Maturín is the capital of the Venezuelan state of Monagas. The city has a population of 450,000 people. It is right next to the Guarapiche River and it's a crossroad for roads towards the centre, the Caribbean coast and the Orinoco River. Maturín is one of the most important cities in the east of the country because of its strategic position, which serves as a bridge to the other states of the region. The city has grown during the last few years mainly because of the increase of the oil industry in the state.

Around and closeby
Amana del Tamarindo is a small town located thirty minutes from Maturín. It received its name from a tamarind tree located in the town. The spot beneath this tree, which still exists, was the birthplace of general José Tadeo Monagas.

Sightseeing
Plaza Bolívar is the main town square of Maturín and also the oldest of the city. In front of it is the Palacio de Gobierno, built in 1942, where the governor of the state of Monagas carries out his duties. The church San Simón is the oldest in Maturín. It was built between 1884 and 1887 and is located in front of the Plaza Bolivar. The cathedral Nuestra Señora del Carmen is a catholic temple of Roman style. Its construction began in 1961 and was finished in 1981. It is located in Bolívar Avenue.

Getting there
It is possible to travel here by land or by using José Tadeo Monagas International Airport. Maturín has daily, non-stop flights connecting it with Caracas international airport at Maiquetía and the airport in Porlamar. There are buses from Caracas, Ciudad Guayana, Caripe and Tucupita every day.