When visiting Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, an exciting way to experience Isla Margarita is by a jeep tour. One of the best jeep tours on Isla Margarita is Cruisin-N-Style. Tours run from 4 to 8 hours and although there is a typical route in place, outlines can be adjusted according to preference.
Basic outline for a 4 hour tour: ($90 U.S. Dollars Total)
• Visit a historic castle
• Stop at an old fort (not necessarily for the historical value but for the scenic view)
• Visit a few famous churches
• Stop by La Sierra (El Copey), which is the highest mountain peak that can be driven to on the island
• Visit Botanical Gardens
• Stop at Margarita's most famous beach known as Playa el Agua
• Mini flea market shopping
• Drive through Juan Greigo (known for sunsets, shopping and beautiful beaches)
• Drive around the northern tip of the island where you can take scenic pictures
Basic outline for a 6 hour tour: ($110 U.S. Dollars Total)
Includes what is stated in a 4 hour tour plus:
• Stop for lunch or snack (not included in price)
• Downtown shopping or flea market shopping
• Visit La Restinga National Park
-30 minutes or 1 hour boat tour (not included in price)
Basic outline for an 8 hour tour: ($130 U.S. Dollars Total)
Includes what is stated in a 4 hour tour plus:
• Stop for lunch and try Margarita's authentic food (not included in price)
• Downtown shopping or flea market shopping
• Visit La Restinga National Park
-30 minutes or 1 hour boat tour (not included in price)
• Visit Boca de Rio's Marine Museum
• Beach time
-1 or 2 hours at a nice beach of your choice or a recommended one
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Isla Margarita Has a Lot to Offer Its Visitors
If you are looking for the complete Isla Margarita experience, be sure to visit some of the attractions listed below.
Cities and Towns
Porlamar- This is the biggest city on Isla Margarita and is known for its commercial center. It has a wide variety of shops and restaurants, sure to appeal to every taste. Boulevard Guevara, a narrow, store-lined road, is the best place to shop at good prices. Porlamar has the highest concentration of shops, restaurants, bars, and dance clubs on Margarita.
Pampatar- This is about 6 miles northeast of Porlamar but is much more picturesque and calm. Founded in 1535 around the island's most protected deep-water harbor, Pampatar still retains much of its colonial-era flavor and architecture. The main attraction here is the Castillo de San Carlos de Borromeo, which was constructed entirely of coral and built on the waterfront of the town center to protect the bay of Pampatar. Across from the fort, you'll find the Iglesia de Santísimo Cristo del Buen Viaje, a church of great importance to the sailors and fishermen of Isla Margarita.
La Asuncion- This is the oldest city on Isla Margarita and is the capital of the Federal State of Nueva Esparta. It is also the center of the commercial and manufacturing industries, which include the growing of cotton, sugarcane, coconuts, and cassava. The city's church, La Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, is said to be the oldest in Venezuela. A few minutes from the center of town is the Castillo de Santa Rosa, another of the island's historic and battle-worn forts.
Beaches
Playa El Agua - A long, broad, straight stretch of white sand with moderate surf, backed by palm trees and a broad selection of restaurants and shops.
Playa Parguito - Has begun to rival El Agua in terms of popularity. Both of these beaches can get packed on weekends and during peak periods.
Manzanillo – One of the least developed beaches, meaning it is often quite deserted. It also offers a great place to watch sunsets.
Playa Pampatar - One of the least attractive beaches on the island, but quite popular with locals. It is lined with a string of simple restaurants set on the sand, just a few yards from the sea.
National Parks
La Restinga National Park - This 26,429-acre park encompasses an area of mangroves, marshland, sandbar, and coral-sand beaches making a natural land bridge between the two islands that today are Isla Margarita. A visit to the park usually involves a boat tour through the mangroves, followed by some beach time on the 6-mile stretch of beach that forms the isthmus uniting the two sides of Margarita. You'll find some simple beachside restaurants and souvenir stands here as well.
