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Complete Guide to the
Natural Monuments of the Merida State
Natural Monument Chorrera de las González |
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* Location
In the Culata Sierra, west of
Mérida.
* How to get there
By land, following the road from
Mérida to Jají.
* Surface
126 ha.
* Characteristics
This natural monument is beautiful.
Its main feature is a fault escarpment crossed by crystalline waters of the Las González
Creek, which form white waterfalls known as "chorreras" (water spouts). After it
rains or snows, these waterfalls have a greater flow and they look imposing from the
distance, like tears falling down a petrified face. The topography is typically Andean
with cloud forest vegetation. There is a large variety of ferns, orchids, mosses and
epiphytes. Among birds, the most important are the Andean Guan, the Helmeted Curassow.
Among mammals there are rabbits, squirrels and pacas.
* Information
INPARQUES
Tlf. (048) 21.647*05.59. Fax (02) 285.30.70.
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Natural
Monument Laguna de
Urao |
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* Location
On the northern slope of the Chama
river, southeast of Mérida.
* How to get there
By land, following the route
Mérida-Lagunillas.
Area * Surface
29 ha.
* Characteristics
Within a semi-arid landscape, this
lagoon is almost an oasis. It is 870 m. long and 270 m. wide, with an average depth of 5
m. The name of this lagoon comes from the urao mineral (hydrous carbonate of soda) which
was used in ancient times by the natives to mix with tobacco leaves and produce
"chimó". This mineral comes from the concentration of salts found in the
subterranean waters which form the lagoon. In the village of Lagunillas there are
facilities for picnics and swimming in the lagoon.
* Information
INPARQUES
Tlf. (048) 21.647*05.59. Fax (02) 285.30.70.
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Natural
Monument Meseta de
la Galera |
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* Location
In the vicinity of Tovar.
* How to get there
by land, following the route from
Mérida to La Grita.
* Surface
* Characteristics
It is located close to the town of
Tovar and is reached by taking a right at the town square and the church. It is a
medium-sized mountain with an absolutely flat summit. It was decreed as natural monument
to protect it from illegal squatting and coffee planting, which have appeared lately.
* Information
INPARQUES
Tlf. (048) 21.647*05.59. Fax (02) 285.30.70.
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