the venezuelan constitution includes a general anti-discrimination law, which theoretically protects the rights of gay and lesbian individuals. several organizations, notably alianza lambda de venezuela, actively champion social acceptance and equality for lgbtq+ people.
however, the supreme court dealt a setback in , ruling that same-sex marriage and registered partnerships are incompatible with the nation's constitution.
in november , president nicolás maduro voiced support for legalizing same-sex marriage. within a year, discussions arose about incorporating marriage equality into a new venezuelan constitution.
unfortunately, the drafting of this new constitution remains an ongoing process with no guaranteed outcome.
current adoption laws discriminate against homosexuals, barring them from adopting. furthermore, lgbtq+ individuals face exclusion from military service.
since , transsexual individuals have been able to apply for supplemental identification cards that do not necessarily reflect their gender assigned at birth. previously, such documentation was impossible to obtain.
lgbtq+-friendly cities in venezuela
caracas, mérida, maracaíbo, valencia, maturín, and barquisimeto are considered the most tolerant cities in venezuela.
however, acceptance of homosexuals is relatively widespread throughout the country. while isolated incidents of discrimination might occur, venezuelan gays and lesbians generally report feeling safe.
exploring venezuela: a diverse landscape
venezuela boasts a strikingly diverse landscape, often described as representing all continents.
visitors can relax on a tropical beach in the morning and admire snow-capped mountains in the evening. the country offers a multitude of experiences: lush jungles, towering mountains, vast savannas, idyllic beaches, serene lakes, untamed rivers, bustling cities, and quaint villages.
gay nightlife and social scenes
most large cities have designated meeting places for gays and lesbians, including gay-friendly or exclusively gay bars, nightclubs, saunas, parks, and shopping centers.
venezuela provides a welcoming environment for lgbtq+ travelers.
venezuela's natural wonders
los llanos: venezuela's great plains
wildlife enthusiasts will find venezuela especially appealing due to its rich biodiversity and many rare native animal species.
in the los llanos region, you might spot caimans and the endangered orinoco crocodile along the rivers. while cattle ranching and oil production are major industries, ecotourism is gaining prominence, helping to safeguard the wilderness habitats that countless animals call home.
the dry season typically offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities as animals congregate around watering holes.
however, consider visiting during the rainy season (may to october) for a different perspective. in addition to wildlife, los llanos provides a glimpse into authentic cowboy lifestyles and the vibrant joropo musical culture, especially prominent in barinas, the regional capital.
morrocoy national park: caribbean paradise
morrocoy national park encompasses a wealth of marine wildlife and diverse bird species, including ospreys, scarlet ibis, parrots, and flamingos.
access the park via the towns of chichiriviche or tucacas in the falcón region, traveling along the morón expressway from caracas.
the drive itself offers a captivating transition from urban sprawl to sandy wilderness within a few hours. morrocoy is known for its idyllic beaches, secluded islands, and mangrove swamps, which are a focus of ecological research, particularly on isla de aves.
other attractions include cueva del indio with its ancient petroglyphs, the remote los juanes, and swimming spots near the cave of the holy virgin.
orinoco delta: a lifeline of biodiversity
the orinoco delta, a vast river system, supports a thriving ecosystem and presents a unique perspective on venezuela.
the warao indigenous communities are skilled in crafting canoes from single trees, and many warao children learn to paddle before they can walk.
their homes are built on stilts to cope with changing water levels and escape ground-level humidity.
the warao are also experts in fishing, agriculture, winemaking, and ropework, offering valuable insights to visitors. while some communities are not open to tourism, a growing number cater to the ecotourism sector.
henri pittier national park: coastal and jungle beauty
inland, the town of choroní charms visitors with its colonial architecture and relaxed atmosphere centered on the main plaza.
while choroní may lack extensive activities, it serves as an ideal base for exploring henri pittier national park.
this vast park encompasses lowland jungles and forested mountain ranges. due to its size, exploring the entire park in a single day is impossible.
a number of small towns and villages within the park are accessible by private or shared taxi. puerto colombia, located in the eastern part of the park, is the most popular, offering various services and lodging options for trekkers.
el playón in the west offers a more rugged alternative but is less frequented by tourists.
the best time to visit henri pittier national park is from january to march to avoid the rainy season. even outside these months, choroní remains a worthwhile destination, offering charming locals and stunning cliffside beaches near colonial towns and humble seafood restaurants.
