5-Day Venezuela Itinerary
Venezuela is a country full of breathtaking natural wonders and rich culture. This 5-day guide will take you through some key stops where you can experience the open beauty of the country’s landscapes as well as its vibrant urban life. We’ll keep it relaxed, giving you flexibility to take your time exploring each spot without feeling rushed.
Day 1: Arrival in Caracas
Kick things off by arriving in Caracas, Venezuela’s capital city. Once you’ve settled in, take it easy and explore the city’s vibe. Caracas can feel a little chaotic, but it holds a lot of history and culture worth exploring.
Explore Plaza Bolívar
Start your day at Plaza Bolívar, the central square in Caracas. It’s named after Venezuela’s national hero, Simón Bolívar. The square is busy with locals relaxing or chatting, and it’s great for people-watching. The surrounding colonial buildings make this one of the city’s most iconic spots.
Nearby, you can also visit the Bolívar House Museum. This small museum is dedicated to Bolívar’s life and achievements. It doesn’t take long to get through, so it’s perfect for a quick stop to learn some history.
Ride the Teleférico to El Ávila
In the afternoon, head to the Teleférico de Caracas, a cable car that climbs up Mount Ávila. The ride gives you amazing views of the city below and the Caribbean Sea in the distance. At the top, there are hiking trails and places to grab a quick snack. It’s the best way to get out of the hectic city for a bit and reconnect with nature without going too far.
Day 2: Explore Choroní
Leave Caracas early in the morning and head to Choroní, a small town located about 2.5-3 hours from Caracas. It’s a local favorite, known for its beaches and a laid-back vibe. The drive itself is scenic, with lush greenery along the way as you pass through the Henry Pittier National Park.
Relax on Playa Grande
One of the best things to do in Choroní is relax at Playa Grande. This wide sandy beach is perfect for swimming or just lounging around. Grab a cold drink from one of the beachside vendors and enjoy some downtime with the sound of the waves crashing in the background.
Explore the Town of Choroní
The town itself is small but charming, with colorful colonial buildings lining its streets. It’s perfect for an afternoon stroll. There are a few local cafes where you can grab a coffee or snack to refuel after your beach day. Choroní has a relaxed pace, and you’ll feel it in how the town moves through its day.
Day 3: Visit the Natural Wonders of Canaima National Park
Day 3 is the big adventure. Today, you’ll take a flight from Caracas or Maracay to Canaima, the gateway to one of Venezuela’s most famous attractions: Angel Falls. You’ll want to book this excursion in advance, as flights to Canaima can be limited.
Tour around Canaima Lagoon
Once you arrive in Canaima, spend the first part of your day exploring Canaima Lagoon. The lagoon is surrounded by waterfalls and is a place of incredible beauty. You can take a boat ride to get closer to the waterfalls and hike around some of the smaller surrounding falls.
See Angel Falls
The afternoon is dedicated to a boat trip to Angel Falls. Known as the world’s highest waterfall, Angel Falls drops almost 1,000 meters. The excursion typically includes small boat rides through jungle rivers and a hike that takes you to a viewpoint of the falls. If you make it here, it’s a day you will never forget.
Day 4: In and Around Mérida
Now it’s time to fly west and explore Mérida, a city located at the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Mérida is much cooler compared to Caracas because of its altitude, and it’s an ideal spot to experience Venezuela’s adventurous side.
Take the Cable Car up to Pico Espejo
Mérida has one of the longest and highest cable cars in the world: the Teleférico de Mérida. It’ll take you up to Pico Espejo, which sits at over 4,000 meters. The views from the top are epic. If you’re feeling energized, spend some time walking around the trails at the summit before heading back down.
Explore the City
Once back in the city, take a walk through Mérida’s cozy colonial streets. Check out Plaza Bolívar (yes, another one!) and try some of the local food. Mérida has some great local restaurants and the ice cream parlor Heladería Coromoto, which once held a Guinness World Record for its hundreds of unique ice cream flavors.
Day 5: Los Llanos Safari
For the final day, travel from Mérida to Los Llanos. These are vast savannas known for its wildlife. This region is quite flat, and the landscapes here are totally different from the forests of Canaima or the mountains of Mérida.
Go on a Wildlife Tour
In Los Llanos, you’ll typically join a safari tour. There’s a lot to see, including capybaras, caimans, anacondas, and hundreds of bird species. Try to join an early morning or late afternoon tour when wildlife activity is at its peak. The open space and peaceful atmosphere of Los Llanos create a nice contrast to everything else you’ve seen on the trip.
Catch the Sunset
Wrap up your stay by enjoying the sunset in Los Llanos. As the day ends, the orange and pink hues over the expansive plains are the perfect way to close out your Venezuela adventure. Once you’ve taken in the view, head back to your accommodation to relax before departing from Venezuela.
That’s it for this 5-day journey through Venezuela. It’s enough time to visit some iconic places, while still enjoying a variety of landscapes and cultures without being rushed. Venezuela may not be on everyone’s travel list, but it’s a hidden gem for those willing to explore beyond the well-trodden paths.
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