Médanos de Zapara, Desert dunes in Zulia, Venezuela
The sand formations stretch across 30 kilometers between the Gulf of Venezuela and Lake Maracaibo, with dunes reaching heights of up to 30 meters.
The Torreón de Zapara ruins near the dunes date back to the Spanish colonial period when Venezuela was under European control.
Indigenous communities of the region traditionally used local plants found in the dunes area for their medicinal properties.
Visitors need to access the dunes by boat from the mainland, as the formations are located on Zapara Island in the Zulia state.
During rainy seasons, these sand formations transform into temporary lagoons, creating an unusual landscape in the desert environment.
GPS coordinates: 10.98250,-71.56472
Latest update: March 22, 2025 15:37
Lake Maracaibo
129.9 km
La Chiquinquirá Church
38.2 km
San Carlos de la Barra Fortress
4.7 km
Cerrejón Formation
121.9 km
Baralt Theatre
38.2 km
Centro de Arte Lía de Bermúdez
38.5 km
Plaza de toros Monumental de Maracaibo
33.1 km
Hospital Universitario de Maracaibo
35.1 km
St. Peter and St. Paul Cathedral, Maracaibo
38.3 km
Saint Barbara Church (Maracaibo)
38.2 km
Church of St. Lucia
37.6 km
Puerto Bolivar, Colombia
148.3 km
Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral
66 km
Ángel de Amparo
36.9 km
Bahía Portete – Kaurrele National Natural Park
136.2 km
Palacio Legislativo del Zulia
38.2 km
Cemetery El Cuadrado de Maracaibo
37.9 km
General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge
45.5 km
Edificio Padilla
38 km
Bust of Queen Wilhelmina
36.3 km
Mosque of Omar Ibn Al-Khattab
85.4 km
Macuira National Natural Park
131.2 km
Serranía de Macuira
130 km
Urumaco Formation
145.6 km
Zulian Museum of Contemporary Art
34.8 km
Castilletes Formation
110.3 km
Jimol Formation
111.4 km
Salina de Umakaha
124.9 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