The Ávila National Park , officially known as Waraira Repano National Park for its indigenous Cariban name, protects part of the Cordillera de la Costa Central mountain range, in the coastal region of central-northern Venezuela . The area's highest elevation is Pico Naiguatá , at 2,765 meters (9,072 ft) above sea level.
43-534: El Ávila is known as "el pulmón de la ciudad", the lungs of the city, since it serves many different functions for residents of Caracas, the most basic of these being navigation: the peak of El Ávila marks the north of the city. It is home to the longest cable car ride in the world, as well as activities like running, biking, rock climbing, camping, and zip-lining. El Hotel Humboldt as well as many restaurants, including La Chivera, Casa Pakea, El Jardín de Luna, Le Galipanier, Granja Natalia and Tarahumara, are all nestled in
86-520: A high diversity of fauna and flora. More than 100 butterfly species, approximately 120 mammal species, 20 amphibians, 30 reptiles and 500 bird species (36% of Venezuela avifauna) have been documented. Nine bird species are endemic to Venezuela and three threatened bird species live in this park; one of the most coloured bird specimen in this park is the querrequerre ( Cyanocorax yncas ). In addition, more than 1,800 plant species from diverse taxonomic groups can be observed. Several of these plants are endemic to
129-644: A lack of signs, infrastructure and vigilance. Other threats include the presence of exotic plants, the Caracas Aerial Tramway , the Hotel Humboldt and poaching. El Ávila National Park is located along the central stretch of the Cordillera de la Costa, at 10° 32' latitude north and between 66° 12' and 67° 01' longitude west (see map). It covers the mountainous regions between the Caribbean Sea and
172-403: A large crucifix high up in the mountain that faces the city and can be seen from very far distances. A common expression amongst Caracas city-dwellers to describe the change in seasons is "Pacheco has arrived," which is a reference to the legend of Pacheco the flower-picker. He was known to be a resident of el Galipán, a region in el Ávila close to the coast that tended to mark the border between
215-572: A mountain range 80 kilometers (50 mi) long and approximately 16 km wide. It contains over 81,800 hectares (202,000 acres), encompassing a wide variety of ecosystems that vary along the altitude gradient from 120 to 2,765 meters (394 to 9,072 ft) above sea level at Naiguatá peak. In the lower areas of the northern side, the vegetation is mainly xerophytes, represented by a variety of cacti, shrubs and spiny species. From 300 to 600 meters (980 to 1,970 ft), semi-deciduous forests dominate, whereas from 600 to 800 meters (2,000 to 2,600 ft)
258-487: A recreational area and as a buffer to pollution and urban expansion. El Ávila has always been an important resource for the inhabitants of Caracas, who have used the area for a variety of activities, some of which have threatened its conservation. A hotel and a cable car, which climbs to the highest point at 2,135 meters (7,005 ft) above sea level and drops down the other side to the city of Macuto , were opened in 1956. After being out of service for 20 years, this cable car
301-528: A region in el Ávila close to the coast that tended to mark the border between the coast's chilly weather and that of the hot, dry weather of the rest of the country. El Galipán was home to some of the most beautiful, unique flowers in the country, and every December Pacheco would make the long trip down the mountain into the city to sell his harvest in the Plaza Bolivar in Caracas. His arrival was often accompanied by
344-566: A trail for everyone. The most famous trails are: Los Venados, Sabas Nieves, El Vivero, Los Pinos, Papelón, Rancho Grande, Cachimbo, Miguel Delgado, Lomas del Cuño, El Paraíso, La Julia, Picacho, Piedra del Indio, Lagunazo, Pico Oriental, Pico Occidental, Cabeza de Elefante and Pico Naiguatá. Caracas Aerial Tramway The Teleférico de Caracas is a gondola lift that ascends El Ávila Mountain within El Ávila National Park , in Caracas , Venezuela . It
387-425: A wide variety of ecosystems that vary along the altitude gradient from 120 to 2,765 meters (394 to 9,072 ft) above sea level at Naiguatá peak. In the lower areas of the northern side, the vegetation is mainly xerophytes, represented by a variety of cacti, shrubs and spiny species. From 300 to 600 meters (980 to 1,970 ft), semi-deciduous forests dominate, whereas from 600 to 800 meters (2,000 to 2,600 ft)
430-477: Is a characteristic vegetation of coastal bush subpáramo, consisting of open shrub of 1–3 m tall with a herbaceous relatively well developed, being the most characteristic species incense or frailejón tree ( Libanothamnus nerufolius ), Spanish flag ( Castilleja fissifolia ) and false frailejón ( Liabum megacephalum ). El Ávila can be classified as vulnerable because there is a risk that the diverse threats it faces will increasingly erode its biodiversity unless in
