For a quick escape to nature from the intensity of Caracas, one can ride the cable car that ascends from the streets of Caracas (at the intersection of Avenida Principal de Mariperez and Avenida Boyaca) to the top of Parque Nacional El Avila.

Separating Caracas from the coast, the park is based around a mountain whose highest point is 2,765 meters. From here, a trail leads down to the small village of Galipan, perched on the mountain slopes. Roadside stands in the area specialize in strawberries and cream.

Ascending the mountain on the teleferico:

It’s a bit of an adjustment to go from the noisy and chaotic streets of Caracas to this:

And, obviously, the views up top are spectacular…

This is the view toward the coast:

And this is the view of Caracas:

There is also a military zone on top of the mountain which I appreciated:

Here is a view of the village of Galipan that we hiked down to:

Despite its proximity to Caracas, it feels a world away:

And, as with everywhere else we went, the people were friendly:

It’s a solid day trip that should not be missed if you ever find yourself in the Caracas area.