Colonia Tovar, Venezuela, October 2023

On 7th and 8th October 2023, Leo and I decided to take a weekend trip to Colonia Tovar, a charming town nestled in the mountains about a few hours from Caracas. We rented a car to make the drive more convenient and were excited to explore this unique place, which is famous for its German heritage and beautiful natural surroundings.

The German Influence in Colonia Tovar

One of the most fascinating aspects of Colonia Tovar is its German influence. Founded in the 19th century by German settlers, the town has retained many of its traditional German customs and architecture. As soon as we entered the town, it felt like we had been transported to a small German village, with half-timbered houses, flower-filled balconies, and streets lined with quaint shops selling German-inspired goods.

The German influence is most noticeable in the local architecture, which features steep roofs, wooden beams, and the distinctive charm of Bavarian-style homes. The town also celebrates its heritage through festivals, such as the annual Oktoberfest, where visitors can enjoy German food, beer, and traditional folk music. It was like walking through a piece of Germany in the heart of Venezuela.

Exploring Colonia Tovar’s Natural Beauty

After settling into our lovely hotel, we set off to explore the natural beauty around Colonia Tovar. The area is surrounded by lush green mountains, making it a perfect spot for hiking and nature walks. We visited the Tree House, a unique attraction set high in the trees, offering amazing views of the surrounding forest and mountain scenery.

The area is also home to several waterfalls, which we enjoyed discovering during our hike. The serene and peaceful environment was a stark contrast to the bustle of Caracas, and it was refreshing to spend time immersed in such natural beauty.

Agriculture in Colonia Tovar

Another notable feature of Colonia Tovar is its agriculture. The town is well-known for producing a variety of crops, particularly strawberries, potatoes, and vegetables, thanks to the fertile soil and favourable climate of the surrounding Andean mountains. As we walked around, we could see fields of strawberries being harvested and locally grown produce being sold at the town’s markets.

The German settlers brought with them a strong tradition of farming and gardening, which has remained a key part of Colonia Tovar’s economy and culture. It’s said that the town’s agriculture is one of the best in Venezuela, and we could certainly see why, as everything we tried—from fresh fruit to homemade chocolates—was exceptional.

Visiting the Chocolate Factory

One of the highlights of our visit was stopping by the local chocolate factory. Colonia Tovar is famous for producing fine chocolates, made from high-quality cocoa beans grown in the region. We had the opportunity to tour the factory, where we learned about the chocolate-making process, from the harvest of the cocoa to the final product. After the tour, we enjoyed a tasting session and tried some of the best chocolate we’ve ever had—rich, smooth, and infused with local flavours.

A Relaxing Evening in Colonia Tovar

To round off our wonderful weekend, we spent an evening in a local pub, where we enjoyed live music and good company. The pub had a cosy, welcoming atmosphere, and the combination of German-inspired beers, delicious food, and the lively music made for a perfect end to our trip. It was a great opportunity to relax and soak in the vibe of the town while enjoying the warmth and hospitality of the locals.

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