Caracas and the Central Region from Venezuela
The central region of Venezuela encompasses the country’s capital, Caracas and the surrounding states of Carabobo, Aragua and Miranda.

 

Historic Caracas
Despite being the hub of activity and industry that it is today, Caracas has had a turbulent history with little glory. Founded in 1567 as Santiago de León de Caracas, it became Venezuela’s third and final capital ten years later. However, beset by pirate invasions, earthquakes and disease for the better part of the colonial era, the settlement expanded little and was of no particular historical significance. Only in the 1700s did Caracas began to show signs of economic and cultural progress, thanks mainly to the establishment of the country’s first university and the development of trade and commerce. Nevertheless, growth remained slow, and the city was not significantly modernized until the regime of Guzmán Blanco some 150 years later. The Guzmán era (1870 – 1888) saw the construction of some of the city’s oldest monuments and buildings including the Capitol, Santa Teresa Church and the Municipal Theater, all of which were of considerable grandeur for the period. For this, Guzmán became known as El Modernizador. Nonetheless, it was due to the oil boom of the 1920s and 30s that Caracas sprung to life. Suddenly prosperous, the capital went under the knife. The remaining colonial architecture was pulled down and steel, concrete and glass towerblocks grew in their place. In 1936, the population barely exceeded 200,000; by 1971, post-war immigration caused it to exceed the 2 million mark. Little of the oil wealth, however, reached the people and most of the newcomers found themselves in the ever-growing shanty towns of the suburbs.

 

Caracas Today
Today, Caracas is a sprawling urban jungle home to 5 million inhabitants (a quarter of the country’s total population), where impressive contemporary architecture is a stark contrast to the poor barrios of the suburbs, now spilling up the valley sides. Caracas, spreading for some 20km over the Guaira valley floor, is by far the most modern, metropolitan city on the continent and is the focal point of Venezuela’s trade and industry. The 360km² metropolitan district, constantly thronging with tireless Caraqueños is a hive of activity, with a wealth of shopping centers, hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars nightclubs, commercial plazas, cinemas, theatres and museums.

 

Tourism
There are three main areas of interest to visitors: Plaza Bolívar, La Parque Central and La Sabana Grande. Around Plaza Bolívar are historic sites such as the cathedral, Simon Bolívar’s birthplace and several buildings commissioned by Guzmán Blanco. La Parque Central is home to high-rise futuristic architecture, theatres, museums and art galleries, and the district of La Sabana Grande is well-known for its shops, bars and restaurants. Caracas also has several urban parks, botanic gardens and zoos, which make a welcome break from the city’s traffic and crowds. However, for a real escape from the heaving capital, visitors can explore El Ávila National Park, whose magnificent, green mountains overlook the city.

 

Transport
Getting around in Caracas in not a problem. Taxis, buses and por puestos are everywhere, and there are plenty of car rental offices, especially in major hotels. An extensive motorway network crisscrosses the valley floor and a modern efficient metro system cuts through the heart of the city. Nationally, Caracas has bus and air links to almost every corner of the country. The international airport, Simon Bolívar, and the national airport, Maiquetia, are both located in the coastal town of La Guaira, 28km from the city. Shuttle buses operate frequently between the airports and Caracas.

Plenty of tour agencies are dotted around the city, and offer trips all over Venezuela . Caracas’ average temperature is 22ºC, rising to 32ºC in July and August, and falling to 9ºC in January and February. At an altitude of 960m, the overall climate is pleasant and breezy and nights are comparatively cool. The rainy season lasts from June to October, and the dry season from November to May.

 

The Central Litoral
The Caribbean coastline north of Caracas is otherwise known as The Central Litoral. Encompassing the small towns of Maiquetia, La Guaira, Macuto and Caraballeda, the Litoral is a well-developed region inhabited by over half a million people. There are some sites of interest here, such as the colonial parts of La Guaira and the marina in Caraballeda. Some of the small towns – linked by a coast road – are holiday resorts and serve as a good alternative to Caracas, especially en route to or from the airport. The coastline is rocky, and not particularly suitable for swimming, but certain resorts have waters partitioned off for swimmers. These are known as balnearios. The Litoral is easily accessible by bus or taxi from the airport and from Caracas. The coast road reaches as far as Los Caracas, before becoming a dirt track which continues to a series of fishing villages and some beautiful sandy beaches backed by densely forested mountains. Accommodation is scarce here, but day-trips are possible from other towns.

 

Colonial Tovar
Colonial Tovar, founded by German settlers in 1843, was for years isolated from the outside world. Spanish only became the official language in the 1940s and a road link was not constructed until the 1960s. Set in the foothills of the coastal mountains, Colonial Tovar is famous for its weekend street markets. At an altitude of 1800m, the town enjoys a cool climate. It is easily reached from the coast, and has a variety of hotels and restaurants specializing in German cuisine. Hiking around the surrounding mountains is a popular activity, and the town has retained much of its original architecture.

 

Maracay
Maracay is the capital of Aragua state and has a population of 538,000. Founded in 1701, the city became an important agricultural center, yet did not expand until the arrival of Juan Vincente Gómez in the 1900s. The Gómez era saw the modernization of Maracay, with the construction of many new buildings, notably an opera house, mausoleum, and the largest Plaza Bolívar in the country. Maracay has continued to progress throughout the last century, and today the city is an important industrial, military and agricultural center. Little colonial architecture remains, but there are some sites and museums dotted around the place. Moreover, the city is the main entrance to the Henri Pittier National Park. Maracay maintains an average temperature of 25ºC and the rainy season lasts from April to October. It can be easily reached from Valencia and Caracas.

 

The Coast
Many beautiful beaches lie on the north coast. Just outside the Henri Pittier Park boundaries are the popular beaches of Cata, Cuyagua, Choroní and Puerto Colombia, all with dazzling white sands and a backdrop of lush vegetation. Accommodation and restaurants can be found in the area and boats are available for charter to the nearby beaches of Copo, Oricao and Aroa, all of which are inaccessible by land. In the state of Carabobo to the west lie the expansive white sands of Patanemo, complete with camping facilities.

 

Valencia
Founded in 1555, Valencia is the Capital of Carabobo state and the third largest city in Venezuela. The first three hundred years of its history were marked by successive bouts of bloodshed and violence. The city was pillaged and burnt down repeated times by pirates, Indians and adventurers, plagued by smallpox and devastated by the earthquake of 1812. The Wars of Independence followed, and Valencia was seized by the Royalist leader José Tomás Boves, who proceeded to plunder the city and massacre its people. Numerous battles were fought in the region, culminating with the Battle of Carabobo on the 24th June 1821, in which the victory of Bolívar’s army marked the end of three centuries of Spanish domination.

Today, Valencia is a significant agricultural and industrial center and has various historic monuments and parks. There are also several attractions around the city, including guided tours of the Campo Carabobo battlefields, the hot springs of Las Trincheras (the hottest of their kind in the world) an impressive collection of petroglyphs at Piedras Pintadas and the country’s only geoglyph: a gigantic rock carving in the mountain side at Hacienda Cariaprima. Valencia makes a good base from which to visit these sites, and plenty of accommodation is available. A bus terminal and national airport provide links to all major cities and towns.

 

Arístides Rojas Natural Monument
Located 5km northwest of the town of San Juán de los Morros sits the Arístides Rojas Natural Monument. This geological rarity is composed of morros, dramatic red sugar-loaf mountains created from coral reefs with the formation of the coastal mountains. The tallest morro stands at 1,060m. The monument has become a popular climbing spot and can be reached by road from San Juan de Los Morros and Caracas. The site is known as La Puerta de los Llanos (gateway to the Llanos) and provides an overland link with the giant plains.

 

National Parks of the Central Region
El Ávila National Park
El Ávila National Park covers 85,192ha of coastal and mountain habitat between Caracas and the Caribbean. Rising from the coast, the mountains reach 2,765m (Pico Naiaguatá) and 2,640m (Pico Silla de Caracas) at their highest points. While the southern slopes overlooking the city are largely uninhabited, the seaward slopes are scattered with settlements. The park is home to a diversity of fauna including jaguar, puma, ocelot, brocket deer, agouti, armadillo, opossum, red howler monkey, sloth and several species of snake. Birdlife is equally prolific and among the many species are toucans, parakeets, orioles, cuckoos, nighthawks and hummingbirds.

To enter the park, visitors require a permit (available from Inparques).The park has its own campsites and a hotel. Over 200km of hiking trails provide visitors with excellent routes to explore the park, weaving around beautiful waterfalls and up to panoramas with fantastic views. 4×4 vehicles can also be hired to access the single track which crosses the park. The park is accessible from Caracas or La Guaira.

Henri Pittier National Park
The Swiss biologist Henri Pittier was the first to point out the ecological problems in Venezuela and the necessity to protect the country’s ecosystems. Thanks to his pioneering efforts, the national park system was born and in 1937, the mountainous region along the northern coast became Venezuela’s first national park. Originally Rancho Grande, the park has been known as la Parque Nacional Henri Pittier since 1953. The park covers 107,800ha and extends south from the Caribbean coast into the mountains almost as far as Maracay. Its dramatic topography is characterized by steep slopes covered with deciduous and tropical forest and cloud forest at higher elevations.

