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Flights to Cumana
Places in Venezuela
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On the northern coast of Venezuela, Cumana was the very first European settlement on the American mainland. Founded initially in 1515, it has been rebuilt many times due to attacks from local Indians and several large earthquakes. Nonetheless, the city has a great deal of old colonial charm.
There are several beautiful churches in Cumana, but the Cathedral of Cumana is one of the most impressive. The large white cathedral is built in the neo-Classical style with many Spanish additions. It was originally built in the early 1900s but was reconstructed in 1936 after a large earthquake.
Castle of Saint Anthony of the Eminence
Locally known as the Castillo San Antonio, this 17th century fort is a popular attraction in Cumana. Its high location provides a beautiful view of the city and the fort itself is quite an attraction. The outer walls and fortifications are the original coral construction, but most other parts of the fort have been rebuilt over the years due to earthquake damage.
Beaches
The coast of Cumana is right on the Caribbean Sea, and there are several good beaches nearby. Playa del Castillo is a popular one, north of the city on the Araya Peninsula. The local beaches are great for sunbathing, swimming and many have good spots for snorkelling. You don't get much surfing action due to the Araya Peninsula blocking the stronger waves just across the water from the city.
Cueva del Guacharo
About 60 kilometres outside of Cumana is the largest cave system in Venezuela, the Cueva del Guacharo. The cave is 9km in total length, and you can only explore with an arranged tour guide who will take you through the caverns with kerosene lanterns. Lights are kept to a minimum to protect the local nocturnal birds. You can see some amazing limestone formations within the caves, including huge hanging stalactites.
Mochima National Park
The Mochima National Park includes coastal landscapes as well as mountainous forests, and the Turimiquire dam. Some small offshore islands are also within the boundaries of the park. You can see the park from the trails or see the underwater reefs with some boat tours or snorkelling.
Flights to Cumana
The Antonio Jose de Sucre Airport (airport code: CUM) serves flights to Cumana, but only domestics ones. When coming from London, you can arrange to arrive in Caracas and get a flight to Cumana from there with Avior Airlines or Santa Barbara Airlines. The Caracas airport is the Simon Bolivar International Airport (code: CCS). Frankfurt has a flight to Caracas that connects in Frankfurt, and Iberia Airlines will take you through Madrid. Air Canada makes their transfer in Toronto. Flights to Cumana can range between 14 and 25 hours long.Cumana Tourist Attractions
Cumana CathedralThere are several beautiful churches in Cumana, but the Cathedral of Cumana is one of the most impressive. The large white cathedral is built in the neo-Classical style with many Spanish additions. It was originally built in the early 1900s but was reconstructed in 1936 after a large earthquake.
Castle of Saint Anthony of the Eminence
Locally known as the Castillo San Antonio, this 17th century fort is a popular attraction in Cumana. Its high location provides a beautiful view of the city and the fort itself is quite an attraction. The outer walls and fortifications are the original coral construction, but most other parts of the fort have been rebuilt over the years due to earthquake damage.
Beaches
The coast of Cumana is right on the Caribbean Sea, and there are several good beaches nearby. Playa del Castillo is a popular one, north of the city on the Araya Peninsula. The local beaches are great for sunbathing, swimming and many have good spots for snorkelling. You don't get much surfing action due to the Araya Peninsula blocking the stronger waves just across the water from the city.
Cueva del Guacharo
About 60 kilometres outside of Cumana is the largest cave system in Venezuela, the Cueva del Guacharo. The cave is 9km in total length, and you can only explore with an arranged tour guide who will take you through the caverns with kerosene lanterns. Lights are kept to a minimum to protect the local nocturnal birds. You can see some amazing limestone formations within the caves, including huge hanging stalactites.
Mochima National Park
The Mochima National Park includes coastal landscapes as well as mountainous forests, and the Turimiquire dam. Some small offshore islands are also within the boundaries of the park. You can see the park from the trails or see the underwater reefs with some boat tours or snorkelling.