Maracaibo Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Maracaibo, Zulia, Venezuela)

Although the centre of Maracaibo could be considered somewhat sterile, tourists will perhaps appreciate the cleanliness and order. Right in downtown are the main attractions around the huge Plaza Bolivar, and along the colonial streets such as Santa Lucia and Carabobo Street, you can appreciate some colonial sights and architectural gems from the past few centuries.

Other tourist attractions can be found off towards the lake and include the Aquamania water park in the Vereda del Lago Park, right on the lakefront. The Sambil Maracaibo entertainment complex is sited further north, while other noteworthy places of interest include the La Marina Park (Parque La Marina) and its lookout tower, the Botanical Gardens (Jardin Botanico), and the Baralt Theatre (Teatro Baralt), with its grand Art Deco facade and regular shows.

Colonial Streets

Address: Maracaibo, Venezuela, VE
There are a few areas to check out in Maracaibo where you can escape the bustle and explore its colonial past. Santa Lucia is the most impressive of these, noted for its narrow streets and old European-style buildings. Santa Rosa de Agua is another intriguing neighbourhood, with its wooden houses, while Carabobo Street (Calle Carabobo) is something of a must-see. The historic centre is a good place to begin any sightseeing trip, particularly around the El Saladillo quarter. This part of the city was revamped in the 1970s, when many colonial buildings were controversially knocked down and replaced with the Paseo de las Ciensas greenbelt. Remaining attractions include the Basilica de Santa Barbara and the Basilica of Our Lady of Chiquinquira, next to the Plaza Bolivar.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Path of the Lake Park (Vereda del Lago)

Address: Vereda del Lago, Avenida El Milagro, Maracaibo, Venezuela, VE
Tel: +58 261 718 6013
Maracaibo's most interesting park occupies the lakefront to the east of the city centre and is the best place to spend some time on a sunny afternoon. While not a massive park, the Vereda del Lago has some lengthy pathways suitable for jogging and also comes with several attractions, neatly clipped trees, flower borders and reasonable sports amenities. The Aquamania water park resides here, along with a family friendly petting zoo.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Aguamania / Aquamania

Address: Vereda del Lago, Avenida El Milagro, Maracaibo, Venezuela, VE
Tel: +58 261 718 6013
Aguamania is a fun water park and a must for those with kids. This attraction provides a great way to cool down on a hot day and is located in the Vereda del Lago park, down at the lakefront. The water park comes with a number of water slides and fun rides, as well as a lazy river with inflatables and a shallow play pool for young children. Aguamania is also home to some open-air picnic facilities, a café and a gift shop, which sells swimming costumes and goggles - in case you have left yours at home.
Open hours: Friday to Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discount for seniors, pregnant women and children under 1.2 metres / 4 feet tall

La Marina Park (Parque La Marina)

Address: Parque La Marina, Avenida El Milagro Norte, Maracaibo, Venezuela, VE
Marina Park is to be found off to the north of Maracaibo city centre and next to the lake, where it is noted for its high observation deck. The 14-metre / 46-foot high tower (the Parque La Marina El Mirador) stands in the very centre of the park and affords fine views of both the cityscape and the lake. There is another small park to the south - the Plaza Al Buen Maestro, while the Plaza 19 de Abril is just minutes away to the west. In general, there is good walking all around this part of the city.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Baralt Theatre (Teatro Baralt)

Address: Calle 95, Paseo de las Ciencias, Maracaibo, Venezuela, VE
Tel: +58 261 722 3878
The Baralt Theatre is right in Maracaibo city centre, just up from Bolivar Square and across from the Casa de la Capitulacion, and is the top theatre in town. The huge structure has been built with much Venezuelan Art Deco flair and hails from the 1930s, being well-maintained and in recent years, beautifully restored. Even if you don't see a show, it is worth touring as the inside is opulent and nicely presented. Guided tours last roughly 30 minutes and take place during the week, between the hours of 09:00 and 12:00 (midday).
Open hours: hours vary according to performance
Admission: charge for guided tours and shows

Botanical Gardens (Jardin Botanico)

Address: Calle 48 / Avenida Don Manuel Belloso, Maracaibo, Venezuela, VE
Close to La Chinita International Airport and lying on the south-westerly outskirts of the city, within the Granja Santa Ana suburb, the Botanical Gardens provide a huge oasis for tourists and locals alike. Home to more than 1,300 different plant species and many thousands of specimens, the gardens cover just over 240 acres / 97 hectares and comprise parkland areas, plazas with seating, medicinal plants and herbs, nature trails and mature trees, which offer shade from the heat of the day.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

José Pachencho Romero Stadium (Estadio José Pachencho Romero)

Address: Boulevard Rafael Urdaneta / Calle 70, Maracaibo, Venezuela, VE
Located next to the Parque del Sol, the José Pachencho Romero Stadium is simply vast and is capable of accommodating just over 40,000 spectators. This is a multi-purpose arena attraction with both a running track and a cycle track, as well as a central football pitch, which in the past has been used as a venue during the Copa America football competition. The Estadio José Pachencho Romero is part of a sports conglomerate, with its two 'sister-stadiums' located next-door - the Estadio Luis Aparicio El Grande (used mainly for baseball), and the Peter Elias Belisario Aponte Gymnasium (predominantly basketball).
Open hours: hours vary according to event
Admission: charge

Centro Sambil Maracaibo

Address: Avenida Goajira / Avenida 16, Maracaibo, Venezuela, VE
Tel: +58 261 740 0916
Located on the Avenida Goajira and next to the Barrio Industrial Norte area, the Centro Sambil Maracaibo is a popular shopping / entertainment complex based on the northern side of the city centre. The complex comes with many enticing features for the whole family, including a swimming pool, a multiplex cinema attraction and a food court. There is also shopping here, as well as family fast-food restaurant chains.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 21:00, Sunday - 12:00 to 20:00
Admission: charge