What are the best things to do in Maracaibo?
Top picks in Maracaibo include Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Chiquinquira, Plaza del Rosario de Nuestra Señora de La Chiquinquirá. See the full list and itinerary on this Maracaibo travel guide.
Photo: Rjcastillo · CC BY-SA 4.0
Why visit Maracaibo
Travel guide for Maracaibo, Venezuela — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Maracaibo is a stop in Venezuela, not a country-in-a-weekend. Most people stay 2–4 days. If time is short, prioritise Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Chiquinquira, Plaza del Rosario de Nuestra Señora de La Chiquinquirá instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 30–80 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: The dry season (roughly May–September) is ideal. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
The dry season (roughly May–September) is ideal
Weather
From highland cool to tropical warmth
Experiences
Things to do in Maracaibo
1
Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Chiquinquira
2
Plaza del Rosario de Nuestra Señora de La Chiquinquirá
Budget
Maracaibo trip cost
Budget
USD 15–35
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 30–80
per person / day
Luxury
USD 90–150+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Maracaibo, Venezuela. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Maracaibo
Estimated total (USD)
$1,760
≈ $880 per person · $251 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $55/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Maracaibo mid-range ground costs (budget 15–35 · mid 30–80 · luxury 90–150+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Chop's
With their famous tequeños and patacones.
Arepas Santa Rita
Sells arepas with an American style.
Cachapas Frank
Famous for their cachapas.
Los Dulces de Alicia
Local desserts such as limonson, dulce de leche and on.
Mi Vaquita
The best steak house in Maracaibo, very popular.
Angus Grill
A great steak house with great cuts and side dishes.
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $
Hotel Union
- $
Maracaibo Suites
Very good service.
- $
Gran Hotel Delicias
Hotel Aeropuerto
Fairly good mid-range option with a pool, restaurant, rooms have a/c. Not very close to the airport or to downtown Maracaibo, but 300 m east
Crowne Plaza Hotel
Luxurious 5-star business hotel in the industrial area near the airport.
Shopping
- Sambil Maracaibo
- Lago Mall
- Doral Center Mall
- Galerias Mall
- Centro Comercial Costa Verde
- Mall Delicias Plaza
Nightlife
- Mi Vaquita
- Mi Ternerita
- El Girasol
Museums & culture
- Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Chiquinquira
In pictures
Maracaibo gallery
Photos: Rjcastillo, Maracaibo_panoramica_avenida_Cecilio_Acosta.jpg: Wilfredor derivative work: Wilfredor, Orlando Pozo, Wilfredor — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Maracaibo travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Maracaibo?
The dry season (roughly May–September) is ideal.
How many days do I need in Maracaibo?
Most travellers spend 2–4 days in Maracaibo, depending on how many day trips you want in Venezuela.
Where should I stay in Maracaibo?
Popular stays in Maracaibo include Hotel Union, Maracaibo Suites, Gran Hotel Delicias. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Maracaibo cost?
On the ground in Maracaibo (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 15–35 per person per day, mid-range about 30–80, and luxury about 90–150+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Maracaibo, Venezuela. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
