Falcón, State in northwestern Venezuela.
Falcón is a state in northwestern Venezuela stretching from the Caribbean coast inland toward mountain ranges, with arid landscapes in the north giving way to more fertile areas in the south. The territory features low coastal plains, elevated interior regions, and transitional zones where vegetation and terrain shift with elevation and distance from the sea.
Exploration of the region began in 1499 with Juan de la Cosa and Amerigo Vespucci, followed by the founding of Coro as a settlement in 1527 that became the first European city on the mainland. These early expeditions and settlements established the foundation for the region's colonial development.
The capital Coro displays colonial-era architecture throughout its streets with colorful facades and traditional layouts that shape daily life in the city. Walking through its neighborhoods, visitors experience how residents and shops maintain these historical surroundings as part of their regular routines.
The state contains four national parks offering different natural settings: Médanos de Coro with sand dunes, Cueva de la Quebrada del Toro with cave formations, Morrocoy with beach areas, and Juan Crisóstomo Falcón with forested mountains. Visitors can choose activities based on their interests, from coastal exploration to inland hiking.
The Paraguaná Peninsula contains two major petroleum refineries at Amuay and Cardón that process large quantities of crude oil daily and represent important industrial infrastructure for the region. These facilities significantly shape the landscape and economic focus of the peninsula.
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