If you have some time to spare in crazy Caracas, Macuto is a nice way to catch hold of the breeze.
Not far from the center of Caracas or Simon Bolivar airport, Macuto, Venezuela is a nice escape from the year round city heat.
Macuto was founded in August 1740 at Guaicamacuto (which translates roughly to "basket of thorns"), once an indigenous village. Its beaches, hotels, and atmospheric restaurants that are just a short distance from Caracas are the towns major attraction.
Todays town is a lively mix of resort style hotels and thatched hot restaurants and bars catering to a weekend or tourist crowd. The seaside promenade is a nice place for a walk or jog. If sailing there, a full service marina is availiable. A few museums are also nearby for the rainy days.
There are several good hotels set right against the blue skies and warm breeze of the Caribbean Sea:
Hotel Santiago (www.hotelsantiago.com.ve) - A three star option just across the road from the ocean. Rooms are simple, but have cable. The downstairs Cuban/ international restaurant is quite good and has live music on some nights. There is also a rooftop swimming pool. A basic double runs about $50.
Hotel Macuto(www.hotelmacuto.com) - Next door to Santiago, this is a small step up.
Most of the 90 rooms have balconies with the classic ocean view that you are probably looking for. There is a pool hall, 24-hour snack bar, and a large pool.
Sheraton Macuto Resort(www.sheraton.com) - If I had the choice this is my pick. Nearly 500 rooms with the most modern amenities. Restaurants, pools, a backdrop of the Avila mountains, and fronted by long white sandy beaches. It's near the port town of La Guaira.
As for dining and nightlife, there are a number of pleasant restaurants right on the water that line the promenade where you can grab a typical Venezuelan dish or a fresh caught fish and a drink.
A taxi from the airport to Macuto will run about $25. Public transportation is not recommended.
