Margarita History

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In 1498 Christopher Columbus discovered one of the richest island in the Caribean; A romantic legend clains that Columbus unable to realize his love for Princess Margarita of Austria, chose to pay tribute to her by naming our island after her.

"Paraguachoa", translated as "a place of adundant fishing", was the name given to Margarita Island by its first inhabitans; the Guaiqueri Indians. they were convinced that a sun colored demi-god would arrive to create a great empire with them. the Guaiqueries thought that this had come true when the first "conquerors" arrived, for they were dressed in shining armor and mounted upon decorated stallions. The Guaiqueries welcomed and honored the "conquerors", and in return recived the status of "free vassals", which was unique amongst all the pearls in its water. Pearls are the Island is most ancienst treasure.

Cubagua island is home to the first Venezuelan city, Nueva Cádiz founded on its eastern coast in 1500. It was reported that a spontaneous flow of dark, highly dense and flammable liquid was found on this island. this liquid in one of our more modern riches, "Oil". Today, only mysterious ruins and clear watter remain to attract tourist and divers. In 1536 another city was founded, its name was "Pueblo de Mar", which is now known as Porlamar, the cosmopolitan and commercial capital of Margarita Island.

In the 16th century, Margarita was considered to be the gate way to Easten Venezuela. The Island was of such strategic importance that many military defebses were built here. Strongholds can be found at: Pampatar, Juangriego, La Asunción and Santa Ana. They sovereignty from corsairs, pirates and the British, French and Dutch sailing fleets which were attempting to take possession of the treasures bound for Spain.

The wave of American Independence influenced the thoughts of people in Margarita. Many became national heroes. Juan Bautista Arismendi and Santiago Mariño are examples of the courage and sacrifices of the Margaritan people. From these hardships and trials the state was named: Nueva Esparta (new Sparta), due to similar hardshpis and trials endured by Sparta, Greece.

Planning to visit Margarita Island, or are already here? ... Then this information will help to fell more at home in this "Pearl of the Caribbean". The Islands of Margarita, Coche and Cubagua, comprise the only island State within Venezuela. The Colonial City, La Asunción is the capital of Margarita Island. Other popular cities include Porlamar for is shopping, Juangriego famous for its sunsets, Pampatar known for the colonial harbor and El Valle del Espíritu Santo which is the religious capital of eastern Venezuela and site of the Matron of Margarita Sanctuary.

This hospitality and friendship of the Margaritian people linked with the stress-free of life on the island is well known throughtout Venezuela.- Staying here for only a few days, you will adopt the same carefree feeling that help our frequent visitors relive the tension and anxieties of modern life.

	WEATHER: The temperature varies from a low of 24C (75F) in January, to high of 32C (100F) in September, with an average 26C (85F). As Margarita is only 12 degress north of the equator we suggest you take care while sunbathing. The gentle breeze that constantly blows across the island makes you unaware of the streght and heat of the sun.
	POPULATION: The last official census of 1990 stated the Margarita had a population of 300.000. Today we belive that the population of the island has risen to 320.000.
	AREA: The Island es 940 sq. Km. with a maximum distance of 33 Km. from north to south and 64 Km. from east to west. Points of interest are easily accessible thought the island's road network.
	CURRENCY: The Bolivar is the legal monitary unit of Venezuela, issued in the denominations listed below: Notes: 5-10-20-50-100- 500-1000-2000 y 5000 There are also coins of Bs. 0.25-0.50-1-2 and 5, but they are gradually disappearing from daily use. Since December 1995 Venezuela has fixed rate of exchange, Bs. 290 to 1 US$. Exchange control regulations obligate tourist to use only officil exchange houses.
	TIPPING: Bills in restaurants, bars and clubs will include a 10% service charge. However tips are always welcome by tour guides, hotel maids and bellboys.
	ELECTRICITY: As in the rest of Venezuela, Margarita Island voltage in 110 volts. Ac.
	WATER: The few existing wells in Margarita are not enought to meet the water needs of the Island. Therefore we have to import water throught a pipe line from the "Turimiquire" hydroelectric complex situated in Monagas State. This provides the Island with around two million liters of water per minute. We recomended that you do not drink water from the tap. Instead consume bottled or filtered water.
	TRANSPORT SERVICE: Public transportation can take you almost anywhere on the island. Although few bus stop anywhere. If time is of the essence taxis are readily available to take you to any destination. The main routs leaving Porlamar to other places on the Island are located or near Bolívar Square.