Monagas State

Monagas is located in the north-east region of Venezuela, at 9º 49’ 55’’ latitude and 63º 10’ 41’’ longitude. It occupies a surface of 28.900 Km2 (2.890.000 Has), which represents 3.15% of our nation’s territory. It’s capital, Maturin, is in the vicinity of urban settlements of high commercial and tourist activity as are Ciudad Guayana, Puerto La Cruz, Cumaná and Margarita.
It shares borders with the following Federal Entities: Sucre (north), Bolivar and Anzoategui (south), Delta Amacuro (east) and Anzoategui (west).

Monagas’s weather is ideal for industrial, agricultural, commercial and tourist activities. It’s temperature ranges from 22º C and 23º C, with an elevated rainfall (900 mm per year) in comparison with the rest of the country.

Monagas State currently is among the most promising regions of Venezuela. Its scenery is astonishing. Great extensions of this land belong to the mountain system of Turimiquere and part of the Cordillera de la Costa, in its western wing, which offers its visitors a pleasant weather and a wide array of flora and fauna, as well as many rivers in the northern region of the state and large plains with gorgeous scenery towards the center, southern and eastern western region.

A large part of this Federal Entity reaches the Atlantic Ocean, in the vicinity of mouth of the Orinoco River. All of this plus its historical, cultural, folkloric, human and geographical resources, makes Monagas a strong player in eco-tourism.

Natural Attractions

Guacharo National Park
Within the natural attractions that Monagas offers to its visitors, we find a large variety of rivers, lagoons, waterfalls and caves, such as: La Paila Falls, Chorrerón Falls, Aparicio Falls, La Laja Falls, Puertas de Miraflores, Morichal Largo River, Caños de Buja, and Guacharo Caves.

Guacharo National Park is a natural space of great ecological and tourist interest. It is located in Municipio Caripe, with a total area of 62,700 Has. It is classified as a national park in order to guarantee the ecological balance of the region, as well as to ensure the continuity of the geological and biological processes that take place in this grand natural attraction.


La Guaricha Park

Another option regarding regarding park is offered by “Andrés Eloy Blanco”, with an extense green area and great tranquility for its visitors. Likewise, Doña Menca de Leoni Park is another must-see. Enjoy an exhibition of the various kinds of Venezuelan serpents. Parque Vial, located inside the installations of the Transit Department, will help create an awareness and education regarding traffic, under creative schemes.

Menca de Leoni Park

The Exposicion Ferial Chucho Palacions Park is a place designed for hosting events and expositions primarily related to the cattle and agricultural sectors. It is located in Raul Leoni avenue.

Morichal Largo River

For those who enjoy adventure there’s nothing better than to admire the majesty of Rio Morichal Largo, a fast-flowing river located south of Maturin, 45 min drive approximately on the Maturin-Barrancas del Orinoco highway. The starting point of the river is located in the Mesa that bears the same name, with its highest points reaching 160 meters above sea level. It crosses the southern regions of Monagas and Anzoategui and finally ends in Caño Manamo, defining the borders of Monagas and Delta Amacuro.

 

It holds several species of vegetation, which paired with the almost black waters, makes a beautiful scenery that no one should miss, such as Laguna Cujisánica and La Guasacónica. During certain hours you will see many specimens of the typical fauna of this river, such as, araguato monkeys, guacamayas and toucans, many ornamental fish, which also have a great nutritional value.

Morichal Largo river is currently considered the most exploited form of eco-tourism, in a national and international level.

Maturín

The capital of Monagas, also known as La Sultana de Guarapiche, owes its name to the Cacique of Maturin, who was found dead at the shores of Guarapiche river in December 1718 in a battle that involved the chiefs of the Achacapraca, Iguanaima and Tuapocan tribes.

Maturin can be considered the oiling capital of the eastern side of Venezuela. With the discovery of the Furrial bed, north of the Monagas State, in the decade of the 80’s, the oiling growth of Maturin has been astonishing. This can be seen from the arrival at the airport, decorated with an oiling drill.

The city was founded by Fray Lucas de Zaragoza in December 7th 1760, with Garaunos Indians. The favorable geographical location, a plain bathed by a fluent wealth, permitted the righteous decision of the founder.

Downtown Maturin is a place worth visiting, particularly the Bolivar Square, wher you will find the shade of its trees refreshing. Next to the square you’ll find the Government Palace, head office of the Monagas government. To the other side is the San Simon Church, a colonial building from the XVIII century and the most important church before the construction of the cathedral.

Maturin is a promising land with a strong industrial zone in the La Cruz Complex and a modern airport by the name of Jose Tadeo Monagas.

Regarding sports, Maturin has a large sporting center conformed by 5 main installations that house gymnasiums, Olympic pools, semi Olympic pool, diving pool, soccer field, 4 tennis courts, 4 bolas criollas courts, track and field stadium, as well as green areas, walks and benches. It was inaugurated in 1982.