Why visit
Caracas sits in a mountain valley below Avila, with museums, plazas, food, and a dramatic natural wall above the city. Conditions require care, but the setting is undeniably powerful.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Caracas is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Venezuela. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Caracas, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Venezuela better matches the trip style.
Caracas at a glance
City population
3.0 million
Elevation
887 m
2,910 ft
Time zone
UTC-4
America/Caracas
Airport
CCS
Maiquetía Simón Bolívar International Airport
Venezuela at a glance
Country center
8.0°, -66.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
916,445 km²
353,841 mi²
Country population
28.8 million
31/km²
Subregion
South America
Currency
Venezuelan bolívar soberano (Bs.S.)
VES
Dial
+58
Language
Spanish
Demonym
Venezuelan
Internet
.ve
UN
Member state
ISO code
VE / VEN
Where in the world
8.0° - -66.0°
Venezuela
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Caracas sits in a narrow valley below Avila National Park.
- The city's cable car links the urban valley with mountain viewpoints when operating.
- The El Avila mountain wall separates Caracas from the sea; a cable car climbs above 2,000 m for views over city and Caribbean.
- Venezuela has the world's largest proven oil reserves, larger even than Saudi Arabia's.
- Angel Falls, at 979 m, is the world's tallest uninterrupted waterfall: about 19 times higher than Niagara.
Bordering Venezuela
Traveler notes
- Avila National Park rises directly above the capital
- Plaza Bolivar and the historic center frame the civic story
- The cable car gives the most memorable city view when operating
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Caracas
What currency is used in Caracas?
Caracas uses the Venezuelan bolívar soberano (Bs.S.), ISO code VES.
What languages are spoken in Venezuela?
The primary language is Spanish.
What is the international calling code for Venezuela?
The calling code is +58.
When is the best time to visit Caracas?
Dec–Apr. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Caracas?
Maiquetía Simón Bolívar International Airport (IATA: CCS).
Other South America destinations
Argentina
Argentina is Buenos Aires tango nights, Mendoza wine country, Patagonia (Perito Moreno, El Chaltén, Ushuaia), Iguazu's other side, and some of the world's best beef.
Bolivia
Bolivia is Salar de Uyuni's mirror-salt flats, La Paz at 3,600 m, Lake Titicaca, Sucre's white colonial capital, and the Amazon at Rurrenabaque.
Brazil
Brazil is Rio's beaches and Carnival, the Amazon, Iguazu Falls, Salvador's Afro-Brazilian culture, Chapada Diamantina's canyons, and football everywhere. Distances are continental; pick three regions.
Chile
Chile stretches 4,300 km. From Atacama's driest desert to Patagonia's Torres del Paine, Easter Island's moai, and Valparaíso's hillside murals. Wine country wraps around Santiago.
Colombia
Colombia covers Bogotá's altitude and art, Medellín's transformation, Cartagena's walled city and Caribbean, the Coffee Triangle, and Tayrona's jungle-beaches.
Ecuador
Ecuador is Quito's old town at altitude, Otavalo markets, the Galápagos Islands, Amazon basin lodges, and Cuenca's colonial streets. All compact enough for one trip.