Plizio Visual Lab

Guanoco National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

park

Weather…

The Mariusa National Park, often associated with the Guanoco Peninsula in the Orinoco Delta, was established on June 5, 1991. It spans 331,000 hectares in the central part of the delta within Delta Amacuro State. This vast wetland is one of Venezuela's wildest regions and consists of a labyrinth of waterways, mangrove islands, and periodically flooded forests. Geologically, the area is extremely young and is shaped by the continuous deposition of sediment by the Orinoco. A special feature is the Guanoco Asphalt Lake, one of the world's largest natural asphalt deposits, located nearby. The fauna is exceptionally rich, including river dolphins, manatees, howler monkeys, and countless waterbirds. The indigenous Warao people live in this area in close symbiosis with the aquatic world, utilizing the delta's resources for their daily survival. The park not only protects this unique biodiversity but also secures the region's cultural heritage.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	25	26	27	28	28	27	26	26	27	27	26	26
Rain mm	56	29	31	36	76	146	150	135	102	102	95	97

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Access is typically via boat from towns like Caripito; navigating the eastern mangrove channels requires an experienced local guide to ensure a safe journey.

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Best season

The dry season between December and April is usually the best time to visit, as heavy rains can make the marshlands even more difficult and unpredictable to navigate.

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Terrain & paths

Expect very soft, marshy ground and dense mangrove forests; the area is also famous for its natural asphalt deposits which create unique but tricky and slippery surfaces.

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What to bring

High-quality insect repellent is essential, along with waterproof boots, lightweight breathable clothing, and a reliable sun hat for the time spent on the open water.

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Parking

Safe parking is generally found in the main departure towns such as Maturín or Caripito, from where you continue by boat or organized transport into the park areas.

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Safety

Visitors should be aware of high humidity and the presence of biting insects; always stay with your group when exploring the asphalt lakes or dense mangrove systems.

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Time needed

A full-day excursion is typically needed to see the main biodiversity highlights, though some specialized tours might offer longer overnight stays in the region.

Geography

Coordinates

10.15000, -62.80000

Facts

The official establishment was on June 5, 1991, under Decree No. 1,632.
The park covers a total area of approximately 331,000 hectares.
The Guanoco Asphalt Lake spans an area of about 4 square kilometers.
The region is characterized by a tropical rainy climate with up to 2,000 mm of rain.
An estimated 150 different fish species live within the park's waters.
The Warao people use the Mauritia palm (moriche) as their primary life resource.