BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Venezuela is a country of twenty eight million inhabitants bordered by Colombia to the northeast, Guyana and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Brazil to the south and the Caribbean Sea to the north.

It is a land of many contrasts: snow capped mountains, the mighty Amazon, the scenic Gran Sabana plateau and exotic wild life.
Venezuela also boasts the largest lake of South America (Maracaibo), the world’s highest water falls, and Orinoco , the continent’s third longest river.

For the sun and sea worshippers the country features a string of broad sandy beaches and islands scattered in the Caribbean Sea .

• Caracas

Caracas is a cosmopolitan city of six million people with wide and modern avenues, monumental cathedrals, palaces and parks, and exciting night life.

• The Orinoco River

The Orinoco River and its tributaries offer splendid waterfalls (Angel Falls are here) and a fascinating wild life that includes more than 1000 fish species, the rare Orinoco Crocodile and the giant otter.

The Caribbean Coast is home for many superb beaches: Margarita Island , Cumana and Puerto la Cruz are the most popular. They feature a wide choice of hotels, restaurants and night clubs.

• Margarita Island

Margarita Island is also famous for its marine life that makes it a desirable destination for scuba divers.