Travellers Tales

Do you have a long weekend to spare - or better still a few days mid week? Why not drive down to the Paria Peninsular via Mochima National Park, spend the first night in Posada gaby in the village of Mochima. It is about a 7 hour journey of steady driving with time for a fuel and coffee stop and a picnic lunch by the sea.

DAY 1

Once past Barcelona and Puerto La Cruz the road winds its way around the beautiful Caribbean coastline and through typical small villages. The tree covered hills run down to the sea, with small coves and sandy beaches at intervals. In parts the road has a jungle feel to it with a myriad of tropical plants tumbling down to the road. The Mochima National Park offers spectacular scenery with excellent fishing opportunities, whilst its beautiful beaches and coral reefs abound making snorkelling and diving a joy. Many of the islands off this coastline are uninhabited and are just a boat ride away. After a lengthy drive and a 10 minute boat ride, the calm waters and the peace and quiet of Playa Las Maritas will be very welcome.

Posada Gaby offers very basic accommodation, but it lies right on the water front at the far end of the village. Bed and breakfast and a return boat trip to the beach Bs50,000 (with electric fan) and Bs70,000 (aircon). Dinner is not on offer so try one of the nearby restaurants for delicious fresh fish.

DAY 2.

The drive to Cumana, past the Araya Peninsula and on to Carupano was slow but interesting. The long, narrow Araya Peninsula juts out westwards into the Caribbean just north of Cumana. Seen from the Mochima road, the peninsula seems arid and lifeless, but with an extraordinary pink rock formation.

From Carupano, head straight for the small fishing village of Rio Caribe, about an hours drive from Carupano. Posada Caribana close to the cafe Pariana in Ave. Bermudez are both recommended. The famous Playa Medina is about ½ an hour further on and is well signed. The road winds its way down to the shore where the crystal clear waters and golden sands await the weary traveller. Hotel Playa Medina, right on the beach, offers full board and lodging. Alternatively the Hacienda Bukare, outside the village of Chacaracual (14ks east of Rio Caribe on the road to Playa Medina) is a delightful, small place to stay. Meals are simple but delicious and the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Esse, are charming. As the Hacienda is situated on a working cocoa plantation with its own chocolate factory, it is possible to have a guided tour followed by a very interesting talk about the various stages of harvesting cocoa and the production of chocolate.

DAY 3.

A gentle 40 minute drive from Bukare via Bohordal brings you to the Thermal Springs and Mud Baths of Aguasana. The countryside changes dramatically from rolling hill country to flat plains stretching out as far as the eye can see. Whilst the springs and baths have been there for some time, a new project has just started with more mud baths being opened up and created. To lower oneself, willingly into a natural pool with water bubbling up at a mere 47 deg. is the strangest feeling. Go back to your childhood and have some fun. Cover yourself with mud, bake it dry in the sun, then wash off in yet another pool, and revel in the feeling of well being!................ Whilst there is a Posada at Aguasana, we drove back towards Bohordal (20 minutes) to the Buffalo Ranch of Encampamento Rio de Agua.

The Encampamento has been built on a small rise in the flat plains. It is surrounded by water, sheltered by tall palm trees and consists of five churuatas (a round hut with a thatched roof) and a similar building housing a bar, kitchen and dining room. The peace and tranquillity is unbeatable. Take a trip in a dug out canoe down one of the canals to view the water buffalo and bird life. Caimans lurk in the surrounding waters and aquatic creatures croak and chirrup all night. Thanks to the lack of civilisation the night sky is spectacular. Accommodation and meals are basic but perfectly adequate.

DAY 4.

We left the Rio de Agua at 9.30am and drove back to Caracas arriving at 7.30pm, a long day’s drive but thoroughly worth it. However there are many other sights to see and national parks to be visited in the area. If you can’t face the driving, fly to Cumana, Carupano or Rio Caribe and employ the services of a driver!

For further information contact mandydobson@hotmail. com

Click on the images below for a larger version. Photos courtesy of Mandy Dobson.

