Maracaibo

[[5 de Julio Financial Area - 5 de julio Financial Area.

Maracaibo is the capital of Zulia state in western Venezuela, and is the second largest city in the nation after Caracas. It has more than 2 million people and it's famous for its typical music, big shopping malls and beautiful parks. It is called "La Primera Ciudad de Venezuela" (The Most Important Venezuelan City) because of its development.

Travel to Maracaibo

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Maracaibo

• La Chinita International Airport IATA Flight Code: MAR 1 0.558056, -71.727778 - La Chinita International Airport

• Aeropostal, Aserca, Venezolana, Avior and Conviasa have frequent flights connecting Caracas and other Venezuelan cities with Maracaibo.
• American Airlines flies daily to and from Miami (about 3 hours).
• Copa Airlines flies daily to Panama City with connections to other cities in Latin America and the US.
• Venezolana flies daily to and from Panama City and to Aruba
• Aires flies daily to and from Bogota, and twice a week to and from Cartagena and Barranquilla to Maracaibo
• Insel Air flies to and from Curaçao
• Avior Airlines flies to and from Curaçao

Travel on a Bus in Maracaibo

Maracaibo is your arrival point in Venezuela if you take the most direct route from Santa Marta in Colombia.

Night buses go to/from Caracas, San Cristobal (Venezuela) | San Cristobal and Mérida (Venezuela) | Mérida. The affordable bus to Mérida is much less comfortable.

How to get around in Maracaibo

Calle en centro de Maracaibo - Typical street in Maracaibo city.

• Taxi: Taxi service is generally cheaper in Maracaibo than in other cities in Venezuela including Caracas due to high offer and lower demand. Always use a taxi from a taxi service, either by requesting it directly through the phone or walking to a taxi service spot. Never take a taxi off the street, no matter how 'legit' it might look. Anyone can put a taxi sign on their vehicle (the plastic dome is attached by a couple of elastic strings). Most businesses in Maracaibo will aid a tourist searching for a taxi so don't be afraid to ask in a McDonald's (Please do not support McDonald's as McDonald's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant) or another shop for help locating one. Hotels have their own taxi services.
• Subway: It's the most modern and secure way to get around in the city. It is a new system so it has only 6 stations that connect the southwest to the center. Libertado station is 200 m north of the bus terminal (but be careful if you walk).
• Bus: Mugging is very common in bus routes, general advice is, if you can afford a taxi, take a taxi. If you cannot, use common sense, do not wear watches, chains or anything that might incite muggers.
• Walking: Maracaibo has a good layout and good sidewalks, caution should be taken if walking during the day because of the extreme heat and solar radiation. Extreme caution should be taken if walking during the night, it's advised to take other forms of transportation if feasible.

What to see in Maracaibo

Maracaibo has a nice but sterile centre, that they try to posh up with old European styled parks - not very successful.

• The bridge over Lake Maracaibo. Built in 1957 over Lake Maracaibo, is recognized as one of the most impressive buildings in Venezuela. It's also the largest concrete bridge in the world.
• Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Chiquinquira. In downtown Maracaibo dedicated to the apparition of the Virgin Mary to a local Venezuelan in colonial era.
• Palafitos in Santa Rosa de Agua. To the north of Maracaibo and these buildings are created by native Venezuelans on top of the water with wood.
• Santa Lucía. The most beautiful colonial area in the city with a European style and narrow streets.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Maracaibo

• Try the local cuisine, places like:
• Chop's: In Ave 10 at 65 St, with their famous tequeños and patacones.
• El Budare de Juana. Located in Santa Rita avenue. Near Hotel Kristoff. Open 24/7.
• Arepas Santa Rita: In Santa Rita avenue, sells arepas with an American style.
• Arepas San Benito: In Santa Rita, known for their famous 'aguita de sapo' (frog water, this is how it´s called the juices that come out when the "pernil" is roasted, "pernil"= Roasted Beef shoulder) arepas.
• Cachapas Frank: In 72 Ave with Delicias, famous for their cachapas.
• Los Dulces de Alicia In Doral Center Mall, local deserts such as limonson, dulce de leche and on.
• Jog in the late afternoon/night at Vereda del Lago, a big urban park along the lake border, located in El Milagro Ave. One of the meeting places for the population.
• Get in Tranvia, a touristic transport sistem that takes you around the downtown and tells you the city history. There's also a night trip with several stops in the most famous night clubs. Main station is at Vereda del Lago urban park.

• Changing money - There is a wide gap between the official and black market exchange rates. It is illegal to advertise or publish the parallel rate in Venezuela. This makes converting the prices of goods particularly difficult.

• Vereda del Lago / Aquamania - A park next to the lake with good security. It contains a waterpark called Aquamania, which is a good way to cool off in this extremely hot city.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Maracaibo

