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Venezuela's cities are interconnected by a vast network of roads, as well as by commercial airlines that fly regularly to various parts of the country. Both between and within cities, extensive public transportation system are accessible and cheap.
Due to its proximity to the Aeropuerto Internacional de Maiquetia-- the principal international airport in the country-- Caracas is the hub and gateway to most visitors. The capital of Venezuela is situated high in a beautiful valley, blessed with perpetual spring weather, and enriched with numerous cultural institutions, hotels, shopping centers, famous restaurants, and varied nightlife.
But most tourists traveling to Venezuela wish to see that which extends beyond the boundaries of the city of Caracas. The most popular destination in Venezuela is found in the state of Nueva Esparta, Isla Margarita. The mountainous Andes region and the city of Mérida closely follow as tourist destinations.
To the west lies the small city of Coro, a colonial gem in the state of Falcón, as well as the city of Maracaibo in the oil rich state of Zulia.
Approximately a 1½ hour drive southwest of Caracas is the city of Maracay, in the state of Aragua. Here you'll find the famous nature preserve Parque Nacional Henri Pittier, where birdwatchers and nature lovers can enjoy the beauty of the coastal cloud forest, and the lively colonial towns of Choroní and Puerto Colombia. Also found in the mountains of Aragua and not far from Caracas is the picturesque Bavarian town of La Colonia Tovar.
Valencia, in the state of Carabobo, is situated just south of Maracay. An industrial hub, Valencia is the third largest city in Venezuela. Its important role in shaping the history of Venezuela can be appreciated with a visit to the monuments of Campo Carabobo, where in 1821 the decisive battle for independence was fought. Also in the state of Carabobo you will find Puerto Cabello, a port of significant commercial importance since its inception in the middle of the sixteenth century.
Southeast of Valencia, in the heart of Venezuela, you will find Los Llanos, or the plains. Major cities in this area include: San Carlos in the state of Cojedes, Calabozo in the state of Guarico, and San Fernando de Apure, in the state of Apure.
East of Caracas, in the state of Sucre, you will find Cumaná-- the oldest city in all of South America.
Other important cities include: Barquisimeto, San Cristóbal, Ciudad Guayana, Ciudad Bolívar, and Puerto Ayacucho.
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Major Cities
