Duida-Marahuaca National Park

Duida-Marahuaca Overview

Duida-Marahuaca National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional Duida-Marahuaca, is a protected area in the Amazonas state of Venezuela. Covering approximately 834 square miles (2,160 square kilometers), the park is located in the Guayana Highlands, a region known for its ancient tabletop mountains, or tepuis.

The park is named after its two most prominent tepuis, Cerro Duida and Cerro Marahuaca, both of which dominate the landscape with their imposing cliffs and unique ecosystems. The park is part of the vast Amazon rainforest and plays a crucial role in preserving the region’s biodiversity.

The terrain of Duida-Marahuaca National Park is characterized by dense tropical forests, rocky outcrops, and high-altitude plateaus. Cerro Duida, reaching approximately 4,035 feet (1,230 meters), is one of the most prominent features, while Cerro Marahuaca rises even higher to about 8,907 feet (2,715 meters).

These flat-topped mountains, known as tepuis, are considered some of the oldest geological formations on Earth. The park’s vegetation varies significantly with elevation, from dense lowland rainforests to cloud forests and unique montane vegetation on the summits of the tepuis. The flora includes a variety of endemic species, with carnivorous plants, orchids, and bromeliads thriving in the nutrient-poor soils of the highlands.

The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, with numerous species that are unique to the tepui ecosystems. Among the mammals found in the park are jaguars, giant anteaters, tapirs, and various species of monkeys, including the red howler monkey and capuchins.

The birdlife is particularly notable, with the park serving as a refuge for rare and endemic species such as the tepui tinamou, the white-plumed antbird, and the Guianan cock-of-the-rock, known for its striking orange plumage. Amphibians and reptiles, including poison dart frogs and an array of lizards, are also abundant, especially in the humid rainforest areas.

Visitors to Duida-Marahuaca National Park are drawn to its untouched wilderness and remarkable landscapes. One of the primary attractions is the opportunity to explore the tepuis, though access is challenging and requires experienced guides. The region is home to indigenous Yanomami and Piaroa communities, whose cultural presence adds to the park’s rich heritage.

The park is not heavily developed for tourism, but adventurous travelers can engage in hiking, birdwatching, and scientific exploration. The rivers and waterfalls of the park provide opportunities for nature photography and immersive experiences in one of the most pristine environments in South America.

Conservation in Duida-Marahuaca National Park is both a challenge and a success story. The park is part of Venezuela’s national system of protected areas, helping to safeguard its unique ecosystems from deforestation and habitat destruction.

However, threats such as illegal mining, climate change, and encroaching human activity pose risks to its biodiversity. Efforts to protect the park are supported by indigenous communities, environmental organizations, and governmental agencies working to maintain the integrity of this critical habitat. The isolation of the park has helped preserve much of its natural beauty, making it a vital sanctuary for rare and endemic species.

Park Map

Duida-Marahuaca National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Duida-Marahuaca National Park, located in the remote and pristine Amazon region of Venezuela, is home to a remarkable variety of wildlife. This park, characterized by its towering tepuis, dense rainforest, and unique ecosystems, supports many rare and endemic species. Below are some of the more popular species found in the park.

Jaguar (Panthera onca)
The jaguar is the largest big cat in the Americas and a top predator in the park. With its powerful build, strong bite, and excellent swimming ability, this elusive feline thrives in the dense rainforest and near riverbanks, hunting prey such as capybaras and peccaries.

Puma (Puma concolor)
Also known as the mountain lion or cougar, this adaptable predator shares territory with the jaguar but tends to avoid direct competition. It preys on a wide range of animals, from small rodents to large deer, and is known for its agility and stealth.

Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis)
An endangered species, the giant otter is one of the top aquatic predators in the park’s rivers. With a social nature, it lives in family groups and preys on fish, using its sharp eyesight and coordinated hunting skills.

Lowland Tapir (Tapirus terrestris)
A vital seed disperser in the rainforest, the lowland tapir is the largest land mammal in South America. It thrives in both dense forests and riverbanks, where it feeds on leaves, fruits, and aquatic vegetation.

