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VENEZUELA - AN OVERVIEW OF THE COUNTRY
Lying north of Brazil, west of Guyana and east of Colombia is Venezuela, described by Christopher Columbus as ‘paradise on earth’. The country is famous for its bio-diversity and for featuring South America’s largest lake, its third-longest river and the world’s highest waterfall (Angel Falls). With chances to witness both beautiful sandy Caribbean beaches and snow-topped Andean mountains, it’s not difficult to see why Venezuela is a favourite among South America’s established holiday destinations.
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PLACES TO VISIT IN VENEZUELA
CARACAS, the country’s capital, is a city of stark contrasts, with scenes of extreme affluence juxtaposed with those of abject poverty. The city has some impressive museums such as the Museo Bolivariano, the Museum of Colonial Art and the Sofía Imber Museum of Contemporary Art. Iglesia de San Francisco is also notable, famous for having seen Bolívar proclaimed El Libertador in 1813 and for being the site at which the same historic character was laid to rest in 1842.
Visit in February and you’ll get to experience the four-day lively carnival known as Mardi Gras, which is celebrated country-wide, though Caracas is home to the most vibrant celebrations.
BEACHES: For the best in the country’s beach resorts, take a trip to the Caribbean coast where miles of golden sandy strips and opportunities for sailing, snorkelling, scuba diving and fishing await. Take a quick boat ride to Isla de Margarita, just 40kms off the coast, for some of the most aesthetically pleasing ocean and beach scenery.
NATIONAL PARKS: More in the way of eye-pleasing sights can be found at the country’s 40 or so national parks, some of which have been made more accessible to tourists with the addition of signage and well established walking tracks, such as Parque Nacional El Vila. Others like Guatopo, Terepaima and San Esteban present untouched wildernesses and necessitate a good knowledge of trekking and associated skills.
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VENEZUELA - GETTING THERE FROM THE UK
Venezuela is best reached by flying into Caracas Maiquetía International Airport. There are daily connections from major US cities as well as flights from France, Spain and Italy. From the UK, the best option may be to fly via Madrid with Iberia Airlines or Paris with Air France.
The alternative, if you are already in South America, is to travel overland. Buses travel daily from Colombia to Venezuela although this option comes with an element of danger and involves a long and arduous journey.
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VENEZUELA - QUICK FACTS
The population of Venezuela is roughly 25 million people.
The main language is Spanish.
The local currency of Venezuela is the Bolivar (VEB).
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