Sucre State Flag Mandy Dobson and her family, went on a tour of the Sucre Peninsular and below she gives some tips on where to stay and what to see. Pictured above left, is the flag of Sucre State. It is thought to be the oldest state flag in Venezuela, the first to be made official having been approved by the Legislative Assembly in 1965. It was hoisted for the first time, however, just over 30 years later on February 3rd, 1996. The white, 5-pointed stars represent the number of the State's municipalities; as the number of the latter fluctuates, the stars change accordingly.
The Sucre Peninsular
Do you have a long weekend to spare - or better still a few days mid week? Why not drive down to the Paria Peninsular via Mochima National Park, spend the first night in Posada gaby in the village of Mochima. It is about a 7 hour journey of steady driving with time for a fuel and coffee stop and a picnic lunch by the sea. DAY 1 Once past Barcelona and Puerto La Cruz the road winds its way around the beautiful Caribbean coastline and through typical small villages. The tree covered hills run down to the sea, with small coves and sandy beaches at intervals. In parts the road has a jungle feel to it with a myriad of tropical plants tumbling down to the road. The Mochima National Park offers spectacular scenery with excellent fishing opportunities, whilst its beautiful beaches and coral reefs abound making snorkelling and diving a joy. Many of the islands off this coastline are uninhabited and are just a boat ride away. After a lengthy drive and a 10 minute boat ride, the calm waters and the peace and quiet of Playa Las Maritas will be very welcome. Posada Gaby offers very basic accommodation, but it lies right on the water front at the far end of the village. Bed and breakfast and a return boat trip to the beach Bs50,000 (with electric fan) and Bs70,000 (aircon). Dinner is not on offer so try one of the nearby restaurants for delicious fresh fish. DAY 2. The drive to Cumana, past the Araya Peninsula and on to Carupano was slow but interesting. The long, narrow Araya Peninsula juts out westwards into the Caribbean just north of Cumana. Seen from the Mochima road, the peninsula seems arid and lifeless, but with an extraordinary pink rock formation. From Carupano, head straight for the small fishing village of Rio Caribe, about an hours drive from Carupano. Posada Caribana close to the cafe Pariana in Ave. Bermudez are both recommended. The famous Playa Medina is about ½ an hour further on and is well signed. The road winds its way down to the shore where the crystal clear waters and golden sands await the weary traveller. Hotel Playa Medina, right on the beach, offers full board and lodging. Alternatively the Hacienda Bukare, outside the village of Chacaracual (14ks east of Rio Caribe on the road to Playa Medina) is a delightful, small place to stay. Meals are simple but delicious and the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Esse, are charming. As the Hacienda is situated on a working cocoa plantation with its own chocolate factory, it is possible to have a guided tour followed by a very interesting talk about the various stages of harvesting cocoa and the production of chocolate. DAY 3. A gentle 40 minute drive from Bukare via Bohordal brings you to the Thermal Springs and Mud Baths of Aguasana. The countryside changes dramatically from rolling hill country to flat plains stretching out as far as the eye can see. Whilst the springs and baths have been there for some time, a new project has just started with more mud baths being opened up and created. To lower oneself, willingly into a natural pool with water bubbling up at a mere 47 deg. is the strangest feeling. Go back to your childhood and have some fun. Cover yourself with mud, bake it dry in the sun, then wash off in yet another pool, and revel in the feeling of well being!................ Whilst there is a Posada at Aguasana, we drove back towards Bohordal (20 minutes) to the Buffalo Ranch of Encampamento Rio de Agua. The Encampamento has been built on a small rise in the flat plains. It is surrounded by water, sheltered by tall palm trees and consists of five churuatas (a round hut with a thatched roof) and a similar building housing a bar, kitchen and dining room. The peace and tranquillity is unbeatable. Take a trip in a dug out canoe down one of the canals to view the water buffalo and bird life. Caimans lurk in the surrounding waters and aquatic creatures croak and chirrup all night. Thanks to the lack of civilisation the night sky is spectacular. Accommodation and meals are basic but perfectly adequate. DAY 4. We left the Rio de Agua at 9.30am and drove back to Caracas arriving at 7.30pm, a long day’s drive but thoroughly worth it. However there are many other sights to see and national parks to be visited in the area. If you can’t face the driving, fly to Cumana, Carupano or Rio Caribe and employ the services of a driver! For further information contact mandydobson@hotmail. com Click on the images below for a larger version. Photos courtesy of Mandy Dobson.