INTRODUCTION TO VENEZUELA
Venezuela lies between 1° and 12° south latitude and goes from sea level to 5,007m (16,423 ft.) -- giving it everything from steamy equatorial jungles to perennially snow-capped mountains. There are dry barren deserts and lush tropical rainforests. More than 90% of the population lives in cities located in the northern part of the country. Bordered by the Caribbean Sea, Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana, Venezuela is 916,445 sq. km (352,144 sq. miles) in area and is divided into 23 states.
Venezuela lies between 1° and 12° south latitude and goes from sea level to 5,007m (16,423 ft.) -- giving it everything from steamy equatorial jungles to perennially snow-capped mountains. There are dry barren deserts and lush tropical rainforests. More than 90% of the population lives in cities located in the northern part of the country. Bordered by the Caribbean Sea, Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana, Venezuela is 916,445 sq. km (352,144 sq. miles) in area and is divided into 23 states.
Nevertheless, Christopher Columbus, on his third voyage to the New World, was inspired enough to call Venezuela "paradise on earth.". Venezuela is exceptionally rich in biological diversity and pure natural beauty. With 43 national parks and a score of other natural monuments and protected areas, it's a fabulous destination for nature lovers, bird-watchers, and adventure travelers. There's great windsurfing, scuba diving, fishing, mountain biking, mountain climbing, hiking, trekking, and river rafting. Venezuela has the world's tallest waterfall, Angel Falls; the world's highest and longest cable car in the Andean city of Mérida; and miles and miles of white-sand Caribbean beaches.
Nevertheless, Christopher Columbus, on his third voyage to the New World, was inspired enough to call Venezuela "paradise on earth.". Venezuela is exceptionally rich in biological diversity and pure natural beauty. With 43 national parks and a score of other natural monuments and protected areas, it's a fabulous destination for nature lovers, bird-watchers, and adventure travelers. There's great windsurfing, scuba diving, fishing, mountain biking, mountain climbing, hiking, trekking, and river rafting. Venezuela has the world's tallest waterfall, Angel Falls; the world's highest and longest cable car in the Andean city of Mérida; and miles and miles of white-sand Caribbean beaches.
Venezuela is the closest South American country to the United States, with some of the most frequent and affordable air connections to both the United States and Europe, and thus easily accessible to international tourists. Most of the country is connected by an excellent network of paved roads and a good internal commuter air system. Still, Venezuela is largely undiscovered by tourists. We cover the principal tourist destinations -- Caracas, Margarita, Los Llanos, Mérida and Los Andes, Los Roques, and Canaima and Angel Falls -- and will guide you to some unforgettable experiences.
Venezuela is the closest South American country to the United States, with some of the most frequent and affordable air connections to both the United States and Europe, and thus easily accessible to international tourists. Most of the country is connected by an excellent network of paved roads and a good internal commuter air system. Still, Venezuela is largely undiscovered by tourists. We cover the principal tourist destinations -- Caracas, Margarita, Los Llanos, Mérida and Los Andes, Los Roques, and Canaima and Angel Falls -- and will guide you to some unforgettable experiences.
