Insights Venezuela
Playa Colorada #182 Campamento Chango, Venezuela
Christian Morgado tel: 58 (0) 426 5827337
Mladen Nogic tel: 58 (0) 426 5803123
Main email address: mail@insightsvenezuela.com
Places to Visit > Maracaibo
updated at 16/04/2011
The Basilica was originally a reed-covered chapel built in 1686. Later it was converted into the attractive structure first known as the Church of San Juan de Dios, which houses the retable where the Virgin of Chinquinquirá, known familiarly as “La Chinita” and the city’s patron saint, made a miraculous appearance.
The houses that line Carabobo street are structures typical of the Maracaibo of yesteryear that have been restored to enhance the historical city center. There, one can find handicrafts typical of the region, traditional cuisine, some bars and a café, together with a comfortable little hotel called Hotel Caribe, which is the third oldest hotel in the city.
Covering an area of 13,000 square kilometers, Lake Maracaibo is the 23rd largest lake in the world. It is Venezuela’s most important lake system and constitutes a highly important waterway for the communities and businesses of Zulia State.
One of the country’s largest concrete works, this bridge measures 8,678 meters and took five years to build. It spans Lake Maracaibo, linking up the western part of Zulia State with the eastern part and the rest of the country.
The Maracaibo Monumental Bullring seating 15,000 persons was inaugurated in 1972, replacing La Trinidad, the city’s first bullring. The main bullfight fair is held as part of the Chiquinquirá Fair in honor of the city’s patron saint, on November 15, 16, 17 and 18.