Delta del Orinoco Biosphere Reserve

The Delta del Orinoco Biosphere Reserve is a large wetland in the Orinoco Delta with extensive mangrove forests, lagoons, and interwoven waterways that connect different habitats. The region contains multiple ecological zones that together form a complex water system where land and water constantly blend together.

The reserve was designated by UNESCO in 1991 as a biosphere reserve to protect and maintain the ecological balance of the Orinoco Delta. This designation marked the beginning of international efforts to preserve the region as a valuable habitat for many species.

The Warao indigenous communities live in settlements along the waterways and practice traditional fishing methods adapted to the delta's natural rhythms. Their way of life is deeply connected to the river's seasonal cycles and shapes daily existence in this water-based region.

To explore the remote areas of the reserve, visitors should arrange boat transportation and local guides through authorized operators, as there is no public transport. Good physical fitness and patience with weather conditions are important, since travel and exploration can take several days.

The reserve is crisscrossed by more than 300 river channels that form a confusing water network where visitors could easily get lost without experienced guides. This maze of water is home to river dolphins, manatees, and countless water birds that have adapted to this unusual landscape.

Location: Delta Amacuro

Inception: 1991

Operator: Inparques

GPS coordinates: 8.81587,-61.05733

Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:07