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)
This pig-like mammal moves in small groups through the dense jungle, foraging for roots, fruits, and insects. It plays an important role in the ecosystem by dispersing seeds and maintaining forest dynamics.

Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)
An iconic species of South America, the giant anteater relies on its long tongue and powerful claws to extract ants and termites from their nests. It is a solitary animal that roams vast areas of forest and savanna.

Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)
The world’s largest rodent, the capybara is commonly found near rivers and wetlands in the park. Highly social, it moves in groups and feeds on grasses and aquatic plants, often serving as prey for jaguars and anacondas.

Amazonian Manatee (Trichechus inunguis)
A fully aquatic mammal, the Amazonian manatee is a gentle herbivore that inhabits the slow-moving waters of the park’s rivers and oxbow lakes. This elusive species is vulnerable to habitat loss and human disturbances.

Bush Dog (Speothos venaticus)
A rare and secretive canid, the bush dog is known for its pack-hunting behavior and strong swimming ability. It preys on rodents and small mammals in the dense rainforest, often moving through undergrowth in search of food.

Black Caiman (Melanosuchus niger)
This large, apex predator dominates the waterways of Duida-Marahuaca, preying on fish, birds, and even mammals. Unlike its smaller relatives, the black caiman can grow over 5 meters in length and plays a crucial role in maintaining aquatic ecosystems.

Birds

Duida-Marahuaca National Park is home to an incredible diversity of bird species, many of which are endemic to the unique tepui ecosystems and Amazonian lowlands. The park’s varied habitats, from high-altitude plateaus to dense jungle, make it an excellent refuge for some of the most remarkable avian species in South America.

Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja)
One of the most powerful raptors in the world, the harpy eagle is known for its massive talons and ability to hunt large prey such as monkeys and sloths. It nests in the tallest trees of the rainforest, playing a crucial role as a top predator.

Tepui Parrotlet (Nannopsittaca panychlora)
Endemic to the tepui regions, this small and vibrant green parrot thrives in the cloud forests of the park. It feeds on seeds and fruits, often forming flocks that navigate the misty cliffs and high-altitude forests.

Amazonian Umbrellabird (Cephalopterus ornatus)
Recognizable by its large crest and deep, resonant calls, this striking bird inhabits the dense rainforests. Males use their elaborate plumage and booming vocalizations to attract females during the breeding season.

Paradise Tanager (Tangara chilensis)
One of the most colorful birds in the Amazon, the paradise tanager features a brilliant combination of blue, green, and yellow feathers. It moves in small flocks, feeding on fruit and insects in the forest canopy.

Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin)
Also known as the “stink bird,” the hoatzin is a unique species with a digestive system that ferments plant matter. Found near swamps and rivers, it has a prehistoric appearance and clumsy flight.

Capuchinbird (Perissocephalus tricolor)
With its bald, vulture-like head and strange, cow-like calls, the capuchinbird is one of the more unusual species in the park. It performs elaborate displays during the mating season in leks, where males gather to attract females.

White-throated Toucan (Ramphastos tucanus)
A striking species with a large, colorful bill, the white-throated toucan plays a key role in seed dispersal. It is often seen gliding through the canopy in search of fruit, insects, and small vertebrates.

Guianan Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola rupicola)
Famous for its vivid orange plumage and elaborate courtship dances, this bird inhabits rocky outcrops and forested regions. Males gather in leks to compete for female attention by performing dramatic displays.

Orinoco Goose (Neochen jubata)
A rare and striking waterfowl species, the Orinoco goose is found along riverbanks and open wetlands. Unlike most geese, it prefers perching in trees and is often seen resting on branches above water.

Orange-winged Parrot (Amazona amazonica)
A common but beautiful parrot in the Amazon, the orange-winged parrot is known for its bright green plumage with splashes of orange on its wings. It is highly social, often flying in noisy flocks over the rainforest canopy.

Duida-Marahuaca National Park is a haven for biodiversity, with its diverse landscapes providing shelter to an incredible array of wildlife. From elusive jungle predators to high-flying tepui specialists, this park remains one of the most fascinating ecosystems in Venezuela.