Top 5 Things to Do in Venezuela
(by Vincent)

Venezuela has Andean Peaks, a dense Amazonian rainforest, and the longest stretch of tropical Caribbean coastline in South America, so it's as beautiful as it is varied, full of South American treasures and unique experiences. If you're planning a trip through this country be sure not to miss these highlights.

Enjoy the beaches at El Parque Nacional Mochima (Mochima National Park). If you're searching for endless sunshine and beautiful Caribbean beaches, El Parque Nacional Mochima is the place to find it. Situated on the Northeastern coastline of the country, this marine park encompasses the entire shoreline between Puerto La Cruz and Cumana as well as 32 offshore islands. With craggy cliffs plunging into the cerulean Caribbean, white, sandy beaches, and lush jungle vegetation this park is home to some of the Caribbean's most stunning landscapes. Some of the park's beaches, such as Play Los Hicacos, are home to gorgeous coral reefs.

Visit Angel Falls. The world's tallest uninterrupted waterfall, Angel Falls plummets from an impressive 2,648 feet over the edge of the Auyantepui Mountain in their Canaima National Park. The falls are poetically known as Kerepakupai Vena, meaning "waterfall of the deepest place", or Parakupa Vena, meaning "the fall from the highest point," in the indigenous Pemon language.

However, if you're planning a trip to this UNESCO World Heritage Site keep in mind that it can be quite a complicated affair. The falls are located deep within the Amazonian jungle region of Venezuela, towards the country's border with Brazil. You'll need to get to the falls via a boat trip up the Gauja River, a trip that is only possible during the rainy season.

Eat a meal at Alto. For the best food in Caracas head to Alto, the brainchild of renowned chef Carlos Garcia. With Euro-Catalonian dishes made from a variety of local Venezuelan ingredients, this restaurant provides a unique take on traditional Venezuelan cuisine.

Wander through El Museo Bolivariano. Simon Bolivar is one of the most important figures of the Latin American independence movement, a key political and military leader who played a crucial role in the founding of the first Hispanic-American Republic. Caracas's Museo Bolivariano provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of this important figure and the fight for independence. The museum displays a plethora of important independence memorabilia, including documents and letters written by the infamous Bolivar, as well as several antique swords, important metals, and old muskets. the museum is free and all in all, it's a fascinating way to spend a free afternoon.

Spend some time at a ranch in Los Llanos. Los Llanos of this country are an immense, green plain situated to the east of the Andes. During the rainy season the Orinoco River and its tributary system floods, rendering Los Llanos a vast marsh. It is an incredibly fertile area known for its vast and varied wildlife, including roughly seventy species of distinct water birds. There are several different tourist ranches in the region, a great jumping off point for exploration of this unique and beautiful landscape.