Sucre Travel Guide (Northeast/Venezuela/South America)

Introduction to Sucre

Sucre, located in the northeast region of Venezuela, is a charming and culturally rich state. The state was named after Antonio Jose de Sucre, who fought alongside Simon Bolivar for Venezuela’s independence from Spain. Sucre has a lot to offer to anyone who wants to experience its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

In this comprehensive travel guide, you will find a list of the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and how to get around in Sucre.

List of Places to Visit in Sucre

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Museo Histórico de Cumaná: This museum is located in the capital city of Sucre, Cumaná. It displays a collection of artifacts and documents that showcase the history of the region.
Castillo de San Antonio de la Eminencia: This castle was built in the 17th century to protect the city and is located in the Gulf of Cariaco.
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption: This cathedral is located in Cumaná and is the largest religious building in the state. It was built in the 18th century and features stunning architecture and artwork.
Cueva del Guácharo National Park: This park is located in the mountainous region of Sucre and is home to the Guacharo birds.
Playa Medina: This beach is located near the town of Araya and is known for its crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand.

Natural Attractions of Sucre: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Pui Puy National Park: This national park is located in the eastern part of Sucre and is home to a variety of flora and fauna.
Mochima National Park: Located on the coast of Sucre, this national park is a great place to go snorkeling, diving, or hiking.
Ciénaga de Copey: This lagoon is located in the western part of Sucre and is a great spot for bird watching.
El Cuchivano: This mountain is located near Cariaco and offers great hiking and scenic views of the surrounding areas.
La Salina Beach: Located near the city of Carupano, this beach is famous for its crystal clear waters, shallow pools, and white sand.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sucre

Sucre is a great place for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Some of the popular routes include:

Pui Puy National Park: There are several hiking trails in the park that take you through the dense forest, past waterfalls, and over rocky cliffs.
Mochima National Park: This park has several trails that provide stunning views of the coast and lead to secluded beaches.
El Cuchivano: The hike up El Cuchivano offers breathtaking views of the surrounding areas.
Guaykuru Trail: This trail takes you through the mountains of Sucre and offers stunning views of the Gulf of Cariaco.

Best Things to Do in Sucre: Activities and Tours

There’s no shortage of fun and exciting things to do in Sucre. Here are some of the best activities and tours:

Snorkeling and Diving: Sucre’s coast is home to a variety of marine life and is a great place for snorkeling and diving.
Horseback Riding: Explore the countryside on horseback and enjoy scenic views of the surrounding areas.
Boat Tours: Take a boat tour along the coast and explore the numerous beaches and bays in the area.
Fishing: Sucre is a great place for fishing enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
City Tours: Take a guided tour of the city of Cumaná and learn about its rich history and culture.

Week-Long Itinerary for Sucre

Here’s a week-long itinerary to help you make the most of your time in Sucre:

Day	Activities
Day 1	Visit Cumaná and explore its many historical sites and museums
Day 2	Visit Mochima National Park and go snorkeling or diving
Day 3	Take a boat tour along the coast and explore the numerous beaches and bays
Day 4	Go hiking in Pui Puy National Park
Day 5	Horseback ride through the countryside
Day 6	Visit La Cueva del Guácharo National Park and go bird watching
Day 7	Relax on the beach at Playa Medina

Food and Drink Scene of Sucre

Must-Try Dishes

Sucre’s cuisine is a blend of indigenous, African, and Spanish influences. Some of the must-try dishes include:

Asado negro: A slow-cooked beef roast in a rich, sweet sauce
Pabellón criollo: A dish of shredded beef, black beans, rice, and fried plantains
Cachapas: Sweet corn pancakes stuffed with cheese
Arepa: A type of cornmeal patty that can be filled with a variety of ingredients

Local Beverages

Papelón con limón: A refreshing drink made with raw sugar and lime juice
Chicha: A fermented corn drink that is sweet and refreshing
Cocuy: A strong alcoholic beverage made from distilled cactus juice

Where to Stay in Sucre: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Sucre has a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Here are some of the best places to stay:

Posada La Casa de Mis Viejos: This guesthouse is located in Cumaná and offers comfortable rooms and a great location.
Casa de Campo: Located in the countryside near Carúpano, this hotel offers beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere.
Posada Villa del Carmen: This guesthouse is located in the town of Carúpano and offers comfortable rooms and a great location.
Gran Hotel Guacharo: This hotel is located in the city of Cumaná and offers spacious rooms and a great location.
Hotel California: This hotel is located near the beach in Carúpano and offers comfortable rooms and a great location.

