Caracas
- Los Roques: Urban Adventures and Island Escapes
Venezuela is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural richness that remains largely undiscovered. Despite the turbulent events of the past decade, it stands as a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Our journey from the lively streets of Caracas to the serene shores of Los Roques will show you a side of Venezuela that few have seen, but many should experience.
Day
1: Arrival in Venezuela
Once you arrive in Caracas Simón Bolivar International Airport. First thing you need to do is arrange a domestic flight to Gran Roque. However, this is not a straightforward process like in many parts of the world where you can just book your flights online. You cannot prebook domestic flights online, you must visit the offices of airlines such as Conviasa, Aerotuy, or Chapi Air to book the flights in person. If planning this trip without flight reservation in hand gives you anxiety you can pay a premium and find a reputable local travel agency to pre-book domestic flights within Venezuela for you.
Check-in
to your hotel
I highly recommend staying in El Hatillo for its unique blend of traditional Venezuelan charm and modern amenities. This picturesque neighborhood is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and a safer, more tranquil atmosphere compared to other parts of Caracas. Plus, it offers easy access to the city center and nearby natural attractions, making it a no-brainer choice for me as a home base to explore Caracas. Congratulations on safely arrive at your hotel, I am sure you are exhausted from the travel. Take some time to relax and just stroll the streets of El Hatillo, explore the craft markets and soak in the atmosphere.
Day
2: Exploring Caracas
After stuffing yourself with Arepas for breakfast, book a ride with Yummy Rides or Ridery to visit Plaza Bolivar and visit the Simon Bolivar Museum nearby. Once you are finished with your morning excursion or when you’re ready for your next meal. Use your preferred ride hailing service and head to El Mercado Municipal de Chacao. I recommend trying pabellón criollo for lunch. After lunch, go for a leisurely stroll at Parque del Este (~30m walk from Mercado Municipal de Chacao or 5m ride if you’re feeling lazy). You can easily spend a whole afternoon there and won’t run out of things to see, make sure you don’t miss the full-scale replica of Christopher Columbus’s ship, the Santa Maria. For dinner, if you’re in the mood to splurge, check out Alto and try their tasting menu.
Day
2: Visit Parque del Este
After lunch, go for a leisurely stroll at Parque del Este (~30m walk from Mercado Municipal de Chacao or 5m ride if you’re feeling lazy). You can easily spend a whole afternoon there and won’t run out of things to see, make sure you don’t miss the full-scale replica of Christopher Columbus’s ship, the Santa Maria. For dinner, if you’re in the mood to splurge, check out Alto and try their tasting menu.
Day
3: Parque Nacional El Avila
Catch a ride to Parque Nacional El Avila and take the cable car from Caracas to the peak of El Avila. The ride itself is a cool experience and at the top you can enjoy panoramic views of Caracas and the Caribbean Sea. If this only makes you want to see more of El Avila, there are tons of hikes and things to do in the area that would be suitable for everyone from mountaineers to weekend warriors. I recommend checking out the Sabas Nieves trail or the village of Galipan. Head back to Caracas via cable car when you’re done exploring.
Day
3: Stroll down Bulevar de Sabana Grande
With whatever time you have left in the day, head to Bulevar de Sabana Grande, a pedestrian only street with lively atmosphere where you can leisurely stroll through Caracas and shop, dine, be entertained and visit cultural sites.
Day
4: Depart for Gran Roque
Enjoy whatever time you had left in Caracas and head to the airport for the flight to Gran Roque you booked on the day of your arrival. Upon arrival in Gran Roque, you will be directed to the immigration control point to pay the entrance fee to the National Park. Make sure you bring USD cash. When I went it was $20 but things change and there are no ATMs as of the writing on the island. The island is tiny and the town of Gran Roque is a short walk from the airport. I stayed at a lovely beach front lodge called Posada La Gaviota and loved it, its a 5 minute walk from the airport. Can usually pay a local to help with your bags if you brought a lot of stuff with you.
Day
4: Hike up to Faro Holandés for Sunset
For the rest of the day, explore the town, relax on the beaches and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants. I would also spend some time to book a boat excursion to Cayo de Agua for the following day. Most posadas should offer that service but you can shop around and check out different tour operators if you want. Near dusk, do yourself a favor and hike up Faro Holandés for one of the most beautiful sunsets with views over the archipelago.
Day
5: Cayo de Agua
Get ready for an unforgettable day of boating and exploring one of the most stunning places on earth. Meet your tour operator and set off on a 40-minute boat ride to one of the most beautiful and remote islands in Los Roques. Swim, snorkel, and discover beaches that seem almost otherworldly. This is a full-day event designed for you to enjoy and relax. Some tours also include a visit to the Dos Mosquises marine research station and turtle sanctuary. It’s an experience well worth the time, but if you prefer, you can spend the entire day soaking up the beauty of Cayo de Agua.
Day
6: Explore the waters around Gran Roque
I would highly recommend taking some time to explore the calm waters around Gran Roque on your own. You can do so by renting a kayak, paddleboard or rent scuba diving equipment from one of the dive shops in town. In the afternoon, I recommend getting a boat to one of the islands near Gran Roque. Although Cayo Madrisqui is the more popular option, I prefer Cayo Francisqui because its less crowded and offer more opportunities for water sports. However, it is a slightly longer boat ride if you’ve had enough of it from the day before.
Day
7: Depart Gran Roque and homeward bound
Enjoy a relaxing morning in Gran Roque and soak in the island vibes before you walk back to the airport for your flight back to Caracas. Hope you guys enjoyed my 7-day Venezuela experience