Islas Coche & Cubagua - The entire state of Nueva Esparta is made up of Isla Margarita and two much smaller neighboring islands, Isla Coche and Isla Cubagua. The pearl beds off these two islands were major sources of wealth during the colonial period. Both islands are popular destinations for day cruises, which bring folks to their pristine and nearly deserted beaches. Isla Coche has some development and rolling hills, while Isla Cubagua is mostly barren, flat, and undeveloped.
Cities and Towns
Porlamar- This is the biggest city on Isla Margarita and is known for its commercial center. It has a wide variety of shops and restaurants, sure to appeal to every taste. Boulevard Guevara, a narrow, store-lined road, is the best place to shop at good prices. Porlamar has the highest concentration of shops, restaurants, bars, and dance clubs on Margarita.
Pampatar- This is about 6 miles northeast of Porlamar but is much more picturesque and calm. Founded in 1535 around the island's most protected deep-water harbor, Pampatar still retains much of its colonial-era flavor and architecture. The main attraction here is the Castillo de San Carlos de Borromeo, which was constructed entirely of coral and built on the waterfront of the town center to protect the bay of Pampatar. Across from the fort, you'll find the Iglesia de Santísimo Cristo del Buen Viaje, a church of great importance to the sailors and fishermen of Isla Margarita.
La Asuncion- This is the oldest city on Isla Margarita and is the capital of the Federal State of Nueva Esparta. It is also the center of the commercial and manufacturing industries, which include the growing of cotton, sugarcane, coconuts, and cassava. The city's church, La Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, is said to be the oldest in Venezuela. A few minutes from the center of town is the Castillo de Santa Rosa, another of the island's historic and battle-worn forts.
Beaches
Playa El Agua - A long, broad, straight stretch of white sand with moderate surf, backed by palm trees and a broad selection of restaurants and shops.
Playa Parguito - Has begun to rival El Agua in terms of popularity. Both of these beaches can get packed on weekends and during peak periods.
Manzanillo – One of the least developed beaches, meaning it is often quite deserted. It also offers a great place to watch sunsets.
Playa Pampatar - One of the least attractive beaches on the island, but quite popular with locals. It is lined with a string of simple restaurants set on the sand, just a few yards from the sea.
National Parks
La Restinga National Park - This 26,429-acre park encompasses an area of mangroves, marshland, sandbar, and coral-sand beaches making a natural land bridge between the two islands that today are Isla Margarita. A visit to the park usually involves a boat tour through the mangroves, followed by some beach time on the 6-mile stretch of beach that forms the isthmus uniting the two sides of Margarita. You'll find some simple beachside restaurants and souvenir stands here as well.
Islas Coche & Cubagua - The entire state of Nueva Esparta is made up of Isla Margarita and two much smaller neighboring islands, Isla Coche and Isla Cubagua. The pearl beds off these two islands were major sources of wealth during the colonial period. Both islands are popular destinations for day cruises, which bring folks to their pristine and nearly deserted beaches. Isla Coche has some development and rolling hills, while Isla Cubagua is mostly barren, flat, and undeveloped.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Research Your Destination before You Travel
Traveling to a different country? Below are a few things you should know before you go.
1. Do some research and learn as much as you can about your destination.
2. Check to see what type of weather the area has so you can plan accordingly.
3. Check with the U.S. State Department concerning safety warnings for U.S. tourists at your destination.
4. Find out if you will need a passport to enter the country. Make sure your passport is up to date and valid. Some countries will not let you in if your passport will expire within six months of your return home, so extend it if you are close to expiration.
5. Find out if you will need any visas to enter the country.
6. Check to see what other type of paperwork and documentation you will need to travel.
7. Find out what type of diseases are common to the area you’ll be visiting and take actions to prevent your exposure to those diseases.
8. Find out what types of vaccinations you will need to enter the country, there may also be medications you’ll need to take before, during and even after your trip.
9. Find out what type of electrical outlets the country uses, you may need a special converter or adapter to use your electrical appliances.
10. Check your own medical coverage to see what type of coverage you’ll have when away from home. Consider purchasing trip insurance.
11. Do some research about the costs of local items so you can set your budget. Don't forget to budget for taxes and tipping, many governments charge high taxes for travel related services.
