Find South American cultural attractions on the Caribbean Coast in Caracas, Venezuela's capital city. High-rise buildings break the sprawling lines of urban development while historic architecture offsets the influence of modernity. Caracas serves as a gateway to a number of Venezuela's natural attractions, but don't miss a tour of the cities' museums, cathedrals, and parks for art and culture.

Try the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo or Museo for a very modern collection of prize art works, or Museo Sacra de Caracas for religious artifacts. Any good walking tour takes in the historic sights around Plaza Bolivar and includes people watching in Parque del Este. For running commentary, join a guided tour and make the most of your city stroll. Many attractions are shut on Mondays, so plan accordingly.

Trek trails in El Avila National Park, just outside the city for fresh air and the option of views from El Avila Peak. Getting to the top is a climb if the cable car still isn't running, but views of Caracas and the Caribbean serve as compensation.

Take an easy daytrip to the lofty village of Colonia Tovar, once an isolated community of Germans, now tourist attraction. Get your bratwurst here before heading down to sea level.

Visitors to Venezuela desirous of lazy afternoons on the beach will be best satisfied by the sand and sea 100 miles off the countries' coast. Hop a quick flight to Los Roques, a string of coral islands, for diving, snorkeling, fishing and other water pursuits.

Venezuela shares boarders with Colombia, Brazil and Guayana. Caracas is 100 miles south over the Caribbean Sea from Archipielago Los Roques.