About
Cabimas is a city in the state of Zulia, in western Venezuela, on the eastern shore of Lake Maracaibo. It is a major centre of the oil industry, and that shapes much of what a visitor will notice on arrival: the working landscape of the lakeshore, the industrial presence in and around the city, and the sense of a place built around one of the country's most important economic activities.
The city is also known by the names Pueblo Arriba and Pueblo Abajo, which point to its two parts. Visitors who hear either name on the way in are likely hearing the same place described from different ends of town.
What a visit is like
Cabimas suits travellers interested in Venezuela beyond its better-known tourist routes. It is a place to see how a lakeshore oil city works day to day, to talk with local people, and to understand the role Lake Maracaibo has played in the region's economy and daily life. Those looking for a polished resort town or a long list of set-piece sights may find it more modest.
Around the city
Because Cabimas sits on the shore of Lake Maracaibo, the lake is the main natural feature of the area. Zulia as a whole is the setting for the city, and the wider region offers the chance to combine a stay here with exploring other parts of the state.
Plan the visit around what you want to see. Cabimas rewards those who come with a clear interest in its industry, its lakeside setting, or its place within Zulia, and who are happy to explore at an unhurried pace.