BEHIND THE LENS
PUERTO CABELLO, VENEZUELA BY DILA RAMOS
Tell us a bit about yourself and your relationship with Puerto Cabello. What brought you here, and what does this place mean to you?
Venezuelan and curious. Social communicator and photographer.
For me, Puerto Cabello can only mean a connection to home.
Home.
Memories of a life in the Caribbean.
Tell us about your photography project, Ciudad Caribe.
Ciudad Caribe is a project that has allowed me to explore, honor, and get to know my city through photography. Beyond documenting it, it’s an attempt to reconnect with the diversity, warmth, and the entire cultural reservoir inherited from our ancestors.
What has been your best discovery in this destination?
Punta Negra.
If you had to choose your favorite thing about Puerto Cabello, what would it be? (It can be a place, food, landscape, activity, etc.)
Walking through the Patanemo savanna in the early hours of the morning.
What is the most special and unique thing about Puerto Cabello that you haven’t seen anywhere else?
El Baile de la Hamaca.
Any local word or expression you love?
Bochinche!
If Puerto Cabello had a soundtrack, what songs would you include?
Alegría – Elia y Elizabeth
En la orilla del mar – Bienvenido Granda
Los aretes de la luna – Vicentico Valdés
Vámonos negrito – Natalia Lafourcade
Playa azul – Amigos Invisibles
Si yo muero joven – Grupo Folklórico “Tambores de los Caneye”
What does beauty mean to you?
Being amazed by the everyday.
Any advice for someone who wants to start in photography and creative direction?
Always nurture your curiosity.
Your favorite restaurant?
Da Franco.
Where can you get a good coffee?
At Boza’s Café.
For a dose of nature, what place would you visit?
San Esteban Pueblo.
If it’s about exploring, what do you recommend?
“La Piedra de los Indios,” remnants of rock art located in the town of San Esteban.
Where can you see the best sunset in Puerto Cabello?
On the Malecón, without a doubt.
What typical food or drink should everyone try?
If you’re visiting Puerto Cabello for the first time, you have to try the tostones and tentalarias from Borburata.
Is there something everyone should know before traveling to Puerto Cabello?
You’ll always be kissed by the sun.
A “day trip” from Puerto Cabello or a place for a quick getaway nearby?
A great plan would be visiting Isla Larga—enjoying its crystal-clear waters and the sand that blends golden and pink tones. Go snorkeling around the sunken ships and end the day watching the sunset from one of its docks.
What does Puerto Cabello smell like?
Like coconut, tonka bean, and sea breeze.
What does it taste like?
Like coconut candy.