473-463: Is a risk that the diverse threats it faces will increasingly erode its biodiversity unless in the near future constant monitoring occurs. The most immediate threats to the park, forest fires and illegal settlements, are located primarily near Caracas. However, the concentration of resources and vigilance in those areas closest to the city has resulted in more problems in the more isolated northern slope and eastern sector of El Ávila. These areas suffer from
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#1732855144758516-542: Is characterized by 2-3 arboreal strata and relatively dense undergrowth is located. Among the 1,200 - 3 tree storeys and undergrowth well developed - 2,200 masl ombrophile evergreen forest with 2 stands. In these forests species of the orchids , ferns , bromeliads , aroids families abound, and endemic species of the Sapindaceae , Melastomataceae , Rubiaceae , Myrtaceae families and arborescent ferns and palms ( Ceroxylon ceriferum ) have been reported. These forests boast
559-465: The Cordillera de la Costa Central mountain range, in the coastal region of central-northern Venezuela . The area's highest elevation is Pico Naiguatá , at 2,765 meters (9,072 ft) above sea level. El Ávila is known as "el pulmón de la ciudad", the lungs of the city, since it serves many different functions for residents of Caracas, the most basic of these being navigation: the peak of El Ávila marks
602-519: The Sapindaceae , Melastomataceae , Rubiaceae , Myrtaceae families and arborescent ferns and palms ( Ceroxylon ceriferum ) have been reported. These forests boast the only extant natural population of the critically endangered Venezuelan walnut tree ( Juglans venezuelensis ). Presents anthropogenic savannas where predominate species like melao capim ( Melinis minutiflora ), the bambusillo ( Arthrostylidium venezuelae ), yellow tara ( Oyedaea verbesinoides ) and incense ( Espeletia neriifolia ). In
645-400: The Cordillera de la Costa mountain range with some endemic to the park itself. The vegetation is of mountain forest, with variations that is distributed according to the height. Between sea level and 200 or 300 meters (and even higher up in the orientation of relief) is the xeric forest, where prevail species like cují ( Prosopis juliflora ). Between 800–1500 m ombrophile sub-evergreen forest
688-493: The Magic Park of Avila [Parque Mágico Avila] ( El Ávila National Park ). In 2000, the reconstruction of the cableway system began, as well as one of the stations, and the cable cars are now operating. Nowadays there are more than 70 tram cars which can travel 3.5 km in 15 minutes approximately. As of 3 January 2024, the cost for a round trip ride is between US$ 12 (for Venezuelans) and US$ 30 (for non-Venezuelans). In August 2007,
731-470: The breeze, and the Bauhaus influenced Humboldt Hotel. Often the top of the mountain has clouds drifting through it, obscuring the view. It is several degrees cooler than Caracas or the coast. When the clouds clear, the city of Caracas can be seen on one side and the coastline on the other side. The original system had four stations and two sections, the first one between the city of Caracas (altitude 1,000m), and
774-527: The capital Caracas located in a narrow valley 950 meters (3,120 ft) above sea level and separates the city from the Caribbean Sea . The mountain is accessible by cable car ( teleferico ), by off-road vehicle, and on foot. In addition to the scenery, one may visit the hacienda, laboratory and mausoleum of Gottfried Knoche ; a German-born doctor who was notorious for his experiments in mummification . They are accessible only by footpath. The park follows
817-513: The city from the Caribbean Sea . The mountain is accessible by cable car ( teleferico ), by off-road vehicle, and on foot. In addition to the scenery, one may visit the hacienda, laboratory and mausoleum of Gottfried Knoche ; a German-born doctor who was notorious for his experiments in mummification . They are accessible only by footpath. The park follows a mountain range 80 kilometers (50 mi) long and approximately 16 km wide. It contains over 81,800 hectares (202,000 acres), encompassing
860-440: The coast's chilly weather and that of the hot, dry weather of the rest of the country. El Galipán was home to some of the most beautiful, unique flowers in the country, and every December Pacheco would make the long trip down the mountain into the city to sell his harvest in the Plaza Bolivar in Caracas. His arrival was often accompanied by the cold December weather, and over time, the expression "Pacheco has arrived" came to mean that
903-408: The cold December weather, and over time, the expression "Pacheco has arrived" came to mean that the weather is about to get colder. El Ávila was declared a park in 1958, fulfilling an interest in its protection that had been prevalent since the 19th century. With its creation came the protection of the forested mountains that surround Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. These mountains now serve as both
