These days it can be quite dangerous to visit Caracas as a tourist but it has lots of beauties to see. Caracas is the largest and the capital city of Venezuela. The city is located northern part of the country and its very close to the Caribbean sea. You can find lots of information in this Caracas city guide.
History of Caracas
Caracas was founded in 1567 as Santiago de Leon de Caracas. After the foundation city grows slowly until the 1940s. However, since those days both Caracas and Venezuela started to grow rapidly. The scenery in Caracas is quite impressive. City’s border lays down through the beautiful mountains (The Andes Mountains) and the ocean.
How to Go to Caracas
You can fly directly to the Caracars from multiple countries around the world. Simon Bolivar International Airport is the biggest airport in the whole country. It is located about 25 kilometres away from the city centre. You can take a bus to go to the city centre. Bus probably will take about 30 minutes of your time. Buses are operated by the UCAM and SITSSA. UCAM buses follow to route from the domestic terminal to Hotel Alba Caracas and Bellas Artes Metro Station. UCAM buses go to the Parque Central from the domestic terminal. Just don’t forget to buy your tickets from the booths inside the arrivals in the domestic terminal.
Simon Bolivar International Airport
Public Transport in Caracas
You can use metros and buses to get around. Metro is the main public transportation system in the city. By 2020, the city has four main metro lines and a various number of bus lines. You can buy metro tickets from the stations. Most of the stations are clean and safe but always be alerted for the pickpocketers on crowded stations. Also, you shouldn’t forget both metros and buses are very crowded during the rush hours.
Top 5 Places to See in Caracas
1. Panteon Nacional
Panteon Nacional was a church once then it becomes the resting places for the prominent Venezuelans in the 1870s. The central nave of the building is dedicated to Simon Bolivar’s life and accomplishments.
2. Plaza Bolivar
This plaza has a historical meaning. It is located just right the spot where the Diego de Loasa founded the city in 1567. Famous public buildings like Capitolio Nacional, Metropolitana Cathedral, Foreign Office and Palacio Municipal are located in the Plaza Bolivar.
3. La Casa Amarilla
Name of this place comes from its paintings on the walls. It was a monumental building that represents the rejection of the Spanish rule over the country by the Caracas folks. In 1874, President Antonio Guzman Blanco ordered the restoration of building in order to use it as a government palace. It used as a presidential palace in 1877. La Casa Amarilla declared as a national historic landmark in 1979.
4. Galeria de Arte Nacional
This gallery also was known as a “GAN”. You should see the National Art Gallery where is very close to the Museum of Natural Science around Plaza Morelos. There are more than 4000 artworks from Venezuela’s history.
5. Iglesia de San Francisco
This building represents Simon Bolivar’s proclamation as “El Libertador” and funeral ceremony of his death after 12 years from 1830. This church is one of the greatest examples of colonial architecture with its unique altars. Iglesia de San Francisco is also one of the oldest building in the Caracas.
Lately, the political situation is a little messy in Venezuela. Political clashes between the USA and Venezuela makes things harder and harder for the people of this unique country. If you’re planning to visit the city, plan it very carefully.
If you have ever visited Venezuela please share your experiences about Caracas! ¡Que Viva el Libertador!
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