The park’s flora is exuberant, and arboreal ferns, bromeliads, and several species of ornamental plant, notably the rare, endemic Gunnera pittierana, flourish. Animal life is equally diverse and the park is home to pumas, ocelots, otters, brocket deer, tapirs, kinkajous, coatis, tree porcupines, several species of snake and lizard and the marsupial frog. Moreover, because the park lies on a significant migratory route, the bird population is incredible. Some 550 species (over 40% of Venezuela’s birdlife) have been identified here, one of the highest recorded species densities in the world. The list includes curassows, parakeets, hawks, eagles, kites, toucans, oropendolas, parrotlets, owls, bellbirds, manakins, jays, caciques, chachalacas and woodpeckers. Portachelo Pass is the lowest point on the ridge, and as such is used as the crossing point by thousands of migratory birds each year, making it the best birdwatching spot in the entire park.

A biological research station (Estación Biologica de Rancho Grande) complete with a zoological museum is located within the park and is open to visitors. The park can be reached by bus or taxis from Maracay, and is a popular venue for hiking and camping. The rainy season is from April to November, and the dry season from December to March.

Macarao National Park
Macarao National Park lies within both the Federal District and the State of Miranda. Founded in 1973, the park, which protects the hydrographic resources of the capital, encompasses 15,000ha of coastal mountains. The boundaries include the basins of the Macarao and San Pedro Rivers. Sub-montane tropical moist forests and montane cloud forests are the primary vegetation types within which flourishes a variety of flora, notably orchids and tree ferns. Fauna includes red brocket deer, opossums, red howler monkeys, peccaries, raccoons, rabbits and three-toed sloth, tinamou, helmeted curassow, and band-tailed pigeons. Horseriding is popular in the park, which also has good hiking trails and picnic sites. The park is accessible from the road between Caracas and Los Teques.

San Esteban National Park
Located to the east of Henri Pittier, the San Esteban National Park covers 40,000ha. Founded in 1987, it encompasses the western tract of the coastal mountains as well as coastal habitats and the islands of Rey, Ratón, Alcatraz, Santo Domingo and Larga. The coastal region is characterized by dry forests, which give way to sub-montane tropical moist forests and montane cloud forests in the higher regions. Fauna includes puma, tapir, spectacled bear, deer, raccoon, ocelot; parrots, owls, doves, jays and many species of reptile. Swimming, diving and boat tours are popular, as are tours around the mountains of the park. San Esteban can be reached by road from Puerto Cabello.

Guatopo National Park
Southeast from Caracas and over the border into Miranda State is the Guatopo National Park. The park occupies the mountain range between the towns of Santa Teresa del Tuy and Altagracia de Orituco, covering an area of 92,640ha.

The park is predominantly covered by tropical moist forest streaked by numerous streams and rivers, and nurtures a rich and varied wildlife. Several species of orchid flourish amid the typical rainforest vegetation. Resident fauna includes jaguars, pumas, ocelots, margays, tapirs, giant armadillos, opossums, peccaries, capuchin and red howler monkeys, vipers, rattlesnakes, fer-de-lance, boas and coral snakes. A birdwatcher’s paradise, the park abounds with species such as harpy eagles, macaws, toucans, parrotlets, curassows, hawks, hummingbirds, chachalacas, caciques and green jays. The climate varies with altitude, and temperatures range from 14ºC to 32ºC. The park offers plenty of good hiking trails and camping facilities, and has a road link to Caracas serviced by regular buses.

The Northwest of Venezuela
Venezuela’s northwest comprises all the territory north and west of the Andes mountains. Four states comprise this large area of the country: Zulia, Falcon, Yaracuy and Lara.Zulia, Venezuela’s westernmost state, is known to be among the hottest places in Latin America and produces 70% of the country’s oil. It is also home to the famous Lake Maracaibo, which, covering an area of 12,800km², is the biggest lake on the continent.

Maracaibo
Maracaibo, the capital of the state, lies on the northwestern shore of the Lake. It was here that in 1499 the Spanish explorers Alonso de Ojeda and Amerigo Vespucci saw Indian houses perched on wooden stilts above the waters, and christened the land ‘Venezuela’ meaning ‘little Venice’. Maracaibo was settled in 1574, and formed successful trade routes with the Netherlands Antilles. On the 24th July 1823, the Republican Navy defeated the Spanish fleet on the waters of Lake Maracaibo, securing the liberation of Venezuela and all but ending the wars of Independence. Around 100 years later, oil was discovered in the region. Maracaibo, previously a quiet city, suddenly became the prosperous oil-capital of Venezuela.

Today, Maracaibo is a modern, bustling city with a skyline dominated by tower blocks and a population of 1.3 million. There is not a great deal for tourists here, though the town is dotted with colonial buildings and museums of some interest. Temperatures maintain an average of around 29°C, and most of the city closes in the heat of the day. Maracaibo has a large international airport with links to all major cities in the country and there is a bus link to and from Coro, Caracas, Valera, San Cristóbal and the Colombian town of Maicao.

However, various sites of interest can be found outside Maracaibo. The Rafael Urdaneta bridge, the longest pre-stressed concrete bridge in the world, stretches for 8,679m across the estuary of Lake Maracaibo and offers great views over the city. The colonial town of Altagracia lies on the other side of the lake, and can be reached by boat. The recently restored castle of San Carlos de Ibarra, built in the 1600s to ward off pirates, is now popular with tourists, as are the tours around the oil towers on the northeastern shores of the lake. The most popular tourist attraction, however, is the Sinamaica lagoon, the home of the Añu Indians. Here, you can see more or less what Alonso de Ojedo and Amerigo Vespucii would have seen when they sailed into the lake all those years ago.

Coro
Coro, capital of Falcón State, is a beautiful colonial city situated inland from the Paraguana Peninsula and has a population of 130,000. Coro is Arawak for wind, and the name refers to the constant breeze blowing through the city’s ancient streets. Founded in 1527, Coro was one of the first Spanish colonies in South America, and was the original capital of the Province of Venezuela. The Spanish settlers and Arawak Indians lived together in relative peace until the province was leased to the Germans, and thereafter exploited. The city of Coro deteriorated and, despite the annulment of German authority in 1546, continued to suffer throughout the 17th Century. The city was saved in the 18th Century, when the benefits of a booming smuggling trade with nearby islands were invested in its revival.

Today, Coro is a tranquil, cultural city. Some of Venezuela’s most impressive colonial architecture is found here, including one of the oldest cathedrals in the country and the age-old wooden cross in the Plaza de San Clemente. The colonial center of Coro is now preserved as a national monument. The city has an airport with regular connections to Caracas and Barquisimeto, and a port operating ferries to Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao and other Caribbean islands. There are also bus links to major towns and cities. Coro makes a good base from which to visit the numerous national parks and natural attractions in the region. Various tours are available to the mountains and caves of the Sierra San Luis, the Península de Paraguaná and the desert of Los Médanos de Coro. Visitors can also hire cars and tour the sites independently.

Paraguaná Peninsula
Paraguaná is an island connected to the mainland by a narrow sandbank, and is the largest peninsula in the country. The landscape is predominantly semi-arid scrub and cactus, yet the region is also home to the small mountain of Cerro Santa Ana, whose slopes are thick with deciduous forest, cloud forest and grasses. The area has been declared a national monument, and is home to varied fauna including mountain cats, ocelots and numerous bird species. Beautiful panoramic views of the island are offered from the summit. Down below, village rooftops strongly contrast with the huge black oil refineries on the coast. In the distance lie solitary beaches, mangrove swamps, Caribbean islands and the pink waters of the salt mines. Punta Fijo is the biggest settlement on the peninsula, and has several hotels, a good road network and a bus terminal with links to many major towns and cities. There is an airport in nearby Las Piedras, with flights to Aruba and Curaçao, and to various cities within Venezuela. Organized tours around the Peninsula and to the Sierra San Luis are on offer in Punta Fijo, and hire cars, buses and taxis are available for independent exploration of the peninsula. The peninsula’s waters are also very popular with windsurfers.

Barquisimeto
The beautiful state of Lara is at the heart of Venezuela’s northwest. Here, lush valleys and rolling hills merge into mountains and mark the origin of the Andes. Much of the beautiful landscape is protected, and there are five national parks within the state. The state capital, Barquisimeto, has a population of 730,000, making it the fourth largest city in the country. Located in the foothills of the Andes, it is a dry hot city, with an average temperature of 25ºC. Barquisimeto is important both industrially and commercially, yet has had a troubled past. The town was founded in 1552, but was destroyed by fire shortly afterwards. It moved three times before its current location was permanently established in 1563. Development was slow, as the native Indians were hostile to the colonists and passionately defended their land. Little evidence of the era remains, as the earthquake of 1812 devastated all but a handful of the town’s colonial buildings.

Like many Venezuelan cities, Barquisimeto has been dramatically modernized in recent years. The city has several parks, museums, hotels and restaurants. There is an international airport with flights to America, Caracas, Margarita and various other destinations. The bus system is very good, and Barquisimeto is also accessible by the only passenger railway in the country, which operates from the coastal town of Puerto Cabello. Comparatively few tours to the surrounding region are on offer, but hire cars and a good bus network can be used to explore. Southwest of the city is the Quibor valley, where visitors can also buy traditional artesania such as rugs, hammocks, wooden carvings and pottery from indigenous communities.

San Felipe
Yaracuy is a small, little-known state sitting between the Andean foothills and the coast. The state capital is the pleasant town of San Felipe, which was founded in 1729 as San Felipe el Fuerte. At one point, the town was a significant commercial center, but was destroyed by the notorious earthquake of 1812. Today, remains of the old ruined town can be seen at Parque El Fuerte. However, sensational reporting has drawn more interest to the town of Chivacoa, whose mountains house the sacred site of the María Lionza cult. The cult – reputed to help people fulfill their desires – combines indigenous worship, African voodoo and Christian customs and involves witchcraft and magic. Belief in the cult has now spread throughout Venezuela, and people come to Chivacoa from far and wide to make offerings and worship the deity María Lionza.