What to Buy in Sucre: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Sucre is known for its arts and crafts, including pottery, woodcarvings, and woven goods. Some of the best souvenirs to bring home from Sucre include:

Ceramics: Sucre is known for its pottery, with many shops selling handmade bowls, mugs, and other decorative items.
Carvings: Many artisans in Sucre create beautiful carved wooden objects, including figurines, bowls, and spoons.
Textiles: Sucre is also known for its woven goods, including blankets, rugs, and table runners.
Jewelry: Many artisans in Sucre create unique and beautiful jewelry, made from a variety of materials including silver, gold, and copper.

Local Culture and Customs of Sucre

Sucre has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its indigenous, African, and Spanish roots. Some of the customs and traditions in Sucre include:

Dancing: The state of Sucre is known for its vibrant dance traditions, including salsa, merengue, and joropo.
Religious Festivals: Sucre celebrates a variety of religious festivals throughout the year, including Semana Santa (Holy Week) and the Feast of Corpus Christi.
Crafts: The state has a rich tradition of arts and crafts, with many artisans creating beautiful pottery, woodcarvings, and woven goods.

Best Time to Visit Sucre

The best time to visit Sucre is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. During this time, the weather is warm and dry, making it perfect for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sucre

Do:

Learn some Spanish: While many people in Sucre speak English, it’s always helpful to know some Spanish.
Respect local customs and traditions: Sucre has a rich cultural heritage, and it’s important to respect local customs and traditions.
Try new foods: Sucre has a vibrant food scene, and trying new dishes is a great way to experience the local culture.

Don’t:

Drink tap water: It’s best to stick to bottled water in Sucre to avoid getting sick.
Litter: Sucre is a beautiful state, and it’s important to help keep it that way by not littering.

Safety and Health

Safety in Sucre

Sucre is generally a safe state, but it’s always important to take precautions while traveling. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

Avoid walking alone at night: Stick to well-lit, populated areas if you need to walk at night.
Be aware of your surroundings: Keep an eye on your surroundings and belongings, especially in crowded areas.
Take precautions while swimming: Make sure to follow safety guidelines while swimming, especially in areas with strong currents or undertows.

Health in Sucre

It’s always important to take precautions to stay healthy while traveling. Here are some tips:

Drink bottled water: Stick to bottled water to avoid getting sick from tap water.
Use sunscreen: Sucre is near the equator, so it’s important to use sunscreen to avoid getting sunburned.
Bring mosquito repellent: Dengue fever is a risk in some parts of Venezuela, so it’s important to protect yourself against mosquito bites.

Getting to Sucre: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Sucre

The nearest airport to Sucre is General José Francisco Bermúdez Airport (CUM), which is located in the city of Cumaná.

Bus Stations Near Sucre

Sucre is well-connected by bus to other parts of Venezuela. The main bus station in Cumaná is Terminal de Pasajeros de Cumaná.

Other Options

There are also several ferry services that operate between Sucre and nearby islands, including Margarita Island and Cubagua Island.

How to Get Around in Sucre

The best way to get around Sucre is by car or by bus. There are several car rental companies located in Cumaná, and buses are available to most destinations in the state.

Where to Go Next from Sucre: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Sucre is located near several other popular destinations in Venezuela. Here are some places you might want to consider visiting:

Isla Margarita: This island off the northeastern coast of Venezuela is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife.
Canaima National Park: This national park is home to Angel Falls, the world’s highest waterfall, and is a great place for hiking and outdoor activities.
Mérida: Located in the Andes Mountains, Mérida is known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities, including hiking and skiing.

Conclusion

Sucre is a beautiful and culturally rich state, with plenty of activities and attractions to suit all interests. Whether you’re interested in exploring the natural beauty of the region or learning about its rich history and culture, Sucre is sure to leave a lasting impression. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has been helpful in planning your trip to Sucre.

Mochima National Park