Maracaibo - Venezuela

Maracaibo, a big metropolitan city in Western Venezuela, is the capital of the state Zulia. The city, Nueva Zamora de Maracaibo, located in the banks of Lake Maracaibo, has now emerged as one of the most important commercial centers of the Venezuela.

Maracaibo city is divided into two municipalities for administrative purpose. Maracuchos, the local inhabitants, are individualistic people, who boast of their cultural heritage and try to treasure it for future generations.

Maracaibo, also called, “La Tierra del Sol Amada”, which means “The Land Beloved by the Sun”, holds a key position in the economy, culture and politics of Venezuela. The growth of the city attracts many people to come around the city to spend a nice vacation over there.

Maracaibo had been an isolated place in the beginning of the last century, because of its unique geographical positioning in the bank of the lake. With the opening of the General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge in 1962, Maracaibo became easily connected to the mainland. Now, Maracaibo is well connected to its transportation facilities including bus, taxi and ferry.

La Chinita International Airport connects Maracaibo to the rest of the world. The development in the transportation facilities, put in the economic growth of Maracaibo in pace. Now, the city has become a hub of commercial centers and large buildings. Apart from the economic growth, Maracaibo has become an important educational hub also. Maracaibo is home to many important colleges and universities.

Maracaibo feature many important land marks also. Our Lady of Chiquinquirá Basilic is the most important land mark of the city. Plaza de la Virgen de Chiquinquirá y todos los Santos is the beautiful park near the church, which feature a unique statue of Virgin Mary. The commitment to preserve the heritage is reflected in the restoration of the old town and maintenance of Santa Rosa de Agua, the wood houses over water.

Vereda del Lago Park, a tourist destination is a large lake front park, which feature sports facilities, ostrich farm, and zoo. Conoce tu Puente Museum is another attraction, which feature a historic museum and balcony to view the fantastic display of lights. La marina Park is another lake view park of Maracaibo.

Maracaibo offers opportunities for one day trips also. San Carlos Island in the Gulf of Venezuela is a favorite attraction of tourists, which feature a Spanish fortress, called Castillo de San Carlos. Costa Oriental, the center of oil industries in Venezuela, is a nearby attraction of Maracaibo. The historic cities such as Cabimas, Santa Rita, Lagunillas and Ciudad Ojeda are near by places of interest, to Maracaibo.

Accommodation is not a big problem in Maracaibo. Good restaurants and hotels are available in the city limit. The cordial behavior of Maracuchos, the local inhabitants, makes living in Maracaibo, a memorable experience. The ambience and attributes of Maracaibo, makes the vacation a life long treasure.