The People
Zulia’s people, the Zulianos, are well known for their sense of humor and folk music. The state’s traditional music is the Gaita, and consists of improvised rhyming vocals over four-string guitars and maracas. The Gaita is featured in festivals throughout the year and has now become Venezuela’s traditional Christmas music.

In the northwest of Zulia live the Guajira Indians, the largest indigenous group in Venezuela. Living in a matriarchal society, the Guajira move with the limited water supply of the peninsula throughout the year. They are often seen in Maracaibo wearing their traditional dress; women in long, brightly colored dresses and men in loincloths. Many are artisans, and weave tapestries, blankets and hammocks to sell in the Guajira markets and craft shops.

National Parks of the Northwest
Morrocoy National Park National Parks
Morrocoy National Park is located on the east coast of the state, between the towns of Chichiriviche and Tucacas. Morrocoy became a national park in 1972, and comprises picturesque beaches, islands, keys, coral reefs, coconut groves and mangroves within its 32,090ha of coastal and marine habitats. For information on the islands of the park, click on the following link to Caribbean Islands. Adjacent to the park is the Cuare Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the world’s largest birdlife reserves. Together, they are home to nearly 80% of Venezuela’s aquatic birds and almost 70% of its migratory species. Herons, flamingos, scarlet ibis, boobies, pelicans, cormorants, egrets, hawks and hummingbirds are but a few. Moreover, the area is not just rich in birdlife. The lush hills behind the park are an important site for mammals, including jaguars, howler monkeys, anteaters, raccoons, opossums, kinkajous, agoutis, ocelots and mountain cats.

The park can be reached from Chichiriviche or Tucacas, which are both accessible by bus. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as water skiing, snorkeling, scuba diving and sailing.

Médanos de Coro National Parks
Médanos de Coro is the only desert in Venezuela and was declared a national park in 1974. It lies on the Isthmus of Médanos and covers 91,280ha of desert and coastal habitat, including salt marshes. Massive sand dunes, known as Médanos can reach 40m in height and are constantly transformed by the unrelenting wind. Rainfall is rare, thus flora consists of little more than thorny shrubs. Likewise, fauna is scarce, and the park is home mainly to lizards, rabbits, anteaters, foxes, pigeons and kestrels. Visitors can wander amongst the dunes by camel, and the park is easily reached by bus or taxi from Coro.

Ciénaga De Los Olivitos Nature Reserve and Ciénagas del Catatumbo National Park National Parks
Eco-tourism around Lake Maracaibo is still in its infancy, though tours can be arranged to the Ciénagas del Catatumbo National Park and Ciénaga De Los Olivitos Nature Reserve, both of which are home to a variety of wildlife. Los Olivitos was established as a reserve in 1986, and rare species such as manatees, coastal alligators and sea turtles live within its 26,000ha of marine, coastal, freshwater and mangrove habitats. The reserve is also a significant site for migratory birds, notably flamingoes.

Ciénagas del Catatumbo National Park covers 269,400ha, and is situated on the southwest shore of the lake, between the rivers of Catatumbo and Santa Ana. It was granted national park status in 1991 to protect the rich swamp and wetland habitats of the area. The park has a large population of both resident and migratory birds, including species of heron, egret and stork. Mammals are also plentiful and include capybara, raccoon and freshwater dolphins. The area is known as the lighthouse of Maracaibo, as it is subject to regular lightening storms across its delta.

Perijá National Park
Perijá National Park lies south west of Lake Maracaibo and encompasses 295,288ha of the Serranía de Perijá, which runs along the Colombian border. The topography of the park is dramatic; the mountains rise abruptly from the lowlands of Lake Maracaibo to a height of 3,500m (Pico Tétari). The dense vegetation, comprising rainforest, cloud forests, highland moors and sub-alpine and alpine tundra is home to a wide variety of flora. The region’s rich fauna includes the spectacled bear and capuchin and howler monkeys. Access to the park is by road from Maracaibo, and organized tours are available. Camping is permitted in the grounds of the park.

Sierra de San Luis National Park
South of Coro are the mountains of the Sierra de San Luis, of which 20,000ha has been granted national park status. The entire sierra lies on a limestone base which has been eroded to form a network of caves and waterways, among which is the largest underground lake in the country: la Cueva del Río Acarite. The park harbors the hydrological resources of the Paraguaná Peninsula. Tropical and cloud forests cover the valleys and slopes, fostering a variety of flora and fauna including the oilbird (guácharo) and the mountain cat. The park can be reached from Curimagua, where there is also accommodation and tour agencies.

Cueva de la Quebrada del Toro National Park
Further to the southeast is the smaller park of Cueva de la Quebrada del Toro. The park is most famous for its extensive cave system and magnificent stalactites and stalagmites. The largest cavern, la Cueva del Toro is 1,200m long and is inhabited by the oilbird (guácharo) and many species of bats. Many of the caves have subterranean watercourses, including two vast reservoirs over 200m long which can be explored by boat. A guide is needed to enter the caves which can be reached by jeep from Santa Cruz de Bucaral.

Tirgua National Park
Situated in both Lara and Yaracuy states, Tirgua National Park encompasses part of the western mountain range known as the Cordillera de la Costa; actually a small branch of the Andes. The landscape consists of savanna and ridges carpeted in tropical dry and sub-montane forest. Several rivers flow through the park, all of which drain into the Orinoco basin. Wildlife includes howler and capuchin monkeys and an abundance of flora. The park can be reached by road from several towns in the surrounding area.

Terepaima National Park
Terepaima National Park is located south of Barquisimeto on the Rio Amarillo, actually within the state of Portuguesa. The park covers 16,971ha of savanna, rainforest, cloud forest and mountains, and is an important natural reservoir of hydraulic resources. Wildlife of the park includes puma, ocelot, opossum, capuchin and red howler monkey, kinkajou, skunk, tapir and sloth, and rattlesnakes. Birdlife is prolific, and species common to the park include racket-tails, wrens, finches, woodpeckers and mockingbirds. The park can be reached by road from Barquisimeto and has camping facilities.

El Guache National Park
Covering 125,000ha, El Guache spreads over the border into the state of Portuguesa and lies between two separate mountain ranges. The park’s vegetation is composed chiefly of sub-montane and montane flora, and resident fauna includes howler monkeys, spectacled bear, deer and anteaters.

Yacambú National Park
In the foothills of the Andes, the Yacambú National Park occupies some 14,580ha of tropical rainforest and the headwaters of the Rio Yacambú. The rugged topography and stunning landscapes of the eastern part of the park encompass the beautiful Laguna El Blanquito, the nearby Angostura Canyon dam and the dormant Sánáre volcano. An abundance of flora and fauna can be found in the park, including pumas, foxes, deer, opossums, a variety of birds, notably hummingbirds and parakeets, and many species of lizard and snake. The park can be reached from Quibor, Sanare, and Cubiro, and offers many tourist facilities, including camp sites, picnic areas and shops.

Cerro Saroche National Park
Cerro Saroche lies in the center of the state and covers 32,294ha of plains, hills and mountains. The land is covered mostly by dense lowland heath and resident fauna includes mountain cats, anteaters and turpials. Access to the park is from the town of Barquisimeto.

Yurubí National Park
North of San Felipe is the Yurubí National Park. The park is located in a mountainous region and covers an area of 23,670ha. The landscape is predominantly thick tropical vegetation streaked by the rivers of the Yurubí, Guayabito, and Carabobo. Rainforest gives way to cloud forest between 1,000-2,000m, and the moist air supports many arboreal ferns, orchids and bromeliads. Fauna includes ocelot, agouti, opossum, tapir and many species of reptile. The park is of great ecological importance as it protects the hydrographic basin of the Yacambú river, a vital source of water for San Felipe. Yurubí can be easily reached by road.

The Northeast of Venezuela
Venezuela’s northeast comprises the state of Sucre and parts of the states of Miranda, Anzoátegui and Monagas. When he first set eyes on the place, Christopher Columbus is said to have described it as a “Paradise on Earth”. Indeed, the region, with its clear blue waters, coral reefs, white sand beaches, mangroves and forested coastal mountains justifies such a description.

Puerto La Cruz
Puerto la Cruz is the younger and more boisterous neighbor of the Anzoátegui State capital, Barcelona. Originally a fishing village, Puerto la Cruz now has a population of 220,000 people and is the biggest tourist destination on the entire east coast. The town’s touristic center is concentrated around Paseo Colón, a seafront promenade brimming with hotels, restaurants, cafes, tour operators and marinas – tourists are certainly well catered for here. The city also has an efficient transport system. The port, La Guanta, runs several ferries each day to Margarita, and the bus terminal has connections to all major towns and cities. Barcelona has the nearest airport, which operates domestic flights to Caracas and major cities. A host of tours are on offer in Puerto la Cruz, and it is possible to arrange trips all over the northeast. Popular excursions include the islands of Morrocoy and Mochima, the beaches along the coast, the Orinoco Delta, Canaima, Caripe, the Guyana Highlands, the Angel Falls and Amazonas. Boats are also available for charter to the islands and beyond.

The beaches in Puerto la Cruz are not particularly popular, as the sea is polluted and unsuitable for swimming. However, a series of enchanting beaches are only a twenty minute bus ride away. Offering great views of the coast and islands, the road ascends east from Puerto la Cruz, over the border into Sucre State and into Mochima National Park.

