//
Municipality in Zulia, Venezuela
Photo: (WT-en) Roberto at English Wikivoyage, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
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.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Bridge over Lake Maracaibo
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.
dedicated to the apparition of the Virgin Mary to a native Venezuelan in colonial era.
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?
Chronicles history of Maracaibo, supposedly built on the site where a General Rafael Urdaneta was born.
The most beautiful colonial area in the city with a European style and narrow streets.
A street noted for poignant colonial type architecture.
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.
Colonia heritage museum for Zulia Province.
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.
There is a wide gap between the official and black market exchange rates. It is illegal to advertise or publish the parallel rate in Venezuela. This makes converting the prices of goods particularly difficult.
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.
With their famous tequeños and patacones.
Sells arepas with an American style.
Famous for their cachapas.
Local desserts such as limonson, dulce de leche and on.
The best steak house in Maracaibo, very popular.
A great steak house with great cuts and side dishes.
Italian.
Cantonese and Oriental cuisine.
Mi Vaquita is a club on weekends during night. Have to get there early if you want a good table.
The best club in Maracaibo, some say Venezuela. Excellent music, drinks, and ambience. A must go.
A fantastic spinning restaurant open since 1999.
Very good service.
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.
Another costly option.
Luxurious 5-star business hotel in the industrial area near the airport.
An aging 5-star hotel, in a much more central and commercial point.
Quite costly.
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.
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.
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.
Has A/C, security and paid parking, with a 6-room movie theater and food court.
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'.
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.
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.
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.
By bus
Maracaibo is your arrival point in Venezuela if you take the most direct route from Santa Marta in Colombia.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Maracaibo · International · MAR
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Maracaibo and Venezuela.
Nature & adventureIn total, there are 43 national parks in Venezuela.
Wikivoyage
Food & drinkColourful and diverse, street food is an experience you can find in cities and towns all around the world. It's generally convenient and cheap, but its appeal goes far beyond that.
Wikivoyage
ItinerariesThis itinerary details travelling downstream on the Amazon from Iquitos via Tabatinga, Manaus, Santarém, Santana/Macapá to Belem.
Wikivoyage
ItinerariesThe Gringo trail is a term for places in Latin America visited by gringos, that is, people from North America or Europe. It is the Western Hemisphere's equivalent of tropical Asia's Banana Pancake Trail.
Wikivoyage
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.