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Cumaná | Where to Stay | Out & About Cumaná
Cumaná, founded by the Franciscan brothers in 1515, was the first settlement built by the Spanish in South America. After its destruction by indigenous people, it was rebuilt by Gonzalo de Ocampo in 1521. Nevertheless, the city fell victim to many more attacks, and it wasn't until 1569 that Diego Fernandez de Serpa re-established the city that has survived to this day.
Cumaná, the capital of the state of Sucre, is a port city located on the western part of the state and eastern coast of the country, an area that enjoys a dry climate. The coast of the state of Sucre extends over 700km. Among the favorite beaches near Cumaná are Playa Colorada, Bahia de Mochima, and Peninsula de Araya.
Thanks to its geographic position, Cumaná is an excellent natural port supported with modern installations. Among the principal products that are exported from here are coffee, tobacco, and sugar. Important industries in the city include: fishing, tourism, distilleries, furniture, textiles, and various petroleum-related industries.
Forts have retained their fundamental importance in the history of Cumaná. Built to protect the city against invaders and pirates that sailed the waters off the coast, today they're historical monuments that attract many visitors to the city. Most notable of these is the Castillo de San Antonio de la Eminencia. Another important fortress is the Castillo de Santa Maria de la Cabeza, which was built in 1669. The entrance to this fort is found through the adjacent church Santa Ines, constructed in 1637. Because of war and numerous earthquakes, the church and fortresses, like most of the city of Cumaná, have been reconstructed time and time again between 1637 and 1929.
A few blocks south you'll find the old convent de San Francisco, where the first school on the continent was established. Unfortunately, this building is currently in a state of neglect and closed to the public.
One of the first things one sees when traveling to Cumaná is the extensive public beach Los Uveros with its many hotels on the eastern section of the beach. Towards the western part, in front the Universidad de Oriente, you'll find the Museo del Mar, which exhibits fishing boats typical of the area, as well as very old scuba diving gear and a small aquarium.
To better appreciate the spirit of this city you should visit the Mercado, located near the fishing pier on Avenida Los Manglares. From 5:00 AM this market is abuzz with activity. Here shoppers can find a variety of fresh produce, fish, and fruits, as well as arts and crafts traditional of the area like the "cuatro", a folkloric instrument that resembles the ukulele. In this market you can also find many colorful food establishments selling fried fish and other seafood delicacies.
One of the most popular excursions from Cumaná is a visit to the Cueva del Guacharo, approximately a 90-minute drive south of the city, in the state of Monagas. This cave (at 10 km the longest in the ountry) is home to the fruit-eating nocturnal birds called Guacharos. You can only enter escorted by a guide, and you cannot take pictures or bring a flashlight; the guide carries only a kerosene lamp, so as not to disturb the birds. You won't be able to see the Guacharos but you will hear them and feel their presence all around.
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Where to stay