12. Check the financial section of your newspaper, they usually post exchange rates. Checking in advance can give you an idea of how much you’ll need to budget.
13. Do some research with U.S. Customs to find out what you can take with you and what you may bring back.
14. Build some basic language skills in the local language.
15. Check the dates of local major holidays, since services may be limited on those dates.
16. If you plan on driving, investigate the local road conditions, laws and other driving requirements.
17. Most of the world uses the metric system, so try to become familiar with this system. 1 kilometer = .62 miles so 100 kilometers per hour = 62 miles per hour.
1. Do some research and learn as much as you can about your destination.
2. Check to see what type of weather the area has so you can plan accordingly.
3. Check with the U.S. State Department concerning safety warnings for U.S. tourists at your destination.
4. Find out if you will need a passport to enter the country. Make sure your passport is up to date and valid. Some countries will not let you in if your passport will expire within six months of your return home, so extend it if you are close to expiration.
5. Find out if you will need any visas to enter the country.
6. Check to see what other type of paperwork and documentation you will need to travel.
7. Find out what type of diseases are common to the area you’ll be visiting and take actions to prevent your exposure to those diseases.
8. Find out what types of vaccinations you will need to enter the country, there may also be medications you’ll need to take before, during and even after your trip.
9. Find out what type of electrical outlets the country uses, you may need a special converter or adapter to use your electrical appliances.
10. Check your own medical coverage to see what type of coverage you’ll have when away from home. Consider purchasing trip insurance.
11. Do some research about the costs of local items so you can set your budget. Don't forget to budget for taxes and tipping, many governments charge high taxes for travel related services.
12. Check the financial section of your newspaper, they usually post exchange rates. Checking in advance can give you an idea of how much you’ll need to budget.
13. Do some research with U.S. Customs to find out what you can take with you and what you may bring back.
14. Build some basic language skills in the local language.
15. Check the dates of local major holidays, since services may be limited on those dates.
16. If you plan on driving, investigate the local road conditions, laws and other driving requirements.
17. Most of the world uses the metric system, so try to become familiar with this system. 1 kilometer = .62 miles so 100 kilometers per hour = 62 miles per hour.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Learn The History of Isla Margarita
Want to learn a little history about Isla Margarita during your vacation at Caracola Beach and Spa Resort? Below are just a few of the places you should visit.
Caranta Fort
Caranta Fort is located on top of La Caranta hill and was built between 1586 and 1595. It was originally built to shut off access to the bay and shoreline but before it could perform this duty it was destroyed during an attack by Dutch pirates in 1626.
Today, the ruins of Caranta Fort still have a few original cannons pointing towards the ocean that visitors can experience. La Caranta Hill also provides visitors with a world class view of the bay which is often filled with sailboats from around the world.
Diocesan Museum
The Diocesan Museum is located next to the La Virgin Del Valle Church, showcasing a diversity of offerings granted by the faithful devotes of the Virgin.
Here guests can admire all the offerings from the parishioners, the dresses of the Virgin, objects that belong to the church, and paintings where numerous scenes depict the Virgin Mary and her miracles.
The museum is open from 9am to 12pm, and from 2pm until 5pm.
San Nicholas de Bari Church
The first church that was originally built on this site was looted and burned down by pirates in 1555. From there, worship was held in a home until San Nicolas de Bari Church was built 400 years later.
San Nicolas de Bari Church showcases the history of this island and is an important landmark to the locals, which makes this church a must see site when visiting.
DID YOU KNOW?
Christopher Columbus discovered Isla Margarita in 1498 during his third voyage to America.
Caranta Fort
Caranta Fort is located on top of La Caranta hill and was built between 1586 and 1595. It was originally built to shut off access to the bay and shoreline but before it could perform this duty it was destroyed during an attack by Dutch pirates in 1626.
Today, the ruins of Caranta Fort still have a few original cannons pointing towards the ocean that visitors can experience. La Caranta Hill also provides visitors with a world class view of the bay which is often filled with sailboats from around the world.
Diocesan Museum
The Diocesan Museum is located next to the La Virgin Del Valle Church, showcasing a diversity of offerings granted by the faithful devotes of the Virgin.
