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Bajo Grande Refinery

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Industrial site
—°9
Bajo Grande Refinery (Venezuela)

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The Bajo Grande Refinery is located in Zulia State, on the western shore of Lake Maracaibo, and is a specialized facility within the Venezuelan oil sector. It was commissioned in 1956 by the Richmond Exploration Company (later Chevron) and is now organizationally part of the Paraguaná Refining Center (CRP). Unlike larger fuel refineries, Bajo Grande focuses on the production of asphalt, as well as specialized distillates and naphtha. With a capacity of approximately 16,000 barrels per day, it plays a vital role in the regional construction industry and road development. The plant is closely linked to nearby oil fields in the Zulia Basin, which supply heavy crude oil. Historically, the refinery was a pioneer in manufacturing high-quality bituminous products for export. Its geographic location on the lake enables the transport of products via barges and tankers to both national and international markets. Despite its relatively small size, Bajo Grande remains a strategic niche player in Venezuela's industrial value chain.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C282930303030313130292828
Rain mm1611295482515262951308439

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
This refinery on the shores of Lake Maracaibo specializes in producing asphalt and heavy oil products. It plays a vital role for regional construction and energy supply.
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Visiting
The facility is not open to the public but can be viewed from the outside along the coastal road. Visiting inside is typically not possible.
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Where to view it
The best viewpoint is the coastal road south of the refinery, offering an unobstructed view of the facility and the bay. Ferries on the lake also provide a good perspective.
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Local products
Local markets often feature asphalt products and bitumen for road construction. Seasonal goods are not typical here, as production runs continuously.
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Active season
The refinery operates year-round, with peak production typically during the dry season from January to April. During the rainy season, logistical constraints may occur.
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Nearby
Combine a visit with the nearby city of Maracaibo and the famous bridge over the lake. Trips to Catatumbo National Park are also worthwhile.

Geography

Coordinates
10.51030, -71.64920

Facts

  • Founded in 1956 by the Richmond Exploration Company.
  • Has a nominal capacity of 16,000 barrels per day.
  • Is Venezuela's primary producer of asphalt and bitumen.
  • Has been administratively part of the Paraguaná Refining Center since 1997.
  • The facility is located approximately 20 km south of Maracaibo.
  • Primarily processes heavy crude oil from Zulia State.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

MaracaiboMaracaibo5 km · NEExplore →
Baralt TheaterBaralt Theater6 km · NEExplore →
General Rafael Urdaneta BridgeGeneral Rafael Urdaneta Bridge10 km · NExplore →
El Tablazo Petrochemical ComplexEl Tablazo Petrochemical Complex15 km · NEExplore →
San Carlos de la Barra FortressSan Carlos de la Barra Fortress17 km · EExplore →
Lake MaracaiboLake Maracaibo25 km · WExplore →
Mina Norte Coal MineMina Norte Coal Mine28 km · SEExplore →
Paso Diablo Coal MinePaso Diablo Coal Mine30 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Bajo Grande Refinery (9)

Zoologico Metropolitano del Zulia🌳 park

This zoo is home to a variety of animal species native to the South American tropics.

Ateneo de San Francisco🎭 culture

A cultural center that provides space for theatrical performances and artistic exhibitions.

Iglesia San Juan Bautista⛪ religious

A Christian place of worship dedicated to Saint John the Baptist.

Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Chiquinquira📍 landmark

A Christian church named after the patron saint of Zulia.

Iglesia Cristiana Evangélica Luz y Verdad📍 landmark

An evangelical church serving as a center for the local Protestant community.

Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Rosario📍 landmark

A Catholic church in the San Francisco district, known for its religious festivals.

Basílica de San Francisco⛪ religious

A significant church in San Francisco, standing out for its architecture and religious tradition.

San Martin de Porres⛪ religious

A religious place dedicated to Saint Martin de Porres.

Mi chinita🎭 culture

A local market where traditional products and food are sold.

🕒 Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Raffinerie Bajo Grande?
A smaller refinery unit near Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela.
Can you visit the facilities?
No, there are no visitor options for the general public.
What is it used for?
It is primarily used for the processing and treatment of locally extracted crude oil.
How to reach the region?
The region around Lake Maracaibo is accessible via regional roads.
Why should it be avoided?
It is an industrial work area with no tourism benefit.
Bajo Grande Refinery: where is it located?
Bajo Grande Refinery is located in Venezuela.
Bajo Grande Refinery: what is there to see?
Highlights include Zoologico Metropolitano del Zulia, Ateneo de San Francisco, Iglesia San Juan Bautista.
Bajo Grande Refinery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Bajo Grande Refinery: why is it worth visiting?
The Bajo Grande Refinery is located in Zulia State, on the western shore of Lake Maracaibo, and is a specialized facility within the Venezuelan oil sector.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Maracaibo — Bajo Grande Refinery (Venezuela)
Maracaibo
The country's second largest city is famous for the oil industry and Lake Maracaibo.
Punta Gallinas — Bajo Grande Refinery (Venezuela)
Punta Gallinas
The absolute northernmost point of South America, featuring spectacular sand dunes plunging into the ocean.

History & landmarks

Baralt Theater — Bajo Grande Refinery (Venezuela)
Baralt Theater
A historic theater in Maracaibo, considered the cradle of Venezuelan cinema.
House of the Capitulation — Bajo Grande Refinery (Venezuela)
House of the Capitulation
This historic house in Maracaibo is where the Spanish capitulation was signed after the Battle of Lake Maracaibo.
General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge — Bajo Grande Refinery (Venezuela)
General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge
An iconic cable-stayed bridge crossing Lake Maracaibo and one of the longest structures of its kind worldwide.

Nature

Lake Maracaibo — Bajo Grande Refinery (Venezuela)
Lake Maracaibo
Lake Maracaibo is a large brackish bay in northwestern Venezuela.

More places

Port of Maracaibo — Bajo Grande Refinery (Venezuela)
Port of Maracaibo
An important port on Lake Maracaibo, primarily used for the export of petroleum products and agricultural goods.
🗺️
El Tablazo Petrochemical Complex
A large industrial site on the eastern shore of Lake Maracaibo, producing plastics, olefins, and industrial chemicals.
San Carlos de la Barra Fortress — Bajo Grande Refinery (Venezuela)
San Carlos de la Barra Fortress
A historic 17th-century star fortress that protected the Gulf of Venezuela from pirates.
Mina Norte Coal Mine — Bajo Grande Refinery (Venezuela)
Mina Norte Coal Mine
Another significant coal mine in Zulia state, contributing to Venezuela's position as a coal exporter.
Paso Diablo Coal Mine — Bajo Grande Refinery (Venezuela)
Paso Diablo Coal Mine
Venezuela's largest open-pit coal mine in the Guasare basin of Zulia state, producing high-quality thermal coal.
La Guajira Desert — Bajo Grande Refinery (Venezuela)
La Guajira Desert
The La Guajira Desert is a vast arid region in the extreme north of South America, where sand dunes meet the Caribbean Sea.
Puerto Bolívar (Coal Port) — Bajo Grande Refinery (Venezuela)
Puerto Bolívar (Coal Port)
Latin America's largest coal export port, operated exclusively for the transport of coal from El Cerrejón.