Sinamaica Lagoon

The Laguna de Sinamaica is a shallow lagoon fed by the Limón river where the Añú have built houses on stilts over the water for a very long time. When Spanish vessels reached the shore of Lake Maracaibo and saw such villages, the comparison with Venice is said to have produced the name Venezuela, little Venice. The palafitos are still lived in, reached by canoe, with schools, shops and a church built the same way among the reeds.

What to look for

• The palafitos - stilt houses built over the water and reached by canoe.
• The Anu communities - the people who have lived on the lagoon for centuries.
• The reed channels - the waterways cut through the vegetation between the houses.
• The name origin - the villages that gave rise to the country's name.

When to go

December to April is the dry season and the most comfortable. Mornings are best before the midday heat. Water levels change and affect which channels boats can use.

Good to know

This is a living community, not an exhibit, and photographing houses and people needs asking. Boat prices are negotiated at the jetty and quoted high. Facilities are minimal and it is very hot.

Nearby

Maracaibo is south, and the Catatumbo river mouth is southwest.

Key facts