Here guests can admire all the offerings from the parishioners, the dresses of the Virgin, objects that belong to the church, and paintings where numerous scenes depict the Virgin Mary and her miracles.
The museum is open from 9am to 12pm, and from 2pm until 5pm.
San Nicholas de Bari Church
The first church that was originally built on this site was looted and burned down by pirates in 1555. From there, worship was held in a home until San Nicolas de Bari Church was built 400 years later.
San Nicolas de Bari Church showcases the history of this island and is an important landmark to the locals, which makes this church a must see site when visiting.
DID YOU KNOW?
Christopher Columbus discovered Isla Margarita in 1498 during his third voyage to America.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Looking for a Fun Outdoor Activity The Whole Family Can Enjoy?
Outdoor Activities around Isla Margarita
Not only does Caracola Beach and Spa Resort offer its guests an array of amenities at the resort, but the area has a lot to offer as well. The resort’s location on the Caribbean Sea provides an abundant amount of outdoor activities where guests can enjoy the beautiful scenery, as well as the fairly consistent 80 degree temperatures throughout the year.
Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, located on Isla Margarita, offers:
• Remarkable golfing locations
• Numerous hiking grounds from mountainous rain forests to sand flats
• High end duty-free shopping at locations such as Tommy Hilfiger, Benetton, and Tiffany’s
• Horseback riding
• Extraordinary scuba diving and snorkeling locations with abundant and diverse underwater life
• Uninhabited islands for exploring
• National parks, forests, lagoons, and beaches
• Historical forts
• Windsurfing
Windsurf off of Isla Margarita
If you’re looking for some reliable, thrilling fun, you may want to test your skills at windsurfing while visiting Isla Margarita. The island is famous throughout the world as being one of the best locations for the sport. In fact, Isla Margarita hosts Professional Windsurfing Association competitions each year. With its favorable geographic location in proximity to a nearby isle creating a consistent side shore wind, and shallow, warm water, the conditions are usually perfect for windsurfing year-round. Generally though, the wind season runs from November until May, with the windiest months being January to March.
On any given day, the warmth of the morning will heat up the atmosphere, causing the winds to pick up in intensity. By mid afternoon, they are usually blowing at their peak. These winds create ripe conditions for all skill levels.
Best Beaches for Windsurfing
Professionals and beginners alike flock to El Yaque Beach, located on the south side of Isla Margarita. The beach is three-quarters of a mile long with side-shore winds. The waters are shallow along the beach out to about 300 yards, making it suitable for beginners. Professionals venture out further to where the waters become rather choppy, with swells up to five feet.
If windsurfing is not for everyone in your family or group, it’s also fun to just sit back on the beach and watch the surfers practicing their tricks and maneuvers!
DID YOU KNOW?
Isla Margarita is known as the windsurfing capital of the world!
Not only does Caracola Beach and Spa Resort offer its guests an array of amenities at the resort, but the area has a lot to offer as well. The resort’s location on the Caribbean Sea provides an abundant amount of outdoor activities where guests can enjoy the beautiful scenery, as well as the fairly consistent 80 degree temperatures throughout the year.
Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, located on Isla Margarita, offers:
• Remarkable golfing locations
• Numerous hiking grounds from mountainous rain forests to sand flats
• High end duty-free shopping at locations such as Tommy Hilfiger, Benetton, and Tiffany’s
• Horseback riding
• Extraordinary scuba diving and snorkeling locations with abundant and diverse underwater life
• Uninhabited islands for exploring
• National parks, forests, lagoons, and beaches
• Historical forts
• Windsurfing
Windsurf off of Isla Margarita
If you’re looking for some reliable, thrilling fun, you may want to test your skills at windsurfing while visiting Isla Margarita. The island is famous throughout the world as being one of the best locations for the sport. In fact, Isla Margarita hosts Professional Windsurfing Association competitions each year. With its favorable geographic location in proximity to a nearby isle creating a consistent side shore wind, and shallow, warm water, the conditions are usually perfect for windsurfing year-round. Generally though, the wind season runs from November until May, with the windiest months being January to March.
