Puerto Colombia, Playa Grande and boats along the coast
Choroní: colonial village, Playa Grande and drum nights
Choroní is a colonial village on the Aragua coast of Venezuela, next to the fishing village of Puerto Colombia and Playa Grande beach. It's reached from Maracay on a road that crosses Henri Pittier National Park. Boats leave the seafront for Chuao, Cepe and other beaches. We help you plan your trip, subject to availability.
Things to do in Choroní
- Wander the colonial village and the Puerto Colombia seafront.
- Walk to Playa Grande, a few minutes from Puerto Colombia.
- Take a peñero boat to beaches you can only reach by sea, like Cepe, or to Chuao and its cacao.
- Hear the coastal drums, a living Afro-Venezuelan tradition that peaks around the feast of San Juan in June.
- Enjoy the Henri Pittier views on the drive, stopping only where it's safe.
Getting there from Maracay or Caracas
From Maracay, take the road to Choroní, which climbs the coastal range inside Henri Pittier National Park and then drops to the sea. It's narrow and very curvy: drive in daylight and allow plenty of time.
From Caracas, take the Autopista Regional del Centro highway to Maracay and continue on the same route. There is no coastal road between Choroní and Ocumare de la Costa.
Best time to go
Choroní welcomes visitors year-round. The dry season, roughly December to April, is usually more stable for boat trips. San Juan in June, Carnival, Easter week and December are very busy: ask early if you plan to travel then.
Boat outings depend on sea conditions and may be rescheduled.
What to pack
- Sunscreen, a cap, sunglasses and insect repellent.
- Swimsuit, towel and sandals.
- A waterproof pouch for your phone on boat trips.
- Cash for personal expenses.
- Motion-sickness tablets if curvy roads or boats bother you.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Choroní from Maracay?
Take the road that crosses Henri Pittier National Park down to the coast. It's a winding mountain road, so we recommend driving it in daylight. We can also quote a transfer.
What's the difference between Choroní and Puerto Colombia?
Choroní is the colonial village, a little inland. Puerto Colombia is the seaside village with the seafront and boat landing, close to Playa Grande. You'll visit both on the same trip.
Can I go from Choroní to Chuao?
Yes, by peñero boat from Puerto Colombia. It's the usual way to reach Chuao, which has no road access. Departures depend on sea conditions.
Are Choroní and Ocumare close to each other?
They're on the same coast, but no road links them along the shore. Each has its own road from Maracay.
Do you offer Choroní packages?
Yes. We put together getaways with lodging and boat trips, subject to availability. Message us on WhatsApp with your dates and number of travelers for a quote.