solemn tributes to the soldier and statesman are found in just about every city, town, and village. Caracas, the country’s capital, offers lots of Airbnb vacation rentals for all travelers. If you plan to venture out, there are also lots of vacation rentals in Maracaibo. So, don’t waste another second thinking about whether or not you should explore this intriguing country. Pick a place to stay and plan your itinerary now by checking out this list of the top things Venezuela is famous for.
1. Carnival of El Callao
The Carnival of El Callao is an incredible celebration that takes place from January to March in Venezuela. What makes this carnival truly special is how it honors the rich history and diverse Afro-Antillean heritage of El Callao. People dress up as characters from both history and fantasy, paying homage to the town’s cultural links.
The streets are filled with the infectious rhythm of calypso music, and the air is charged with excitement. The parades are led by the enchanting madamas, who dance gracefully in colorful dresses. Joining them are the gold miners, the medio-pintos, and the diablos who wear masks and carry whips to maintain order.
2. Maracas
Maracas have a rich cultural significance in Venezuelan llanero folklore and Latin music as a whole. They trace their roots back to the indigenous tribes of the Orinoco region, who used them for ceremonial purposes long before the arrival of the Spanish.
Maracas are classified as idiophones and oscillation instruments. They consist of spherical shells filled with percussive elements, such as seeds or small beads. When shaken, these elements strike against the inner walls of the maracas, creating a distinct rhythmic sound.
In Latin music, maracas play an essential role in providing the characteristic percussion and adding a lively, rhythmic texture to the music. They are often played in pairs, one in each hand, and their shaking motion creates a unique sound that adds to the energy and excitement of the music.
3. Natural Gas
Venezuela is known for its abundance in natural resources, like shimmering gold, and a variety of in-demand crops. However, it’s most economically rich because of the nation’s easy availability of natural gas: petroleum. This country boasts the biggest traditional oil reserves and the second-biggest natural gas reserves in the Western Hemisphere! As a result of being a central producer of petroleum products, Venezuela’s oil has become the cornerstone of its economy. Though the country’s oil production has declined in recent years, Venezuela is still a major player in the international oil-producing industry.
4. Los Roques National Park
Situated 81 miles (130 kilometers) off the central coast of Venezuela is one of the most enticing national parks on the globe: Los Roques National Park. Located in the Caribbean Sea, this archipelago park was established in 1972 with the aim of protecting and preserving the outstanding marine ecosystem comprised of coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and more. Pristine beyond measure, this is a go-to place to visit in Venezuela. A highlight is the tiny island of Cayo de Agua, where you can lounge at one of the most tempting beaches in the country. This beach offers beautiful shallow turquoise waters that are ideal for taking a casual dip or a fun snorkeling escape.
Los Roques National Park
Website: Los Roques National Park
5. Pabellón Criollo
Anyone who has been to this country would agree that what is special about Venezuela is its authentic food, especially the classic dish Pabellón Criollo.
This meal is found throughout South America and the Caribbean, and it is comprised of juicy shredded - or pulled - steak paired with fluffy rice and tasty stewed black beans. Other types of beans can be incorporated into the recipe, however, robust black beans are the main staple in Venezuela. Dynamic flavors create a delectable taste, no one should visit Venezuela without sampling this hearty dish. Pabellón Criollo is often served with delicious plantains to enhance the meal.
6. The Orinoco River
The Orinoco River is an epic body of water stretching 1,398 miles (2,250 kilometers) through dense rainforests, expansive grasslands, and submerged forests. One of the longest rivers in South America, The Orinoco River flows in a huge arc-shaped pattern from Colombia, through Venezuela, and ultimately makes its way to the vast Atlantic Ocean. This outstanding river boasts a rich and diverse plant and animal life. Avian life flourishes here with flocks of pretty flamingos, vibrantly colored parrots, and more. Some animal species that make this river home are endangered, like the Orinoco crocodile.
