Ciénagas de Juan Manuel National Park, National park in Zulia state, Venezuela
The protected area encompasses extensive wetlands between western Zulia plains and Lake Maracaibo, featuring numerous channels, rivers, swamps, and lagoons across flat terrain.
The Venezuelan government established Cienagas del Catatumbo National Park on June 15, 1991, designating 269,400 hectares as protected territory in western Venezuela.
Local fishermen maintain strong beliefs about dolphins in the park waters, considering them sacred animals and contributing to their preservation in the ecosystem.
Visitors can access the park through multiple routes from Maracaibo, including road connections to Encontrados, Santa Barbara, or La Fria, plus boat access via Lake Maracaibo.
The park records the highest concentration of lightning strikes per square kilometer annually, with electrical storms occurring more than 200 nights throughout the year.
Location: Zulia
Inception: 1991
GPS coordinates: 9.52249,-72.31997
Latest update: May 12, 2025 01:00
Venezuela contains locations away from standard routes. The Andes contain waterfalls and colonial towns. The coast features remote beaches and islands. Inland areas offer caves, rock art, and nature parks. The region includes rare natural phenomena such as regular lightning storms.
Lake Maracaibo
89.9 km
La Chiquinquirá Church
146.7 km
Baralt Theatre
147.1 km
Centro de Arte Lía de Bermúdez
146.7 km
Plaza de toros Monumental de Maracaibo
150.4 km
Hospital Universitario de Maracaibo
148.8 km
Botanical Garden of Mérida
163.5 km
St. Peter and St. Paul Cathedral, Maracaibo
147 km
Saint Barbara Church (Maracaibo)
146.9 km
Church of St. Lucia
147.7 km
Hacienda La Victoria (Mérida State)
145.5 km
Meseta la Galera Natural Monument
141.9 km
Basilica of the Holy Spirit, La Grita
158.6 km
Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral
136.5 km
Ángel de Amparo
146.5 km
Cerro Pintado
111 km
Palacio Legislativo del Zulia
147.1 km
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cathedral, El Vigia
124.7 km
Cemetery El Cuadrado de Maracaibo
146.8 km
General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge
142.7 km
Edificio Padilla
147 km
Bust of Queen Wilhelmina
147.9 km
Catatumbo lightning
67 km
Parque Zoológico Chorros de Milla
162.7 km
Zulian Museum of Contemporary Art
149 km
Cathedral of Ecce Homo, Valledupar
147.2 km
Bishop Lasso Archdiocesan Museum
147.2 km
Former Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary, Valledupar
146.9 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes