Venezuela: Cienagas del Catatumbo NP – Cruising the Catatumbo River

Cienagas del Catatumbo National Park (aka Cienegas de Juan Manuel National Park) protects the unique habitats of the Catatumbo River delta where it meets Lake Maracaibo. As you cruise down the river and into the lake – the biodiversity it’s is absolutely surreal – from massive trees and hundreds of plant species to miriads if birds, mammals, and reptiles. The area is defined by two water systems known locally as aguas blancas (nutrient-rich, sediment-heavy river waters) and aguas negras (tannin-stained blackwater swamps and lagoons). Scenic cruising along the river is amazing as is exploring the Maracaibo lake itself (the pink dolphins didn’t show up). Also, you can explore at night when caymans flash their eyes in hundreds.