Venezuela is a fascinating country located in South America. It has a rich culture, incredible natural landscapes, and a long, complex history. Let’s explore some riddles related to different aspects of Venezuela and try to guess the answers!
Geography
Riddle 1
I’m one of the most famous natural landmarks in Venezuela. I’m a table-top mountain with nearly vertical sides and a flat top over 3,000 feet high. Many strange plants and animals live on me. What am I?
Answer: Mount Roraima
Riddle 2
I’m a large lake located in western Venezuela right on the border with Colombia. I’m an important habitat for many species of plants and animals. Local Indians call me the “eyes of water”. What’s my name?
Answer: Lake Maracaibo
Riddle 3
We are an isolated chain of islands, islets and cays located off the north coast of Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea. We were declared a national park in 1974 due to our pristine beaches and coral reefs. What are we called?
Answer: Los Roques archipelago
History
Riddle 4
I led the fight for Venezuela’s independence from Spain in the early 19th century. I’m known as the “Liberator” and many cities and institutions in Venezuela are named after me. Who am I?
Answer: Simón Bolívar
Riddle 5
I was the dashing, brave lover of South American independence fighter Manuela Saenz. I liberatated several countries in South America from Spanish rule before my death in 1830. Who am I?
Answer: Simón Bolívar
Riddle 6
This 20th century Venezuelan dictator ruled the country from 1908 until 1935. He modernized Venezuela but was also a ruthless tyrant who imprisoned and killed his opponents. What’s his name?
Answer: Juan Vicente Gómez
Culture
Riddle 7
I’m Venezuela’s most famous beauty queen, having been crowned Miss Universe in 2008. I’ve also worked as an actress, model and TV host. Who am I?
Answer: Dayana Mendoza
Riddle 8
We’re a religious Catholic brotherhood founded in Venezuela in 1949 who wear colorful robes and tall pointed hats. We bring cheer and comfort to people in hospitals and nursing homes with songs and prayers. What brotherhood are we?
Answer: Hermanos de San Juan de Dios (Brothers of Saint John of God)
Riddle 9
I’m a Venezuelan novelist and short story writer who received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1982. My novels frequently feature mystical events and characters and explore man’s struggle against death and fate. Who am I?
Answer: Gabriel García Márquez
People
Riddle 10
I was a Latin American revolutionary leader born in Argentina in 1954 but raised primarily in Venezuela. In the 1960s I founded a Marxist guerilla movement against the Venezuelan government. Who am I?
Answer: Carlos the Jackal (Ilich Ramírez Sánchez)
Riddle 11
This famous Venezuelan military and political leader born in 1783 played a key role in the country’s independence struggle against Spain. I briefly served as president of Venezuela on three separate occasions in the 1820s and 1830s. Who am I?
Answer: José Antonio Páez
Riddle 12
I’m a Venezuelan artist born in 1935 known for my whimsical and colorful paintings depicting scenes from daily life and folk culture. My works are displayed all over the world. Who am I?
Answer: Marta Sánchez de Ramos
Politics
Riddle 13
I served as the socialist President of Venezuela from 1999 until my death in 2013. I promoted a leftist ideology known as “Bolivarianism” and implemented many social welfare and economic reform programs. However, I was also accused of authoritarian tendencies and undermining democracy. Who am I?
Answer: Hugo Chávez
Riddle 14
I’m the current President of Venezuela, having taken office in 2013 after the death of Hugo Chávez. I was his handpicked successor but many Venezuelans see me as an autocratic ruler who has badly mismanaged the economy while consolidating my own power and suppressing dissent. What’s my name?
Answer: Nicolás Maduro
Riddle 15
In 1961, I led a leftist guerilla insurgency against the Venezuelan government. My movement failed and I was killed in combat that same year. Today I’m considered an icon of revolutionary socialism and universities and cities all over Latin America bear my name. Who am I?
Answer: Douglas Bravo
Sports
Riddle 16
I’m a famous Venezuelan pitcher who spent most of my MLB career with the Houston Astros. I hold the record for the most no-hitters pitched in a Houston uniform. What’s my name?
Answer: Nolan Ryan
Riddle 17
We are twin brothers from Venezuela who both became famous MLB shortstops in the early 2000s. One of us won 11 Gold Glove awards while the other holds the record for most hits by a shortstop in a single season. What are our names?
