Cueva de la Quebrada del Toro: In this episode of our national parks series, we head north of the country, specifically to the southeast of Falcón state. Endowed with beautiful landscapes of mountains, hills, and forests, with a very pleasant tropical climate for the area, and of course, the grandeur of its cave. For all these reasons, this national park is very attractive to nature lovers seeking tranquility to engage in their favorite sports, such as trekking, camping, exploration, and adventure. Additionally, it receives visits from national and international scientists with the purpose of conducting research in their respective fields of work.
Come and enjoy with me and in the company of XploreVenezuela.com the wonders of the Cueva de la Quebrada del Toro National Park, where we can spend one or several days exploring all its marvels and, above all, visiting the Cave, one of the most popular in the country with its gallery towering over 20 meters in height and its underground river of cold, deep waters. We will start this journey as in all our episodes from Caracas, indicating the way to reach the park. Additionally, you will find interesting facts about the national park, the places you should visit during your stay, and other details that will make your experience even more enjoyable.
Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and fascinating biodiversity offered by the Cueva de la Quebrada del Toro National Park. It’s an experience you will surely remember forever. We look forward to welcoming you to live this unforgettable adventure!
How to get there from Caracas
To reach the National Park from Caracas, you must exit the city via the western area, taking the Central Regional Highway towards Valencia. From there, the journey continues towards the city of Barquisimeto, where you can then take the road connecting Barquisimeto and Coro.
It’s crucial to stay alert to not miss the turnoff leading to the road to El Charal, followed by a dirt road. Another option is accessing the Puerto Cabello – Coro highway from Valencia along the coast, then taking the turnoff at Guamachito towards the road to Pueblo Nuevo, El Charal. There are few road signs, so it’s advisable to either travel with a guide or ask locals for directions to the park.
The approximate distance is 450 kilometers, and regardless of which route you choose, it will take around 6-7 hours to reach the park. We highly recommend using 4X4 vehicles for this journey due to the road conditions. As you near the park, the terrain becomes less suitable for regular vehicles, offering an incredible route for adventurers and overlanders.
Geographical location and Its history
The Cueva de la Quebrada del Toro, also known as the Bellard Cave in honor of Eugenio de Bellard Pietri, a distinguished Venezuelan spelunker, is situated amidst the mountain ranges of the Falcón and Lara states. Located just about 15 km from the town of Santa Cruz de Bucaral, this cave holds significant historical and ecological importance.
Designated as a national park on May 21, 1969, by Decree No. 56, covering an area of 4,885 hectares, its main purpose is the preservation of its natural resources, including the El Toro underground river. This river, with its reservoir spanning approximately 500 meters in length and 20 meters in height, serves as
a vital water source for the park. It eventually flows into the Tocuyo River, which empties into the Caribbean Sea, and supplies water to the communities of Santa Cruz de Bucaral, La Taza, El Charal, and surrounding villages.
Exploring this magnificent cave reveals stunning stalactites and stalagmites. However, navigating through its entirety can be challenging due to narrow passages, making it imperative not to suffer from claustrophobia. Yet, the experience is rewarding, as visitors can traverse the underground river in small boats and reach the pinnacle to behold natural wonders like the Stone Bridge, along with panoramic views of the Elda Sierra and two craters named Hernández and Antonio José López.
Cueva de la Quebrada del Toro NP: Must see & Do
Cueva quebrada del toro: This active river cave stands as a natural wonder in Venezuela, boasting the largest subterranean watercourse discovered thus far in the country. Dubbed El Toro, the underground river carves its path, giving rise to two expansive lakes each spanning over 200 meters in length, inviting exploration via small boats. Serving as the resurgence of the El Toro river, a vital tributary of the Tocuyo River, its waters eventually find their way to the Caribbean Sea.
The cave’s formation traces back to the Miocene era, characterized by the age-old reef limestones dating from 25 to 13 million years ago. Welcoming adventurers through a monumental entrance, towering at 10 meters in height and stretching 15 meters wide, the cave’s magnificence is accessible solely through guided tours, necessitating permits obtained from the park’s ranger station for an unforgettable journey into the depths of nature’s marvels.
