Choroni
A colonial village reached by a winding road over the coastal range, with a beach and drumming festivals.
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Choroní is a village of painted colonial houses in a valley on the Caribbean side of the coastal range, reached by a road of continuous hairpins over the mountains from Maracay. Its port, Puerto Colombia, sits a kilometre away with the beach at Playa Grande beyond it. The area's Afro-Venezuelan communities keep a strong drumming tradition, and the San Juan festival in June fills the streets with tambores played through the night.
What you actually see
- The colonial village - painted houses and a church in the valley behind the coast.
- Playa Grande - the palm-backed beach beyond the port.
- The San Juan drums - the June festival with tambores played through the streets.
- The mountain road - the hairpin route over Henri Pittier from Maracay.
When to go
December to April is driest and calmest for the sea. The San Juan festival falls in late June. Holiday periods fill the village completely.
Honest expectations
The mountain road is narrow, winding and takes about two hours; travel sickness is common. Playa Grande has strong surf and undertow at times. Accommodation fills at holidays and during San Juan.
Nearby
Chuao is east along the coast, and Cata Bay is west.
What to pack for Choroni
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.