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#1732855144758946-459: The concession was revoked and the park is once again in the hands of the federal government. In October 2007, it was renamed "Waraira Repano”." The restoration of the mid-century modern hotel lasted 13 years, and was reopened in 2018. The park area at the top of the mountain is a wide walkway along the ridgeline. Several sellers have set up food or handicraft kiosks. There is also a restaurant and ice skating rink, an enormous Venezuelan flag waving in
989-529: The following states: Vargas (northern slope), Capital District (southern and western slope) and Miranda (eastern slope). The National Park is named for the Cerro El Ávila ( Mountain El Ávila ), usually just referred to as "El Ávila", which reaches 2,740 meters (8,990 ft) above sea level. This mountain rises north of the capital Caracas located in a narrow valley 950 meters (3,120 ft) above sea level and separates
1032-465: The inhabitants of Caracas, who have used the area for a variety of activities, some of which have threatened its conservation. A hotel and a cable car, which climbs to the highest point at 2,135 meters (7,005 ft) above sea level and drops down the other side to the city of Macuto , were opened in 1956. After being out of service for 20 years, this cable car was reopened in February 2002. This park has
1075-421: The lack of water at 2,200 meters (7,200 ft) and higher permits only sub-páramo vegetation. Beautiful forests grow along the numerous watercourses that flow on either side of the mountain. The temperatures vary widely on El Ávila, with an average temperature of 13 °C (55 °F) in the lower sections of Caracas valley and 10 °C (50 °F) on Naiguatá peak, where the lowest temperature ever recorded
1118-421: The lack of water at 2,200 meters (7,200 ft) and higher permits only sub-páramo vegetation. Beautiful forests grow along the numerous watercourses that flow on either side of the mountain. The temperatures vary widely on El Ávila, with an average temperature of 13 °C (55 °F) in the lower sections of Caracas valley and 10 °C (50 °F) on Naiguatá peak, where the lowest temperature ever recorded
1161-399: The mountain's hills. Every December, the "Cruz de Navidad" is illuminated, a large crucifix high up in the mountain that faces the city and can be seen from very far distances. A common expression amongst Caracas city-dwellers to describe the change in seasons is "Pacheco has arrived," which is a reference to the legend of Pacheco the flower-picker. He was known to be a resident of el Galipán,
1204-437: The near future constant monitoring occurs. The most immediate threats to the park, forest fires and illegal settlements, are located primarily near Caracas. However, the concentration of resources and vigilance in those areas closest to the city has resulted in more problems in the more isolated northern slope and eastern sector of El Ávila. These areas suffer from a lack of signs, infrastructure and vigilance. Other threats include
1247-404: The north of the city. It is home to the longest cable car ride in the world, as well as activities like running, biking, rock climbing, camping, and zip-lining. El Hotel Humboldt as well as many restaurants, including La Chivera, Casa Pakea, El Jardín de Luna, Le Galipanier, Granja Natalia and Tarahumara, are all nestled in the mountain's hills. Every December, the "Cruz de Navidad" is illuminated,
1290-516: The only extant natural population of the critically endangered Venezuelan walnut tree ( Juglans venezuelensis ). Presents anthropogenic savannas where predominate species like melao capim ( Melinis minutiflora ), the bambusillo ( Arthrostylidium venezuelae ), yellow tara ( Oyedaea verbesinoides ) and incense ( Espeletia neriifolia ). In the upper regions of the Silla of Caracas and the Pico Naiguatá
1333-476: The orientation of relief) is the xeric forest, where prevail species like cují ( Prosopis juliflora ). Between 800–1500 m ombrophile sub-evergreen forest is characterized by 2-3 arboreal strata and relatively dense undergrowth is located. Among the 1,200 - 3 tree storeys and undergrowth well developed - 2,200 masl ombrophile evergreen forest with 2 stands. In these forests species of the orchids , ferns , bromeliads , aroids families abound, and endemic species of
El Ávila National Park - Misplaced Pages Continue
1376-430: The presence of exotic plants, the Caracas Aerial Tramway , the Hotel Humboldt and poaching. El Ávila National Park is located along the central stretch of the Cordillera de la Costa, at 10° 32' latitude north and between 66° 12' and 67° 01' longitude west (see map). It covers the mountainous regions between the Caribbean Sea and the valleys of Caracas, Guatire, Guarenas and Barlovento. The park contains part of
1419-411: The querrequerre ( Cyanocorax yncas ). In addition, more than 1,800 plant species from diverse taxonomic groups can be observed. Several of these plants are endemic to the Cordillera de la Costa mountain range with some endemic to the park itself. The vegetation is of mountain forest, with variations that is distributed according to the height. Between sea level and 200 or 300 meters (and even higher up in
