Macuto

Macuto is a city in the state of Vargas. Macuto is some 10km from the airport and the adjoining state capital of La Guaira. Since Macuto is served by public buses and the "por Puesto" private jitneys from Caracas, the quiet weekday beaches will become crowed with many Caracenos on weekends. Sidewalk vendors and restaurants, ice-cream shops and horses for hire are popular. The seaside promenade is a nice place to walk or jog. A few museums are also nearby.

• Hotel Santiago, Av La Play (at Calle 2 Avenida La Playa), ☎ 334-1837, (0414) 922-3168, www.HotelSantiago.com.ve. 84 roomsTaxi Service Airport-Hotel busy waterfront seaside restaurant, pool AC 15 minutes from airport, Terrace with sea and mountain view. Hotel Santiago has always stood out for its colonial style, as well as its famous restaurant which serves Cuban specialties. It has an excellent atmosphere, and is located in the best area of the Litoral Central.

• Plazamar Hotel, (On the Plaza (de Las Palomas)), ☎ 0212 339 5242 (agartalareina@hotmail.com). A great deal for overnight or a few days. Basic, clean rooms. Jovanna (Italian) speaks perfect English.

• Do NOT stay here... Move on to Caracas, or wherever you are going, but DO NOT stay here. I had reservations at a hotel, not a bad one, and we got there, and there was no room for another passenger, a young lady from the states. So they took her to another hotel, and said I should go as well, even … • Joseph T.