Venezuela's first national park and home of the sorocuá
Henri Pittier National Park: birds, cloud forest and sea
Henri Pittier National Park, in northern Aragua, is Venezuela's first national park, created in 1937. It stretches from the cloud forest of the coastal mountain range down to the Caribbean and has more than 500 recorded bird species. We arrange birdwatching outings from Maracay with local guides, subject to availability.
Things to do in Henri Pittier
- Go birding around Rancho Grande and Portachuelo Pass, a natural gap used by migrating birds and insects.
- Look for trogons (called sorocuás in Venezuela), hummingbirds, tanagers and other species of the coastal range.
- Hike cloud-forest trails with a local guide.
- Head down to the beaches of Ocumare, Cata or Choroní on the roads that cross the park.
Getting there from Maracay or Caracas
The park sits right next to Maracay. Two roads cross it: the one to Ocumare de la Costa, which passes Rancho Grande, and the one to Choroní. From Caracas, take the Autopista Regional del Centro highway to Maracay.
For birding, start very early: the first hours of the morning are the most active.
Best time for birdwatching
There are birds year-round. The dry season, roughly December to April, usually makes hiking easier, and northern-hemisphere winter brings migratory species. In the cloud forest, rain and fog can appear in any season.
What to pack
- Binoculars and, if you have one, a camera with a telephoto lens.
- Neutral-colored clothing and a rain layer.
- Closed shoes with good grip.
- Insect repellent, water and snacks.
- A field guide or a bird ID app downloaded before you go.
Frequently asked questions
How many bird species live in Henri Pittier?
The park has more than 500 recorded bird species, both resident and migratory, which makes it one of Venezuela's key birdwatching destinations.
What is Portachuelo Pass?
A natural gap in the mountains near Rancho Grande, used by migrating birds and insects. It's one of the park's most visited spots for birders.
Do I need a guide?
It isn't required everywhere, but a local guide helps you find and identify species and walk the trails safely. Our outings are arranged with guides, subject to availability.
Why is the park called Henri Pittier?
It honors Henri Pittier, a Swiss-born botanist who studied Venezuela's flora and championed the park's creation.
Does the sorocuá live in Henri Pittier?
Yes. Several trogon species, known in Venezuela as sorocuás, live in the park. It's the bird our agency is named after.