margarita island: beaches and nightlife
playa el yaque is renowned for windsurfing and kitesurfing, while la playa el agua, playa guacuco, playa puerto cruz, and playa manzanillo are popular for their soft sand and conveniently located hotels and restaurants.
the capital city of la asunción is excellent for shopping, dining, and nightlife, while porlamar offers beach bars, discos, and salsa clubs.
juangriego provides a hippie vibe, while península de macanao offers complete solitude in pristine surroundings.
medanos de coro national park: a desert surprise
the medanos de coro national park in the northwest falcón state presents an entirely different landscape: an arid desert famed for its shifting sand dunes reaching up to 40 meters in height, displaying hues of yellow and orange.
despite its dry appearance, these dunes conceal underground lagoons formed from centuries of flooding.
visitors can ascend the hills to witness these unexpected water features. in addition to admiring the rolling scenery, the medanos de coro national park offers camel trips and thrilling quad biking excursions.
the best time to visit for dune-touring is from march to may, accessing the park by bus or taxi, stopping at the gateway town of coro.
mochima national park: tranquil islands and marine life
mochima national park comprises islands ideal for relaxing beach days and diving adventures amid caribbean surf.
much less crowded than morrocoy national park, mochima offers tranquility. this haven for wildlife sees pelicans nesting at la ciéna cove and dolphins thriving around isla cachicamo. mochima protects not only marine life but also the forests of the turimiquire mountains, which lie between the states of anzoátegui and sucre, descending toward the bays and beaches of la cruz.
respect local wildlife during island-hopping tours, basking on the beaches of santa fe and mochima island, or snorkeling and diving.
on land, mochima is considered the safest town and is best visited on weekdays for a quiet village atmosphere. while slightly rundown with limited accommodation, it is still a good base for exploring nearby islands.
aruba: caribbean charm and dutch influence
aruba, part of the abc islands northwest of caracas in the caribbean sea, offers a unique blend of caribbean beauty and dutch colonial influence.
though popular with north american tourists seeking winter sun, sand, and sea, aruba retains its rugged charm.
influenced by dutch colonialism, aruba also exhibits portuguese, spanish, and west african influences. the northern part of aruba is wilder and more remote from the central amenities.
visitors can opt for day cruises or snorkeling tours around the tropical waters.
culture thrives in aruba, particularly at the historical fort zoutman and the aruba historical museum.
in the southern town of san nicolas, colorful street murals and traditional lunches await. for shopping, the capital city of oranjestad is the primary choice.
catering to cruise ships year-round, the main thoroughfare of caya gf betico croes features local craft stores and international brands, blending colonial architecture with modern shopping malls.
while gay aruba lacks official gay bars, the aruba gay scene can be found among the bars and clubs nearby.
travel planning and curated experiences
whether you desire a resort vacation, wildlife safari, city break, luxury cruise, wellness retreat, honeymoon, adventure, or weekend escape, travel experts can simplify your planning.
they can handle the finer details of creating stylish vacations.
accessing curated travel content often requires a subscription to city guides, offering insights into gourmet delights, architectural treasures, cultural attractions, fashion legacies, and vibrant nightlife.
you can typically unsubscribe at any time via a link in email footers.
marketing platforms are often used to manage subscriptions and process information. joining insider circles can provide access to curated luxury travel experiences, exclusive perks, and insider access.
venezuela: a hidden paradise for adventurous travelers.
travel itineraries are often curated by local experts, providing tailored journeys that transcend conventional luxury. true luxury lies in the freedom to explore the world exactly as you envision it.
lgbtq+ venezuela: considerations and safety
venezuela, a traditionally catholic country, has some reservations regarding gay rights.
safety travel advice suggests caution, as venezuela is considered one of the more dangerous countries in south america.
with warm and sunny weather year-round, venezuela is appealing at any time. however, it's vital to stay informed and prioritize your safety during your travels.
must-see venezuelan destinations revisited
a brief recap of some essential destinations for any venezuelan adventure:
- canaima national park: home to angel falls and the gran sabana, offering breathtaking natural beauty.
- mount roraima: a table-top mountain offering stunning views and a challenging trek.
- mérida: a cultural town in the andes, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
- los llanos: scenic grasslands teeming with wildlife.
- orinoco delta: a rich ecosystem offering a unique perspective on venezuela.
- medanos de coro national park: a surprising desert landscape with towering sand dunes.