Pass The Passport

Places / South America

Venezuela

Visited

At a glance

Region
South America
Capital
Caracas
Population
28.5 million (2025)
Area
916,445 km²
Languages
Spanish
Currency
Venezuelan bolívar soberano (VES)
Drives on the
right
Calling code
+58
Visited: Venezuela

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Before you go

Overview

Venezuela sits on the Caribbean coast of South America, with the Andes, the Orinoco Delta and the table-top mountains of the Gran Sabana.

History

Venezuela was the birthplace of Simón Bolívar, who led independence movements across the continent. It became independent in 1821, and oil discoveries in the 20th century transformed its economy.

Food & culture

Arepas, pabellón criollo (shredded beef, rice, beans and plantain) and hallacas at Christmas are national favourites.

Wildlife

Los Llanos is one of the best places in South America to see capybaras, caimans, anacondas and anteaters.

Festivals & events

The Diablos Danzantes de Yare on Corpus Christi are recognised by UNESCO.

Things to see

Angel Falls, Canaima National Park, Mount Roraima, Los Roques archipelago and Los Llanos.

Interesting facts

Angel Falls is the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall. Venezuela has the largest proven oil reserves in the world.

City guides

Cities & towns I’ve visited

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Venezuela

2 of 3 visited. See every site I've been to.

My videos from Venezuela

  • Capybaras in Los Llanos, Venezuela
    Los Llanos, Venezuela

  • Anaconda in the wild, Venezuela
    Los Llanos, Venezuela

My photos from Venezuela

March 2016 Overlanding South America - Tucan

Mérida, Canaima, Misión Venezolana de los Llanos Centrales, Bolívar

Whole trip gallery
  • A scarlet macaw with red, blue and yellow feathers walking through the grass
  • A man waving on a rock above a calm lagoon with forest on the far shore.
  • A man raising one arm while standing in water beneath a waterfall.
  • A man crouching in green vegetation with a large anaconda coiled at his feet.
  • A man crouching among leaves with a coiled anaconda in the foreground.
  • A man in a wetsuit and helmet abseiling down a rock face beside a waterfall.
  • A man with a rucksack on a grassy ridge between fence posts above a valley.
  • A man in a wetsuit and helmet abseiling into a mossy gorge.
  • A man in a wetsuit and helmet with arms out under a pounding waterfall.
  • A man in a wetsuit and helmet sliding down a rocky waterfall chute.
  • A man in a helmet standing on rocks at the foot of a tall waterfall in a gorge.
  • A man with a rucksack holding a helmet on a hillside above the city of Mérida.

Plan your trip to Venezuela

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Neighbours

Bucket List goals in Venezuela