Northwest Travel Guide

Discover the culturally rich and adventurous northwest Venezuela with our helpful travel guide. From hiking routes to food and drink scenes, we have got you covered!


Introduction to Northwest

Nestled in the western corner of Venezuela, Northwest is a region renowned for its rich history, natural beauty, and diverse culture. This area is home to a fascinating blend of indigenous, Spanish, and African cultures, and visitors can explore everything from pre-Columbian ruins to modern museums. The region’s rugged terrain offers opportunities for outdoor adventures like hiking and biking, and there is no shortage of scenic views to behold.

List of Places to Visit in Northwest

Here are some must-visit places in Northwest for a fulfilling and satisfying trip:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Casa de Morales: This 19th-century mansion is now a living museum. Visitors can observe costumed characters and admire artifacts from the colonial era.
  • Museum of Contemporary Art Zulia (MACZUL): Located in Maracaibo, this museum houses 1800+ works of art by renowned artists from all over the world.
  • Coro Historic Center: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Coro’s historic center has over 600 buildings of colonial architecture.
  • Cuarenta Park: Located in St. Lucia, this park houses the ruins of a pre-Columbian fortress.

Natural Attractions of Northwest: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Pico del Aguila: This mountain peak offers the best views of the surrounding area. Visitors can take a cable car to the top.
  • Merida Cable Car: The world’s highest cable car system, it takes passengers up to 4765 meters above sea level.
  • Los Aleros: This replica of the town of Sanare gives visitors a glimpse into the past.
  • Medanos de Coro National Park: Explore miles of sand dunes on a Jeep tour!

Hiking/Biking Routes of Northwest

Northwest has some of Venezuela’s best hiking routes and mountain biking trails. Here are some of the best:

  • Sierra de Perija: Explore the region’s highest peak on an epic hike through Andean foothills.
  • Sierra Nevada National Park: A hiker’s paradise, the park has a variety of trails for all skill levels.
  • La Azulita: For a less challenging hike, La Azulita’s trails are perfect.
  • Mountain Biking Around Merida: The foothills of the Andes offer superb trails for Andes adventurers who love to bike.

Best Things to Do in Northwest: Activities and Tours

When in Northwest, there is never a dull moment. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Horseback Riding at Los Llanos: A unique experience that takes you on a journey through the vast and stunning Los Llanos plains.
  • Canopy and Zipline Tours: An amazing adrenaline rush, this zipline tour takes you over the beautiful mountains.
  • Whale Watching in Merida: A journey to Merida will stand you great chances of seeing Humpback Dolphins and Whales!
  • Beach Day in Parque Nacional Morrocoy: Known for its unbeatable beauty and calm waters, it is the perfect getaway for relaxation.

Week-Long Itinerary for Northwest

Here’s a sample itinerary, perfect for a week-long stay in Northwest.

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore a traditional village like Cajas, Pueblos de Cuba or San Rafael and enjoy a typically authentic lunch.
Day 2 Visit the beaches of Morrocoy National Park and indulge in snorkeling.
Day 3 Journey through the Andes on a hike or bike ride.
Day 4 Explore Maracaibo and visit the MACZUL or the Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Chiquinquira.
Day 5 Take an early morning drive to Coro or enjoy sunrise from the top of the Pico de Aguila.
Day 6 Visit the Los Llanos Plains for a fun-filled day of Safari and birdwatching.
Day 7 Explore Merida and check out the World’s Highest and longest cable car system.

Food and Drink Scene of Northwest

Northwest’s food culture is characterized by its indigenously inspired dishes that reflect the influence of Spanish culture. Don’t miss our delicious and must-try dishes.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Arepas: A staple food, these Venezuelan corn cakes come stuffed with various flavors such as cheese, chorizo, chicken or meat.
  2. Hallacas: Hallacas are the star of the Christmas menu. A cornmeal based dough is stuffed with pork, beef, chicken or vegetarian fillings, seasoned with olives, raisins and wrapped in banana leaves before being steamed.
  3. Pabellon Criollo: A combination of rice, beans, shredded beef and fried plantains topped with cheese.
  4. Tostones: Fried slices of green plantain, Tostones come usually accompanied with guacamole or dip.

