Caracas Flights And Sights

With a well-deserved reputation for violence and danger, Caracas is a daunting city for many travelers. It is still one of the more cosmopolitan cities in Latin America, with vibrant business, social, and cultural scenes. Architecturally, Caracas is one of the most modern and distinctive cities in Latin America. Concrete and plate glass reign supreme, much of it showing the bold forms and sleek lines of the Art Deco and postmodern architectural currents of the last half of the 20th century. Aficionados will enjoy works of Carlos Raúl Villanueva, a local architect who often integrated into his designs large kinetic sculptures by such renowned figures as Alexander Calder and Jesús Soto.

Caracas, and the international airport in Maiquetía, is the de facto hub for travel to and around Venezuela. If you plan on visiting several destinations in the country, you will be passing through Caracas as part of your itinerary. You can easily get a good feel for the city and its major attractions in a couple of days.

Safety First -- It's not just hype: Caracas is one of the most violent and dangerous cities in Latin America. Be very careful about where you walk, what you wear, and with whom you associate. Don't wear fancy jewelry or flash lots of cash, and keep close watch on your personal belongings. Take a well-marked taxi, or one called by your hotel, whenever possible. Be wary of unofficial cabs, or piratas. And, finally, don't get too adventurous at night.

It's easy to plan a trip to one of the most compelling cities in Venezuela with American Airlines flights to Caracas. Savvy travelers know that while the city is one in which you must always be alert, there are many interesting things to do in Caracas. There is plenty of natural beauty, which you can see in the city's many parks and plazas, along with interesting architecture that makes the city unique in Latin America. If you're flying to Caracas, here are a few ideas of what to see while you're there.

One of the most popular activities in Caracas is visiting the birthplace of Simon Bolivar, known as El Libertador. Casa Natal is the house in which he was born, and next door is Museo Bolivar, where you'll find El Libertador's clothing, military gear and even his writings. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and admission is free.

Another highlight on the list of things to do in Caracas is a visit to Plaza Bolivar and El Capitolio. Plaza Bolivar was at one time the epicenter of colonial Caracas and it's an ideal spot today for launching a walking tour of nearby museums. One of those museums you won't want to miss is El Capitolio, the national Congress building. Make sure to admire its architecture and also plan to view the impressive bronze statue of Simon Bolivar.

One of our favorite cultural activities in Caracas has to be a stroll through Museo de Bellas Artes, or Museum of Fine Art. It houses an expansive collection of Venezuelan art, which is to be expected. But the unexpected and pleasant surprise is the well curated sculpture garden. The museum's hours vary, but admission is free.

Let American Airlines help you fly to Caracas and discover its culture and history--book your trip today!