Barlovento Bay
Barlovento Bay comprises the entire coast of Miranda State, from Higuerote to Boca de Uchire. The bay is named after the onshore trade winds that carry moist air to the coast, allowing its lush vegetation to flourish. The region was formerly known as the “Slave Coast”, as hundreds of African slaves were shipped in to work on its cacao plantations. Today, the African influence is clear in the region’s music, characterized by drums and dancing. Fine examples of colonial architecture can be found in the towns and villages dotted around Barlovento Bay. Many of the bay’s resorts – notably Boca de Uriche – are popular with Venezuelans, particularly Caraqueños, who motor down from the capital at weekends to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and cool waters.

Higuerote
Higuerote, the first resort along Barlovento Bay, is a pleasant, relaxed town with a population of 14,000. A wealth of sandy beaches and clear waters lie along its coast, and tourism is on the increase. The town has numerous hotels and posadas as well as decent camping facilities, and can be reached by bus from Caracas.

Píritu and Puerto Píritu
Píritu and Puerto Píritu are twin towns situated just inside the neighboring state of Anzoátegui, and together house 19,000 people. They are pleasant, relaxing places and have a number of interesting colonial buildings as well as attractive sandy beaches. Plenty of hotels and restaurants are scattered around the towns, which can be reached by bus from Caracas and Puerto la Cruz. Nearby are the mangroves of Laguna de Píritu, popular with ornithologists, and the Islas de Piritu, well known for their sulphurous mud and excellent scuba diving. Tours to both can be arranged in town.

Cumanà
Further east lies the town of Cumaná, the capital of Sucre State and the oldest Spanish town in Latin America. Since the arrival of missioners in 1506, the town’s history has been marked by conflict with natives, pirates and traders. Little colonial architecture remains, as the city was largely destroyed by earthquakes and consequently rebuilt on three separate occasions.

Today, Cumaná plays a vital role in the country’s fishing industry and is a bustling tourist town with a quarter of a million inhabitants. Various sights are dotted around the town, and there are plenty of restaurants, hotels and tour operators. The town has air links to Caracas and Margarita, bus routes to Caracas, Puerto la Cruz, Caripe and Ciudad Bolívar and several daily ferry crossings to Margarita.

The Araya and Paría Peninsulas
North of Cumaná sits a large peninsula which has two arms: the arid landscapes and colorful salt lakes of Araya, and the rich bamboo forests and mangroves of its neighbor, Paría. Small fishing villages and towns are scattered along the coast. The two main tourist attractions, the salt mines and the Castillo de Santiago (Santiago Fort), can be found in the town of Araya, on the western tip of the peninsula. The fort was built in 1625 to defend the salt mines and was later abandoned after a hurricane caused the flooding of the salt mines in 1726. Today, the mines are back in operation and provide a large portion of the country’s salt. Both can be visited from Araya. The Peninsula also has many stunning white sand beaches and great windsurfing waters, especially around Araya, and there are good walks around the northern cliffs. A por puesto service covers the region, though travelling by jeep is the most practical way to explore due to the limited road network. Daily ferries operate to Cumaná. The Peninsula has a range of posadas and restaurants, and camping is popular.

Further east along the north coast lies the colonial town of Carúpano, home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the region: Pui Puy and Medina. Hidden in lush forest and fringed by palm trees, these paradise beaches offer accommodation and the latter has hot springs and waterfalls within walking distance. The town can be reached by bus from large cities in the region and the airport operates daily flights to Caracas and Isla Margarita. A ferry goes as far as the nearby village of Chacopata.

On the tip of the Paría Peninsula is its largest town, Güiria. Though the town itself has little by way of tourist attractions, the surrounding region has a much to offer. The surrounding mountains are part of the Península de Paría National Park, and can be explored right along the coast. Tours can also be arranged to the Orinoco Delta and Caribbean islands. The town can be reached by bus from most large cities, and the airport, just outside the town, operates flights to Margarita several times a week. There are regular ferry crossings to Margarita, Trinidad and other Caribbean islands.

Caripe
Inland to the south, the road winds into thickly-forested mountains, interspersed with shimmering lakes, picturesque mountain villages and coffee, pineapple and orange plantations. The road leads to the state capital, the oil city of Maturín, which is supposedly the fastest growing town in the world but is of little of interest to tourists. In the same region is Caripe, a tranquil tourist town in a beautiful mountain setting and a popular place for hiking, camping, cycling and horseriding. The town has plenty of posadas and hotels, and is easily reached by bus. The nearest airport is in Maturín. Several tour operators offer trips to the Orinoco Delta, the Gran Sabana and the nearby Cueva del Guácharo.

 

National Parks of the Northeast
Mochima National Park National Parks
Mochima National Park covers 94,900ha of coastal and marine habitat. For more information on the islands of the park, click on the following link to The Caribbean Islands. The mainland portion of the park consists principally of mountainous coastline, mangroves and golden sandy coves. Along the coast, scattered trees, grasses and shrubs predominate the dry terrain. As the land rises to the coastal mountains, the vegetation grows thicker and more exuberant, fostering a wider variety of flora, particularly ferns and orchids. Resident fauna includes jaguars, sloths, capuchin monkeys, opossums, armadillos, agoutis, iguanas, many species of snake and sea-birds such as gulls, pelicans and frigates.

Playa Arapito, Playa Colorada and Playa Santa Fe are the best known of Mochima’s beaches. Though quiet throughout the week, the beaches transform into busy tourist hotspots at weekends. The calm waters are perfect for swimming and fishing boats can be chartered to visit a number of islands and reefs just offshore, which are wonderful for snorkeling and fishing. Further inland are waterfalls, clear pools and woodland hiking trails. All the villages have several small hotels, posadas, and restaurants, and camping is popular on the beaches. Por puestos, taxis and buses operate along the coast road and any beach or bay is easily accessible.

Rio Chico and Laguna de Tacarigua National park
Along the coast of Barlovento Bay is Rio Chico, a town roughly equal in size to Higuerote. The beaches are attractive and the town is a popular destination with Venezuelans. Buses also operate to Rio Chico from Caracas, and there are various hotels. Situated behind the town is the Tacarigua de la Laguna National park. The park consists of a coastal lagoon separated from the sea by a sand bank, and comprises 18,400ha of important wetland habitats. The region is home to a rich aquatic bird fauna, including pelicans, cormorants, flamingoes, frigates, egrets and ibis. Visitors can enjoy tours around the lagoon and the maze of surrounding canals, and boats can be hired to explore the park and surrounding beaches. Permits (available from Inparques) are needed to enter the park. Access is from the village of Tacarigua.

Península de Paría National Park
Occupying some 37,500ha, the Península de Paría National Park encompasses the single mountain range on the northeast tip of the peninsula. The relief is relatively low; coastal lowlands rise into steep slopes reaching a height of 1,300m. The arid coastline is rich in xerophytes while thick deciduous, tropical moist and cloud forests cover the mountain sides, fostering a diversity of bromeliads, heliconias, lianas, orchids and an abundance of climbers and endemic epiphytes. The endemic colored parakeet inhabits the park, and mammal species include puma, ocelot, deer, armadillo and monkey. Access to the park is via the road between Carúpano and Güiria or by boat. Tours are available.

Turuépano National Park
Turuépano National Park encompasses Turuépano Island in the Gulf of Paría, south of the Peninsula. Covering some 70,000ha, it is the most extensive area of protected marshlands in Venezuela. Savannas, lagoons, channels, marshes, mangroves, swamp forests and peat bogs form an incredibly biodiverse landscape. The most prolific flora are ferns and moriche palms. The wide range of wetland habitats supports a variety of fauna including otters, tapir, fox, raccoon, bats, many species of waterfowl, water-snakes, coastal alligators and cayman. The park is also inhabited by the Warao Indians. The entrance to the park is from Puerto Ajíes and can only be reached by boat.

Cueva del Guácharo National Park
The Cueva del Guácharo National Park covers an area of 45,500ha. The main feature of the park is the cave system itself, which, with a length of over 10.5 km, is the largest in the country. It was discovered along with its unique inhabitant, the guácharo (oilbird) by the scientist and explorer Alexander Humboldt in 1799. A unique, frugiverous (fruit-eating) species, the oilbird leaves the cave at dusk to search for food, using echolocation to maneuver in the dark. The colony numbers around 18,000 and occupies the first chamber of the cave together with mice, crickets and crabs. Visitors are guided by lanterns down a concrete path that meanders alongside a stream and amongst vast piles of decomposing palm-seeds dropped by the guácharos. Spindly palm-seedlings sprout from these mounds, but soon die, starved of light. Ornate stalactites and stalagmites and other intriguing geological formations decorate the entire subterranean network, many of which resemble and are named after plants, animals and famous landmarks. Visitors have access to the first sector of the cave; deeper exploration is possible but only with specialized equipment and permission from the park’s authorities. Access varies according to the time of year, as the caves are liable to flood during the rainy season in August and September.

The remainder of the park, accessible by trails, encompasses thick, lush forest and a waterfall and is home to a variety of birds and plants.

The Caribean Islands from Venezuela
72 Caribbean islands lie off Venezuela’s 2,800km of coastline. Of these, Isla Margarita is the largest and most populated. (Click on the link for a detailed description). The remaining islands comprise the archipelagos of Los Roques and Las Aves, the national parks of Morrocoy and Mochima and the large islands of La Tortuga, Los Testigos, La Blanquilla, La Orchila and Aves.

