Watchtowers
At the corners.
America Castro — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Elianne Marie — CC BY-SA 3.0 · José Alfaro — CC BY-SA 4.0 · JesusRomeroL — CC BY-SA 3.0 · José Alfaro — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Luis Alvarado — CC BY-SA 3.0
San Carlos de Borromeo is a small stone fortress on the Bay of Pampatar on Isla Margarita. Walls of brown stone stand on the shore, small watchtowers mark the corners, and old cannons look out over blue water and fishing boats. Pampatar was founded in 1536 on the best deep-water anchorage on the island. The first fort was begun in 1622 to defend the town from pirates, together with La Caranta fort across the bay, but Dutch pirates burned it in 1662. It was rebuilt and completed in 1684, and today it is restored and houses a museum. You go in through the gate and climb to the ramparts, walking between the watchtowers and cannons, with the bay, the beach and the old town around you. The fortress is in the centre of Pampatar, about 9 km in a straight line northeast of Porlamar. Early morning or late afternoon is best, as the sun is strong on the open walls. The UK advises against all but essential travel to Venezuela, so check current advice before you go.
At the corners.
Over the bay.
On the shore.
Bay of Pampatar, northeast Isla Margarita, Nueva Esparta State
About an hour.
Morning or late afternoon, out of the sun.