7. Angel Falls
A true gem of this country is the magnificent Angel Falls waterfall. Found in Canaima National Park, Angel Falls towers at a height of 3,212 feet (979 meters) with the water cascading 2,648 feet (807 meters) making an exhilarating sight! Angel Falls is considered one of the four most gorgeous waterfalls on the globe. This remote piece of Mother Nature’s creation can only be accessed via a motorized canoe or a compact plane. Tourists eager to see this rare beauty should catch a one-day boat ride from Canaima, or a sightseeing-plane flight.
8. Canaima National Park
Canaima National Park is a jewel of natural splendor made up of some of the earliest landforms on earth! This UNESCO-recognized site is immense: covering 11,583 square miles (30,000 square kilometers), making it one of the largest national parks in the world. The park is known for its many huge flat-topped mountains on grassy plains, which are often covered in an attractive mist, creating a striking otherwordly scene. A collection of waterfalls dot the beautiful landscape, and a standout activity is cooling off at the base of a waterfall at the Gran Sabana on a hot summer day
Canaima National Park
Address: Bolivar, Venezuela
Website: Canaima National Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
9. Mount Roraima
Located in Canaima National Park, Mount Roraima is one of the highest table-top mountains of the park’s collection. Sitting prominently on the park’s landscape, Mount Roraima is a huge draw for nature lovers and avid adventurers. A fascination for many, this mountain even served as inspiration for famed writer Arthur Conan Doyle’s acclaimed novel, The Lost World. Mount Roraima’s allure is understandable, given the mountain features some of the earliest geological formations on earth. Its unique character was created by the wearing away of the sea-bed matter when South America and Africa drifted apart!
10. Caroni River
Flowing the length of 591 miles (952 kilometers), the Caroni River - like The Orincoc River - is an alluring body of water on Venezuela’s terrain. The pair of rivers offer very distinct appearances, with the Caroni River being dark in color and The Orinoco River offering a muddy, yellowish hue. The rivers flow side by side for miles before they meet at a rare and visually stunning confluence: the rivers do not mesh because each has a very different chemical makeup. This dazzling phenomenon can be viewed in Ciudad Guayana - specifically between San Félix and Puerto Ordaz.
11. Beauty pageants
If you’re keeping score, Venezuela has an impressive record when it comes to winning beauty pageants. This country has captured more Miss World pageant titles than any other nation on the planet. A pageant powerhouse, Venezuela, as a matter of fact, has produced seven Miss Universe winners, seven Miss Internationals, and six Miss Worlds. Venezuela has every right to brag as it’s the only country to twice win two Big Four crowns in the span of one year: Miss Universe and Miss World in 1981 and Miss Universe and Miss Earth in 2013. Pagent popularity looms so large that Miss Universe winner Irene Sáez was elected mayor of Caracas in the early 1990s, and ran for the presidency in 1998!
12. Isla Margarita (from USD 120.0)
With picture-perfect coastal scenery and soft sandy beaches, it’s no wonder why Isla Margarita is a major tourist destination and one of the best islands in Venezuela. Aside from the impeccable beach scene, Isla Margarita offers an island oasis filled with lots of interesting history, fascinating culture, and of course, raw tropical beauty. A visit to this appealing respite will provide everything, from a tranquil afternoon surfside to a day spent learning about this island’s distinctive artisan creations. Isla Margarita - without a doubt - is a slice of heaven on earth.
Margarita Island Full-Day Tour
Duration: 8 hours
Vibrant Venezuela
Whether you’re bewitched by a mesmerizing and diverse landscape or go crazy for unique and delicious local cuisine, the good thing about Venezuela is that it never disappoints. From balmy resort islands to chilly hilltop forested jungles, this country encapsulates the best of nature’s splendidness. Don’t miss any of the popular festivals and be sure to check out the best places to visit as well. Explore a few of the spots on this list and you’re sure to have an unforgettable South American escapade.
Frequently asked questions about things Venezuela is famous for
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to