Santa Elena de Uairén, Border city in Bolívar, Venezuela
Santa Elena de Uairén is a town in the highlands of Bolívar near the Brazilian border. It sits at about 900 meters elevation and serves as a base for exploring nearby natural landscapes and plateaus.
The town was founded in 1923 by Lucas Fernández Peña, who named it after his daughter Elena and the nearby Uairén river. This founding marked the start of settlement in this border region.
The Pemon people form part of the community and their presence shapes daily life here. You notice their crafts in local shops and hear their language spoken alongside Spanish throughout town.
Tour agencies in town offer organized trips to nearby natural attractions. You can find lodging and other services here that make it easier to explore the surrounding region.
The town attracts many Brazilian visitors who come for shopping and to pass through. Its location right at the border makes it a natural meeting point and trading hub between the two countries.
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