Lunch in El Hatillo was a delicious rugula and serrano ham pizza at Das Pastellhaus Pizzeria. The town has an abundance of Italian, Asian, and Spanish restaurants. They also have a couple of Swiss fondue joints.

Dessert was gelato at Gelatto e Caffe. They didn’t have as many flavor offerings as other gelato places I’ve been to in Caracas, but the mantecado was lovely.

Lastly, I had to try the local chocolates. Blue Moon Chocolates has a variety of flavors. The only downside is that they don’t let you sample

I’ve wanted to visit La Estancia since I arrived here in 2009. I read about it in a Venezuela guide and it sounded like the type of low key, but beautiful cultural site that I enjoy. I finally made the trip last week and was not disappointed. The entrance is very green, especially walking in from the busy Avenida Francisco Miranda.

At the end of the entrance walkway, there’s a small museum with mini statues from the Bolivarian Revolution (I, think) and similar paintings.

While the museum is quaint, the main attraction at this site is the outdoors area. The flowers, the grass, the hidden walkways leading to seating areas are very pleasant.

Outdoor art is very common in Caracas, and La Estancia has its share.

We visited the park on a Friday and it was the perfect way to kick off the weekend. A definite must-see if you’re looking for some tranquil space or time in Caracas.