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Before you go
Your trip to Maracaibo.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Maracaibo – Zulia Capital
How to get there
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Aeropuerto Internacional La Chinita (MAR) San Francisco · 15 km
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
La Chinita International Airport (MAR) is about 15 km southwest of downtown, with domestic flights—mainly from Caracas—and some international connections; the most practical transfer from the airport to the city is by taxi. Long-distance buses arrive at the passenger terminal from Caracas, Mérida, San Cristóbal and other cities, and there is a road connection with Colombia.
How many days
One day covers the historic center: Plaza Bolívar, the cathedral, Teatro Baralt and the Basilica of La Chinita. With two days, add La Vereda del Lago, views of the General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge and time to enjoy Zulia’s cuisine, from patacón to mandocas.
When to go
It’s hot year-round, with highs between 33 °C and 35 °C and lows between 23 °C and 26 °C. From January to March there is little rain; September, October and November are the rainiest months. In November the Feria de la Chinita takes place, with the 18th as the main day. During the year-end festivities, gaita zuliana plays throughout the city.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Not for the historic center, which is explored on foot during the day. To go from the center to La Vereda del Lago, the hotel area and the airport, taxis are the most practical. To cross the bridge toward the country’s east you need a car or a bus.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Maracaibo
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Morning
Plaza Bolívar, cathedral and Teatro Baralt
Start early at Plaza Bolívar, before the heat. Go into the cathedral to see the Black Christ, look at the Casa de la Capitulación and the Palacio de las Águilas around the square, and finish at Teatro Baralt on the northwest corner.
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Afternoon
Basilica of La Chinita and Plaza del Rosario
Walk about 1 km west to the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de Chiquinquirá, where the panel with the image of La Chinita is located. Cross Plaza del Rosario in front of the temple and have a zuliano dish for lunch nearby.
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Late afternoon
La Vereda del Lago
Take a taxi to the Vereda del Lago on Avenida El Milagro and walk along the lakeshore when the heat eases. To the south, in the distance, you can see the General Rafael Urdaneta bridge.
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Evening
Patacón maracucho
Have a patacón maracucho for dinner: two slices of fried green plantain with meat, cheese, salad, and sauces. It’s an end-of-day food, served at snack bars and street stalls in the city.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Maracaibo in one day?
See Plaza Bolívar with the cathedral and the Teatro Baralt, visit the Basilica of La Chinita, and finish the day at the Vereda del Lago by the lake.
How far is the airport from downtown Maracaibo?
La Chinita Airport (MAR) is about 15 km southwest of the city center. A taxi is the most practical option.
When is the Feria de la Chinita?
In November, in honor of the Virgin of Chiquinquirá, patron saint of Zulia. The main day is November 18.
Is it very hot in Maracaibo?
Yes, year-round, with highs between 33 °C and 35 °C. Walks are more pleasant in the early morning and late afternoon.
What to eat in Maracaibo?
The patacón maracucho is the city’s best-known dish. Zulian cuisine also features mandocas, bollos pelones, torta de plátano, and dishes with coconut and lake fish.