Trips to Venezuela

TRIPS TO VENEZUELA: NATIONAL PARK HENRY PITTIER

It emphasizes by his enchantment and it resists between the Caribbean Sea and high hills of perpetual verdure.


General performances

State or dependancy: Aragua. Capital: Maracay

Climatic data: Temperature: 12º to 28° C.

Location: Located between the States Aragua and Carabobo in the central section of the mountain range of the coast.

Surface: 107,800 hectares

Characteristics: The steep relief influences considerably in the altitudinales regime of temperatures, precipitation and floors.

National park Henry Pittier
It was first created in the country, the 13 of February of 1937, under the place-name of Great Farm, that was changed in 1953 by the one of Henri Pittier, naturalistic notable.

It has an extension of 107,800 has from the coast of the Caribbean Sea to southern spurs of the mountain range of the Coast. It owns an enormous vegetal diversity; from pulses and shrubs, in the lowest zones, to the humid forests in the high areas happening through the typical savannah vegetation. Also it counts on an enormous variety of birds, being located 520 species of birds, and diverse mammals like mooses, cunaguaros, pumas, lapas and monkeys (following zone of the Park).
Between the sites of interest within the Park, is the Biological Station Great Farm that lodges an important sample of flora and present fauna in the place. Also it is worth the pain to know the elevations such as the Tips Paradise, Guacamaya, the Table, Palmarito, the Bold and the Ash-gray one, this last one located to 2,436 meters, the most elevated of the park. From these elevations an ample panorama can be descried that includes the mountainous landscape of the Mountain range, part of the River basin of the Lake of Valencia and until the Noses of San Juan. In order to enter itself in this fascinating world it is recommended to ask for a permission in INPARQUES and to go accompanied of an expert guide.


How to arrive
By the highway that leads of Maracay to the Delights and arrives at Choroní, the town of the Mother Maria of San jOse.


Excursions in the Park
Hiking, encamped, picnic, long walks, Biological Station Great Farm, stroll in vehicle, practice of cycling, observation of birds. The near Station Great Farm and Towns (Choroní)



CHORONI

The cloudy forest characteristic of the National Park Henri Pittier is the waiting room of Choroní, one of the visited towns more of the Venezuelan coasts. This colorful colonial town of century XVII of the coast aragüeña is nailed within the National Park Henry Pittier, who emphasizes by his enchantment and resists between the Caribbean Sea and the high always green hills, that bathe with their multiple rivers the coasts of the town.

Although the strong curves and the narrowness of the highway seem obstacles of high danger, they are worth the pain well if it is wanted to spend a weekend unforgettable.
Choroní was founded on 1616, in the heat of colonial period, question reflected in the ruling colonial architecture. Also, the gastronomical variety is present with plates based on fruits of sea and fresh fish that are a delight for the palate.

This town, like the other slabs, counts on a levee from where they leave peñeros (shallow-draft vessels) that take to the interested ones to the near keys. But the enchantment of Choroní does not remain only in its streets, houses, large windows, rivers, affluents and beautiful beaches. Her people radiate the heat that she invites to share in this earth aragüeña. From them a series of cultural manifestations arises as the ardent touch of the drum that has taken more than one to contonear itself in the exciting rythmical figures of the black dance.

Generally, the drums sound in the levee during the week ends. A group of young people initiates the touch to which they are united to him native and visitors in the fight by the attention of which he dances. Also it will be able to prove the Famous Guarapita, the local drink made with parchita juice (Maracuya) and rum.

Customs and Traditions:
The 23 and 24 June the Celebration of San Juan takes place, one of the most popular festivals of Venezuela than includes songs and dances with rate of Afro-American drum. Also they emphasize those of Corpus Christi, “the Dancing Devils” (Chuao, Cepe, Cuyagua Tasting) in May-June.


Beaches
Colombia port: Bay and port for the boats (peñeros) or purchases of fresh fish; and the famous Levee is site of encounter to the dusk and in which you will be able to feel the calidez of its settlers and will hear resounding of the drums afro-Venezuelans where the magic begins. Departure point from different excursions from rivers, cascades, wells, spas, etc.

Great beach: one is the east of Colombia Port. Account with services of food, awnings and chairs and businesses where of acquiring great variety of typical crafts.

Chuao beach (Town): he was one of the first towns founded on Venezuela in the middle of silo XVI. To arrive at Chuao is one of the most exciting experiences, where the mixture of beach, forest, cacao and drum conforms the enchantment of a magical earth that smells of chocolate.

Main Celebrations: Kings Magos (5 of January) * Carnaval* Easter * Danzantes* Devils Cross of May (2 of May) * San Juan (23 of June) * Supervisory Celebrations (5 to the 8 Dic.) * Christmas Celebration Shepherds (24 Dic.) * New Year and Old Year (31 of Dic.). To 25 minutes of Colombia Port. Sports like diving, snorkeling can be practiced, fishes. Strolls in Mules, Visit of the Town, etc.

Cepe beach (town): to 45 minutes sailing of Colombia Port, between mountains and valleys. A paradisiac beach, where it is possible to be dived, to be enjoyed an pleasant activity like snorkeling or also to be fished. There are positions of meals.

Other zones of interest: they are Cuyagua, Tasting, Ocumare.

Gastronomy: Seafood and Fish.


Excursions that are realized:

• Trekking in the National Park Henry Pittier

• Excursions to Coastal Towns and their Beaches: Port Colombia, Chuao, Cepe, Tuja, etc

• Sport activities (Diving, Sknokelíng, Fishing, Surfing and Winsurf (Cuyagua)

• Coastal stroll in boat by the coast until Beaches or Towns

• Visits and/or long walks to the Plantation of Cacao

• Strolls in mules


Luggage of Playa and Trekking:
A marine purse or small morral for the personal effects: jeans, sport slippers or playeras sandals, poles sleeves release and cut, short pants, sport chándal, free diving gear (with tubes), repulsive lotion of mosquitos, poncho or raincoat, cap or hat, solar protector, fine bathing suit, socks, light or short pants to walk during the day and clothes something more windbreak for the fresh nights, lantern, camera, photographic spools and good boots of long walk (Trekking).