San Juan de los Morros, the capital of Guarico, the fourth largest state in the country, located in the central region of Venezuela. Guarico’s name comes from the river of the same name that forms in Carabobo state, is worth noting that in the Carib language, the word «Guarico» means «chief.» In the territories of Guarico occurred several battles of the War of Independence and the Federal War.

Guariqueña The region is known as the gateway to the central Venezuelan plains. Its geography consists of a mountain range north and vast plains that stretch south to meet the mighty Orinoco River. As for the climate, the state of Guarico presents annual average temperatures above 26 ° C. The rains are distributed in two periods, one that accentuates dry between the months of November and April and a rainy from May to October.

The geography of San Juan de los Morros is very particular, it highlights a unique aspect spectacular mountains that give rise to part of the name of the city: the hills. These geological formations that rise up to 1060 meters (the largest nose), consist of coral limestone and approximate date back 80 million years. Officially under the names: Natural Monument Aristides Rojas, who was a Venezuelan physician recognized for his studies of Guacharo Caves, located northeast of Monagas State.

A major attraction is making up these hills practice of climbing, for which there are several schools in the town of San Juan, which is responsible for carrying out transfers and training necessary to venture into these wonders of nature that seem castle in the distance in ruins. Similarly, Hiking Climbing is not mandatory, years ago were placed stairs are quite steep but can reach the top without ropes and to know the lighthouse that leads to higher muzzle.

The dominant vegetation in them is of savanna and montane forest at the foot of the hills. The fauna is scarce, although you can see howler monkeys, foxes and wild rabbits. In the caves are formations within which there are bats and other wildlife. All this natural monument covers an area of 2755 hectares and was the second monument of its kind set up in Venezuela (his decree was in 1949). Within walking distance there are several hotels, and in a nearby area called the Paurario you can camp, but must take care to bring drinking water needed.

Another major tourist attraction, in addition to the muzzle, is that John has an interesting variety of hot springs. These helped develop the city since late last century, from the many visitors who went to enjoy. The thermal baths of San Juan are famous for their healing powers due to the high content of sulfate and having their waters.

At the heart of the city, the monuments of San Juan Bautista, located in Plaza Bolivar is commonly called «Sanjuanote» and impress all visitors by its sheer size. The monument is 19.8 meters. And it was built by General Juan Vicente Gómez in 1933 as a present to the city at the time it was declared capital of Guarico State. The «Sanjuanote» was carved on Mount Dungeon Calvary and moved to San Juan in 1935.

The palate can also taste good in this region. Typical dishes are creole flag made of rice, beans (black beans) slices (fried plantains) and try strained meat. Another dish is the symbol par excellence «Pisillo Guariqueño» fry seasoned with garlic and sweet pepper with wisps of venison and sun-dried salt. Nor can we fail to try the wonderful chicken stew that takes many seasonings and vegetables, which also brings to mind the famous tripe is also vegetable beef, lemon, legs and belly of cattle. And for those not happy red meat offered fried pomfret (delicious fish) pie tortoise or turtle. For dessert we recommend a milky or sweet rice pudding.

Finally, San Juan de los Morros offers fun, relaxing, unforgettable scenery and culture, among other born in this city renowned painter Eugenio Espinoza.