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.

Canaima National Park is the sixth largest national park in the world. Covering some 3 million hectares and with an altitude range of 400 - 2,400m, the park encompasses the Laguna Canaima, the Carrao river basin, the mountains of Sierra de Lema, the Gran Sabana and the Angel Falls. The landscape of the park is dramatic and contrasting. Massive geological and altitudinal variation has produced a huge range of habitats within which flourishes an exuberant diversity of flora. The savanna varies from dry grasslands to wetlands interspersed with moriche palms. The moist air of the rainforest canopy is home to bromeliads, tree ferns and over 500 species of orchid, and cloud forests are rich in epiphytes, including mosses and lichens. The landscape is drained by a series of rivers, most of which are edged by gallery forests. The park is characterized by its numerous waterfalls and is famous for its tepui (table top mountains rising out of the flatlands), which are concentrated in the Gran Sabana and create an absolutely stunning setting at sunrise and sunset. The park is home to massive variety of exotic fauna. Jaguar, puma, ocelot, bush-dog, spectacled bear, giant otter, tapir, armadillo, capybara, brocket deer, agouti, giant anteater, raccoon, peccary, tree porcupine, sloth and capuchin, red-howler and stripey-faced monkeys are just a few of the countless mammals found within the various habitats. Canaima is renowned for its abundance of bird species, among the better known of which are toucans, macaws, parrots, parakeets, cock-of-the-rock, banaquit and hummingbirds. There are many species of reptile and amphibian, notably chameleons, caymans, iguanas, tree-frogs and many species of snake. The average temperature ranges from 10-21ºC depending on altitude and season. The dry season is from January to March.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

Jaua-Sarisariñama National Park occupies the southeastern corner of the region, covering some 330,000ha. The three principal tepuis of the park are noted for their distinct caverns. Formed by subterranean waterways, these are possibly the oldest caverns on the continent. A range of vegetation types flourish in the sub-montane and montane habitats, including many endemic species. Access, however, is restricted to scientific researchers only.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.