Laguna de Tacarigua

The Laguna de Tacarigua lies behind a sandbar some thirty kilometres long on the central coast, a national park of brackish water, mangrove channels and mudflats. It is one of the best places in the country for waterbirds: scarlet ibis roost here in flocks that turn the mangrove red at dusk, along with flamingos, herons, spoonbills and pelicans. Boats go out from the village through the channels to the bar, where the beach faces the open Caribbean.

The landscape

• The scarlet ibis roost - flocks turning the mangrove red as they come in at dusk.
• The mangrove channels - boat routes through the lagoon's tunnels of root and branch.
• The sandbar beach - thirty kilometres of sand between lagoon and open sea.
• The waterbirds - flamingos, spoonbills, herons and pelicans on the flats.

When to go

November to March is the dry season and the best for bird numbers. Late afternoon is when the ibis come in to roost. The wet season raises the water and disperses the birds.

Things to know

The roost is best at dusk, which means arranging a boat to return in near darkness. Boats are priced per vessel rather than per person. Facilities at the village are minimal.

Nearby

Higuerote is west, and Caracas is beyond it.