1462-486: The seasonal semi-deciduous forests are common. From 800 to 1,500 meters (2,600 to 4,900 ft) above sea level on the northern slope and from 1,200 to 1,600 meters (3,900 to 5,200 ft) on the southern slope, the forests are mainly sub-mountainous evergreen forests. Due to the constant condensation by the cooling of the air masses and the decrease of atmospheric pressure, cloud forest dominates between 1,500 and 2,200 meters (4,900 and 7,200 ft) above sea level. Finally,
1505-486: The seasonal semi-deciduous forests are common. From 800 to 1,500 meters (2,600 to 4,900 ft) above sea level on the northern slope and from 1,200 to 1,600 meters (3,900 to 5,200 ft) on the southern slope, the forests are mainly sub-mountainous evergreen forests. Due to the constant condensation by the cooling of the air masses and the decrease of atmospheric pressure, cloud forest dominates between 1,500 and 2,200 meters (4,900 and 7,200 ft) above sea level. Finally,
1548-708: The top of Avila hill (2,100m), that also took passengers down to the Humboldt Hotel and the second section left of the Avila that passed over the town of Galipán and finished in El Cojo station in Macuto , although the Vargas Station (Estado Vargas) fell into disuse and became obsolete. The operating company, before the concession was revoked, reconstructed all of the first section ( Maripérez - Ávila ). The state then took control of
1591-446: The upper regions of the Silla of Caracas and the Pico Naiguatá is a characteristic vegetation of coastal bush subpáramo, consisting of open shrub of 1–3 m tall with a herbaceous relatively well developed, being the most characteristic species incense or frailejón tree ( Libanothamnus nerufolius ), Spanish flag ( Castilleja fissifolia ) and false frailejón ( Liabum megacephalum ). El Ávila can be classified as vulnerable because there
1634-412: The valleys of Caracas, Guatire, Guarenas and Barlovento. The park contains part of the following states: Vargas (northern slope), Capital District (southern and western slope) and Miranda (eastern slope). The National Park is named for the Cerro El Ávila ( Mountain El Ávila ), usually just referred to as "El Ávila", which reaches 2,740 meters (8,990 ft) above sea level. This mountain rises north of
1677-433: The weather is about to get colder. El Ávila was declared a park in 1958, fulfilling an interest in its protection that had been prevalent since the 19th century. With its creation came the protection of the forested mountains that surround Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. These mountains now serve as both a recreational area and as a buffer to pollution and urban expansion. El Ávila has always been an important resource for
1720-399: Was 2 °C (36 °F). The annual average rainfall fluctuates between 600 and 1,400 millimeters (24 and 55 in) and is influenced by orography, which explains why rain is more abundant on the northern slope where the mountain faces the trade winds. There are plenty of trails in El Ávila National Park for outdoor enthusiasts. From low-level routes to high technical complexity, there is
1763-851: Was 2 °C (36 °F). The annual average rainfall fluctuates between 600 and 1,400 millimeters (24 and 55 in) and is influenced by orography, which explains why rain is more abundant on the northern slope where the mountain faces the trade winds. There are plenty of trails in El Ávila National Park for outdoor enthusiasts. From low-level routes to high technical complexity, there is a trail for everyone. The most famous trails are: Los Venados, Sabas Nieves, El Vivero, Los Pinos, Papelón, Rancho Grande, Cachimbo, Miguel Delgado, Lomas del Cuño, El Paraíso, La Julia, Picacho, Piedra del Indio, Lagunazo, Pico Oriental, Pico Occidental, Cabeza de Elefante and Pico Naiguatá. Hotel Humboldt The Ávila National Park , officially known as Waraira Repano National Park for its indigenous Cariban name, protects part of
El Ávila National Park - Misplaced Pages Continue
1806-550: Was inaugurated on September 29, 1955, by President Marcos Pérez Jiménez . It remained open until the end of the 1970s. A series of fruitless attempts to reopen it in 1986, 1988, and 1990 each ended in closing it. In 2000, the national government gave a concession to the Inversora Turística Caracas´Company, which was to reopen the tramway to coincide with rebuilding the Humboldt Hotel [ es ] and
1849-399: Was reopened in February 2002. This park has a high diversity of fauna and flora. More than 100 butterfly species, approximately 120 mammal species, 20 amphibians, 30 reptiles and 500 bird species (36% of Venezuela avifauna) have been documented. Nine bird species are endemic to Venezuela and three threatened bird species live in this park; one of the most coloured bird specimen in this park is
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