Maracaibo.
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Overview

Maracaibo is the capital of Zulia state in Northwest Venezuela, and is the second largest city in the country after Caracas. It has more than 2 million people and it's famous for its typical music, big shopping malls and beautiful parks. It is called "La Primera Ciudad de Venezuela" (The Most Important Venezuelan City) because of its development.

Get in

Avior Airlines flies from Bogota and Caracas. Conviasa has frequent flights from Caracas and Porlamar. Copa Airlines flies daily to Panama City with connections to other cities in Latin America and the US. Estelar Latinoamerica and LASER Airlines fly from Caracas. Turpial Airlines flies from Valencia Venezolana flies daily from Caracas and Panama City.

Maracaibo is your arrival point in Venezuela if you take the most direct route from Santa Marta in Colombia.

Night buses go to/from Caracas, San Cristobal and Mérida. The cheap bus to Mérida is much less comfortable.

Get around

Taxi: Taxi service is generally cheaper in Maracaibo than in other cities in Venezuela including Caracas due to high offer and lower demand. Never take a taxi off the street, no matter how 'legit' it might look. Anyone can put a taxi sign on their car (the plastic dome is attached by a couple of elastic strings). Most businesses in Maracaibo will aid a tourist searching for a taxi so don't be afraid to ask in a McDonald's or another shop for help locating one. Hotels have their own taxi services. Subway: It's the most modern and secure way to get around in the city. It is a new system so it has only 6 stations that connect the southwest to the center. Libertado station is 200 m north of the bus terminal (but be careful if you walk). Bus: Mugging is very common in bus routes, general advice is, if you can afford a taxi, take a taxi. If you cannot, use common sense, do not wear watches, chains or anything that might incite muggers. Walking: Maracaibo has a good layout and good sidewalks, caution should be taken if walking during the day because of the extreme heat and solar radiation. Extreme caution should be taken if walking during the night, it's advised to take other forms of transportation if possible.

See

Maracaibo has a nice but sterile centre, that they try to posh up with old European styled parks - not very successful.

Puente General Rafael Urdaneta. Built in 1957 over Lake Maracaibo, is recognized as one of the most impressive buildings in Venezuela. It's also the largest concrete bridge in the world.

Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Chiquinquira. dedicated to the apparition of the Virgin Mary to a native Venezuelan in colonial era.

Plaza del Rosario de Nuestra Señora de La Chiquinquirá. Various statuary and fountains in this central plaza such that you can relax and appreciate the views. It is bounded by churches such as the basilica and the Santa Barbara church (a sight in itself) and other city buildings and appended with a Plaza Bolivar to the east. But it is not safe to be here after dusk. Has something to do with a Chinese person?

Museo Rafael Urdaneta. Chronicles history of Maracaibo, supposedly built on the site where a General Rafael Urdaneta was born.

Palafitos in Santa Rosa de Agua. To the north of Maracaibo, these buildings are created by native Venezuelans on top of the water with wood.

Santa Lucía. The most beautiful colonial area in the city with a European style and narrow streets.

Calle Carabobo. A street noted for poignant colonial type architecture.

Jardín Botánico de Maracaibo. The gardens have seen better days somewhat, but you can get away here to explore some botany, especially resplendent with lily pads. Some care for your safety is advised.

Casa de la Capitulación. Colonia heritage museum for Zulia Province.

Baralt Theater. Historic theater from first half of 19th century. Claimed to be first place a film was shown in South America (or maybe it's just country). Sometimes used for performing arts events.

Do

Jog in the late afternoon/night at , a big urban park along the lake border, located in El Milagro Ave. One of the meeting places for the population. Get in Tranvia, a touristic transport system that takes you around the downtown and tells you the city history. There's also a night trip with several stops in the most famous night clubs. Main station is at Vereda del Lago urban park.

Changing money. This makes converting the prices of goods particularly difficult.

Vereda del Lago / Aquamania. A park next to the lake with a malecon and everything and good security. It contains a waterpark called Aquamania, which is a good way to cool off in this extremely hot city.

Buy

Sambil Maracaibo. With A/C, security and parking. Has several national banks that operate off-hours. A food court including McDonald's, Church's Chicken, Marhaba Express, Burger King, Subway, Cinnabon, Mr Pretzel and a TGI Friday's. The biggest movie theater in Venezuela with 13 projection rooms. And clothing stores including: Zara and Lacoste.

Lago Mall. A/C, parking and security. Has several banks, jewellery stores and a food court including McDonald's, Wendy's, Panda Express and CHOPS. Also has a movie theater with 4 projection rooms.

Doral Center Mall. Has A/C, security and paid parking, with a 6-room movie theater and food court.

Galerias Mall. Has A/C, paid parking and some security. Has an 11 room-movie theater, an ice skating ring and a small food court. Caution should be taken when visiting this mall since it's next to a 'Red zone'.

Centro Comercial Costa Verde. Old shopping center, has no A/C and no working movie theater. There is a bingo in the lower level and a Church's Chicken, Subway and Burger King in the top floors. You can also find some famous stores as Oscar De La Renta and a super market.

Mall Delicias Plaza. Has A/C, parking lot and security. It is a luxurious shopping mall in the commercial Delicias Norte avenue. Latin American designers have stores here.

Babilon Centro Sur. Has A/C, parking and security. Its principal attraction is the movie theater consider the best one in the city and the Colombian department store Exito.

Eat

Chop's. With their famous tequeños and patacones.

Arepas Santa Rita. Sells arepas with an American style.

Cachapas Frank. Famous for their cachapas.

Los Dulces de Alicia. Local desserts such as limonson, dulce de leche and on.

Mi Vaquita. The best steak house in Maracaibo, very popular.

Angus Grill. A great steak house with great cuts and side dishes.

Salon Canton. Cantonese and Oriental cuisine.

Drink

Mi Vaquita. Mi Vaquita is a club on weekends during night. Have to get there early if you want a good table.

Mi Ternerita. The best club in Maracaibo, some say Venezuela. Excellent music, drinks, and ambience. A must go.

El Girasol. A fantastic spinning restaurant open since 1999.

Sleep

Maracaibo Suites. Very good service.

Hotel Aeropuerto. Fairly good mid-range option with a pool, restaurant, rooms have a/c. Not very close to the airport or to downtown Maracaibo, but 300 m east of El Varillal metro station.

Maracaibo Cumberland. Another costly option.

Crowne Plaza Hotel. Luxurious 5-star business hotel in the industrial area near the airport.

Venetur Hotel Del Lago. An aging 5-star hotel, in a much more central and commercial point.

InterContinental Maracaibo. Intercontinental has come to Maracaibo. It is said to be LGBT-friendly, and you can look out on Lake Maracaibo, take a swim in the outdoor pool, or try out the delightful bon apetit buffet restaurant and bar.