• Sambil Maracaibo. In the Ave Goajira. With A/C, security and parking. Has several national banks that operate off-hours. A food court including McDonald's (Please do not support McDonald's as McDonald's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant), Church's Chicken, Marhaba Express, Burger King (Please do not support Burger King as Burger King supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant), Subway, Cinnabon, Mr Pretzel and a TGI Friday's (Please do not support TGI Friday's as TGI Friday's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for alternative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant). The biggest movie theater in Venezuela with 13 projection rooms. And clothing stores including: Zara and Lacoste.
• Lago Mall. Located in the Milagro Avenue, next to the Hotel del Lago. A/C, parking and security. Has several banks, jewelery stores and a food court including McDonald's (Please do not support McDonald's as McDonald's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant), Wendy's, Panda Express and CHOPS. Also has a movie theater with 4 projection rooms.
• Doral Center Mall. In Ave Fuerzas Armadas, has A/C, security and paid parking, with a 6-room movie theater and food court.
• Galerias Mall. In la Limpia, has A/C, paid parking and some security. Has an 11 room-movie theater, an ice skating ring and a small food court. Caution should be taken when visiting this mall since it's next to a 'Red zone'.
• Centro Comercial Costa Verde. Old shopping center, has no A/C and no working movie theater. There is a bingo in the lower level and a Church's Chicken, Subway and Burger King (Please do not support Burger King as Burger King supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant) in the top floors. You can also find some famous stores as Oscar De La Renta and a super market.
• Mall Delicias Plaza. Has A/C, parking lot and security. It is a luxurious shopping mall in the commercial Delicias Norte avenue. Latin American designers have stores here.
• Babilon Centro Sur, C2 Avenue. Has A/C, parking and security. Its principal attraction is the movie theater consider the best one in the city and the Colombian department store Exito.

Halal Food

• Ciao, Dr. Portillo avenue. Italian cuisine in a cosmopolitan way.
• Mi Vaquita, 5 July St. The best Steaks house in Maracaibo, very popular.
• Angus Grill., Av.13 con calle 69-A. A great Steaks house with great cuts and side dishes.
• Mi Ternerita. Also a Steaks house in the Aventura Mall, and now has a new location at Fuerzas Armadas avenue.
• Da Vinci, 11-Ath Avenue near 5 July St. Italian.
• Salon Canton, 9th Avenue with 71st. Cantonese and Oriental cuisine.
• Te con Te, Bella Vista Avenue and C2 Avenue. Salads and crepes.
• Zaga. El milagro Avenue in Lago Mall. Sushi and Asian food restaurant with a spacious café.

• Mi Vaquita. Mi Vaquita is a club on weekends during night. Have to get there early if you want a good table.
• Mi Ternerita. The best club in Maracaibo, some say Venezuela. Excellent music, drinks, and ambience. A must go.
• Zeta bar. In Bella Vista behind the Governor's Mansion. Shares the block with other bars.
• H2O. Next to Zeta Cafe in Bella Vista.
• Crobar. At the end of Bella Vista. It's the biggest night club in the city with four different areas.
• El Girasol. In the hotel El Paseo, El Milagro. A fantastic spinning restaurant that celebrates its 24 years.

• Solo Casco Central Calle 94 #5-82 detras del Teatro Baralt Opening Hours: 7PM Monday - 3AM - Multifacted electroestatic rock nighclub - electronic- new rav - punk- indie-progressive-funk - house- nu jazz - minimal - maximal - electro - tech - drum and bass and more good music.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Maracaibo

Maracaibo - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Maracaibo, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Maracaibo. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Maracaibo and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Maracaibo. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Maracaibo. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inMaracaibo: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Maracaibo.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Maracaibo: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Maracaibo, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Maracaibo.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Maracaibo, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Maracaibo, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Maracaibo and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Maracaibo, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Maracaibo, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Maracaibo without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Maracaibo is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Maracaibo.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Maracaibo is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Maracaibo, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Maracaibo Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Hotel Union. 84a calle 4 - 60. US$11 per double per day.

• Maracaibo Suites - ☎ +58 261 783-4533 - US$35 a night a room. Very good service.

• Gran Hotel Delicias - ☎ +58 261 797-6111 - US$120 a room.

• Hotel Aeropuerto - ☎ +58 261 787-5881 - Fairly good mid-range option with a swimming pool, restaurant, rooms have a/c. Not very close to the airport or to downtown Maracaibo, but 300 m east of El Varillal metro station.
• Maracaibo Cumberland - ☎ +58 261 722-2224 - Calle 86-A, between Av Santa Rita and Bella Vista. Another costly option.

• Crowne Plaza Hotel - ☎ +58 261 730-2700 - Av Circunvalacion 2, Zone Industrial. Luxurious 5-star business hotel in the industrial area near the airport.

• Venetur Hotel Del Lago - ☎ +58 261 792-4422 - Avenida 2, El Milagro. An aging 5-star hotel, in a much more central and commercial point.

• Kristoff - ☎ +58 261 796-1000 - Av 8, (Santa Rita) and Calle 69, Maracaibo. Quite costly.

Telecommunications in Maracaibo

• Free WiFi in:
• 13 Subway restaurants around the city.
• Sambil Mall in Guajira Avenue
• La Chinita International Airport in Manuel Belloso Highway.

Travel Next

The bus station is 200 m south of Libertador metro station (don't walk at night). There are air-conditioned buses to most cities in Venezuela.

To Colombia

From the bus terminal and there are old American cars called "por puestos" that will take you to the bus station in Maicao, Colombia (3 hours, from there you can take a bus to anywhere in Colombia). They leave when they fill up. If you want one with air conditioning (recommended), don't mention this but just wait for one that looks a bit newer (otherwise they will want to charge you extra for it and they can be quite aggressive). On the way to the border you will pass through about 10 military or police checkpionts where you have to show your passport. If there are any illegal immigrants in your vehicle and they will have to negotiate a bribe with each of these guards (normally US$2-10 at each checkpoint) and this will add about an hour to the journey.Amerlujo and Expresos Brasilia have direct buses to Colombia but they cost about twice as much as going via Maicao and they leave very early in the morning. Expect to take about 12 hours in total to get from Maracaibo to Cartagena (Colombia) | Cartagena.

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