Peninsula de Paria National Park, Protected coastal reserve at Paria Peninsula, Venezuela.
The park combines thick forests covering steep slopes with mountains reaching 1,371 meters at their highest point and beaches along the Caribbean coast. Multiple coastal areas serve visitors, with Playa Medina featuring simple seaside cottages and shallow waters suitable for exploring coral formations.
The protected area was established in 1978 and preserves the location where Christopher Columbus named the region 'Tierra de Gracia' during his third voyage. This early connection shaped how the place is remembered today.
Local communities practice palm weaving as a traditional craft and gather for regional festivals where folk songs shape the calendar of celebration.
Access is available through several beach areas, with Playa Medina being the most developed and offering places to stay. Those interested in snorkeling or diving will find coral formations in the shallower waters near the shore.
The area is home to bird species found nowhere else on Earth, drawing birdwatchers who come specifically to observe these endemic populations. This rare wildlife makes it a notable destination for nature enthusiasts.
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