Cumana is a city in Sucre state on Venezuela's Caribbean coast, in northern South America. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Americas, a fact that gives a visit a sense of depth that newer towns rarely offer. The city has also been known as Nueva Toledo and Santa Inés de Cumana, names that reflect its long and layered past.
What a visit offers
Cumana suits travellers who enjoy walking through a place with a long memory. Its position on the Caribbean coast means the sea is never far from the streets, and the city works well as a stop for those exploring eastern Venezuela. Visitors interested in history will find the age of the settlement the main reason to come.
Practical notes
- Location: Sucre state, on Venezuela's Caribbean coast.
- Best for: travellers interested in old cities, coastal settings and the history of the Americas.
- Also known as: Nueva Toledo and Santa Inés de Cumana.
Because the facts available on Cumana are brief, it is worth checking current local information on sights, transport and opening arrangements before you travel. Those who arrive with curiosity about how a city can stay inhabited across centuries will find Cumana a rewarding place to spend time.
