Attractions Nearby Valencia, Day Trips and Excursions

(Valencia, Carabobo, Venezuela)

There are quite a few interesting attractions to see within an easy day drive of Valencia. The beautiful Caribbean coast is less than an hour to the north via good roads and makes for a great day trip.

There are several lovely beach towns situated on the northern coastline which are great to explore, such as both Puerto Colombia and Puerto Cabello, and of course the plentiful beaches and coastal attractions are all part of the overall appeal. Two of the country's best national parks are also nearby Valencia if you want to see some of the flora and fauna of this part of the world. Excursions to both the Henri Pittier National Park and the San Esteban National Park are hugely popular with day trippers.

Henri Pittier National Park (Parque Nacional Henri Pittier)

Address: Parque Nacional Henri Pittier, Maracay, Venezuela, VE
Henry Pittier National Park is more than worthy of a day trip and is quite reachable, being around 75 km / 47 miles to the north-east of Valencia. Encompassing a little less than 1,100 square kilometres / 425 square miles, this is the oldest state park in the country, opening in 1937 and boasting a wealth of indigenous flora and fauna. More than 550 species of birds live in the park and over 20 rare animals call it home - the jaguar and puma still roam its wilds. In addition to the lush mountainous interior, there are some spectacular secluded beaches and bays along its coastal area, with those beaches at Puerto Colombia being especially notable. The best way to explore the park is with one of the Ecotour companies based in the city.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Puerto Colombia

Address: Puerto Colombia, Parque Nacional Henri Pittier, Venezuela, VE
Another very pleasant coastal village along the Caribbean Sea can be found about 80 km / 50 miles from Valencia. Puerto Colombia is as classic as they come in Venezuela with its central plaza, colonial-era church and old houses. This town is a real charmer, made all the better by its beautiful beaches at Cepe and Chuao. If you visit on a weekend or holiday you will find the town full of happy vacationers enjoying the beach and having a good time.

Puerto Cabello

This interesting colonial town on the coast is just over an hour from Valencia, being 60 km / 37 miles to the north. Here you can check out the impressive San Felipe Fortress (Fortin San Felipe), which is now named the Castillo Libertador and was built during the Spanish colonial era. You may also like to wander around the charming streets of the Old Town, sited on the western side of the Calle Comercio. Puerto Cabello is a pleasant place with great seaside scenery and enough dining and shopping options to easily fill a day. Top attractions here include the Catedral de San Jose, the Museo de Historia and the brightly coloured Teatro Municipal, as well as the suburban beaches of Balneario Quizandal and the Playa Patanemo.

Choroni

Sited right next-door to the Parque Nacional Henri Pittier is Choroni, 80 km / 50 miles to the north-east of Valencia. This quaint little seaside town is an exceedingly popular weekend getaway for Venezuelans. It is one of the nicest towns on the Caribbean coast and has plenty to see and do. With Henri Pittier Park on one side and the white sands of the Playa Grande on the other, you will be spoiled with nature-related attractions. The town itself was founded in 1616 and has some lovely winding streets lined with colonial houses and shops. There are lots of restaurants, bars and shops in Choroni.

Carabobo Battlefield (Campo Carabobo)

The patriotic Carabobo Battlefield lies just over 30 km / 19 miles to the south-west of Valencia and is ideal for a day trip. It was here in 1821 where a great battle between the troops of Bolivar and the Spanish took place, marking an important fate in the history of Latin America. This famous battle has been commemorated by erecting a series of monuments around the ground, with the Paseo de los Heroes promenade being central to the attractions and flanked with busts and statues. As you explore the battlefield, look out for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Tumba del Soldado Desconocido) and the Triumphal Arch (Arco de Triunfo).
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 06:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

Las Trincheras

Situated a mere 18 km / 11 miles from Valencia and to the north, the principal attractions of Las Trincheras are its natural thermal springs, which are actually amongst the hottest anywhere on the planet. Many people come here (via Puerto Cabello buses) since the waters are believed to have therapeutic properties, with mud baths and pools being available. The Centro Termal Las Trincheras is the onsite hotel and comes with a rich colonial heritage and good sauna facilities.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

San Esteban National Park (Parque Nacional San Esteban)

Address: Parque Nacional San Esteban, Carabobo, Venezuela, VE
Lying roughly 75 km / 47 miles to the north, the San Esteban National Park is a major attraction in Carabobo and connects Aragua with the Henri Pittier National Park. Established in 1987, the park covers an area of 450 square kilometres / 174 square miles and resides within a total of four separate municipalities - those of Guacara, Naguanagua, San Diego and also Puerto Cabello. Various petroglyphs are scattered around the park, along with villages and an old colonial road.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Maracay

Maracay has been the capital of the Aragua state for more than three centuries and makes for a convenient place to stop off if you are taking an excursion to the Parque Nacional Henri Pittier - where a wealth of recreational attractions await. Located a little under 60 km / 37 miles to the east of Valencia, Maracay is centred around the Plaza Girardot, with its cathedral being the only remaining colonial structure on this plaza. The Plaza de Toros Maestranza bullfighting arena, the Museo Aeronautico, the Casa de Delores Amelia and the Santuario de Madre Maria de San Jose all make for further good reasons to visit this city.

Caracas

At approximately 124 km / 77 miles to the north-east of Valencia, Caracas is just about close enough for a day trip to be possible, if you are able to leave early in the morning. There are many reasons to visit Caracas, including its trio of quality art galleries - the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo (Museum of Contemporary Art), the Museo de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts) and the Galeria de Arte Nacional (National Art Gallery). The leafy Plaza Bolivar is a sensible place to start your sightseeing in Caracas, with its majestic cathedral, Teatro Principal, Concejo Municipal, Casa Amarilla and Museo Sacro (Museum of Sacred Art).