Ciénagas de Juan Manuel National Park

Ciénagas de Juan Manuel National Park is one of 42 national parks in Venezuela — protected area of Venezuela. It covers 1,885 km² (188,512 ha) — about 1.2 times the size of London, making it the #13 largest national park in Venezuela (1.5% of the country's national park area).

History and protection

The park was established in 1991, 35 years ago — the first national parks in Venezuela date back to 1937. It is listed in IUCN category II: National Park — protecting whole ecosystems while welcoming visitors for recreation and education.

Visiting Ciénagas de Juan Manuel National Park

The closest airport is Juan Pablo Pérez Alfonso Airport (VIG), about 123 km away — around 2 h 39 min by car; alternatively La Chinita International Airport (MAR, 132 km). Other national parks within reach include Catatumbo Barí National Natural Park (1,581 km²), General Juan Pablo Peñaloza National Park (752 km²), Tapo-Caparo National Park (2,050 km²) and Chorro El Indio National Park (170 km²) — easy to combine on one trip.