Cumaná, Venezuela: travel guide
Colonial forts, a fish market and the Araya peninsula on the Caribbean coast
The oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city on the South American mainland, with colonial forts, a buzzing fish market and access to the Araya peninsula and Mochima reefs.
About Cumaná
Cumana is a port city on Venezuela's eastern Caribbean coast and one of the earliest European-founded settlements on the South American mainland. Colonial forts, old churches and a busy fish market give it a working, historic feel.
The Castillo de San Antonio de la Eminencia overlooks the city, and Playa San Luis offers a beach close to town. Boat trips head to the Araya peninsula and to the reefs of Mochima National Park.
Cumana suits history fans and travellers on a coastal route through eastern Venezuela. It is hot all year, with the drier months from December to April the easier time for boats and beaches.
- Country
- Venezuela
- Currency
- VES
- Time zone
- America/Caracas
- Nearest airport
- CUM
Last updated
Top places to visit in Cumaná
Castillo de San Antonio de la Eminencia
Fort · 3.9 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A star-shaped 17th-century fort on a hill above Cumaná, with cannons and sweeping views over the bay and the Manzanares river.
Iglesia de Santa Inés
church · 4.4 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The colonial parish church of Cumaná, rebuilt after earthquakes, with a pink façade and the city's patroness inside.
Playa San Luis
Beach · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
A long city beach of pale sand fringed with coconut palms, the locals' favourite spot for a swim and fresh fish.
Where to stay in Cumaná
- Av. Universidad about VES 40 per night
Cumaná's hotel avenue near the beaches and the historic centre.
Hotels
- Hotel Venetur Cumanagoto 4-star · USD 45 to USD 90 per night
Where to eat
- Restaurant El Colmao Seafood, Venezuelan · about USD 15 per person
Getting to Cumaná
Airport: Cumana (CUM)
Getting around
- Bus
- Ride Hail
- Taxi
- Walking
More in Venezuela
Frequently asked questions about Cumaná
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Cumaná?
- The highest-rated places in our Cumaná guide are Iglesia de Santa Inés, Castillo de San Antonio de la Eminencia.
- Where should I stay in Cumaná?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Cumaná: Av. Universidad.
- How do I get around Cumaná?
- Ways to get around Cumaná covered in our guide: City bus, Ride-hailing app, Taxi, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Cumaná?
- The nearest airport to Cumaná has the code CUM.