Activities
Venezuela's 40-odd national parks provide a great range
of treks, from well-signposted jaunts to jungle paths that
should not be attempted without a machete and some local
knowledge. Parque Nacional El Ávila, which looms
over Caracas, is probably a good place to start; head for
Guatopo, Terepaima and San Esteban for less developed trails.
The Sierra Nevada de Mérida is the best region in
the country for mountaineering, hill trekking and rock climbing;
guides and equipment are available for hire. Mérida
is also the best place to go hang-gliding and paragliding.
There are beautiful beaches and snorkeling opportunities
all along the Caribbean coast. Tucacas is the best diving
center. Speleologists should check out the Cueva del Guácharo,
the most spectacular of Venezuela's many cave systems. It's
a three-hour bus ride inland from Cumaná.
