Founded in 1567 as Santiago de León de Caracas by Diego Losada, plundered by English pirates, burned, torn by earthquakes,
Caracas nevertheless has grown into the political, economic and cultural capital of Venezuela.
Separated from the coastline by 7800 ft. Mt. Avila, the colonial city nestled in a long, green valley surrounded by lushly forested mountains.
It has long since outgrown that small settlement, stretching the length of the valley, up the hillsides and into intersecting canyons. (photo)
Venezuela's largest city, Caracas (map of downtown), blends a modern
cityscape with
a lush, tropical feel. It's noisy as any large city with millions of inhabitants, with traffic jams, dangerous areas to avoid, slums, and a distinct contrast between the levels of society.
In Caracas, you can do as the caraqueños do, and get around the city by
Metro.
Cruise ships. commercial shipping and private boats stop in
La Guaira, the port city for Caracas.
When to Go:
With its proximity to the Caribbean and its altitude, Caracas
(
satellite photo) enjoys a mild climate all year long. The day/night temperatures vary by about twenty degrees, with an average of 75°F during the day, with highs
reaching the 80s and 90s.
The dry season is summer and fall - December to April - the high season, when visitors celebrate Christmas, Carnaval,
Semana Santa, and the Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria , and the city and country are crowded with tourists and prices go up.
If you schedule your visit between May to October, you'll still find good weather, fewer crowds and lower prices.
Caracas is a
shoppers delight. You'll find local and imported goods, clothing, shoes,
gems and jewelry, hardwood carvings, pottery, baskets, wool tapestries, and the original
wild cotton or palm fiber hammocks. Browse through
El Hatillo, a restored colonial village south of
Caracas for crafts
The Mercadito de Chacao and the Mercado Guacaipuro are authentic traditional markets
Hotels, Food and Drink:
Pleasing to residents and visitors, Caracas Hotels and restaurants provide an international cuisine thanks to the multi-ethnic population.
Dining out is a popular entertainment, and caraqueños enjoy a multitude of restaurants,including Spanish, French, Arab and Chinese food as well as local favorites such as Arepas, Pabellón, Mondongo and Cachapa and grilled dishes at
parrilleras for a Parrillada Mixta.
Like big cities everywhere, you'll find a central commercial district, outlying suburbs and pockets of older neighborhoods. In
Caracas, much of the city revolves around the tree-shaded Plaza Bolivar, named of course for Simón Bolívar, El Libertador,
with a monument to him.
From the plaza, you can walk the pedestrian only streets through the historic colonial district
to see:
Basílica Menor Santa Capilla, built along the lines of Saint Chapelle in Paris, and designated a Basilica in 1928
Basílica de Santa Teresa, built on the site of a previous church, with two facades, one dedicated to Saint Ann and the other to Saint Teresa. The church is a vital part of Holy Week celebrations
From Plaza Morelos, also called Plaza de los Museos, once you've explored all the little shops and the street vendors' wares, you can tour
Parque Nacional El Ávila 7,400 feet above Caracas, via funicular, for a magnificent view of the city and environs or stay at the Humboldt Hotel atop the mountain.
Now there are hiking trails and access from parts of the city.
Some of the park area is accessible only by four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Parque Nacional El Ávila has
suffered a number of forest fires, and hopefully will reforest those portions to return
to the lush vegetation that caraqueños call the "lungs of the city."
Hipódromo La Rinconada, one of Latin America's largest and most beautiful thoroughbred race tracks. The Hippodrome also hosts cultural and musical events.
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