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Things to do in Caracas

Get away from it all in Hacienda Trinidad

South American cities are busy, alive, and sometimes feel like they never stop moving. Caracas is no different, so if you crave a little tranquility spend an afternoon in this centrally located park (tel: +58 212 9433133; http://haciendalatrinidad.org). With its art exhibits, galleries and bookstore, it's one for sunbathers and culture vultures alike.

Salsa salsa salsa

Centro San Ignacio (www.centrosanignacio.com) is a vast, modernist office and shopping complex that of a night turns into a throbbing cavalcade of dancing bodies, all twisting to the unique beat of the salsa drum. There's multiple clubs and bars, and of course the buzzphrase with salsa is: don't be shy!

See the best of Venezuelan art

Caracas is not blessed with an abundance of art galleries, so the National Gallery (tel: +58 212 339 7507; vereda.ula.ve/gan) is a must-visit for anyone that wants to dip into the country's history. With over 4,000 pieces of work to view, you'll not be left wanting.

Take a trip to the past at the Universidad Central de Venezuela

Parts of the university (www.ucv.ve) date back to 1721, but the must-visit portion is the 200-hectare campus designed by Anglo-Venezualan architect Carlos Raul Villanueva. He worked in conjunction with 28 avant-garde artists of the 1940s to create this masterpiece of modern architecture that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Take the gondola up El Avila Mountain

If you wish to see the very best view in Caracas, then a ride on this gondola up to the 2,100m (6890 ft) Avila Mountain will have you cooing. Pick a clear day, and you can expect to have a bona-fide life-affirming vista laid out before you: the city of Caracas on one side, and the coastline on the other.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Hotel Paseo Las Mercedes

This squeaky clean hotel is ideal if you have a stopover in Caracus. It has uniformly comfortable rooms and pleasant English-speaking staff. It is located in a shopping centre but has the pick of dozens of excellent restaurants, cafés, bars and nightclubs on its doorstep.

Cayena-Caracas Hotel

A secure retreat in the centre of the bustling metropolis, unwind on the rooftop of this 5-star hotel with a dip in the heated pool. Packed with a boutique, Venezuelan-inspired style, amenities at the Cayena-Caracas include a 42" television and pillow menu in every room, and fitness centre on the top floor.

Dal Bo Hostel

Expect a warm welcome at the premiere hostel in the historical centre of Caracas, graced with an international crowd taking refuge in one of its six-bed dorms. Facilities include free Wi-Fi, towel rental and 24 hour security at the front desk.

Pestana Caracas Premium City & Conference Hotel

Plush with rooftop pool and views overlooking Parque Generalísimo Francisco De Miranda this business hotel includes free Wi-Fi 24 hour room service and a fitness centre with sauna and jacuzzi.

Caracas Palace Hotel

The former Four Seasons hotel does not disappoint and is widely considered one of the best hotels in Caracas located in the exclusive and safe neighbourhood of Altamira. There's a fantastic, curvaceous pool, two excellent restaurants and a spa as well as 115 sumptuous and spacious rooms.

Gran Melía Caracas

This princely choice is one of the largest and most sumptuous hotels in Caracas, which manages to feel far removed from the surrounding noise and heat despite its central location. It boasts all the trimmings including Jacuzzis in the rooms, gym, swimming pool and several first-class restaurants.