Answer: Omar Vizquel and Ozzie Guillén
Riddle 18
I’m a Venezuelan thoroughbred racehorse considered one of the greatest in turf racing history. I won over $7 million dollars in prize money and was elected to the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame. Who am I?
Answer: John Henry
Places
Riddle 19
Founded in 1567, I’m the third largest city in Venezuela and capital of the State of Carabobo. I played an important role in the country’s battle for independence from Spain. What’s my name?
Answer: Valencia
Riddle 20
I’m the highest peak in Venezuela and the highest point in the northern Andes mountains. I stand at 16,427 feet (5,007 m) elevation on the border of Venezuela and western Guyana. Mountaineers from all over the world come to climb my summit. What peak am I?
Answer: Pico Bolívar (Bolívar Peak)
Riddle 21
I’m the administrative capital of Venezuela and seat of the federal government, even though I’m much smaller than Caracas. I have a well-preserved Spanish colonial center rich with history. What city am I?
Answer: La Guaira
Languages
Riddle 22
Aside from Spanish, many indigenous languages are still spoken in parts of Venezuela today as part of the national culture. One of these is a Cariban language used by over 30,000 people. Its name translates to “people” or “real people”. What is this language called?
Answer: Pemón (Taurepan)
Riddle 23
I’m another indigenous language spoken by tribes in southeastern Venezuela and parts of Brazil. I have only around 500 fluent speakers remaining. Linguists classify me as part of the Yanomaman language family. What am I called?
Answer: Sanumá
Riddle 24
Spanish is Venezuela’s official language, but what variant dialect of Spanish is primarily spoken there? It has influences from Basque, Galician and native languages and includes its own unique idioms and vocabulary.
Answer: Venezuelan Spanish
Food & Drink
Riddle 25
I’m Venezuela’s national dish – stewed beef, plantains, rice and beans. I’m slow-cooked and packed with robust, warming Latin flavors. What’s my name?
Answer: Pabellón criollo
Riddle 26
We’re a popular Venezuelan street food made from corn. We’re thick corn cakes stuffed with sweet or salty fillings like cheese, ground meat or black beans. What are we called?
Answer: Arepas
Riddle 27
I’m a thick, creamy rice, vegetable and chicken soup that’s a beloved comfort food in Venezuela. I’m flavored with onion, garlic, cilantro and a dash of lime. What soup am I?
Answer: Sopa de gallina
Landmarks
Riddle 28
I’m an iconic cable car system linking the Venezuelan city of Merida to Tip Mirror peak. My bright red cars provide stunning views as they ascend up into the northern Andes mountains. What am I called?
Answer: Teleférico de Mérida
Riddle 29
We’re the wide, grassy plains that cover the northern interior of Venezuela. Herds of cattle graze on our savannas and llaneros (cowboys) on horseback still work these lands much as they have for centuries. What are we called?
Answer: Los Llanos
Riddle 30
I’m the tallest waterfall in the entire world, plunging over 3,000 feet (979 m) from an escarpment on the Guiana Shield in southeast Venezuela. I’m also famous for unique plant life that grows atop the falls. What am I?
Answer: Angel Falls
Economy
Riddle 31
Venezuela has one of the world’s largest oil reserves and oil has fueled its economy for over a century. What state-owned energy company produces and exports most of Venezuela’s oil?
Answer: Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA)
Riddle 32
In 2021, Venezuela had the highest rate of inflation in the world due to economic mismanagement and international sanctions. At its peak that year, prices were doubling approximately every two weeks. About what percentage was Venezuela’s inflation rate?
Answer: Over 5,000%
Riddle 33
In 2021, Venezuela did away with its old currency, the bolivar, and introduced a new one due to hyperinflation. The new currency is intended to be more stable long-term. What’s it called?
Answer: The digital bolivar
Conclusion
We’ve explored 34 riddles spanning different topics related to Venezuela – its geography, history, culture, people, politics, sports, places, languages, food and economy. From Mount Roraima to arepas to Hugo Chávez, there are so many fascinating facts to discover about this unique South American nation!
Venezuela has incredible biodiversity, rich natural resources and a vibrant, complex society and history just waiting to be uncovered. Learning more through mysteries, trivia, and of course riddles helps spark curiosity to keep exploring and deepening our knowledge of Venezuela and the world beyond our borders.
