The Cueva del Guácharo National Park is located approximately 12 kilometers from the city of Caripe in the Monagas State of Venezuela. At the heart of the park lies a limestone cave over 10 meters long, serving as a habitat for thousands of Oilbirds. Oilbirds, the only species in the monotypic family Steatornithidae of the order Caprimulgiformes, are native to South America and mainly inhabit the tropical forests at the foothills of the Andes Mountains, from Bolivia to Venezuela, as well as in Panama and Trinidad.

Measuring 41-48 centimeters in body length with a wingspan of up to 0.91 meters, the Oilbird features a robust and hooked beak, small claws, and a predominantly reddish-brown body with white spots on the neck, back, and wings. These birds nest in caves and possess echolocation abilities. The limestone cave in Cueva del Guácharo National Park, along with the surrounding forests, has been designated a protected area to facilitate the breeding and conservation of Oilbirds.

Cueva del Guácharo National Park
Reasons to Visit: One of Venezuela’s most important national parks
Continent: South America
Country: Venezuela
State: Monagas State
City: Caripe