National Park

Médanos de Coro

* Ubication: Falcón State

* Location

Between Coro and Punto Fijo, crossing the isthmus in the Paraguaná peninsula.

* How to get there

By land, following the route which links Coro with Puerto Cabello, and then taking the road that crosses the isthmus towards Punto Fijo or Adícora. The closest airport is in Coro.

* Characteristics

The dominant elements of the landscape are the sand dunes, imposing and changeable due to the action of the wind, creating the most complete desert in a few kilometers. There are also mangroves, thorn bushes, grasslands and coastal plant communities. 34 km. of road cross the isthmus, on 20-m. sandy dunes, with a constant breeze blowing from the east. It feels like one is in the middle of the Sahara.

* Vegetation

Due to the action of the wind and the adverse climatic conditions, the number of plant species is limited, no more than 60, belonging to some 20 families. Towards the south, the vegetation is slightly dense and is formed mainly by species like the sweet acacia, with its cream-colored flowers and black branches, the palo verde, prickly pears and cacti. Towards the salty plain and salt marshes, grasses and trailing plants with fleshy leaves, are frequent. On the beach, there are abundant small shrubs.

* Fauna

Wildlife is scarce regarding mammals, but reptiles, lizards and iguanas are very common. Among the species of the avian fauna, there are kestrels, the Black-fronted Wood-Quail, the Double-striped Thick-knee, the Scaled Pigeon, the troupial, the Vermilion Cardinal, etc. The mammals which can be seen are bats, crab-eating foxes, giant anteaters and rabbit, as well as goats all over the place.

* Recomendations

This park has easy access and it is set in a privileged location. In order to get to the beaches on the peninsula, one must inevitably pass through the park. No permit is required to enter, but there is an office of INPARQUES on the road for more information.

* Facilities

None, except the comfort of the sand on the beach. There are comfortable lodging facilities in the city of Coro, declared cultural heritage of mankind by UNESCO. Many neighboring beaches like Adícora, El Supí, etc., attract visitors. There are guest houses and hotels of different categories and facilities.

* Climate

Average temperature is 28° C. Scarce rainfall.

* Surface

91.280 ha

* Information

INPARQUES.
Tlf. (068) 78.582. Fax (068) 78.451.
(02) 285.50.56*43.60*48.59. Fax 285.30.70.

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