Wonderful trips to Isla de Margarita - INTI Tours
A colorful mixture of Caribbean and South America
When traveling to the Isla de Margarita you can expect dream beaches, turquoise blue water as well as a colorful mixture of Caribbean and South America.
About 40 kilometers off the mainland of Venezuela lies the mountainous Isla de Margarita with Caribbean-style beaches and South American atmosphere. It actually consists of two islands connected in the middle by the mangrove-filled lagoon of La Restinga National Park. 170 kilometers of white sandy beaches stretch along the coastline of the island and are equally inviting for relaxation as well as all kinds of water sports such as diving, snorkeling, water skiing, sailing and surfing. The palm-lined dream beaches merge seamlessly into turquoise waters - a true paradise.
Bienvenidos a la Isla de Margarita!
Since the journey always takes place via Caracas on the Venezuelan mainland, a trip to the Isla de Margarita must be well considered at this time!
Country information Absolutely worth seeing Dates and Facts Travel on the Isla de Margarita Addresses
Our types of travel on Isla de Margarita
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Country information about Isla de Margarita: "Caribbean South America
The Isla de Margarita belongs geographically and politically to Venezuela and is located in the Southern Caribbean. Isla de Margarita includes the two offshore islands of Coche and Cubagua, together they are located about 40 kilometers from the mainland of Venezuela. They form the state of Nueva Esparta, which was founded in 1909. The three islands of the state belong to the Lesser Antilles and are part of the so-called "Windward Islands". Because of its location, the island of about 1,076 square meters is spared from hurricanes and the climate is balanced throughout the year. The scenic diversity is protected by several national parks. The name Nueva Esparta - New Sparta - is borrowed from the city of Sparta in the Greek Peloponnese, to commemorate the heroism of its inhabitants during the wars of independence. Isla de Margarita is home to the state capital - La Asunción. The island consists of two parts, the eastern part of the island is busy and lush with vegetation. The western half, on the other hand, is almost deserted and desert-like; it is called the Macanao Peninsula.
Capital La Asunción
La Asunción was founded in 1562 by Pedro González and is today the capital of the Venezuelan state of Nueva Esparta. During its history, the city changed its name several times. It was first called Villa del Espíritu Santo, then Valle de Santa Lucía and La Margarita, and now it is called La Asunción. The city is located at only 67 meters above sea level in the east of the island de Margarita. The population is close to 30,000 people. However, the economic center and the largest city of Isla de Margarita is Porlamar.
Absolutely worth seeing:
- La Asunción is known for its many beautiful buildings from the colonial era. Thus, the historic center around the Plaza Bolivar of the tranquil city is definitely worth a visit. The oldest church in Venezuela - the Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de La Asunción - is also located here. From the 17th century castle Castillo de Santa Rosa you have a fantastic view - also at sunset.
- The nearby valley El Valle is the most important place of pilgrimage in Venezuela. There is a sanctuary there, the Basílica Menor de Nuestra Señora del Valle, where the pearl fishermen worshipped the miracle-working Virgin of the Valley.
- Of course, the beaches are the main attraction of all Caribbean islands. Basically, the numerous beaches of the island hardly differ. All of them are beautiful, mostly covered with palm trees, fine sand and shallow slopes. Playa el Agua and Playa Parguito in the northeast of the island are probably the most famous beaches and are also frequented accordingly. Who likes it lively with bars, restaurants and possibilities of all kinds of water sports, is exactly right here. Playa Punta Arenas in the very west of the island is also very popular. The beaches Playa el Cardon, Playa el Tirano, Playa Caribe and Playa Puerto Viejo are more quiet. El Yaque in the south is considered one of the best windsurfing spots in the world!
- If you want to experience lonely beaches and real seclusion, you will find it on a trip to the islands Isla de Coche with Playa de la Punta and Isla de Cubagua.
