Mission guide

Venezuela Caracas Mission

The Venezuela Caracas Mission serves in a city shaped by mountain scenery, deep history, and Spanish-speaking culture.

  • Spanish
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Venezuela Caracas Mission Heart Map design

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I Glory in My Jesus, in the language of this mission

2 Nephi 33:6 as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.

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About the mission

The Venezuela Caracas Mission is based in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. Caracas lies in a valley within the Venezuelan Coastal Range, separated from the Caribbean Sea by steep mountains.

Spanish is the mission's main language. Families can expect their missionaries to serve among Spanish-speaking people and communities.

At a glance

Country
Venezuela
Main city
Caracas, 3,242,000 people (2022)
Time zone
Venezuela Time (UTC-4)
Climate
Tropical savanna climate, moderated by elevation, with warm temperatures and seasonal rainfall
Church in Venezuela
177,309 members, 33 stakes, 235 congregations
Church presence
4 missions, 61 FamilySearch centers, and 1 temple

A short history of the area

Indigenous peoples lived in the Caracas Valley before the city was founded. Francisco Fajardo established settlements in the La Guaira and Caracas Valley areas between 1555 and 1560. On July 25, 1567, Captain Diego de Losada laid the foundations of Santiago de León de Caracas. Caracas became the capital of Venezuela Province in 1577.

Caracas has faced earthquakes, attacks, and major changes throughout its history. An earthquake destroyed much of the city in 1812, and the Caracas Metro began operating in 1983. In 2000, the University City of Caracas was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Church here

  1. 1966Elder Marion G. Romney dedicated Venezuela for the preaching of the gospel and organized the first branch in Caracas with 45 members on November 2.
  2. 1967Four missionaries were sent from Costa Rica to begin missionary work in Venezuela, and Hernan Sepulveda became the first convert baptized on February 12.
  3. 1968The first district conference was held on October 15, with 28 missionaries serving in Caracas and Maracaibo.
  4. 1971The Venezuela Caracas Mission was organized when the Venezuela-Colombia Mission was divided.
  5. 1972The Church Educational System program was established in Venezuela.
  6. 1977The first stake in Venezuela was organized in Caracas.
  7. 1979The Venezuela Maracaibo Mission was created.

Temples nearby

Caracas Venezuela Temple

Dedicated August 20, 2000 · Near Caracas

The Book of Mormon here

Missionaries in this mission share the Book of Mormon in these languages. Tap a cover to read it free.

Cover art is an illustration. Links open the free edition on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Before you go

Phrases to learn

  • HolaHello
  • Buenos díasGood morning
  • ¿Cómo está?How are you?
  • GraciasThank you

Foods to try

  • Arepas (cornmeal cakes often filled with meat, cheese, or other ingredients)
  • Pabellón criollo (shredded beef served with black beans, rice, and plantains)
  • Cachapas (sweet corn pancakes often served with cheese)
  • Hallacas (corn dough filled with a savory mixture and wrapped in plantain leaves)

Fun facts

  • Caracas lies in a valley separated from the Caribbean Sea by a mountain range reaching 2,200 meters.
  • The University City of Caracas, designed by architect Carlos Raúl Villanueva, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • The first segment of Caracas's aerial Metrocable opened in 2010 and connects mountainous areas with the larger Metro system.

Just got the call?

Turn the opening into a game: family and friends guess where the missionary is going before the reveal.