The park hosts a rich diversity of wildlife, including several endangered and endemic species. Notable mammals include the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus), mountain tapir, white-tailed deer, and various species of monkeys. The park is also an important bird habitat, hosting over 400 species including the yellow-eared parrot and various hummingbird species. Reptiles and amphibians are well-represented, with several endemic species of frogs. The park serves as a crucial corridor for wildlife movement between Venezuelan and Colombian ecosystems.
El Tamá's vegetation is incredibly diverse due to its varied elevation zones, featuring four main types of forest ecosystems. The park contains cloud forests, tropical rainforests, páramo vegetation at higher elevations, and transitional zones. Notable species include endemic orchids, bromeliads, and tree ferns. The park is home to important timber species like cedar and oak, as well as numerous medicinal plants used traditionally by local communities. The páramo regions above 3,000 meters feature unique high-altitude vegetation including frailejones (Espeletia) plants.
The park is characterized by its dramatic Andean topography, featuring steep mountains, deep valleys, and distinct geological formations. The Tamá Massif represents the northeastern terminus of the Andes Mountains in Venezuela. The park's geology consists primarily of metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, including limestone formations that have created numerous caves and underground water systems. The terrain ranges from steep mountain slopes to gentler foothills, with numerous rivers carving through the landscape, creating impressive valleys and waterfalls.
El Tamá National Park was established on December 12, 1978, to protect the unique ecosystem of the Tamá Massif, part of the northeastern end of the Andes Mountains. The area has historical significance as a territory of indigenous peoples, including the Tunebo people. The park's creation was driven by the need to protect important watersheds and the unique biodiversity of this transitional zone between the Andes and the llanos (plains). The region played a role in Venezuela's independence movements, with liberation forces using mountain passes through what is now the park.
Key attractions include the Páramo del Tamá, offering spectacular views and unique high-altitude ecosystems, and the La Petaquera waterfall, one of the park's most impressive natural features. The park contains important archaeological sites showing evidence of pre-Columbian settlements. The Quebrada La China trail provides access to excellent bird-watching opportunities. The park's extensive network of rivers, including the Táchira and Quinimarí Rivers, offers important watershed protection and recreational opportunities. Several lookout points provide panoramic views of both Venezuelan and Colombian territories.
El Tamá National Park experiences a tropical mountain climate with significant variations due to its elevation range (300-3,320m). Average temperatures range from 10°C at higher elevations to 24°C in lower areas. The park receives substantial rainfall throughout the year, with two distinct wet seasons from April to June and September to November. Annual precipitation ranges from 1,500mm to 2,500mm. Mornings typically start clear but afternoon clouds and rain are common, especially at higher elevations. Visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes and pack accordingly.
Venezuela
7.4170°, -72.4500°
1978
1390
El Tamá National Park straddles the Venezuela-Colombia border in the Andes Mountains. The park protects cloud forests and páramo ecosystems at elevations up to 3,329 meters. It serves as an important corridor for wildlife movement between the two countries and contains numerous endemic species.