Route to Cerro Guayamurí on Margarita Island

Cerro Guayamurí is a mountain located on Margarita Island; it stands approximately 470 meters tall and, together with Cerro El Copey and Cerro Matasiete, belongs to the group of highest places in this island state. Among the routes that can be done on the island, this one might be rated the best, but it also demands good physical condition on the part of the hiker. Xerophytic vegetation is what predominates on Margarita Island, but on this route one can witness several vegetation belts, coming to see something resembling a humid jungle at the mountain's summit. If you are lucky, you may also spot monkeys along the way. The initial stretch is quite steep; nevertheless, it takes a little under an hour to reach the highest point, and the view is worth all the effort. Descending from the summit, you pass for a few minutes through the humid jungle until returning once again to the belt of xerophytic vegetation, but this time with the surprise of the oregano that grows wild in the area and perfumes the air during almost the entire way down. The view toward the coast during the descent is one for the collection and will surely be one of the stretches you will love most on the route. The route ends in the El Cardón sector, from which you can return on foot to 31 de Julio Avenue or wait for a vehicle to pick you up. The whole route takes about 3 hours with rest breaks.

How to get there?

To reach this site, the usual approach is to set out from the city of Porlamar and, from Plaza Bolívar, board a bus bound for Playa El Agua. The start of the route is in the vicinity of the El Salado sector, which lies right along 31 de Julio Avenue, so if you are traveling by public transport you must be attentive not to overshoot it and should tell the driver your stop. Once there, you walk along a few streets heading northeast in order to approach the entrance to the hill; shortly after leaving the asphalt you have to cross an estate, and from there the true ascent begins. This route is unfortunately not formally developed for tourism; only a few hiking groups on the island get organized and occasionally form parties to visit the site, so it is worth contacting a guide in order to enjoy this adventure, and afterward you will indeed be able to venture in on your own.

Cost?

Since the route is fairly quick and has entry and exit points relatively close to the main roads, it tends to be quite inexpensive. The most significant expense will be the snacks or food you carry in your backpack and the public transport you board if you do not have your own vehicle. The approximate cost of this activity is USD $2.

What to bring?

A small rucksack, 2 liters of water—on this point you must be generous, because Margarita Island has a very hot climate and, as midday approaches, you run the risk of heatstroke if you do not take precautions, so staying hydrated is vital. Bring snacks, fruit, or some other option to eat along the way. The camera—you must not forget it. Light, cool sportswear; if possible, bring protection for your ankles and legs, because along the way you may come across snakes. A first-aid kit. Sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and a long-sleeved shirt to avoid brushing against the vegetation.

Recommendations

It is recommended to carry the water as cold as possible; if you bring it frozen it will very likely melt along the way and, besides hydrating you, will help keep the body cool. During the ascent, if you go in a group, avoid staying close to the other hikers, since the trail is very steep and a misstep can cause others to fall as well and get hurt. The trail is well marked; even so, avoid taking shortcuts or detours, because they will probably be more dangerous or will lead you nowhere.