Puente de Piedra: At the summit, there is a natural bridge known as Stone Bridge, where the Elda Mountain Range and two large craters, named Hernández Peak and Antonio José López Peak, can be found. This breathtaking landscape offers not only stunning views but also opportunities for exploration and adventure amidst the rugged beauty of the region. Travelers can immerse themselves in the natural wonders of the area while marveling at the geological formations that have shaped the landscape over time.
Wildlife sightseen: During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to observe a wide variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles, such as the oilbird, the blue macaw, the azure jay, parrots, the white-nosed coati, the scarlet macaw, the tapir, the giant anteater, bats, capuchin monkeys, jaguars, and among the reptiles inhabiting the cave, including species like the deer-eating snake, rattlesnakes, the butterfly viper, the fer-de-lance, and other species that might not be favorable encounters. It’s a fascinating opportunity to witness the rich biodiversity of the area, but it’s also important to be aware of the potential encounters with these diverse creatures.
Outdoors sports & Recreation: This destination is undoubtedly an extreme adventure playground. Visitors can indulge in camping, ecotourism activities, hiking, scientific research, spelunking, and rock climbing on vertical walls and cliffs. Moreover, this park boasts other natural attractions worth visiting, including the Guarataro-Santa Isabel trails, El Tigrito-Guarataro, the La Toma recreational area, and the Catalina, La Bonita, and La Guerrillera caves.
Explore the rugged beauty and diverse opportunities for outdoor exploration in this stunning locale. Additionally, it boasts an underground river stream estimated to be the most voluminous in the country, forming a vast reservoir approximately 500 meters long, navigable by small boats. This natural wonder provides ample opportunities for exploration and adventure amidst breathtaking scenery.
Where to stay
The national park Cueva de la Quebrada del Toro is nestled amidst lush forests and far from cities, making camping the most convenient option to fully immerse yourself in the region. Upon arrival at the park, we recommend heading to the ranger station and asking for recommendations on camping spots to spend the night.
If you prefer staying in a hotel or inn, you have two alternatives: either head to Barquisimeto, where you’ll find various types of accommodations, or venture to the shores of the Caribbean Sea in Morrocoy National Park. In the latter, you can take advantage of visiting the various islands and cays of this national park and enjoy its crystalline waters and paradisiacal beaches. We’ll be discussing this park further in another one of our articles soon.
Cueva de la Quebrada del Toro National Park
In conclusion, the Cueva de la Quebrada del Toro National Park stands as a testament to the breathtaking natural beauty and ecological richness of Venezuela. Nestled amidst the picturesque mountain ranges of Falcón and Lara states, this park offers an unparalleled opportunity for adventure and exploration. From the towering stalactites and stalagmites of the Bellard Cave to the stunning vistas of the Stone Bridge and the Elda Mountain Range, visitors are treated to a truly awe-inspiring experience.
Moreover, the park’s diverse array of wildlife, including rare bird species like the oilbird and vibrant mammals such as jaguars and tapirs, adds an extra layer of fascination for nature enthusiasts and researchers alike. Whether engaging in outdoor sports like rock climbing and hiking or simply basking in the tranquility of the tropical climate, Cueva de la Quebrada del Toro National Park promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Venezuela’s natural wonders.
As we invite travelers to embark on this remarkable adventure, it’s important to note the park’s historical significance and its role in preserving the region’s ecosystem. Designated as a national park in 1969, it serves as a vital sanctuary for numerous species while also providing essential water resources to surrounding communities.
Despite the challenges of navigating its rugged terrain, the journey from Caracas to this hidden gem is well worth the effort, promising a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all who venture forth. So, whether you’re an avid explorer, a nature lover, or a curious traveler seeking new horizons, don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of Cueva de la Quebrada del Toro National Park. We eagerly await the chance to welcome you to this extraordinary destination and to share in the marvels of Venezuela’s natural heritage.