Local Beverages

  1. Beer: Venezuela’s premium beer brands are SuperBock, Regional, Polar or Tovar.
  2. Coffee: Northwest grows some of the finest coffee in the world. Make sure you grab the opportunity and try some authentic, aromatic coffee.
  3. Cocuy: This traditional fermented beverage is usually distilled from the agave plant.

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

Here are some options of accommodation for a comfortable stay:

  • Hotel Victoria, Merida: A hotel with all amenities and located near the city center.
  • Casa Grande Surf Hostel, Choroni: A hostel with free wifi and breakfast, located near the village’s beach.
  • Guest House Marina Tours, Coro: A simple guest house providing good service at an affordable rate.

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

Here are some souvenirs you can take back home as reminiscents:

  • Traditional clothing items: A dress or clothing of Wayuu people.
  • Handmade crafts: From handmade pottery to hats made from local plantain and breadfruit leaves.
  • Coffee or Honey: Take Northwest’s best coffee and honey with you as a gift for your loved ones.

Local Culture and Customs of Northwest

The local culture of Northwest is a fusion of its various indigenous, African, and Spanish influences. The people of this region are warm and hospitable. Tipping for good service is customary in most places.

Best Time to Visit Northwest

The best time to visit Northwest is between December and May when the weather is pleasant, and the skies are mostly clear.

Do’s and Don’ts of Northwest

Do:

  1. Treat the locals with respect and kindness.
  2. Venture into the region’s rural communities to appreciate their culture.
  3. Take your time exploring and fully immerse yourself in the area’s scenic beauty.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t travel alone, especially at night.
  2. Don’t engage in illegal activities such as drug use and trafficking.
  3. Don’t disrespect historical sites and natural areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Northwest

While traveling in Northwest, always remain aware of your surroundings. Keep your valuables safe and exercise caution when travelling to rural communities in remote areas.

Health in Northwest

Venezuela does not have a perfect record when it comes to health care. It is important to have travel insurance to cover medical expenses and vaccinations against common diseases like Hepatitis A and B and Typhoid.

Getting to Northwest: Transportation Options and Logistics

There are various transportation options for accessing Northwest.

Airports Near Northwest

  1. Manuel Carlos Piar Airport (PZO): Ciudad Guayana is the closest airport to the eastern part of Northwest.
  2. Jacinto Lara International Airport (BRM): For easier access to the Maracaibo region of Northwest.

Bus Stations Near Northwest

  1. Bus Terminal La Bandera (Caracas): Buses travel all over the country, including Northwest from here.
  2. Bus Terminal Maracaibo: A high option for travelers who already arrived in Venezuela and are traveling from Maracaibo.

Other Options

There are various car rental facilities available in the cities and airports of Venezuela.

How to Get Around in Northwest

Public transportation is limited in the Northwest region, so renting a car or hiring a driver is recommended. However, most attractions are accessible by taxi.

Where to Go Next from Northwest: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some ideas for some fantastic excursions nearby Northwest:

  • Catatumbo River: This river ends at Maracaibo and is known for its lightning shows that occur every night.
  • Los Roques National Park: Escape tourist crowds and visit this amazing park to enjoy serene crystal clear waters.
  • Angel Falls: A must-visit attraction and the biggest waterfall in the world!

Conclusion

Northwest is a beautiful region waiting to be explored, with its mountains, sea, and culture ready to take your breath away. Its rich history, cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes make it a perfect tourism destination spot in Venezuela. Your visit to this enchanting region will surely leave you with long-lasting memories and experiences that will not disappoint!



    Falcón
    Lara