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Aguaro-Guariquito National Park

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Aguaro-Guariquito National Park (Venezuela)

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Aguaro-Guariquito National Park is situated in the central Llanos region of Venezuela, within Guárico State, covering an extensive area of 569,000 hectares. It was established on March 7, 1974, to protect the characteristic savanna landscape and its associated ecosystems. The terrain is largely flat and is crisscrossed by numerous rivers and streams, including the Aguaro and Guariquito rivers, which provide the park's name. During the rainy season, much of the area transforms into a vast wetland, while the dry season turns it into a parched grassland. This seasonal cycle dictates the flora, which primarily consists of grasses and gallery forests along the waterways. The park serves as a critical sanctuary for local wildlife, such as capybaras, giant anteaters, and a wide variety of bird species. It plays a key role in the conservation of the Venezuelan plains and the preservation of the biological diversity of this specific tropical ecozone.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C293031312927272727272828
Rain mm331171167229248205137984916

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
This vast protected area in the central plains is typically accessed from cities like Calabozo or San Juan de los Morros, often requiring a sturdy 4x4 vehicle to navigate the unpaved savanna tracks.
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Best season
The dry season from December to April is the most practical time for a visit, as many internal roads become impassable during the heavy rains of the wet season when the marshes expand.
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Terrain & paths
The terrain consists predominantly of flat savanna and extensive marshy areas, which can change significantly depending on rainfall levels and require careful navigation from visitors.
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What to bring
Visitors should bring lightweight, breathable clothing to handle the heat, along with waterproof boots for the marshy sections and high-quality binoculars for wildlife spotting across the plains.
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Parking
Parking options are usually found at the main entrances or near ranger stations, where the vehicle is often used directly as a base for exploration due to the vast size of the protected area.
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Safety
Particular attention should be paid to strong solar radiation and dehydration; additionally, watch out for local wildlife like caimans in the marshy areas and always carry a sufficient supply of water.
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Time needed
A full day is typically the minimum required to get an impression of the savanna, while multi-day expeditions are highly recommended for comprehensive wildlife and bird watching in this region.

Geography

Coordinates
8.10000, -66.50000

Facts

  • The park was established on March 7, 1974, by Executive Decree No. 1,686.
  • The total area covers approximately 5,690 square kilometers.
  • The average annual temperature in the park is around 28 degrees Celsius.
  • The national park is home to over 300 different species of birds.
  • The elevation varies slightly between 40 and 150 meters above sea level.
  • The waters of the park are inhabited by the rare Orinoco crocodile.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Apure RiverApure River13 km · WExplore →
Guatopo National ParkGuatopo National Park90 km · EExplore →
Church of San Francisco de YareChurch of San Francisco de Yare98 km · EExplore →
Hacienda La TrinidadHacienda La Trinidad111 km · EExplore →
El Ávila National ParkEl Ávila National Park112 km · EExplore →
Casona IbarraCasona Ibarra113 km · EExplore →
Poliedro de CaracasPoliedro de Caracas113 km · SEExplore →
Botanical Garden of CaracasBotanical Garden of Caracas114 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 nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is typical for this park?
Vast plains and rich wildlife, similar to Los Llanos.
Can I see animals there?
Yes, caimans, capybaras, and many birds are easy to spot.
Do I need an off-road vehicle?
Yes, to navigate the trails in the park, a 4x4 vehicle is good.
Are there guided safaris?
Yes, local operators organize safaris and guided tours.
How is the insect protection?
Strong protection is necessary because of the many mosquitoes in this wetland.
Aguaro-Guariquito National Park: where is it located?
Aguaro-Guariquito National Park is located in Venezuela.
Aguaro-Guariquito National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Aguaro-Guariquito National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Aguaro-Guariquito National Park is situated in the central Llanos region of Venezuela, within Guárico State, covering an extensive area of 569,000 hectares.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Angel Falls — Aguaro-Guariquito National Park (Venezuela)
Angel Falls
Angel Falls is the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall with a drop of 979 meters.

Nature

Apure River — Aguaro-Guariquito National Park (Venezuela)
Apure River
The Apure is a major tributary of the Orinoco, flowing through the Los Llanos region.
Los Roques Archipelago National Park — Aguaro-Guariquito National Park (Venezuela)
Los Roques Archipelago National Park
This archipelago in the Caribbean Sea includes over 300 coral islands and sandbanks.
Caura River — Aguaro-Guariquito National Park (Venezuela)
Caura River
The Caura is a large tributary of the Orinoco in the Venezuelan Guayana.
Capanaparo National Park — Aguaro-Guariquito National Park (Venezuela)
Capanaparo National Park
This reserve in the Llanos region offers protection for diverse river dwellers and savanna animals.
Ventuari River — Aguaro-Guariquito National Park (Venezuela)
Ventuari River
The Ventuari is a major tributary of the Orinoco in southern Venezuela.
Morrocoy National Park — Aguaro-Guariquito National Park (Venezuela)
Morrocoy National Park
This protected area on the west coast is known for its mangrove forests and coral reefs.

More places

Guatopo National Park — Aguaro-Guariquito National Park (Venezuela)
Guatopo National Park
This park is located in a mountainous region and serves as a central water reservoir for the Caracas metropolitan area.
El Ávila National Park — Aguaro-Guariquito National Park (Venezuela)
El Ávila National Park
This mountain range separates Caracas from the Caribbean coast.
Botanical Garden of Caracas — Aguaro-Guariquito National Park (Venezuela)
Botanical Garden of Caracas
This facility in Caracas preserves an extensive collection of tropical plant species.
Macarao National Park — Aguaro-Guariquito National Park (Venezuela)
Macarao National Park
This park is located near Caracas and serves as an important water catchment area.
Cinaruco-Capanaparo National Park — Aguaro-Guariquito National Park (Venezuela)
Cinaruco-Capanaparo National Park
This protected area is located in the Venezuelan Llanos.
Henry Pittier National Park — Aguaro-Guariquito National Park (Venezuela)
Henry Pittier National Park
Henry Pittier National Park is the oldest national park in Venezuela.
Henri Pittier National Park — Aguaro-Guariquito National Park (Venezuela)
Henri Pittier National Park
This is the oldest national park in Venezuela, named after a Swiss geographer.
La Tupi National Park — Aguaro-Guariquito National Park (Venezuela)
La Tupi National Park
This park is located in the northern plains.