The park's diverse ecosystems support an impressive variety of wildlife, including numerous endemic species. Large mammals include jaguars, tapirs, and giant otters. The park is home to over 300 bird species, including the cock-of-the-rock and various hummingbirds. Numerous amphibian species, many endemic to the region, inhabit the park's various water bodies and forest floors. Notable reptiles include several species of poison dart frogs and unique tepui-dwelling lizards. The park also hosts a rich variety of insects, including many rare butterfly species.
La Neblina National Park hosts an extraordinarily diverse array of plant species, with many endemic to the region. The vegetation varies significantly with altitude, from dense tropical rainforest in the lowlands to cloud forest and high-altitude páramo ecosystems near the summits. The park is particularly noted for its rich variety of orchids, bromeliads, and carnivorous plants, including several species of Heliamphora (sun pitchers). Unique to the tepui summits are various specialized plants that have evolved to survive in nutrient-poor, high-altitude conditions.
The park's geology is dominated by ancient Precambrian rock formations, part of the Guiana Shield, one of Earth's oldest geological formations dating back over 2 billion years. The landscape features dramatic tepuis (table-top mountains) formed from sandstone and quartzite, created through millions of years of erosion. The most prominent geological feature is Pico da Neblina, reaching 2,995 meters (9,827 feet) in height. The park also contains numerous valleys, deep canyons, and complex cave systems formed by water erosion over millions of years.
The park was established in 1978 to protect the unique ecosystem surrounding Pico da Neblina, Venezuela's highest mountain. The area has been home to indigenous Yanomami people for centuries, who continue to maintain their traditional way of life within the park's boundaries. Scientific exploration of the region began in earnest during the 1950s, when American botanist Bassett Maguire led several expeditions to study the area's unique plant life. The park gained international recognition in the 1970s when researchers discovered numerous endemic species and unique tepui formations.
The park's most prominent feature is Pico da Neblina, which straddles the Venezuela-Brazil border and is the highest point in both countries. The park contains several spectacular waterfalls, including Angel Falls, the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall. Unique geological formations known as tepuis create dramatic landscapes and isolated ecosystems. The park also features extensive cave systems, some containing prehistoric petroglyphs. Indigenous Yanomami settlements within the park offer visitors glimpses into traditional Amazonian culture, though visits must be arranged with proper permissions and guides.
La Neblina National Park experiences a tropical rainforest climate characterized by high humidity and frequent cloud cover, hence its name 'Neblina' (Spanish for 'mist'). Average temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C (68-77°F) at lower elevations, dropping significantly with altitude. The park receives substantial rainfall throughout the year, with annual precipitation exceeding 4,000mm. The wettest period occurs between April and November, while December to March experiences relatively less rainfall. Visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes, especially around Pico da Neblina, where conditions can shift rapidly due to its high elevation.
Venezuela
0.8330°, -66.1670°
1978
13600
La Neblina National Park is home to Pico da Neblina, the highest mountain in Brazil, and features diverse tropical rainforest ecosystems. The park is characterized by its cloud forests, tepuis, and rich biodiversity. It remains one of the most isolated and least explored national parks in Venezuela.