Apure is a state in the southwestern part of Venezuela, in South America, and it belongs to the Llanos, the great plains that stretch across the country's interior. It is a place of wide horizons, where the land is flat and open for long distances and the sky often seems to fill most of the view.
The region is best known for its cattle ranching, which has long shaped daily life here, and for its oil production. The vast plains along the Orinoco River give the state much of its character, and the river itself is a central feature of the landscape.
What a visit offers
- Open plains and river scenery along the Orinoco, very different from the mountains and coast many travellers associate with Venezuela.
- A working cattle-country atmosphere, with ranching as a visible part of the local economy.
- A chance to see how the Llanos differ from other parts of the country, both in landscape and in way of life.
Planning a trip
Apure suits travellers interested in wide, quiet landscapes and rural Venezuela rather than busy city sights. Because the state is largely rural and spread out, it helps to plan transport and accommodation ahead of time and to check local conditions before setting off. Those who enjoy slow travel, open country and the experience of a region shaped by its rivers and its cattle will find the visit rewarding.