El Ávila National Park

El Ávila National Park, officially named Waraira Repano, serves as a breathtaking backdrop to the Venezuelan capital of Caracas. This park spans over 200,000 acres, providing a crucial green lung amid urban landscapes. It is known for its rugged mountainous terrain, with Pico Naiguatá being its highest point at 2,765 meters. The park's ecology is diverse, featuring cloud forests, montane forests, and dry scrublands that support a rich variety of flora and fauna, including numerous endemic species. El Ávila is deeply intertwined with Venezuelan history, given its proximity to major urban settlements and its use as a recreational retreat since colonial times. Visitors to the park enjoy a range of activities, notably hiking the popular Sabas Nieves trail, which offers panoramic views of Caracas and the Caribbean. The park also has cultural significance, with several colonial-era sites within its boundaries. Its proximity to Caracas makes it an accessible destination for both locals and tourists, offering a natural escape with impressive biodiversity and scenic vistas.