Venezuela is a country of striking natural beauty and contrasts, ranging from the snow-capped Andean peaks in the west, to the Amazonian jungles in the south and the beaches of the north. It is among the most highly urbanised countries in Latin America and one of the main oil producers in the world. 

LANDSCAPES 
Venezuela offers a myriad of the most spectacular landscapes and experiences - tropical beaches, immense plains, enormous rivers, forests, jungle, waterfalls and great mountains. The clear, warm waters of its Caribbean coastline are ideal for snorkeling and diving, while numerous islands off the coast invite visitors to explore. The tropical lowlands hide a huge array of wildlife, lush vegetation and dramatic waterfalls, yet within the same country lie high Andean peaks, providing a challenge to trekkers and mountaineers. The country is home to the world's highest waterfall, the largest lake and the third-longest river in the world. 

WILDLIFE 
Depending on the season a plethora of wildlife can be observed at close hand in Los Llanos; here you can find the longest snake in the world "the anaconda", crocodiles, capybaras, jaguars, tree monkeys and an incredible variety of birds. 

CULTURE 
Originally inhabited by Carib and Arawak Indians, Venezuela was claimed as a Spanish territory by Christopher Columbus in 1498. Today, with an interesting mixture of people from Spain, Portugal and Italy as well as the Caribbean, Venezuela is as much a Caribbean country as it is South American.