The Archipelago Los Roques
The archipelago of Los Roques is probably the best known of Venezuela’s Caribbean islands. Situated 170km north of Caracas, it is an atoll of reef-islands, tidal islets and reefs surrounding the Laguna Central, and is one of Venezuela’s most beautiful sights. A massive variety of marine life exists in and around the reef habitats, and for this, the area was declared a national park in 1972. Covering an area of over 225,153ha, the archipelago is Venezuela’s largest marine park. The islands are edged with brilliant white sand, and at low tide, finger-like sandbars protrude into the turquoise sea. The waters over the surrounding 19km of coral garden are crystal clear, providing fantastic snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. The coastlines, interspersed with green mangroves, form a striking contrast with the barren grass and arid scrub of the inland terrain.

The archipelago maintains an average annual temperature of 29ºC, though nights remain cool thanks to the regional breeze. The temperature reaches a peak of 34ºC in July and a low of 24ºC in January, and there is occasional rain from September to January.

Los Roques was originally settled by Indians some 900 years ago. Colonization began some years later on Isla El Gran Roque, after Margariteño fishermen discovered the rich waters of the area. Today, El Gran Roque, the largest of the islands, is home to the majority of the archipelago’s 1,000 or so inhabitants. The remainder of the population is mostly Caraqueños, who reside in holiday homes on the neighboring islands of Rasquí and Madrizquí. Many tourists also frequent the archipelago, and the most visited island is Cayo Francés. Like Isla Margarita, Cayo Francés is comprised of two islands connected by a sandbank, and provides both calm waters and surf.

Los Roques is renowned for its variety of marine fauna. Just some of the many species include parrotfish, barracuda, red snapper, dolphin, shark, octopus, lobster and the near-extinct queen conch. Green turtles visit the beaches to lay their eggs, and the island of Dos Mosquises Sur is the home of La Fundación Científica Los Roques, a biological research station dedicated to preserving the green turtle populations in the region. The resident and migrant bird population of the archipelago exceeds 90 species and includes enormous gull colonies, boobies, frigates, pelicans, herons and scarlet ibis. No native mammals inhabit the area, but dogs and goats have been introduced on El Gran Roque. Many reptiles, including iguanas, chameleons and salamanders, live on the larger islands.

Tourists visiting the Los Roques can explore the region by taking day-trips or by chartering a boat. There are 30 or so hotels on El Gran Roque, and posadas on Cayo Francés, Francisqui and Krasqui. Those wishing to camp need to obtain a permit from Inparques in Caracas. Daily flights operate to Los Roques from Margarita and Maiquetia. The archipelago can also be reached by boat from La Guaira, a town northeast of Caracas. Some tour operators offer all-inclusive package deals to the islands.

The Archipelago Las Aves
Archipelago Las Aves is Los Roques lesser-known western neighbor. It shares the same crystal clear waters and abundant marine life, but is a lot quieter. Fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving are excellent. Las Aves can be reached by boat charter from Los Roques, but is more commonly visited by yachts sailing between Bonaire and the mainland.

The Archipelago Los Testigos
Northeast of Margarita is Los Testigos, a small archipelago of three islands: Isla Conejo, Isla Iguana and the larger Isla Testigo Grande. Home to a huge colony of frigate birds and a small population of fishermen, the area is renowned for good lobster and fresh fish. It is, however, a protected area, and diving and the use of harpoons are not permitted. Los Testigos can be reached by boat charter only.

Isla La Tortuga
Isla La Tortuga is Venezuela’s second-largest island and lies west of Margarita. Its landscape is rather flat and arid, but bordered by stunning sandy beaches and clear blue waters. The island offers great opportunities for fishing, diving and snorkeling, particularly around the offshore coral reefs of Los Palaquemos, which are easily accessible by boat. Yachts and charters frequently anchor around la Tortuga, and are the most common way of reaching the island. The island has an airstrip for light aircraft.

Isla Blanquilla and Isla La Orchilla
Isla Blanquilla, lying north of Margarita, is reputed to have the best snorkeling and diving in the whole of Venezuela. The coast is lined with dazzling white sandy beaches and coves, and numerous caves – both underwater and on the shore – await exploration. The island is accessible by boat or plane, and various tours, including day-trips are available from Margarita. Not far from Blanquilla is Isla La Orchilla. Like its neighbor, Orchilla is surrounded by amazing coral reefs good for snorkeling, and can be reached by boat from Los Roques.

Isla de Aves
Located 500 km north of Margarita, Isla de Aves is Venezuela’s most distant Caribbean island. The island has an area of 65km², yet coastguards are its only inhabitants. As its name suggests, Isla de Aves is home to massive sea bird colonies, and is also an important nesting site for the rare and endangered green turtle. The clear waters of the island can be reached by yachts and boat charter from Bonaire and the mainland.

 

National Parks of the Caribe
Morrocoy National Park National Parks
Morrocoy National Park is another beautiful region of the Caribbean. Situated on the east coast of the Falcón State, the park comprises 32,090ha of coral islands and reefs, as well as part of the mainland coast. For more information on the mainland area of the park, click on the following link to The Northwest. The park was founded in 1974, and its calm blue waters, numerous coral gardens and deserted beaches attract a great number of Venezuelan and foreign tourists alike. The park is renowned for its birdlife, which includes frigates, pelicans, cormorants and boobies. Oyster beds line the mangroves, and marine life is prolific. Hundreds of colorful fish live in and around the reefs, and stingray bask in the shallows. There are excellent spots for snorkeling and diving, and water skiing is becoming increasingly popular. The most-visited island is Cayo Sombrero, which can get busy at weekends and during national holidays.

To explore the park, tourists can charter boats or go on day-trips from the mainland towns of Tucacas and Chichiriviche. At low tide, it is possible to go between some islands on foot. The only way to stay on the islands is to camp, though there is no fresh water.

Stretching 32km north to south and 67km east to west, Isla Margarita covers an area of 920km² and is Venezuela’s largest Caribbean island. According to legend, Margarita was created by the teardrop of a cherub and named the “Pearl of the Caribbean”. In reality, however, it formed when a narrow sand bar emerged from the sea and connected two adjacent islands. The sand bar and its surroundings, which comprise mangroves, salt-flats and a lagoon, are now the Laguna de la Restinga National Park.

Getting to Margarita is very easy. The island has a large international airport, (Santiago Mariño) and receives flights from Europe, North America and Canada. A dozen daily flights operate between Margarita and Caracas, as well as several daily flights to and from most other cities in Venezuela, including Puerto Ordaz, Maracaibo, Barcelona, Maturín, Tucupita, Valencia and San Antonio. Fares are relatively reasonable. The ferry is perhaps the most popular means of transport, as it enables visitors to bring their cars. The ferry terminal is called Punta de Piedras and there are several daily crossings between Margarita and Puerto la Cruz, Cumana and Trinidad. Ferries can be express or regular, and take passengers, vehicles or both.

Throughout the year, the east side of Isla Margarita maintains an average temperature of 25ºC to 28ºC, and enjoys a cooling breeze. The peninsula is less windy, and temperatures soar. The rainy season lasts from November to January, but as rain tends to fall during the night, most days remain dry.

 

Margarita
The Macanao Peninsula forms the western side of Margarita, and is characterized by its distinctive red earth, cactus-covered coastline and mangrove swamps of the lagoon. The land is dry, barren and infertile, and much of the territory is desolate scrub; yet the striking colors lend the peninsula a rare and peculiar beauty. Just 15,000 people inhabit the region; most of whom live in small fishing villages scattered along the coast. The inland area remains undeveloped, home to just wild deer, goats and hares that browse the sparse vegetation on the hills.

The life and landscape of the region contrast greatly with that of its eastern counterpart. Home to some 300,000 citizens, the east side of Margarita has rich soil, cool valleys and lively, busy towns. The capital of the state, La Asunción, was so chosen for the sole reason that its inland location would shield it from pirate attacks. With a population of around 17,000, it is a quiet, cultural town with a tranquil plaza, cathedral, museums and the ancient hill fort of Santa Rosa. Porlamar, once a quiet, fishing village, has expanded in the last 15 years and is now the largest, busiest town on the island with a population of over 80,000.

 

Playa Paraguachí, El Tirano
In the Guaquerí language the island of Margarita was known as Paraguachoa: “abundance of fish”. Paraguachí signifies “abundance of lobster”.

The village Paraguachí lies in one of the freshest and most fertile valleys of the island. In the village square the trees create a shaded area where the 16th century church of San José can be seen. However, of the original structure only the sacrosant remains.

The 2lst of July 1561 saw the arrival at the Port of Paraguachí a spanish conquistador who would be remembered for his cruelty and bloodthirstiness: Lope de Aguirre. In his 40 days stay in the island he wiped out as many people as he could. Included in the massacre was the then governor Juan Sarmiento de Villandrando and many of his followers. Even members of his own crew were not spared his wrath. Leaving the island he left behind a trail of death and destruction. Months later he was caught by García de Pacides and his final act before surrendering was to stab his own daughter Elvira to death. Since then the port of Paraguachí (also called Fermín Port) has been called “EL TIRANO” (The Tyrant). Today as yesterday, El Tirano is a fishing village where it is possible to take boat rides to the islands of Los Frailes (the Friars lslands) about 45 minutes away.

In the Town Hall of Paraguachí can be found a statue of El Tirano made in Genoa, Italy. It came to the island in 1956 and was shown in the Nueva Cadíz museum in La Asunción. In 1994 it was moved to its present site.

