DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Capanaparo National Park

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
wildlife
—°
Capanaparo National Park (Venezuela)

Weather…

Santos Luzardo National Park, often referred to by the names of the Capanaparo and Cinaruco rivers, is located in Apure State in southwestern Venezuela. It was established on February 24, 1988, and covers an impressive area of 584,368 hectares in the Llanos de Apure region. The landscape is characterized by vast savannas, gallery forests along the riverbanks, and unique shifting sand dunes known as the 'Médanos de Apure'. The park aims to protect one of the country's most significant freshwater ecosystems, as the Capanaparo and Cinaruco rivers flow into the Orinoco. The wildlife is exceptionally diverse, including the Orinoco crocodile, the Amazon river dolphin, and hundreds of bird species. Culturally, the area is deeply connected to the traditions of the 'Llaneros', the Venezuelan cattle herders, and served as the setting for famous literary works like 'Doña Barbara'. The park is a key destination for ecotourism and scientific research in the tropical plains.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C303132302826262627272728
Rain mm77341192303163082311661168022

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
The dry season from November to April is optimal for wildlife viewing in the Llanos, as animals gather at remaining water sources. Rainy season floods large areas and animals are more dispersed.
🌅
Best time of day
At sunrise, animals are most active - waterfowl fly to feeding grounds and capybaras leave the water. Late afternoon activity resumes before nightfall.
📜
Etiquette
Always keep distance from wild animals, especially caimans and anacondas - at least 10 meters. Feeding animals does not improve their health and can be dangerous.
🎒
What to bring
A good pair of binoculars is essential for spotting birds and mammals in the open savanna. Sturdy, waterproof footwear and long trousers protect against snakes and thorns.
🧭
Getting there
The park is accessible via gravel roads from cities like Puerto Páez or Ciudad Bolívar. A four-wheel drive vehicle is strongly recommended, especially in the rainy season.
🦌
What to expect
The Llanos offer spectacular views, but animals can be far away in the flat landscape - scan systematically with binoculars. Take time for silent observation at waterholes.

Geography

Coordinates
6.80000, -68.00000

Facts

  • The park was established on February 24, 1988, by Executive Decree No. 2,018.
  • The total area covers approximately 5,843 square kilometers.
  • The park features the Galeras del Cinaruco, hill ranges rising up to 200 meters high.
  • It is home to the world's largest remaining population of the endangered Orinoco crocodile.
  • The average temperature remains constant at around 27 degrees Celsius year-round.
  • The area serves as a vital breeding ground for over 300 different bird species.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Meta RiverMeta River34 km · NWExplore →
Los LlanosLos Llanos50 km · EExplore →
Cinaruco-Capanaparo National ParkCinaruco-Capanaparo National Park57 km · NExplore →
Puerto CarreñoPuerto Carreño64 km · NWExplore →
Orinoco RiverOrinoco River75 km · WExplore →
La Tupi National ParkLa Tupi National Park101 km · EExplore →
Mount AutanaMount Autana102 km · NWExplore →
Guaviare RiverGuaviare River117 km · WExplore →

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 the main feature of the park?
River landscapes and very diverse birdlife.
When is the best travel time?
The dry season gives better opportunities for tours.
Can I fish there?
Yes, sport fishing is allowed in certain areas.
What about safety?
Check with local authorities in advance.
Are there accommodations in the park?
Only simple camps; plan your accommodation carefully.
Capanaparo National Park: where is it located?
Capanaparo National Park is located in Venezuela.
Capanaparo National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Capanaparo National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Santos Luzardo National Park, often referred to by the names of the Capanaparo and Cinaruco rivers, is located in Apure State in southwestern Venezuela.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
South America
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in South America
More places in Venezuela →

Nature

Morrocoy National Park — Capanaparo National Park (Venezuela)
Morrocoy National Park
This protected area on the west coast is known for its mangrove forests and coral reefs.
Apure River — Capanaparo National Park (Venezuela)
Apure River
The Apure is a major tributary of the Orinoco, flowing through the Los Llanos region.
Ventuari River — Capanaparo National Park (Venezuela)
Ventuari River
The Ventuari is a major tributary of the Orinoco in southern Venezuela.
Los Roques Archipelago National Park — Capanaparo National Park (Venezuela)
Los Roques Archipelago National Park
This archipelago in the Caribbean Sea includes over 300 coral islands and sandbanks.
Pico Guirigay — Capanaparo National Park (Venezuela)
Pico Guirigay
Pico Guirigay is a prominent peak in the Sierra de la Culata range.
Pico El Águila — Capanaparo National Park (Venezuela)
Pico El Águila
Pico El Águila, also known as Collado del Cóndor, is one of the highest driveable points in the Venezuelan Andes.
Caura River — Capanaparo National Park (Venezuela)
Caura River
The Caura is a large tributary of the Orinoco in the Venezuelan Guayana.
Pico Mucuchíes — Capanaparo National Park (Venezuela)
Pico Mucuchíes
Pico Mucuchíes is a mountain in the Sierra de la Culata range in the state of Mérida.

More places

Los Llanos — Capanaparo National Park (Venezuela)
Los Llanos
Los Llanos are vast grassland plains that characterize the central part of Venezuela.
Cinaruco-Capanaparo National Park — Capanaparo National Park (Venezuela)
Cinaruco-Capanaparo National Park
This protected area is located in the Venezuelan Llanos.
La Tupi National Park — Capanaparo National Park (Venezuela)
La Tupi National Park
This park is located in the northern plains.
Mount Autana — Capanaparo National Park (Venezuela)
Mount Autana
Mount Autana is a distinctive tepui in the state of Amazonas.
San Esteban National Park — Capanaparo National Park (Venezuela)
San Esteban National Park
This park extends from the coast to the mountains near Valencia.
Henry Pittier National Park — Capanaparo National Park (Venezuela)
Henry Pittier National Park
Henry Pittier National Park is the oldest national park in Venezuela.
Henri Pittier National Park — Capanaparo National Park (Venezuela)
Henri Pittier National Park
This is the oldest national park in Venezuela, named after a Swiss geographer.
Aguaro-Guariquito National Park — Capanaparo National Park (Venezuela)
Aguaro-Guariquito National Park
This park in the central plains serves the preservation of savanna and marsh areas.