Cata Bay

Cata is a broad curve of pale sand on the Aragua coast with the wooded slopes of Henri Pittier rising directly behind it, and it has been the main beach of the region for decades, reached over the mountains from Maracay by way of Ocumare de la Costa. Two large apartment blocks built on the sand in the 1970s dominate one end and are much criticised. Boats run from here to Playa Catica, a smaller beach round the headland with no road access.

What you actually see

• The bay - a wide curve of sand with the coastal range rising behind.
• Playa Catica - a smaller beach round the headland, reached by boat.
• The mountain backdrop - Henri Pittier forest coming down to the shore.
• The boat trips - short crossings to the neighbouring coves.

When to go

December to April is driest and calmest. Holiday periods and weekends fill the beach. Surf and undertow pick up in the wetter months.

Honest expectations

The 1970s apartment blocks on the sand are widely disliked and dominate the view. Weekends and holidays bring heavy crowds, vendors and noise. The mountain road is winding and slow.

Nearby

Choroni is east, and Ocumare is west.