 

Playa Parguito
This is one of the favorite beaches of the surfer. “Pegue” “Flote” “aéreo”(air) “360”(full circle) etc. are some of the words heard in Parguito; along with others like “glass”(self explanatory), “choppy”(likewise) and “picado”(real choppy) which describes the state of the sea.

Parguito is a ‘live’ beach: wide beach with calm water; medium beach with rolling waves; high water (season of hurricanes, which in Margarita -thank whatever- are tropical storms) and the waves can be “choppy” etc.

A good walk starts at the right hand side of the beach, by climbing the hill and following the path. You are leaving Parguito and going towards “Puerto Abajo”. Along this walk can be found a series of caves known only by the more adventurous (and caution is advised). One of them is called “The Witches Cave”, so called since the Colonial times, because a witch hid there from the Conquistadores and their faith. The story ends with the witch changing into a fish, strange and black. Many people have said they have seen its shadow in the water.

 

Playa Manzanillo
In the north of the island is Manzanillo beach known for its calm water and sunsets. Historians tell how the Guaiquerí were so friendly with Christopher Columbus so the spanish crown recognized their territorial rights and honored them with titles. It was here ships arrived to take on “Magnesita” coming by train (the only one on the island) from the mine in Loma de Guerra.

In the mornings one can see the collection of nets by the local community. Anyone can help and the normal reward is some of the fish you help to pull out.

Beware, the tree Manzanillo has a fruit which looks very attractive and tempting. Under no circumstances try it as it is extremely toxic.

 

Playa El Agua
The “In Place” for national and international tourists. The Water: (El Agua) 3 kms long. Water, beach, restaurants and a lot more. Its name came from the number of ponds and wells which over time have faded away. Here you can find everything to have a good time. There is no village of “El Agua”, but there is a organized community which has been and is concerned about the area.

Playa El Agua has an international community, German, French, Italian etc. which has added its flavour. It is perhaps the most visited area on the island, the most known and the most popular. It’s a small world within a world. In Playa El Agua and its outskirts (from Paraguachi to Manzanillo) you can find everything necessary, and the superflous as well without the need to travel much.

Be careful while in the water. Keep close to the shore since there is undertow and you may find yourself dragged out. If this happens, let yourself float a bit and try to get out from the side. Don’t fight against the current because tiredness may overcome you.

 

Coche and Cubagua
Near Margarita sit the sparsely inhabited islands of Coche and Cubagua, both of which have fairly good snorkeling and diving waters. Isla Coche can be visited by ferry from Punta de Piedras (the main ferry terminal), or by boat charter from La Isleta or El Yaque. It also has an airstrip. Isla Cubagua can be reached by boat from El Guamache.

These islands were originally inhabited by the Guaiqueiri Indians, and were discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1498. One year later, vast beds of pearls were found in the waters surrounding Cubagua. Settlers arrived in 1501 and established the first Spanish colony in South America: Nueva Cádiz. Margarita was colonised in 1525, and its first settlement, Pampatar, was founded in the 1530s. Once Cubagua’s supply of pearls had been depleted, the city was abandoned and later destroyed by two tidal waves, leaving just the ruins visible today. The three islands of Coche, Cubagua and Margarita comprise the state of Nueva Esparta (New Sparta). This name, reminiscent of the heroic Spartans of ancient Greece, was given as a tribute to the courage displayed by the Islanders during the Wars of Independence.

 

Tourism
Numbers of visitors to Margarita have soared since the fall of the Bolívar against the dollar in the early 1980s. The island is now the primary destination for the country’s holidaymakers, who come from the mainland in their thousands in search of sun, sand, surf and duty-free shopping. Foreign tourism, too is on the increase. The island’s foreign tourist industry was originally centered around Porlamar, a resort famous for its towering hotels, lively boulevards and thumping nightlife. Today, however, with the continuing influx of foreign visitors, large resorts have also expanded in the northeast. The busy, popular town of Playa el Agua is a good example.

Owing to such rapid and considerable growth, package tours are becoming increasingly common. During the August and September vacation period, many rooms are reserved by travel agencies, and those trying to find accommodation independently may experience difficulties. The latest development in the tourism industry is the all-inclusive deal, used mostly by foreign travel agencies.

The island certainly caters well for its tourists. Over 50 beaches and coves lie along the 167km of coastline, ranging from busy tourist hot spots to quiet fishing villages. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, shops and cafes. Many activities are on offer, including parascending, micro-lite flying, climbing and a variety of watersports. Snorkeling and scuba diving are very popular, and the best spots are around the rocky islands of Los Frailes, just off the coast of Playa el Agua. Los Frailes can be reached by boat charter from the towns of Juan Griego and El Tirano. Margarita is world-famous for windsurfing, and the beach of El Yaque on the southern coast is the best venue for this sport. Visitors can rent cars to tour the island or scooters to buzz from beach to beach. Vehicle hire is cheap, and the road network is good, with an extensive highway connecting the two sides of the island. Tours can be taken from Margarita to Los Roques, the Orinoco Delta and the Caribbean Islands.

 

The People
Most Margariteños have a mixture of Caribe and Spanish ancestry. The majority works either in the fishing or tourist industry, to cater for the island’s ever growing population of Venezuelan holidaymakers and foreign tourists. Local craftsmen and women make their living from artesanía such as baskets, ceramics, dolls and hammocks, which are sold as souvenirs to visitors in craft shops and stalls.

 

National Parks of Margarita
Margarita has two national parks: Cerro El Copey and Laguna de la Restinga, and three natural monuments (small parks): Cerro Matasiete y Guayamurí, La Laguna de las Marites, and Las Tetas de María Guevara (María Guevara’s breasts!). All protect a range of habitats and are home to various species of wildlife. Birds such as flamingoes, pelicans and scarlet ibis are most prolific in and around the mangrove swamps of La Laguna de la Restinga. The park has an area of 10,700ha and can be reached easily by road. Visitors can hire boats from the jetty to cruise the mangroves. Cerro El Copey covers an area of 7,130ha, and comprises both flat land with small villages and woodland-covered mountains, the latter of which offer fantastic views of the island. The park is located in the central eastern part of the main island and can be reached by road from La Asunción.

The Andes are one of the world’s great mountain ranges and the backbone of South America. The Venezuelan Andes, 400km long and 50-100km wide, begin in Barquisimeto and run through the states of Trujillo, Mérida and Táchira before reaching the Colombian border. The jagged rocky peaks, shimmering glacial lakes, bleak highlands and snow-capped summits create a stunning landscape which is typically Andean. The mountains divide into two major chains running parallel to one another: la Sierra Nevada de Mérida, and la Sierra de la Culata, both of which have been declared national parks.

Besides being a heaven for botanists and wildlife enthusiasts, the Andes is by far the best place in the country to practice adventure sports. A host of activities are on offer, such as hiking, trekking, mountaineering, climbing, paragliding, fishing, horseriding, camping and mountain biking, all if which can be arranged through various tour agencies.

 

Merida
Occupying the valley between the southern and northern sierras is the city of Mérida, the capital of Mérida State. At an altitude of 1,640m, it is the highest state capital of the country. Mérida was founded in 1558 by an explorer sent from present-day Columbia (then Nueva Granada), and remained under Colombian rule until 1777. It was this city that christened Simon Bolívar El Libertador, and erected the first monument in his honor. Today, Mérida is Venezuela’s most popular destination for backpackers and tourists, and has plenty of hotels and restaurants. It is a lively, cultural place, with a large university and numerous architectural monuments that illustrate the city’s rich colonial past. Mérida is also a good base for organizing excursions into the mountains.

 

San Cristóbal
Northeast of Mérida is the state of Táchira. Its capital, San Cristóbal, was founded by the same explorer that founded Mérida, and likewise only came under Venezuelan rule in 1777. Sitting on a split-level plateau, San Cristóbal is a modern, bustling town, but has nonetheless managed to retain its colonial heritage. It is host to the huge festival of San Sebastían in January, with bullfights, street parades and various other events. Excursions into the mountains and tours to surrounding villages can be arranged from the town, and cars can be hired to tour the region. The town has air and road links to several major cities.

 

Trujillo
Southwest of Mérida lies the state of Trujillo. Its capital, the town of Trujillo, was founded in 1557 but was relocated several times due to hostility between Indians and colonists. It was permanently established at its present location in the early 1570s. Trujillo is a quiet, historic town, spreading up a mountain valley and surrounded by hills, with breathtaking view of the Castán river valley. It is not a particularly touristy town, but is a good place from which to explore the region. The town has a bus terminal with links to Caracas, Barinas, Mérida, Boconó and Valera.

 

The Andean People
The people of the Andes are known as Andinos. Often seen wearing thick, woolen sweaters or shawls, they are known for their friendly and relaxed ways. Many artisans live and work in the region, using materials from the surrounding environment such as wool or clay to create crafts which characterize their cultural heritage. Many Andinos farm their lands, growing potatoes, wheat, maize and sugar-cane on the mountain slopes. Andinos are devout Christians, and their traditional, rugged lifestyle has made them iconic figures of Venezuelan folklore.

