Venezuela is the country of great landscape diversity – it’s home to amazing Caribbean beaches, snow-capped mountains, green plains, fascinating waterfalls (among them the highest uninterrupted waterfall in the world – Angel Falls – which, unfortunately, we had to skip because of our tight schedule), stunning deserts, a part of the Amazon rainforest and a vast biodiversity (Venezuela is one of the world’s 17 megadiverse countries). The country is known for the warm tropical climate, tasty dishes (like arepas and empanadas), great artists, many unparalleled national parks, large oil reserves, and big political tensions.
Our six-day Venezuela honeymoon itinerary (things to see and things to do)
DAY 1
After a highly uncomfortable bus ride from Cartagena, Colombia, we finally arrived in Valencia, Venezuela. Now, why was it ‘highly uncomfortable’? In South America, distances are much larger and international bus rides much longer than in Central America, but we were already used to traveling long distances, and as long as we have each other and some basic needs fulfilled, we tend to be just fine. This time, however, basic needs were far from fulfilled. First of all, there were no toilets on the bus and the driver refused to stop when we had to use the toilet. Second, the whole bus smelled like gasoline, since smuggling gas from Venezuela to Colombia is a very common practice. And third, we were supposed to reach our destination in 17 hours, but instead, it took us 36 hours to get there, because the police stopped and inspected the bus, the passengers and all of our belongings literally every hour and because the driver and two very unfriendly conductors decided to take three 5-hour stops. 🙁
Our trip to Venezuela started off on the wrong foot, but it turned around as soon as we reached our destination and met the friendly local woman by the name of Ninfa, who was waiting for us at the bus station. We have never met before, but we do have a common friend, who gave us her contact and she and her family were kind enough to take us in for a few days.
She took us directly to her mother-in-law’s house, who is actually a fellow Slovenian, who had immigrated to Venezuela as a child. It was so lovely to meet her and I think she was happy to finally have someone to talk to in her own language. 🙂 After a while, the whole family gathered there and we soon realized that they are the friendliest, warmest and most welcoming group of people we have ever met. We had a great day together. <3
In the evening, Ninfa and her husband Humberto took us to their house – our home for the next few days.
DAY 2
After a delicious Venezuelan breakfast, we took a 1.5-hour drive to Morrocoy National Park. Morrocoy National Park is located on the coast and it includes both dry land and numerous small islands. We took a private boat tour of the islands and enjoyed the countless spectacular white sand beaches. We loved it!
In the evening, we had a big family gathering at our host’s house and it was awesome! 🙂
DAY 3
On our third day in Venezuela, we wanted to drive to Caracas, but our hosts advised against it. They told us that the capital is way too dangerous and that even the locals avoid it at all costs. Instead, they took us on a tour of Venezuelan countryside near Valencia. We love tropical vegetation, hence we loved the trip. 🙂
DAY 4
Our hosts’ oldest son and his wife took us to one of Valencia’s biggest shopping centers. We got to see the modern urban side of Venezuela and we loved it. In the evening, Matic took me to a romantic dinner at one of the fanciest restaurants in Valencia. At midnight we opened a champagne as it was the start of my birthday. 🙂
DAY 5
My birthday. 🙂 My amazing husband told Ninfa and Humberto that I have never been to a desert before and how much I wanted to visit one. He asked them if we could go to the Médanos de Coro desert and our super friendly hosts happily obliged. Wow, that was really something else! 🙂 We ran up and down the sand dunes, did cartwheels, handsprings and simply enjoyed the beautiful day. 🙂
Afterwards, we drove to Chichiriviche – a coastal city near Morrocoy National Park. First, we took a walk through the lovely city, where we admired Venezuelan art and architecture. Next, we went to the beach and then we had lunch at a restaurant next to a park full of peacocks and parrots. 🙂
In the evening, after returning to Valencia, Matic and our Venezuelan family threw me a surprise birthday party!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 I was so happy and moved – it was definitely one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me. <3 We ate cake, drank rum, played music, sang songs and danced the night away. 🙂
DAY 6
After a tearful goodbye from the people that had taken us in and accepted us like family, we went to the bus station, where we took a bus back to Colombia.
*** To our Venezuelan family: Thank you so much for everything, we will be forever grateful and we will always cherish the time we had together. We love you! <3
A nuestra familia Venezolana: Miles de gracias por todo, siempre seremos agradecidos y siempre apreciaremos el tiempo que hemos pasado juntos. Los queremos mucho! <3
♥ Top romantic experience
Venezuela is romantic because of its beautiful sights, lovely sounds, rich history, vibrant culture and welcoming people. Relax on a perfect Caribbean beach, explore one of Venezuela’s many national parks, visit some of the many art galleries and museums, take a romantic boat tour or an adventurous nature and wildlife tour, go food tasting, dancing, or sightseeing.
Our top romantic experience was the private boat tour of the islets in the Morrocoy National Park.
♥ Top adventure
Venezuela is an adventurer’s paradise. It offers a very long list of thrilling activities, like scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, parasailing, paragliding, hiking, mountain climbing, rock climbing, cycling, horseback riding, thrilling jungle and wildlife tours.
Our top adventure was exploring the desert of Médanos de Coro.
Are you wondering about the daily budget, the best time to go, visa and immunization requirements, local customs, currency, electricity standards, safety tips and where to stay? Here you can find out all you need to know before visiting Venezuela.
Have you already been to Venezuela? We invite you to share your top romantic experience and top adventure in the comment section below. 😉
Next stop: back to Colombia! 😉
Great information about where to go and what to be seen and done!
Wow.. how those pictures got me interested about traveling to Venezuela!
Thank you for giving me some ideas for a possible honeymoon travel me and my girlfriend might want to do in the feature!
A trip like that would certainly be a bullseyed choice for two travel enthusiasts as ourselves!
Have fun back in Colombia!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Thomas. Wish you all the best!
Cheers!