Parque Nacional Macarao

Parque Nacional Macarao borders the western edges of the greater Caracas area and is the main natural attraction accessible from Los Teques. The park covers about 150 square kilometres of cloud forest and montane grassland in the coastal mountain range, with trails through dense vegetation and significant birdlife.

The park is relatively little visited compared to the more famous El Avila (Waraira Repano) to the east, which makes for quieter hiking. The main entry points are from the towns of the Altos Mirandinos. Guides can be arranged locally; the trails vary considerably in difficulty, and some routes require a good level of fitness.

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Macarao was one of Venezuela's first national parks, created in 1973 to protect the watershed that supplies water to western Caracas. Without it, the capital — which drinks from the Tuy River system — would face serious water shortages. The park is simultaneously wilderness and municipal infrastructure.

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