With one million inhabitants, sunny Caracas is Venezuela's largest city, it's capital, and the center of industry, government, cuisine, and culture.
The colonial city of Caracas was founded in 1567 as Santiago de León de Caracas by Diego Losada. Its history was a tumultuous one with several major earthquakes and a long series of pirate attacks that drastically altered the city as we know it.
The natural beauty that is interwoven with the city is just as attractive. The city itself lies in a lush green valley and is overlooked by the 7800 ft. Mt. Avila. The crystal blue waters of the Caribbean Sea are only minutes away.
The caraqueños are a friendly, talkative, sometimes aggressive bunch. There are several dangerous parts of the city that should be avoided and several scams that any tourist needs to look out for, however most will not run into any problems.
The major sights of Caracas are found on and around the shady Plaza Bolivar. The Catedral, San Francisco church, Bolivar's birthplace, and the capital building are some of the colonial quarter's best sights. Also check out Basilica Menor Santa Capilla, which was modeled after Saint Chappelle in Paris. For museums head over to Plaza Morelos where there are several to choose from.
For shopping try the craft village at El Hatillo to the south or Mercadito de Chacao and Mercado Guacaipuro for the traditional market experience.
The best way to get around is by the city's Metro system, which provides a cheap and easy way to get to the city's major destinations. Although not Aeropuerto Internacional de Maiquetía Simón Bolívar, which I will report on next week. To get between there and the city you must go by taxi which will run you about $20-25. Cruise ships often stop at the city's port, located in nearby La Guaira.
Booking.com
The city is home to several major festivals such as Carnaval, Semana Santa, the Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria, and the El Hatillo music festival. If you visit during these times be sure to reserve your rooms well in advance.
Author John Muroto
The colonial city of Caracas was founded in 1567 as Santiago de León de Caracas by Diego Losada. Its history was a tumultuous one with several major earthquakes and a long series of pirate attacks that drastically altered the city as we know it.
The natural beauty that is interwoven with the city is just as attractive. The city itself lies in a lush green valley and is overlooked by the 7800 ft. Mt. Avila. The crystal blue waters of the Caribbean Sea are only minutes away.
The caraqueños are a friendly, talkative, sometimes aggressive bunch. There are several dangerous parts of the city that should be avoided and several scams that any tourist needs to look out for, however most will not run into any problems.
The major sights of Caracas are found on and around the shady Plaza Bolivar. The Catedral, San Francisco church, Bolivar's birthplace, and the capital building are some of the colonial quarter's best sights. Also check out Basilica Menor Santa Capilla, which was modeled after Saint Chappelle in Paris. For museums head over to Plaza Morelos where there are several to choose from.
For shopping try the craft village at El Hatillo to the south or Mercadito de Chacao and Mercado Guacaipuro for the traditional market experience.
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The best way to get around is by the city's Metro system, which provides a cheap and easy way to get to the city's major destinations. Although not Aeropuerto Internacional de Maiquetía Simón Bolívar, which I will report on next week. To get between there and the city you must go by taxi which will run you about $20-25. Cruise ships often stop at the city's port, located in nearby La Guaira.
Booking.com
The city is home to several major festivals such as Carnaval, Semana Santa, the Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria, and the El Hatillo music festival. If you visit during these times be sure to reserve your rooms well in advance.
Author John Muroto
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