National Park:

El Avila

 

Ubication: Distrito federal y Miranda

* Location

In the heart of Caracas, in the mountainous section of the Coastal Range. The northern boundary, in front of the Caribbean coast, extends over the contour elevation reading of 120 m. above sea level; and the southern boundary is on the Caracas slope, which extends from the Tacagua creek to the town of Guatire in Miranda state.

* How to get there

It has a very easy access through the old Caracas-La Guaira road, which crosses the park from south to north on the western side and where the coast can be seen. This road leads to Maiquetía, passing through the port of La Guaira. In Caracas, there are several properly indicated entrances along Boyacá Avenue. These are trails designed for hiking and backpacking and frequented by sports enthusiasts, hypertension sufferers, overweight persons and weight watchers.

* Characteristics

It occupies the central section of the Coastal Range and goes from the sea to Naiguatá Peak, the highest summit with 2,765 m.. It is like a natural wall which separates the coast from the Caracas valleys. The slopes are quite steep, which makes it possible for streams to cascade down. The rocks are from the Cretaceous period and they are quite deformed and affected by time. Thanks to its different altitudes, the park offers infinite possibilities for observation.

* Vegetation

There is a large variety of vegetation, which was classified by Henri Pittier. We find xerophytic forest, where the most typical species are the Sweet acacia, the Twisted acacia, the gumbo-limbo, the prickly pear, etc. Tropophilous forest, with species like the cupey, the sandbox tree, yellow poui, immortelles, etc. Mountain savanna, with different species of grasses and sage. Cloud forest, where the most representative species are the Long John and the West-Indian-almond. Andean thicket with species like the páramo grass, mountain rose, wild lily and diverse types of orchids, specially Epiden-drum cardioglossum.

* Fauna

According to experts, there are certain mammals which can still be found, such as the jaguar, puma, etc., as well as brocket deer, foxes, sloths, squirrels, weasels, acouchy, rabbits, red howler monkeys, armadillos, etc. Birds are abundant, among them the chachalaca, bobwhites and wood-quails, the Green-rumped Parrotlet, hummingbirds, the Great Kiskadee, the Green Jay, the Pale-breasted Thrush and the national bird, the troupial. Among ophidians, there are several poisonous species like the rattlesnake, coral snake, "Tigra Mariposa" (Bothrops Venezuelensis) and ferdelance.

* Recomendations

It is very easy to go up El Ávila and the best way is to follow the marked trails. A special permit is required to camp. Contact INPARQUES and the National Guard at the different posts. This is the lung of the city, for which it is vital to respect the rules for conservation of the park.

* Facilities

There are several possibilities for hiking and trekking excursions due to its topographical characteristics. There are several sites specifically prepared for this activity, with drinking water, rest rooms and radio communications at Park Ranger posts. There are also 40 km. of roads for four-wheel-drive vehicles, which go from Caracas to La Guaira. Regarding the excursions, there are several which can be undertaken, such as the one to Naiguatá Peak, the Curupao-Fila del Indio-La Sabana, which can be done in three days. There is a cable-car system which crosses the park in north-south direction, with an intermediate station at El Ávila peak, at 2,180 m., but unfortunately it has been out of service for years due to maintenance pr