Venezuela - Useful information for your trip

Venezuela is a country located on the northern coast of South America, it is lapped by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean on the south.

It is possible to distinguish three geographical areas within the country. The northern part is characterized by mountains, here Pico de Bolivar is situated, the nation's highest point. The central part is dominated by the Llanos, wide grassy plains devoted to bovine farming and oil exploitation. The southern part is located on the Guiana Highlands, a plateau that includes some endemic plants and animals. Here, some of the highest waterfalls of the world are found such as Angel Falls. Many areas of the country were declared protected, in order to safeguard the natural beauties and the uniqueness of the biodiversity, in a land where nature is sovereign.

The weather is stable almost in the whole territory, it is characterized by a rainy season and a dry one. The heat is often mitigated by the altitude.

Venezuela was inhabitated by indigenous peoples, such as the Kalina, Auaké, Caquetio, Mariche and Timoto-cuicas untill the arrival of Cristhopher Columbus in 1498. From this date, the process of colonization and cultural mixture started. Only on 5 July 1811 did Venezuela declare its independence from the Spanish Crown.

Even today the population is quite heterogeneous, this is why the culture of the country is characterized by indigenous, African and Spanish influences. Music, dance and culinary tradition are based on the mixture of these communities. Therefore, it is common to find typical working songs or religious songs connected to the Catholic holidays; or Spanish dance such as tono llanero and joropo as well as merengue and corrido, coming from Africa.

It is possible to admire the ancient evidence of the country in the interesting archaeological sites, such as the village of Santa Ana de Coro. It is a real Baroque jewel: the town is rich in polished churches and beautiful palaces, this is why it was declared World Heritage Site by Unesco. In Venezuela also the contemporary scene boasts its own charm, so Caracas is an unmissable spot for all tourists.