 

National Parks of the Venezuelan Andes
Almost one million hectares of the Venezuelan Andes has been granted national park status; there are eight parks in total of which the most popular are Sierra Nevada and Sierra de La Culata. Sierra Nevada National Park was established in 1952 and covers 276,446ha of the Andes, including the smaller mountain chain of Santo Domingo. Within the park are the country’s highest peaks; Pico Bolívar (5,007m), Pico Humboldt (4,942m), Pico La Concha (4,920m) and Pico Espejo (4,765m), the latter of which has the longest and highest cable car in the world. La Culata National Park has an area of 200,400ha, with the curious páramo de piedras blancas at its highest point. The remaining Andean national parks are Dinira, Guaramacal, Páramos Batallón y La Negra, Chorro El Indio, El Tamá and Tapó-Caparo.

The Andean parks foster a variety of habitats within the considerable altitude range (150-5,000m) of their peaks and valleys. Sub-montane tropical forests spread amongst the foothills, cloud forests occupy the higher slopes and above 3,300m lies open moorland known as the páramos, which rises as far as the perennial snow of the summits. Mammals within these diverse ecosystems include the puma, jaguar, mountain cat, ocelot, fox, weasel, deer, tapir, capybara, red howler monkey, sloth, raccoon, porcupine and the endangered spectacled bear. Trout and salmon spawn in the rivers, and among the bird population are species of eagle, hawk, parrot, parakeet, hummingbird, quetzal, owl, jay, pipit, nightjar and toucanet as well as the Andean condor, which was only recently reintroduced to the country. Flora is equally diverse. Thousands of different species have been identified so far, including various species of fruiting tree, fern, pine, orchid, bromeliad and lichen. The famous frailejón (espeletia) is the typical flora of the páramos. Over 40 species of this large, beige-leafed plant grow in the area, and blossom with yellow flowers from September to December.

There are two main entrances into La Sierra Nevada: the village of Los Nevados in the north, which can be reached by cable car from Barinitas or by jeep from Mérida, and la Laguna Mucubají in the south, just off the Santo Domingo road. Sierra de la Culata is most easily accessible from the town of La Culata. Jeeps can be hired with or without drivers, the former is advisable for routes off the beaten track. Dinera is accessible by road from Barquisimeto and Trujillo, Guaramacal from Boconó, Páramos Batallón y La Negra from San Cristóbal, Mérida and La Grita, Chorro El Indio from San José de Bolívar, El Tamá from San Cristóbal and Tapó-Caparo from San Cristóbal. Permits are needed to enter the parks, which are obtainable from Inparque offices.

The Llanos, (plains) are the vast savannas stretching west from the Orinoco Delta to the Andes mountains and south into Columbia. Encompassing the states of Portuguesa, Cojedes, Arauca, Barinas, Guárico and Apure, the plains occupy some 300,000km² (1/3) of Venezuelan territory. They consist of both high and low plains, and are primarily grasslands dotted with woodlands and streaked with rivers, all of which empty into the Orinoco basin. The high plains, broken by hills and mesas, cover the eastern and central areas near the Andes, and the low, flat plains occupy the western and southern regions towards the Orinoco Delta. However, tourists usually visit the high plains within the Apure and Barinas states; it is this area that is referred to as Los Llanos. Within this vast area are three national parks: Río Viejo, in the western Llanos near the Andes, Aguaro-Guariquito, in Guárico State and Cinaruco-Capanaparo in the eastern region of Apure State. Together the parks encompass a total of 1,250,000ha.

 

Flora and Fauna
Los Llanos is a fantastically biodiverse region, and the variety of wildlife is one of its main attractions. Some 350 species of bird and over 50 species of mammal populate the three principal habitats: wetlands and waterways, gallery forests and savannas and sand dunes. Within the wetlands and waterways are osprey, herons, storks, egrets, spoonbills, muscovy ducks, scarlet ibis, kingfishers and cormorants; capybara, otter, manatee and freshwater dolphin; caiman, turtles, water snakes, anaconda and piranha. Gallery forests border the riverbanks and are home to macaws, caciques, turpials and hoatzin; ocelot, capuchin and howler monkeys; giant tortoise, iguanas, fer-de-lance and boas. Fauna of the savanna includes hawks, falcons, buzzards, eagles and vultures; jaguar, puma, savanna fox, anteater, mountain cat and vampire bat.

The climate in the Llanos is extreme. Heavy rainfall occurs between May and December, and the air becomes heavy and humid. The rivers rise and burst their banks, flooding the entire lowland plains. In January, the dry season begins. The humidity gives way to dry winds, the floods recede and the land is baked dry. The average annual temperature is 27ºC.

 

History
Life in the inhospitable, wild territory of the Llanos contrasts sharply to that of Venezuela’s modern cities. The harsh lands of this vast region are inhabited by few, and house just 10% of the country’s total population. The first settlers arrived in the mid 1500s, after explorers ventured into the plains in search of El Dorado, the mystical city of gold. Before long, Catholics arrived and set up missionaries, which later expanded and developed into towns. The colonization of the Llanos gave birth to a new people, the Llaneros, whose ancestry was a blend of Indian, African and Spanish blood. During the Wars of independence in the early 1800s, the Llaneros made a considerable contribution to the fight for liberation, and their boldness and bravery made them a feared enemy of the Spanish.

 

Tourism
Excursions to Los Llanos are offered by numerous agencies. Due to the isolation of many camps and ranches, tours tend to be all-inclusive, with accommodation, transport, food, entertainment (singing and dancing the joropo) guides and excursions into the surrounding territory by jeep or boat. These need to be booked in advance. Some packages offer horse-riding or white-water rafting. There are excellent opportunities for photography, and watersports are available. 3-4 day tours can be arranged in Mérida, San Fernando de Apure and Caracas. Some tours do not cater for children under 12, owing to the nature of certain activities. Parts of Los Llanos are accessible by paved roads from Barinas and San Fernando de Apure, others by dirt road only, for which a four-wheel drive is necessary. There are also several airstrips. Access to Río Viejo National Park is by boat, Aguaro-Guariquito can be reached overland from the towns of Calabozo, Calvario and Cazorla and Cinaruco-Capanaparo from San Fernando de Apure. It is better to visit the lowland plains during the dry season, as extensive flooding in the wet season restricts access to much of the plains, and less wildlife is visible. Those wishing to drive into the southern part of region are advised to avoid the roads in the vicinity of the Colombian border, due to guerilla activity.

 

The People of Los Llanos
For years, the hardy Llanero cowboy has been an icon of Venezuelan folklore, symbolizing the qualities of courage, independence, strength and individuality. Today, the Llaneros work their ranches using traditional methods and make a living as cattle herders. They share their territory with the Yarubi, Guajibo and Kariña Indians, and still enjoy singing and dancing to the music of the famous joropo, whose origins lie in this very land. Often referred to as musica llanera, the joropo is Venezuela’s national dance, and is a rhythm accompanied by improvised vocals, harps, small guitars and maracas. The joropo is often performed for visitors.

 

National Parks of Los Llanos
Río Viejo · Aguaro · Cinaruco
Within this vast area are three national parks: Río Viejo, in the western Llanos near the Andes, Aguaro-Guariquito, in Guárico State and Cinaruco-Capanaparo in the eastern region of Apure State.

The Orinoco delta is a vast, intricate labyrinth of waterways weaving through a simmering jungle to carry the waters of the Orinoco to the Atlantic Ocean. The Orinoco Delta – the landmass now known as Delta Amacuro State – has formed over the course of thousands of years as the mighty river has deposited millions of tonnes of sediment into the ocean. Over the last century alone, some 1,000km² has been added to the delta, which continues to extend into the Atlantic at a rate of 40m per year over its entire 360km coastline. The Orinoco branches off into over 60 caños (waterways) and 40 rivers which diffuse through 41,000km² of forested islands, swamps and lagoons.

 

The Delta and its Wildlife
The delta is divided into upper and lower regions, west and east of the Caño Macareo respectively. This division is a consequence of the flood control program initiated in the 1960s; Caño Mánamo was dammed, reducing seasonal flooding in the north and making the land more suitable for cattle farming. There was, however, a cascade of knock-on effects in the region. The reduced water levels in the upper delta caused the region to become tidal, and water levels now rise and fall by 1-2m daily. In the dry season, salt water now moves further up the waterways, which has had a significant effect on the flora and fauna of the area and has forced resident Warao to relocate, seeking fresh water upriver. The lower delta, still under the influence of the Orinoco, is subject to flooding during the dry season, when water levels may vary by up to 15m. Since 1991, 331,000ha of the lower delta has been protected under Mariusa National Park.

A massive variety of habitats has arisen within the delta, both terrestrial and aquatic. Mixed tropical rainforest, dominated by towering palm trees, prevails over much of the terra firma, fostering a variety of flora including fruiting trees, orchids, bromeliads and arboreal ferns; the latter of which flourish in the moist air of the canopy. Grassland swamps and marshes brim with aquatic plants, and estuarine waterways towards the ocean are thick with mangroves. Throughout the delta, the caños are themselves hugely diverse in form. Wide channels break off into narrow rivulets, isolated pools and lagoons. Some, heavy with sediments are brown in color, others are black with tannic acids. Many are carpeted with vast floating meadows of water hyzcynths (bora) and grasses, slowly drifting along with the current.

Needless to say, the wildlife of the delta is also extremely rich and varied. Jaguar, puma, ocelot, red howler and capuchin monkeys, capybara, agouti, giant otter, manatee and dolphins are just a handful of the countless species of mammal that can be observed in their natural habitats. Among the extensive bird population are hoatzin, macaws, parrots, toucans, caciques, kingfishers, cormorants, egrets, falcons, hawks, harpy-eagles, weaverbirds and hummingbirds. There is also an untold number of amphibians, reptiles and fish species, including anaconda, boas, vipers, fer-de-lance, coral snakes, iguana, cayman, turtles, piranha, stingrays and catfish.

