Carnival of Puno (Puno) — this town, located in southeastern Peru (located 1,298 km. away from Lima), is known for its unique celebrations of Carnival in February. Acting as the folkloric capital of the country, Puno’s Carnival combines Spanish Catholic and traditional indigenous elements in these religious festivities. The Carnival evolves around the worshipping […]
Barranco District (Lima) – this is another major beach district near Lima, which was originally at its prime during the early 20th century when the local elite made it popular. A revival has taken place there in recent times, with a rise in luxury residences, along with trendy pubs, nightclubs and cafés. Barranco is located […]
Plaza San Miguel (Av la Marina 2000, San Miguel, Lima) – this, along with Camino Real, was among the first American-style shopping centers in Lima (launched back in the 1970s). It has expanded over the years, and both regional and international brands can be found here, along with the usual amenities offered by other shopping […]
Museo Pueblos de Margarita (Av. Simplicio Rodriguez, Vía Taguantar, Juan Griego, Nueva Esparta) – this museum gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the peoples that migrated to Margarita Island over the centuries (learning about the indigenous people who originally populated the island, the waves of Spanish conquistadors who settled there, and the Africans who […]
Margarita Marine Museum (Boulevard EL Paseo, Boca de Rio 6304, Nueva Esparta) – this museum was opened in 1994 by its founder (marine biologist Dr. Fernando Cervigón), with contributions by the Venezuelan state, as well as private benefactors like Movistar. It educates students on the marine life that exists at nearby waters (ranging from mollusks […]
La Asunción Cathedral (Plaza Bolívar, La Asuncion 6311, Nueva Esparta) – this church was founded by a member of the Dominican catholic order (the priest Juan de Manzanillo) , and was originally built by 1571. This is the oldest church in Venezuela, and one of the first in the Americas. It was later destroyed by […]
Iglesia San Nicolás de Bari (Plaza Bolívar, Porlamar) – this neo-gothic church (built in 1853) is one of the main churches located in the town of Porlamar. The previous church was built in the 16th century and destroyed by French pirates when it raided the town in 1555. The church was named after the patron […]
Hacienda el Tanque (Avenida Esperia, Pedro González, Nueva Esparta) – located on the northeast part of the island and built in 1880, this is a historic hacienda set up for the distillation of aguardiente and rum. This was reputedly one of the 25 original distilleries of aguardiente in Margarita, which included the Distillery Altagracia, La […]
Fortin de la Galera (Lonja Pesquera, Juan Griego 6309, Nueva Esparta) – this is another Spanish colonial fortress found on Margarita Island. What makes this one unique is its history: it was a fortress occupied by Venezuelan independence forces allied to Venezuelan liberator Simón Bolívar, and was used to fight Spanish naval ships attempting to […]
Faro Punta Ballenas (Sector La Caranta, Pampatar, Nueva Esparta) – this is a lighthouse located at a Venezuelan naval base. There are stairs inside the lighthouse, along with doors at different levels – where one can get a great view of various parts of Margarita island. Free admission. Hours: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm daily.