Another Spanish colonial settlement turned modern tourist city is Caracas, the capital city of Venezuela. This is the gateway city for any travellers coming here from abroad, and you can stretch your legs out in any direction should your travels take you beyond the edges of the city.
Venezuela is a unique South American country. The name literally translates to “Little Venice” in Spanish, and this country is absolutely stunning. There are kilometres of Caribbean beaches stretching across the horizon, mountains towering above the surrounding landscape, and even a patch of desert along with reaches of the Amazon rainforest. Venezuela also hosts the Gran Sabana National Park where the famous Angel Falls are located.
Caracas is a traveller’s city. Accommodation abounds, travel is easy, and the food is beyond words. Nestled in a long, thin valley with the majestic Avila Mountain looming over everything, Caracas is quite simply a marvel to behold. The city’s night life is booming, and with your choice of mountains or beach to explore, you simply have to decide before you step out your hotel door.
As a British citizen you don’t need a visa to visit Venezuela for up to 90 days. You can simply come on your passport, so long as you are here for tourism only. As with most South America trips, you will likely want to stay away from renting cars and just take buses or rent taxis. Traffic is entirely too congested and drivers are aggressive to the point of idiocy by modern standards.
You can easily bring both your hiking gear and your beach clothing and still experience all that Venezuela has to offer while staying in Caracas. This jewel of South America will leave an impression that will not fade soon.