I traveled through Venezuela before the current crisis made it effectively impossible for most tourists. Rio Caribe on the Paria peninsula was one of the highlights — a small fishing town on the Caribbean coast with cacao plantations in the hills behind and empty beaches along the peninsula. Whether this is still accessible to travelers depends on the security situation, which changes constantly. Check current conditions before planning any Venezuela travel.
Rio Caribe
A colonial town on the north coast of the Paria peninsula in eastern Venezuela. The coastline east of Rio Caribe has a string of beaches — Playa Medina and Playa Pui Puy are the ones most travelers reached. Cacao grows in the hills — the Paria peninsula produces some of the best cacao in the world, and you could visit plantations and processing facilities.
Safety Warning
Venezuela’s security situation has been deteriorating for years. Hyperinflation, shortages, crime and political instability have made travel there risky. Some areas are safer than others but the overall situation is unpredictable. Do not carry large amounts of cash (though everything requires cash due to the broken banking system). Travel with current information, not old guidebooks.
If you do go: carry your passport at all times. Do not transport anything for anyone — drug smuggling operations sometimes target naive travelers. Keep a very low profile with electronics and jewelry.