On any given day, the warmth of the morning will heat up the atmosphere, causing the winds to pick up in intensity. By mid afternoon, they are usually blowing at their peak. These winds create ripe conditions for all skill levels.
Best Beaches for Windsurfing
Professionals and beginners alike flock to El Yaque Beach, located on the south side of Isla Margarita. The beach is three-quarters of a mile long with side-shore winds. The waters are shallow along the beach out to about 300 yards, making it suitable for beginners. Professionals venture out further to where the waters become rather choppy, with swells up to five feet.
If windsurfing is not for everyone in your family or group, it’s also fun to just sit back on the beach and watch the surfers practicing their tricks and maneuvers!
DID YOU KNOW?
Isla Margarita is known as the windsurfing capital of the world!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Caracola Beach and Spa Resort Offers the Best Vacation Destination
Monthly Temperatures
When visiting Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, on Isla Margarita, you will undoubtedly enjoy beautiful weather during your stay. Temperatures on the island are fairly consistent at 80 degrees.
Below are the minimum/maximum temperatures on Isla Margarita during 2009:
(low/high)
- January- 77/82
- February- 73/82
- March- 77/82
- April- 79/84
- May- 81/86
- June- 79/86
- July- 75/84
- August- 79/84
- September- 81/88
- October- 81/84
- November- 79/84
- December- 77/82
Sunny Weather Statistics
Isla Margarita doesn’t have a typical rainy season. The island experiences most of its rain from mid June to mid July and again from mid November to early January. It doesn’t rain continuously for days at a time either; instead it will usually rain for a couple hours, then the sun will reappear.
Below is the percent of days with at least 6 hours of sun on Isla Margarita during 2009:
(sunny days/days in month)
- January- 28/31
- February- 24/28
- March- 28/31
- April- 30/30
- May- 31/31
- June- 29/30
- July- 29/31
- August- 30/31
- September- 30/30
- October- 29/31
- November- 28/30
- December- 31/31
Suite Information
The resort features 1,244 one and two bedroom luxury suites spread over 15 floors with nearly all having breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.
Each deluxe condominium will be constructed of the highest standards and will all feature a fully-fitted modern kitchen, inviting living room, tranquil balcony, and climate controlled air conditioning system. These spectacular units will be the ultimate in comfort and luxury.
The resort will offer its guests many amenities including four pools with waterslides, lazy river, swim up bar, four restaurants plus a night club, high end duty free shopping, and a salon and spa.
DID YOU KNOW?
Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, located on Isla Margarita, is out of the hurricane belt. This provides all guests that visit the area a very comfortable environment due to the warm days and cool evenings.
When visiting Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, on Isla Margarita, you will undoubtedly enjoy beautiful weather during your stay. Temperatures on the island are fairly consistent at 80 degrees.
Below are the minimum/maximum temperatures on Isla Margarita during 2009:
(low/high)
- January- 77/82
- February- 73/82
- March- 77/82
- April- 79/84
- May- 81/86
- June- 79/86
- July- 75/84
- August- 79/84
- September- 81/88
- October- 81/84
- November- 79/84
- December- 77/82
Sunny Weather Statistics
Isla Margarita doesn’t have a typical rainy season. The island experiences most of its rain from mid June to mid July and again from mid November to early January. It doesn’t rain continuously for days at a time either; instead it will usually rain for a couple hours, then the sun will reappear.
Below is the percent of days with at least 6 hours of sun on Isla Margarita during 2009:
(sunny days/days in month)
- January- 28/31
- February- 24/28
- March- 28/31
- April- 30/30
- May- 31/31
- June- 29/30
- July- 29/31
- August- 30/31
- September- 30/30
- October- 29/31
- November- 28/30
- December- 31/31
Suite Information
The resort features 1,244 one and two bedroom luxury suites spread over 15 floors with nearly all having breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.
Each deluxe condominium will be constructed of the highest standards and will all feature a fully-fitted modern kitchen, inviting living room, tranquil balcony, and climate controlled air conditioning system. These spectacular units will be the ultimate in comfort and luxury.
