Updated in 2022.
Maracaibo, Venezuela.
The second-largest city in Venezuela after Caracas.
Very business oriented and not much for tourists to do. The city holds nearly 80% of the country’s oil reserves. Be mindful here. Despite being one of it richest, Maracaibo is also one of Venezuela’s most crime-ridden cities. A land of extremes. Maracaibo is close to the border with Colombia. Riohacha, Colombia is only a 4 hour drive, and Santa Marta is a 7 hour drive away.
POPULATION: 1,500,000
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RENT AN APARTMENT IN MARACAIBO
About $500.00 to stay in Maracaibo, but hard to say for sure because of Venezuela’s wild currency situation.
BEST BARS & NIGHTLIFE IN MARACAIBO
6.5/10
There is enough nightlife in Maracaibo, but cover charges are astronomical. Also, it’s difficult to feel 100% safe after night falls over ol’ Maracaibo. On the plus side, you’ll get a lot of attention from locals who are wondering what the hell you are doing in Venezuela. You’ll probably wonder the same thing.
My Latin Life recommends:
Mi Ternerita: A restaurant/bar brought to you by the same owners of Mi Vaquita. The food is decent but expensive. You’ll be able to mingle here in the evenings – Venezuelans are very warm and welcoming people – but you’re unlikely to snag a one night stand. Ternerita is more upscale.
COST OF LIVING IN MARACAIBO
The following data is from Expatistan, a crowdsourced database of prices and cost of living around the world. In our experience, the data tends to underestimate cost of living, so take the following as the minimum you might need to live here.
*Figures are listed in USD
You’ll need a minimum of $724 USD/month to live in Maracaibo, Venezuela
IS MARACAIBO SAFE?
Maracaibo is not safe. Although the paranoia exceeds the threat, you still must take precautions. Don’t walk alone at night, and always call a cab if you need one – never hail one off the street. Public transportation is no longer a safe option here. Robberies can be violent and can — and do — occur in broad daylight and in populated areas.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON MARACAIBO
If you’re hellbent on visiting a true Venezuelan city, I’d recommend Merida over Maracaibo, and Maracaibo over Caracas.
The nightlife in Maracaibo isn’t superb, and it’s somewhat difficult to find a play to stay.
OVERALL RATING: 5.75/10
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