Nearly Virgin Valleys and National Wilderness in Venezuela

Venezuela is known largely for its geographic wonders and tantalizing landscape. Maracaibo Lake is the largest natural lake in all of South America and also one of only 17 ancient lakes in the entire world, dating back 36 million years. Possibly the second oldest, Maracaibo lake is easily accessible from the Caribbean shore through the Gulf of Venezuela

Prodigy – Inspiration for the Monument of Our Lady of Chiquinquira (photo of monument below)

One day in November, 1709 (or 1749 according to other versions of the story), a woman, washing her clothes by the shore of Lake Maracaibo saw a small wooden tablet floating towards her. She picked it up thinking it might be of some use and took it home with her, along with the clothes. 

The following morning, while preparing coffee, she heard knocks as if somebody was calling her. She went to see what had happened and was astonished to see the tablet shining, with the image of Our Lady of Chiquinquirá now upon it.

In a variant of the tradition, the woman first saw no more than the outline of the Virgin on the tablet, and for this reason hung it on a wall of her house; later, on Monday, 18 November, she heard knocking and strange noises coming from inside her house, and upon investigation found the tablet dazzlingly bright, illuminated by lights which shone like a rainbow.

Surprised and filled with a strong emotion, she ran out of her house, shouting “Milagro! Milagro!” – hence the name “El Milagro” (which means Miracle in Spanish) given to the avenue where this woman’s house stood. Later on, many people arrived to witness the prodigy. (Wiki)

From that day on, the inhabitants of the state of Zulia in Venezuela, where Maracaibo is situated, found their Queen in what they call the “Chinita”. As it has been expressed by many people, “She is the way that leads to Jesus”. To this day, the tablet, still bearing the image on it, can be seen in the Basilica of Maracaibo.

Legend has it that the government decided that the wood with the image belonged in the capital city, Caracas. So they ordered it moved. As the soldiers following the order carried the image away from Maracaibo it got heavier and heavier until finally no one could lift it. They returned it to the Basilica of Maracaibo where it has remained since.

It is also worth visiting the 16th century town of Maracaibo on the north shore. I can catch a flight or bus into Puerto Ayacucho, the Amazonian rainforest will suddenly be at my fingertips. I’ll let a guide lead me through lush greenery along serenely canopied rivers. You may also come across isolated indigenous tribes in this region.

For a more serenely tropical adventure, catch a boat out to ArchipiÈlago Los Roques, a national park consisting of mostly uninhabited Caribbean islands. The unadulterated beaches and marine wildlife are here for those tired of high rise hotels and commercial resort refuse. The tropical latitude of Venezuela makes beach vacations a year long treat and the temperate climes of the mountains generally consistent.

Travel Venezuela from Mountains to Metropolis

The urban centers of Venezuela are excitingly lively and full of timeless culture. Architecture in cities like the capital Caracas is inspired by indigenous tribes, Spanish colonialism and African design. Barquisimeto is a popular hangout for younger travelers and locals, where nightclubs and bars line the streets between casual cafes and risqué boutiques. When booking my airfare to Venezuela, I have to be conscious of my arrival time. As a tourist, it is not advised to travel any of the roads at night by taxi, bus or rental vehicle, particularly between Caracas and the International Airport.