La Guaira

La Guaria is the capital of the state of La Guaira in Central Venezuela. This is the country's historic port of entry. It is located next to Maiquetia which hosts the airport which sees 90% of the international air traffic in Venezuela and is about 25 minutes drive when there is no traffic from the country capital of Caracas.

Please note that after the double earthquake of June 2026, the region was severely devastated and still after several months the situation is very bad.

It's very close to the Maiquetía airport, hence a short taxi drive should get you there. To reach from other places in Venezuela you will most certainly have to get to Caracas first. There are informal buses servicing from and to Caracas.

Informal public transport is common but very unpredictable and hard to plan with, especially given the unknown frequencies. A private car or motorcycle is the best alternative. Also you could get around with taxis (for more advise on how to deal with them, please read the Venezuela article)

• 10.59905-66.934611 Casa Guipuzcoana. Former colonial customs house that is now a Vargas State government building.  (updated Oct 2020)
• 10.59908-66.932562 Castillete de La Guaira. Formerly Fort San Agustin. Affords some decent views of the coastline and sea.  (updated Oct 2020)
• 10.60515-66.914473 Coastal Belt of the State Vargas (Cinta Costera Estado Vargas), along Avenida Soublette. A cheeky beach promenade with airplanes and tanks on display.  (updated Oct 2020)
• 10.58646-66.907044 Museo De Arte Ecológico, Galipan Path, ☏ +58 416-7205653. 08ː00-18ː00 daily. An eclectic art museum tying in the earth and its parts.  (updated Oct 2020)

With kilometers of sandy beaches, this area is common for visitors from Caracas along with local people. So you can expect beaches near the urban area to be very crowded, especially the ones that are reachable by bus. Further away to the east you can find less crowded beaches.

There are several spots you can surf at when there is a enough swell which is most likely around the end of the year. Most common ones being Playa Surfista, Los Cocos, Anare and Los Caracas.

The region has century old tradition of music with drums and dances around them as part of the legacy of the African influence since the colony times. For this reason you can find a few places where you can get artisan made drums.

Empanadas and arepas are typical street food to be found around in the area.

Cocadas are typical beverage made out of coconut, usually sold by street vendors along the coast.

• 10.58737-66.907181 Posada Lomas de Galipan, ☏ +58 212 337 4424. Cozy place to stay up in the mountains with a pool and views overlooking the Caribbean.  (updated Oct 2020)
• 10.59677-66.980752 Hotel Eurobuilding Express Maiquetía, Av. La Armada, Urb Av. Diez De Marzo, Maiquetía, ☏ +58 212-7000700. Spa, pool, gym, restaurant available at this 'Euro' place, plus you get a nice view of the Simon Bolivar Intl Airport for around 100 dollars.  (updated Oct 2020)