Zulia · Venezuela

Maracaibo and the lake

Venezuela’s second-largest city, on the shore of Lake Maracaibo: the Basilica of La Chinita, the historic center around Plaza Bolívar, the General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge, and the patacón cuisine.

West

In the photo: General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge over Lake Maracaibo

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Get to know the place

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

Maracaibo lies in northwestern Venezuela, on the western shore of the strait that links Lake Maracaibo to the Gulf of Venezuela. It is the capital of Zulia state and the country’s second-largest city. After earlier attempts, it was permanently founded in 1574 as Nueva Zamora de la Laguna de Maracaibo. The discovery of oil in 1917 transformed the region: much of the country’s production is concentrated in the lake basin.

The historic center includes Plaza Bolívar, the cathedral, which houses the image of the Black Christ, and the Teatro Baralt, where Venezuela’s first films were screened in 1896. A few blocks away is the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de Chiquinquirá, La Chinita, patroness of Zulia; her festival in November is the city’s main annual event.

The lake is always present. La Vereda del Lago, the park along Avenida El Milagro, follows the shoreline for a long stretch, and to the south the General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge, at almost 8.7 km, has connected Maracaibo to the eastern coast since 1962.

The city has its own culture: gaita zuliana, the year-end festival music, a local accent that uses “vos,” and a cuisine based on plantain, coconut and fish, from which the patacón maracucho originates. The heat is strong year-round, and life revolves around mornings and late afternoons.

This destination brings together 1 city: Maracaibo.

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One destination, many paths

The cities on this trip

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Where Maracaibo and the lake is

Outlines: INE da Venezuela e OCHA, via geoBoundaries (CC BY 3.0 IGO). Adapted by Cidade Turismo.

How to get there: Maracaibo and the lake

✈ Aeropuerto Internacional La Chinita (MAR), in San Francisco · 15 km to Maracaibo

La Chinita International Airport (MAR) is about 15 km southwest of downtown, offering domestic flights—mainly from Caracas—and some international connections. Long-distance buses link the city with Caracas, Mérida and other cities; by land, access from the country’s east crosses the General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge. There is also a road connection with Colombia.

Zulia · Maracaibo and the lake Capital

Maracaibo

Capital of Zulia and Venezuela’s second-largest city, on the shore of the strait of Lake Maracaibo. Around Plaza Bolívar are the cathedral, with the Black Christ, and the Teatro Baralt; a few blocks away is the Basilica of La Chinita, the state’s patroness. La Vereda del Lago follows the shore and, to the south, the General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge crosses the strait. It is the city of the patacón maracucho and gaita zuliana.

The local experience

Things to do in Maracaibo and the lake

Maracaibo · Zulia · Church

Basilica of Our Lady of Chiquinquirá

The sanctuary of La Chinita, patron saint of Zulia, in downtown Maracaibo. It houses the small wooden panel with the image of the Virgin that, according to tradition, appeared in 1709 on the lakeshore.

Maracaibo · Zulia · Church

Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul

The Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, on Plaza Bolívar, the historic heart of Maracaibo. It houses the Black Christ, a crucifix that, according to tradition, survived a fire in 1600.

Maracaibo · Zulia · Theatre

Baralt Theatre

Art déco theater at the northwest corner of Plaza Bolívar, inaugurated in 1932 on the site of an 1883 theater where Venezuela’s first films were screened. It has been a national monument since 1981.

Maracaibo · Zulia · Bridge

General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge

The cable-stayed bridge of almost 8.7 km across the strait of Lake Maracaibo, opened in 1962. It connects the city to the lake’s eastern shore and to the rest of the country.

See 1 more place in Maracaibo and the lake

Maracaibo · Zulia · Park

Vereda del Lago Park

Maracaibo’s large urban park, on Avenida El Milagro at the lakeshore. It has paths for walking, running and cycling, recreational areas and views of the water.

Before you go

Practical information

A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.

When to go

It’s hot year-round, with highs between 33 °C and 35 °C. From January to March there is little rain; rainfall is concentrated from September to November, and May also tends to be humid. In November the Feria de la Chinita takes place, with November 18 as the main date; the city fills up, so book in advance.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

How many days to stay

Two days: one for the historic center—Plaza Bolívar, the cathedral, Teatro Baralt and the basilica—and another for La Vereda del Lago, the bridge views and the local cuisine. During the Feria de la Chinita in November, it’s worth staying longer.

Which city to stay in

The northern part of the city—between Avenida El Milagro, Bella Vista and 5 de Julio—contains most hotels, restaurants and shops, close to La Vereda del Lago. The historic center is a few minutes’ taxi ride from that area and serves as the starting point for daytime walking tours. Travelers with short stays arriving by plane can find options along the route to the airport.

Respect the place

Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.

Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Maracaibo and the lake

How many days should you stay in Maracaibo?

Two days are usually enough: one for the historic center and the Basilica of La Chinita, and another for La Vereda del Lago and the bridge views. During the Feria de la Chinita, the program calls for more time.

When to go to Maracaibo?

From January to March, when rainfall is lower. The heat is intense year-round. In November the Feria de la Chinita, the city’s biggest festival, takes place.

How to get to Maracaibo?

By plane via La Chinita Airport (MAR), about 15 km from the center, or by long-distance bus from Caracas, Mérida and other cities.

Do you need a car in Maracaibo?

Not for the historic center, which is walkable. Between the center, La Vereda del Lago and the airport, taxis are the most practical option. The General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge can only be crossed by car or bus.

What is the Feria de la Chinita?

The festival honoring the Virgin of Chiquinquirá, patroness of Zulia, held in November. The main day is November 18, when devotees sing to the Virgin in the early hours before the basilica, accompanied by gaita zuliana.

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Maracaibo and the lake

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.