General Juan Pablo Peñaloza National Park

General Juan Pablo Peñaloza National Park is one of 42 national parks in Venezuela. It covers 752 km² (75,200 ha) — about the size of New York City, making it the #22 largest national park in Venezuela (0.6% of the country's national park area).

History and protection

The park was established in 1989, 37 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 General Juan Pablo Peñaloza National Park

The closest airport is Mayor Buenaventura Vivas International Airport (STD), about 47 km away — around 1 h 2 min by car; alternatively Juan Vicente Gómez International Airport (SVZ, 56 km). Other national parks within reach include Tapo-Caparo National Park (2,050 km²), Chorro El Indio National Park (170 km²), Río Viejo San Camilo National Park (800 km²) and El Tamá National Park (1,400 km²) — easy to combine on one trip.