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Ubication: Bolivar State
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Location
It
is located in the Guayana Shield, to the southwest of
Bolívar state, at the headwaters of the Caura, Erebato
and Ventuari rivers.
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How to get there
By
river to the foot of the mountain, following the waters
of the Caura river. By helicopter
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Characteristics
It
belongs to the oldest formation on earth, the Guayana
Shield. In this park, three of the most important
sandstone massifs in the shape of a plateau or tepuy,
are found. They are called Jaua-Jidi, Sarisariñama Jidi
and Guanacoco Jidi by the Makiritare Indians. The rocks
are mainly sandstone formed 1,590 and 1,250 million
years ago. On the Sarisariñama plateau, a phenomenon
unique in the world is found, deep and enormous holes on
the rock, called chasms. The largest one has an absolute
vertical depth of 350 m. with a mouth that measures 352
m. in diameter and 502 m. at the bottom. Seen from the
air they resemble huge golf holes in the middle of an
immense green plain of hundreds of square kilometers. In
this area the rainfall is abundant and the headwaters of
the Caura, Erebato and Ventuari rivers are located here.
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Vegetation
There
exists an extensive jungle vegetation, which varies
depending on the humidity, temperature and
precipitation. It is possible to find dwarf forests or
species of trees of greater height. For example, along
the rivers there are gallery forests with a large number
of species of palms. In the swampy areas mosses,
orchids, bromeliads, common creepers, and ferns can be
found.
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Fauna
The
fauna of the park has not yet been counted and
inventoried, but it is the same as the one in similar
areas of this vast extension.
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Recomendations
A
special permit is needed to visit, spend the night and
conduct research in the park. Contact INPARQUES. Many
important rivers have their headwaters here, and in
order to conserve these resources it is necessary to
strictly follow the rules of the park. When camping in
deserted areas, it is a good idea to carry a first aid
kit which includes snake bite antiserum.
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Facilities
There
are no facilities in the park. There are several
campsites near the Caura river (see pages 85-104),
operated by responsible professionals who offer
excursions. The closest airport is in Ciudad Bolívar,
although there are several landing strips in the
vicinity. If you want to visit and spend the night in
the park, it is highly recommendable to do it with
professionals in this kind of activity.
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Climate
Temperatures
range between 12°C. and 24°C., depending on the
altitude. Rainfall is abundant, approximately 3,000 mm.
per year.
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Surface
330.000
ha.
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Information
INPARQUES
Tlf. (085) 29.908 * (02) 285.50.56*43.60* 48.59. Fax
285.30.70.
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