The resort will offer its guests many amenities including four pools with waterslides, lazy river, swim up bar, four restaurants plus a night club, high end duty free shopping, and a salon and spa.
DID YOU KNOW?
Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, located on Isla Margarita, is out of the hurricane belt. This provides all guests that visit the area a very comfortable environment due to the warm days and cool evenings.
Monday, July 19, 2010
What Should I Take When I Travel Overseas?
Traveling overseas? While there are many safety precautions to take to ensure a safe trip, here are some tips on what to take with you and what to leave behind before you go.
What to Take
1. Always try to travel light. You will be less tired and less likely to set your luggage down, leaving it unattended.
2. Carry the minimum number of valuables, and plan places to conceal them. Your passport, cash and credit cards are most secure when locked in a hotel safe. When you have to carry them on your person, avoid handbags, fanny packs and outside pockets that are easy targets for thieves. Inside pockets and a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap worn across your chest are somewhat safer. One of the safest places to carry valuables is in a pouch or money belt worn under your clothing.
3. To avoid problems when passing through customs, keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Bring copies of your prescriptions and the generic names for the drugs. If a medication is unusual or contains narcotics, carry a letter from your doctor attesting to your need to take the drug. If you have any doubt about the legality of carrying a certain drug into a country, consult the embassy or consulate of that country before you travel.
4. Bring travelers checks and one or two major credit cards instead of cash.
5. Pack an extra set of passport photos along with a photocopy of your passport’s information page to make replacement of your passport easier in the event it is lost or stolen.
6. Put your name, address, and telephone numbers inside and outside of each piece of luggage. Use covered luggage tags to avoid casual observation of your identity or nationality. If possible, lock your luggage.
What to Leave Behind
1. Don't bring anything you would hate to lose. Leave these things at home: valuable or expensive looking jewelry, irreplaceable family objects, all unnecessary credit cards, and your Social Security card, library card, and similar items you may routinely carry in your wallet.
2. Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home in case they need to contact you in an emergency.
3. Make two photocopies of your passport identification page, airline tickets, driver's license and the credit cards that you plan to bring with you. Leave one photocopy of this data with family or friends at home; pack the other in a place separate from where you carry the originals.
4. Leave a copy of the serial numbers of your travelers' checks with a friend or relative at home. Carry your copy with you in a separate place and, as you cash the checks, cross them off the list.
What to Take
1. Always try to travel light. You will be less tired and less likely to set your luggage down, leaving it unattended.
2. Carry the minimum number of valuables, and plan places to conceal them. Your passport, cash and credit cards are most secure when locked in a hotel safe. When you have to carry them on your person, avoid handbags, fanny packs and outside pockets that are easy targets for thieves. Inside pockets and a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap worn across your chest are somewhat safer. One of the safest places to carry valuables is in a pouch or money belt worn under your clothing.
3. To avoid problems when passing through customs, keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Bring copies of your prescriptions and the generic names for the drugs. If a medication is unusual or contains narcotics, carry a letter from your doctor attesting to your need to take the drug. If you have any doubt about the legality of carrying a certain drug into a country, consult the embassy or consulate of that country before you travel.
4. Bring travelers checks and one or two major credit cards instead of cash.
5. Pack an extra set of passport photos along with a photocopy of your passport’s information page to make replacement of your passport easier in the event it is lost or stolen.
6. Put your name, address, and telephone numbers inside and outside of each piece of luggage. Use covered luggage tags to avoid casual observation of your identity or nationality. If possible, lock your luggage.
What to Leave Behind
1. Don't bring anything you would hate to lose. Leave these things at home: valuable or expensive looking jewelry, irreplaceable family objects, all unnecessary credit cards, and your Social Security card, library card, and similar items you may routinely carry in your wallet.
2. Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home in case they need to contact you in an emergency.
3. Make two photocopies of your passport identification page, airline tickets, driver's license and the credit cards that you plan to bring with you. Leave one photocopy of this data with family or friends at home; pack the other in a place separate from where you carry the originals.
4. Leave a copy of the serial numbers of your travelers' checks with a friend or relative at home. Carry your copy with you in a separate place and, as you cash the checks, cross them off the list.
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