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CaracasCaracas, capital of Venezuela, hosts the country's international airport and is therefore the gateway for visitors. This immense metropolis is home to nearly five million people, situated in the north, between the sea and the foot of the Avila Mountain.
It began as a Spanish colonial settlement, founded by Diego de Losada more than 400 years ago, its growth burgeoning since the 1970s oil boom. Today the sprawling, untidy city throbs with life, the landscape dominated by high-rise office and apartment buildings, threaded through with knots of motorways and junctions, all
against the impressive backdrop of the lush, green mountain. All sorts of races, cultures and creeds throng the streets of the concrete jungle, which contain gourmet restaurants, bustling shopping precincts, museums, concert halls, fine art galleries and the massive Bellas Artes cultural center. Sights there are aplenty, including the 19th century neo-Gothic Santa Capilla church, the birthplace of Simon Bolivar, the palace of Joaquin Crespo, and the Sofia Imber Museum of Contemporary Art (with works by Matisse, Picasso and Chagall as well as Venezuelan artists).
Those who need a break from the urban energy can slip away for a hike on the nearby mountain slopes, or take a day trip to the surprising Bavarian-inspired town of La Colonia Tovar.
Getting Around: The main form of transport in Caracas is the efficient, cheap and well-maintained Metro system, which has three lines covering 39 stations, and provides easy access to most tourist attractions and facilities. The metro operates daily from 5.30am to 11pm, with air-conditioned trains running every few minutes. For visitors the best option is a multiple ticket, known as the 'multiabono', which allows for 10 metro journeys of any distance. The metro is connected to city suburbs via a 'Metrobus' system, which is easy to navigate via maps posted in all the stations. It is best to avoid rush hours, and to be alert for pickpockets. Small buses operating on city routes are called 'carritos'. These are inclined to be noisy with loud music accompanying the ride, and a bit hair-raising as drivers enjoy taking chances in the heavy traffic. Taxis can be identified by 'Taxi' or 'Libre' signs, and are unmetered. Fares are reasonable though, and are best fixed before boarding. Taxis should be hired at the many taxi ranks, or called from one of the many companies that service the city 24 hours a day.
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