- The 16,000 hectare Laguna de la Restinga National Park is located in the middle of the island and almost separates the two wings of the island. Typical mangrove forests around the beautiful lagoon with numerous channels form the habitat for cormorants, pelicans and countless other bird species. A boat tour is the best way to explore the area, which usually ends with a visit to the beautiful and over 20 kilometers long beach Playa la Restinga. This beach is considered the longest beach of the Caribbean islands.
- The western half of the island of Macanao has a rather sparse vegetation and is sparsely populated. Columnar cacti, tranquil villages and the Museo del Mar - the marine museum of Boca de Pozo - as well as the skeleton of a huge whale are waiting to be explored.
- Porlamar on the east coast of Isla de Margarita is the largest city on the island with over 200,000 inhabitants. Worth seeing is the pretty old town, the museum for contemporary art Museo de Arte Contemporaneo Francisco Navarez and a tropical garden.
- The city of Juan Griego is located in the northwestern part of the island, directly on the sea. Here you can stroll through the streets and along the harbor, visit the Fortin de la Galera fortification located above the town, visit nearby beaches and go diving. The place is famous for its spectacular sunsets.
- Hikers should visit the Cerro Copey National Park. It is centrally located in the eastern part of the island and is easily accessible by rental car on winding roads. About halfway up to the 1,000 meter high Cerro el Copey, magnificent hiking trails start at parking lots. A variety of unique plants in dense, tropical rainforest as well as numerous bird species, plus deer, squirrels, monkeys and rabbits can be discovered. From a vantage point there is an unforgettable view over the whole Isla de Margarita.
Facts and figures Isla de Margarita:
Land area: 956.8 sq. km
population: just under 450,000
Capital: La Asunción with just under 30,000 inhabitants
Highest mountain: San Juan (Cerro Grande), 920 meters high
Form of government: Presidential Republic
History: Before the arrival of the Europeans, the Guaiqueri inhabited the island. During his third voyage of discovery, Christopher Columbus discovered the island in August 1498 and named it "Margarita", meaning pearl, after the massive pearl deposit. Today, Isla de Margarita is a popular vacation and tourist destination in the Southern Caribbean.
Economy: Tourism
Currency: US Dollar
Language: Spanish
Festivals: There are several music festivals and parties throughout the year.
Travel on Isla de Margarita:
Entry Requirements: Since Isla de Margarita belongs to Venezuela, the corresponding entry requirements apply. All travel documents must be valid for six months upon entry. German-Venezuelan dual citizens must enter and leave the country with a Venezuelan passport. German citizens do not need a visa for entry, unless it is by sailing ship. Upon entry, each tourist will be given a tourist card on the plane, which entitles them to a stay of up to 90 days. If you are given a duplicate of the tourist card on arrival, keep it safe in case you are asked for it when leaving the country or during other controls. In Venezuela, foreigners must be able to prove their legal residence status at all times. In case of illegal residence, deportation is imminent after sometimes prolonged detention pending deportation.
Vaccinations: There are no mandatory vaccinations for direct entry from Germany to Venezuela. If entering from a yellow fever area, proof of a yellow fever vaccination may be required. Make sure that you and your children are up to date with the standard vaccinations according to the vaccination calendar of the Robert Koch Institute. As travel vaccinations, vaccinations against hepatitis A are recommended, and also against hepatitis B, typhoid and rabies for long-term stays or special exposure.
Climate & Travel Time: Isla de Margarita has a pleasant warm climate all year round. The maximum annual average temperature is 31 degrees Celsius, while the minimum average is 24 degrees Celsius. Because of its location, Isla de Margarita is completely spared from hurricanes.
Local time: CET -5 hrs. CEST -6 hrs.
Addresses:
Embassy of the Republic of Venezuela
Schillstr. 10
10785 Berlin
Tel: +49 (0) 30 8322400
embavenez.berlin@botschaft-venezuela.de
http://botschaft-venezuela.de