5 Best Sights in The Caribbean Coast, Venezuela

One block south of Plaza Bolívar, the Ateneo de Cumaná hosts dance and opera evenings in addition to periodic exhibits of contemporary and colonial art.

Overlooking Cumaná from its hilltop perch, Castillo de San Antonio de la Eminencia is one of two forts commissioned in the 1680s to protect what was at the time the world's largest salt deposit. The four-point fort was built entirely of coral and outfitted with 16 guns.

The fort Castillo de Santiago de Araya, is on treeless Araya Peninsula. Ferries leave daily from Cumaná's harbor for the 90-minute trip.

It's estimated that Cueva del Guácharo, Venezuela's largest cave, has at least 9 km (5½ mi) of subterranean passageways. Groups are led into the dank caverns by guides who tote kerosene lanterns so as not to upset the light-sensitive guácharos—a nocturnal species of fruit-eating birds. Visitors are not allowed to bring anything inside, including purses, flashlights, or cameras. To reach the cave from Cumaná, take Highway 9 south toward Caribe for about 65 km (40 mi) and follow signs; there are bathrooms, guided tours, and a a visitor center available at the mouth of the caves.

After the last major earthquake in 1929, the Iglesia de Santa Inés was rebuilt a few blocks south of Plaza Bolívar. Inside are a few items from the colonial period.