 

Tucupita
Tucupita, the capital of Delta Amacuro State, has a population of 80,000 and is the commercial center of the region. The quiet town grew up around a Capuchin mission settlement established on the Caño Mánamo in the 1920s. The dyke across the Mánamo, 20km upstream from Tucupita, provides the only overland link to the west. Tucupita is a good place to organize a trip into the delta, and a few hotels and restaurants are dotted around the town. The bus terminal in the capital has routes to all major towns and cities and there is also a private airstrip.

 

Climate
The average temperature is 26ºC and the air is humid, with an annual rainfall of 2,000mm. The rainy season is from May to December. The dry season is from January to March/April, and the waters are at their lowest in March.

 

Tourism in the Delta
Organized tours to the delta are becoming increasingly popular. Day trips can be arranged, but most trips encompass at least one night’s stay in the heart of the jungle. Accommodation varies from hammocks under wooden shelters to luxury camps with dining and bar facilities, private cabins, running water and electricity. The latter are constructed in the same style as the nearby Indian houses and blend in well with the surroundings. From the camps, tourists can take boat trips around the delta to observe the remarkable wildlife, hike through the jungle and visit Warao Indian families, some of which sell their artesania. The delta’s rich waters are excellent for fishing, especially for piranha and catfish, and some camps also offer night trips along the river to find cayman and other night prowlers. Tours to the delta can be arranged in most tour agencies around the country; Tucupita and Barrancas have several agencies specializing in delta trips. The main access points to the delta are Tucupita, Boca de Uracoa, Barrancas, La Horqueta and Volcan.

 

The Warao Indians
The Warao Indians – literally the ‘Canoe People’- are the native inhabitants of the delta. With a population of 24,000, the Warao constitute the second largest indigenous tribe in the country. Family groups reside in palafitos (wooden houses raised on stilts) along the banks of the river, and spend most of their daily lives in canoes fishing the nearby caños and hunting and gathering in the surrounding forests. Skilled craftspeople, the Warao build their palafitos and canoes from forest wood using traditional techniques, and, owing to increased contact with tourists, have also begun to carve figurines from balsa wood and to make necklaces, baskets and hammocks from the leaves and seeds of the ubiquitous moriche palm. The moriche palm, however, supplies more than just the basis for artesania. Otherwise known as the ‘tree of life’, the moriche provides the Indians with fruit, juices and a sweet pulp that can be made into a type of bread. Moreover, the trunk of the palm is used to cultivate a thumb-sized beetle grub, the moriche worm, a nutritious dietary supplement.

 

National Parks of the Orinoco Delta
Mariusa National Park
The lower delta, still under the influence of the Orinoco, is subject to flooding during the dry season, when water levels may vary by up to 15m. Since 1991, 331,000ha of the lower delta has been protected under Mariusa National Park.

Covering 175,500km², the state of Amazonas comprises over 20% of Venezuelan territory. Extending south from the convergence of the Río Orinoco and Río Meta, the state is bordered by Colombia to the west and Brazil to the east. With its dense jungles, maze of rivers and scattered tepuis, Amazonas is one of the most biodiverse and least explored regions of the world.

 

The Wild Amazonas
Tropical rainforest covers most of Amazonas’ western lowlands and is home to a variety of flora including lianas, strangler figs, bromeliads, tree ferns, orchids, lichens and mosses. The dense jungle landscape is interrupted only by swamps, waterways and flat-topped mountains known as tepuis, whose isolated surfaces are home to many rare and endemic plant species. Eastern Amazonas is dominated by the forested mountains of the Sierranía La Neblina. The waterways of the region are mainly the headwaters of the Orinoco, which flows northwest from its source in the Sierra Parima mountains on the Brazilian border. On the cusp of both the Orinoco basin and the Amazon basin lies the Río Brazo Casiquiare, the only waterway to feed both these great rivers.

The luxuriant forests are home to an exotic array of fauna, including mammals such as manatee, fresh water dolphins, giant otters, capuchin, red howler and woolly monkeys, jaguar, puma, ocelot, tapir, brocket deer, agouti and armadillo. The forests are also teeming with bird species such as macaws, parrots, toucans, parakeets, tinamou, contingas and hummingbirds. A diversity of reptiles and amphibians also inhabit the region.

 

Climate
In the north, the dry season is from December to April, and the rainy season from April to November. The temperature peaks in April, reaching 24-30ºC. Further south, the dry season becomes shorter and less distinct.

 

Puerto Ayacucho
Puerto Ayacucho is the state capital. With a population of 74,000, it is home to nearly 93% of the region’s population. Located about 70km south of the convergence of the Orinoco and the Meta, the town has the only overland link with Amazonas and is the commercial hub of the region. The capital, together with the town of Samariapo, was established in 1924 to provide a road bypass for the treacherous Maripure rapids on the Orinoco. This road, which marks the division between the upper and lower Orinoco, was an essential connection in the transport of goods up and down the river. The town, isolated bar a single dirt track running north, remained little more than a link in the chain. However, in 1980, the road was paved and river transport replaced with overland transport, bringing prosperity to the town and transforming it into the commercial center it is today.

 

Tourism
Several sites of interest are dotted around Puerto Ayacucho, including a museum, a cathedral and local markets selling Indian artesania of every description. Within walking distance are the two most popular tepuis, Cerro Perico and El Mirador, both of which have breathtaking panoramic views. A short por puesto trip away is La Parque Tobogán de la Selva, a natural waterslide and popular weekend destination among locals. Also nearby are the beautiful waters of Pozo Azul and the pre-Colombian petroglyphs of Cerro Pintado.

Puerto Ayacucho is also the best place to organize tours into Amazonas. Accommodation is easy to find and there is a good selection of tour operators offering a wide range of trips to a number of locations. One of the most popular is to the Cerro Autana, the sacred mountain of the Piaroa Indians. Located 80km south of the capital, the tepui plateau covers an area of 480ha and reaches a height of 1,400m. The vertical sides are pock marked with caves and galleries, the largest of which cuts right through the mountain. Deals may encompass 1-10 day trips with accommodation ranging from sheltered hammocks to private cabins with running water. Common activities include boat tours, trips to the tepuis, flights over the stunning landscapes, hiking, mountaineering and white water rafting.

Puerto Ayacucho can be reached overland by bus or by air from Caracas, Ciudad Bolivar and San Fernando de Apure. Light aircraft also fly to smaller settlements in the region. Brazil can be reached by air, and Colombia by ferry to Casurito.

Tours in Amazonas also operate from San Fernando de Atabapo and San Carlos de Río Negro, both of which can be reached by air from Puerto Ayacucho. In the northeast, San Juan de Manapíare has accommodation and tours to the surrounding region. Visiting the upper Orinoco is only possible with special permits as it is part of the protected Yanomani homelands.

 

Indigenous Tribes
Indigenous communities are scattered throughout the state, and more groups live here than anywhere else in Venezuela. Three large tribes, the Yanomani, Piaroa and Guajibo comprise more than 70% of the area’s 40,000 Indian population. Until European explorers first penetrated the thick jungle in the 1800s, the tribes lived as they had done for thousands of years in complete isolation. Suddenly exposed to the conflict and diseases of the outside world, many Indians perished. Since the early 1900s, their numbers have decreased by 50%. Today, the remaining Yanomani Indians number 12,500. One of the few existing Neolithic tribes, the Yanomami live in large communities of up to 400 centered around a circular shelter or Yano, and have retained the traditions and ways of life of their ancestors more than any other Indian group. Though they were granted legal protection in 1988 and their homelands recognized in 1992, the existence and lands of the Yanomani continue to be threatened by illegal developers and gold diggers from Brazil.

 

National Parks of the Amazonas
The four national parks of Amazonas (Yapacana, Duida-Marahuaca, Parima-Tapirapecó and Serranía La Neblina) together protect 6 million hectares of the region. However, all, with the exception of Duida-Marahuaca, have restricted access and can only be entered by those undertaking scientific research.

Yapacana National Park
Located in the mid-west of the state, Yapacana National Park encompasses Venezuela’s highest plain; perhaps the highest in the world. The unique plateau rises abruptly from the surrounding lowlands to 1,345m and is inhabited by an enormity of endemic flora and fauna, including 46 species of herpitofauna.

Duida-Marahuaca National park
Duida-Marahuaca National Park lies in the center of the state. Notable features include the tepuis of Huachamakari and Duida-Marahuaca, the beautiful waterfalls of the Río Cunucunuma and various petroglyphs. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, and can be reached by boat along the Iguapo, Padamo and Cunucunuma rivers. The nearest airstrips are at Esmerelda and Comunidad de Culebra.

Parima-Tapirapecó National Park
Parima-Tapirapecó National Park covers the entire southeast portion of the state. With a total area of 3,900,000ha, it is the fifth largest national park in the world. Almost all the Yanomaní of Venezuela live within its boundaries, for which access to the area is restricted. The park is also home to the source and headwaters of the Orinoco and the Sierra Parima mountains.

Serranía La Neblina National Park
Serranía La Neblina National Park lies on the southern tip of the state and comprises the Serranía La Neblina mountain range. The range peaks at 3,040m with the Pico La Neblina, Latin America’s tallest non-Andean mountain and the largest tepui in on Earth. The massive tepui is all but sliced in two by the Cañon Grande del Río Baría, one of the deepest canyons in the world. The park, along with Parima-Tapirapecó is part of the Alto-Orinoco-Casiquiare Biosphere Reserve.