What Makes Aragua Unique: A Diversity of Scenaries

Hi guys! I’m glad to join this Travel Writing Contest host by @invisusmundi’s. I have reasons to believe that my birthplace is unique and extraordinary, you’ll see why. I have the pleasure to present you the beautiful Aragua, Venezuela.

Despite Aragua refers to a state, since it is quiet small and easy to travel, I will consider it as my hometown. It is located to the center of the country, surrounded by the coastal mountain range. I was born in Maracay, Aragua’s capital city. Let me show you some places of interest.

In the city center we find nothing more and nothing less than the largest square in Venezuela and Latin America, Bolívar Square. This 320 meter long and 106 meter wide national historical monument was inaugurated in 1930 on the occasion of the centenary of the death of the Father of the Nation, Simón Bolívar.

In its natural spaces, the square has a varied flora, peculiar iguanas and birds. Families visit it especially on weekends, in December it is decorated with Christmas motifs that make it even more attractive especially for children.

To the north of the city, there is Las Delicias Mountain, better known by citizens as the Maracay Hotel Mountain, which is an area consisting of a set of hills located in the Henry Pittier National Park. It is very visited by hikers, athletes and outdoor activities lovers; it is a perfect place for recreation and physical exercise. There, you can get in touch with the natural environment, while admiring a panoramic view of the city and Lake Valencia.

If we are in the mood for fun and adventure, we can take the coastal road to the paradisiacal Cata Bay which is positively my favorite beach ever.

In this Caribbean jewel, you can enjoy the sun and the sea, taking a refreshing bath or walking along an extensive shore of fine white sands, accompanied by the swell of its crystalline waters. The beach has many coconut trees that provide shade to visitors. In the area, you can also find typical coast food stalls, camping areas, parking lots and boat rides.

Another dazzling coastal destination we can visit is Choroní, a town with a beautiful colonial architecture. Choroní is an important cocoa producer, and I’m very proud to tell that this export product was rated as the best in the world at the 2016 World Cocoa Conference.

West of Aragua’s coast range we find Colonia Tovar. The also called Caribbean Germany is a picturesque and charming town founded in 1843 by German immigrants that keeps its original architecture, cuisine and culture.

It is definitely an excellent choice especially for lovers of temperate climate, in the style of the German black forest. Among the sites we can visit are the museum, the church, restaurants, cafes, typical craft shops, flower stands, food stalls and more. When I'm visiting I don't miss the opportunity to taste delicious strawberries with cream and a plate of mixed sausages and a refreshing craft beer.

These awesome places are some of the reasons I have to believe that Aragua is unique and worth visiting. I hope you’ve liked it.