Gran Roque in Los Roques – Venezuela

Gran Roque in Los Roques is one of the premiere vacation spots in Venezuela. The largest island in the archipelago, it is one of the best places to relax and unwind.

Location and How to Get to This Specific Site

The island is part of the Los Roques archipelago. The archipelago is 166 km north of Venezuela and lies in the Caribbean Sea. They are part of the Federal Dependencies of Venezuela.

You can get to the island by plane from Caracas (40 minutes). Flights to Porlamaar are also available. Private yachts can go to the islands, but there are no commercial ferries to Gran Roque in Los Roques.

What to See There

Going on afternoon rides is one of the highlights in the island. Try going to the old lighthouse around 5:00 to 6:00 in the afternoon. The sunsets are spectacular there. Along the way you’ll see the imposing rock formations. There are also pears and cactus along the way.

You can also see the cliffs by the road on the north side. From the lighthouse, the Noronqui, Crasqui, Rabusqui, Esparqui, Cayo Pirata and Francisqui keys can be viewed. Another one of the islands’ attractions is the turtle sanctuary. This is at Dos Mosquises.

History

The islands were declared a national park in 1972. The islands are characterized by their quiet calm. Gran Roque has become the focal point of most visits. Majority of the hotels there are designed villa-style.

In keeping with the island theme, the lodgings are small but accommodating. Just like the other islands off Venezuela, plenty of fish can be seen swimming around. The temperature can get really hot. Those with sensitive skin should put on sun protection.

Cost

Park entry fees are 130 Bolivars for foreigners and 33 Bolivars for Venezuelans. Setting up an all-inclusive from Caracas is the most affordable way to explore the islands. Once there, you can reach pretty much all the interesting points by walking.

Other Info

The streets at Los Roques are composed of sand, which is one of its most unique features. The roads are highlighted by shells and old boats. From the village, the sea can be seen as it changes colors from blue to turquoise.

When at Gran Roque in Los Roques, don’t forget to try out the tasty “empanadas”. These have different fillings like lobster, meat and cheese. Other popular activities include snorkeling, diving and windsurfing.