TravelTips24 : South America : Venezuela : Central : Aragua : Choroní
Choroní
Choroní is a popular beach destination in Aragua state in Venezuela.
Culture and History
Although Choroní is generally known as one of Venezuela's best Caribbean beaches, the hamlet itself actually sits slightly inland, boasting some fine colonial houses around a quiet central plaza. Instead, it is the neighbouring fishing village of Puerto Colombia just beyond Choroni where the palm tree-lined beaches lie and most accommodation is found. Framed by the tropical rain forest of Parque Henri Pitier, the beaches around Puerto Colombia are some of the most stunningly beautiful in the country.
Travel to Choroní & Visa Requirements
From Maracay, buses leave the terminal every couple of hours for Choroní (more at weekends), wending through the dense mountainous cloudforest of the Henri Pittier National Park. The 45-km road is very narrow and full of hairpin bends - at some points the bus has to stop and reverse a few yards in order to negotiate the bend in two manouvers. It is not a journey for the faint-hearted. The alternative - taxis - is little better as drivers race into blind bends with little concern for oncoming traffic. Driving your own vehicle may be preferred but extreme caution is needed on the roads. The journey is about 2 hours by bus from Maracay or 1.5 hours by car.
Tours & Getting around Choroní
The size and small streets of Puerto Colombia mean cars are best left at the posada. Everywhere can be reached on foot. To reach the most beautiful beaches you need to hire a small boat, or "lancha." Cepe (30 minutes away) or Chuao (20 minutes) are popular options.
Choroní attractions and sightseeing
Choroní city tours
- Playa Grande is the main attraction in Choroní - a beautiful horseshoe of a golden sandy beach backed by the steep hills of the lush Henri Pittier National Park.
- Tambores, or drums, on the seafront at weekends is the focus for nighttime entertainment, with local youths performing rhythmic dances to the beat of the hollowed out drums.
Choroní souvenirs & shopping
Choroní Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive
Fried fish with fried plantain on the side (tostones) is a must at any beach resort in Venezuela. Finger-lickin' good.
- Empanadas de cazon
- Arepa domino
- Arepa reina pepiado
- Dorado (mahi mahi), its always caught fresh the same day!
Choroní nightlife, bars, clubs & pubs
Guarapita - a powerful local concoction made from rum, passion fruit juice and other good ingredients. Dangerously easy to drink.
Choroní cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels & lodging
Budget
- Hostal Costa Brava, Calle Morillo No 9. Puerto Colombia., ☎ 0243 9911057 or 0414 4518022(suarezjf@cantv.net). Clean, decent and roomy, with ample parking. 8 rooms, of which 3 have their own bathroom and others share. Communal TV room. Proprietor Sr. Francisco Suarez.Double rooms without bathroom are Bs.50,000 ($25), or Bs.70,000 with bathroom..
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This page was last edited at 19:31, on 29 November 2008 by Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel. Based on work by Stacy Hall, Wikitravel user(s) Ixer and Jonboy and Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel.
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