Cerro El Copey National Park

Cerro El Copey is a national park on Margarita Island rising to about 960 meters, with dry forests at lower elevations and mountain grasslands at the summit. The protected area contains multiple water sources and different forest types throughout its terrain.

The park was established in 1974 to protect the island's forests and water sources from overuse. This action was crucial to preserve the natural resources that the region depended on.

The park is named after the island's highest peak and has long served as a water source and food supply for nearby communities. Local people still depend on the forest's resources today.

The park is accessible by well-marked hiking trails that pass through different vegetation zones and vary in difficulty depending on fitness level. It is best to start early in the morning and bring plenty of water, as the sun can be intense at higher elevations.

The mountain captures moisture from trade winds and creates a local climate that allows green forests to grow even though the surrounding lowlands are dry and bare. This phenomenon makes the park stand out as a green hillside in the middle of desert plains.

Location: Nueva Esparta

Inception: February 27, 1974

Operator: Inparques

GPS coordinates: 11.00884,-63.88642

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:55