Guárico

Guárico is a region in central Venezuela. Although not backwards, it is considered a place where human beings can feel connected to nature and away from the stress of civilization.

Cities

 * (capital)

Other destinations
Cabruta, a small fishing town that's next to the Orinoco river. A bridge is to cross the river which was to be finished in 2011.

Parmana, another small town south of Valle de la Pascua which is also next to the Orinoco. Famous for the nearby rock formations however there is no way to cross the Orinoco from this town.

Tiznado, a famous dam in western Guarico which is famous for its sights and natural beauty.

Understand
Guarico lies completely in Venezuela's Llanos region which is inhabited mainly by farmers and ranchers and has a distinct rural feel. Nevertheless the state does have three sizeable towns (Valle de La Pascua, San Juan de los Morros and Calabozo).

Guárico is known as the gateway to the Central Plains, with a geography of contrasts between mountainous areas near the border of the state of Cojedes, galleys (because of their hat shape) or hills that accompany the course of the river Guárico and an equally wide area of flat land.

Talk
As with the rest of the country the language spoken in Guarico is Spanish although with a different easily understood accent. English speakers are relatively rare and at least a basic knowledge of Spanish is required.

Get in
The railway through the center of the state was expected to be finished by 2011. You can move through the state with taxis (comfortable yet more expensive) and buses. There are two types of bus companies. The local ones which are old buses that constantly break down and are crammed or nationwide companies such as Rodovia which is a much better option for tourists as the buses are much newer and contain a bathroom and AC. Every town has a main taxi and bus station and you do not usually have to wait long to get on a bus to another part of Guarico or to other parts of the country: mainly Caracas.

See
The San Juan de Los Morros Thermal Waters have rock formations, and sulphurous, alkaline, borate waters, with a blue colour and an average temperature of 33.5 °C. They are surrounded by a dry tropical forest, with very arid vegetation. They have bathrooms, pools and various services. They are located northwest of San Juan de Los Morros, 58 km from Maracay.

The Thermal Waters of Gurumen are waters that flow from galleys, forming four wells or springs. There arepools and bathing rooms. They are located between the towns of Ortiz and San Francisco de Cara, 60 km from San Juan de Los Morros.

The Orinico in Cabruta is the biggest river in Venezuela and second in South America.

The old town of Calabozo features beautiful colonial age houses and a lovely church.

The Calabozo dam, which is an earth dam and forms a great lake.

Do
Go horse riding in one of the many ranches in this area.

The famous Aguaro-Guariquito National Park contains many native species unlikely to be seen anywhere else. They include Toninas (fresh water dolphins), Babos (dwarf caimans), freshwater eels and rays as well as deer, jaguars and many other species. Its area is covered by savannahs and forests, rivers, lagoons and a rich flora of great colour and beauty and a varied fauna. It is located in the south of Guárico State, The park is also used to fish and hunt due to the abundance of striped bass.

Guatopo National Park comprises the mountainous region of the Interior Range, between Santa Teresa del Tuy and Altagracia de Orituco. The vegetation is tropical rainforest and semi-wet formations. t has three important recreational facilities: Agua Blanca, Santa Crucecita and Quebrada de Guatopo. Excursions and long walks can be made in them. It is located between the districts of Independencia, Lander and Acevedo in the state of Miranda and the district of Monagas in the state of Guarico

Eat
Eat some of the native cuisine which includes Capybara, Deer, Fresh Fish, Crocodile tail, Tortoise and the country's best beef and corn as well as typical Venezuelan cuisine such as Arepas or Cachapa.

Drink
As with the rest of Venezuela a lot of alcoholic drinks are consumed in Guarico. Mainly beer albeit only half as strong as American beer, rum and whiskey. Being in a tropical country one can also find natural juices of great flavor which include mango, passion fruit, and guava amongst others.

Stay safe
While considerably safer than major cities in Venezuela such as Caracas, it is still a dangerous area compared to the USA or Europe. Be wary when you go out at night and stay away from shady neighborhoods. If the right precautions are taken there is no reason your trip should not be safe and enjoyable.

Go next
Caicara in Bolivar State. To get there it is necessary to cross from Cabruta in a small ferry. The journey is cheap however and offers an incredible sight as you will cross one of the biggest rivers in the world on a small boat. From Caicara you can go by car to Ciudad Bolivar (Close to Angel falls) or Puerto Ayacucho in the south (Where the amazon region begins). A 3-hour car ride and 1-hour ferry crossing from Valle de la Pascua and 2 hours coming back to cross.

San Fernando de Apure. To get there it is necessary to take the highway south of Calabozo. This town and the state it is in offer many interesting sights to tourists beginning with the Apure river which is next to the city. 2 hours by car or bus from Carabozo.

Barinas, a very green state famous for its natural beauty and good climate. From there you can easily reach Merida and the rest of the Venezuelan Andes. 4 hours by car or bus from Calabozo.

Puerto Piritu. A small yet picturesque town with beautiful colonial houses and a church. It is also famous for its beach which is one of the best in the country. 1 hour from Zaraza or 2 from Valle de la Pascua by car or bus.

Puerto la Cruz. One of the most modern and bustling cities in Venezuela, it is renowned for its nightlife and the beautiful beaches only an hour away. From here you can take a 2-hour ferry to the famous Margarita island, one of the most popular tourist destinations for Venezuelans. 2.5 hours from Valle de la Pascua by car or bus.