Catatumbo lightning, Meteorological phenomenon in Lake Maracaibo, Venezuela
The lightning occurs at the meeting point of the Catatumbo River and Lake Maracaibo, creating electrical discharges up to 280 times per hour across the night sky.
Spanish and Portuguese colonial navigators used the regular lightning flashes as a natural beacon for maritime navigation, naming it the Lighthouse of Maracaibo.
The lightning phenomenon features on the flag and coat of arms of Zulia state, representing the natural power and identity of the Venezuelan region.
Visitors can observe the lightning displays from April to November, with optimal viewing conditions occurring between 7 PM and 4 AM from elevated locations.
The Guinness World Records certified this location in 2014 as having the highest concentration of lightning strikes on Earth, with 250 strikes per square kilometer.
Location: Municipio Catatumbo
GPS coordinates: 9.34519,-71.73661
Latest update: March 7, 2025 23:14
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.
Venezuela presents diverse landscapes for photography. Angel Falls, the world's highest waterfall, drops 979 meters. Los Roques beaches display turquoise waters. Canaima National Park features waterfalls between table mountains. The capital Caracas shows colonial architecture next to modern buildings.
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