Day 1: Arrival in Caracas
Welcome to Venezuela! Land in Caracas, the bustling capital full of history, culture, and energy. After you check in at your hotel, take it easy and stretch your legs by exploring the streets of Las Mercedes. It’s a great area for finding trendy cafes and getting a first taste of Venezuelan food. Try “arepas”–you’ll want these delicious corn cakes stuffed with meats, cheeses, or avocado throughout the whole trip.
After grabbing a bite to eat, walk to Plaza Bolivar to soak in some history. This square honors Simon Bolivar, the leader of Latin American independence. Check out the surrounding colonial buildings, including the Caracas Cathedral.
In the evening, relax back at your hotel. You’ll want to be well-rested for the days ahead!
Day 2: Caracas to Canaima National Park
On your second day, head to the airport and fly to Canaima National Park. It’s one of Venezuela’s natural gems and a must-see for adventurers and nature lovers. The park is the gateway to Angel Falls, the highest waterfall in the world!
Once you arrive, settle in at a local lodge with a view of the stunning lagoon, and relax for the afternoon. Take a guided boat tour around the lagoon. You’ll see waterfalls like El Hacha that spill directly into the river.
Enjoy your first night in the Amazon with a hearty Venezuelan dinner.
Day 3: Visit Angel Falls

Today is all about adventure! After an early breakfast, embark on a full-day boat trip upriver to Angel Falls. The trip itself is an experience, with views of the jungle and impressive table-top mountains (called “tepuis”).
Arriving at Angel Falls will leave you speechless. There’s nothing like seeing the water fall from such a height. Take your time hiking to the base of the falls, swimming in the pools below, and snapping some once-in-a-lifetime photos.
Return to your lodge by boat before nightfall, exhausted but happy from a day of adventure.
Day 4: Back to Caracas
After a few days of jungle exploration, fly back to Caracas. Use the afternoon and evening to relax and recover from your adventure. Spend the evening at one of the city’s lively rooftop bars, like La Quinta Bar in Altamira. Enjoy the view of the Caracas skyline as you sip on a local rum cocktail.
Get a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow, you’ll be heading to the coast!
Day 5: Choroní and Playa Grande
Today, leave the city behind and head for Choroní, a coastal town known for its beaches and Afro-Venezuelan culture. The drive takes around 3-4 hours, but the road winds through the lush Henri Pittier National Park, so the journey itself is scenic.
Once you arrive, dump your bags at your guesthouse, put on your swimsuit, and walk to Playa Grande. This is one of the best beaches in the area–golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and small huts selling fresh fish or cold beers.

End the day by strolling through the colonial center of Choroní. Pick a restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood while listening to live drums, an essential part of this region’s Afro-Venezuelan culture.
Day 6: Boat Trip to Chuao
Wake up early for a boat trip to Chuao, a small town famous for its cacao fields. The boat ride along the coast is stunning, and once you get there, you can take a tour of the cacao plantation and learn about the chocolate-making process.
Chuao is also home to a beautiful beach. Spend a few hours in the water, or just lay back on the sand. Don’t miss the chance to buy some local chocolate before heading back.
Return to Choroní in the afternoon and relax. You’ll have time to explore more of the town’s lively streets at night.

Day 7: Relax and Explore Puerto Colombia
Take it easy today. Spend time at Playa Grande again or take a short hike to other nearby smaller beaches.
In the afternoon, visit Puerto Colombia, Choroní’s charming port area. Buy some handmade souvenirs, grab a fresh coconut drink, or enjoy a late lunch at a restaurant with a view of the ocean.
End your day by watching the sunset–this area has some of the most beautiful sunsets on the Venezuelan coast!

Day 8: Mérida – A Mountain Retreat
Today, fly or take a bus to Mérida, a city in the Andean mountains. Mérida is known for its cool climate and stunning surroundings.
After you arrive, ride the famous Mérida Cable Car, the longest and highest in the world! It takes you up to Pico Espejo, where you can see the surrounding mountains and even some snow-capped peaks.
Once you’re back down, spend the evening wandering through Mérida’s town center. Visit Plaza Bolívar and try traditional Andean food. Don’t miss “gozón,” a savory cornmeal dish popular in this region.
Day 9: Los Llanos Wildlife Safari
Start your journey early with a guided tour from Mérida to Los Llanos, Venezuela’s vast grassland savanna. This region is a paradise for wildlife lovers, with caimans, capybaras, anacondas, and hundreds of bird species calling it home.
After arriving at a wildlife camp, spend the afternoon on a safari, either by boat or jeep. Keep your eyes peeled for river dolphins and jaguars!
Return to camp in the evening for a BBQ and overnight stay. Nothing beats falling asleep to the sounds of nature in Los Llanos.
Day 10: Return to Mérida
Spend your last morning in Los Llanos enjoying one more safari. You might catch a glimpse of animals you missed yesterday.
After lunch, head back to Mérida. On your last night, celebrate the end of your trip with good food, some local aguardiente (anise-flavored alcohol), and maybe some live music in one of the local Andean-style bars.
Bonus Tips
Keep Your Trip Flexible
Venezuela is full of natural attractions, and sometimes activities are a bit unpredictable due to weather, especially in the jungle or coastal areas. Build in some buffer days to truly relax and explore at your own pace.
Be Cautious But Enjoy Everything
Venezuela is a beautiful country but has some safety concerns. Stick to known tourist areas, use licensed transportation, and ask the locals for advice on where to go and what to avoid.
Bring Cash
Bringing US dollars is recommended, as getting cash from ATMs can be difficult. Most places accept dollars, especially in touristy areas.
Conclusion
Venezuela offers a wealth of experiences, from lush rainforests to stunning beaches and exciting wildlife. This 10-day itinerary lets you see the best places while allowing time to relax and soak in the local culture. Whether it’s trekking to Angel Falls or relaxing by the ocean in Choroní, your trip to Venezuela will be something you’ll never forget.
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