Overview:

is located off the north coast of Venezuela and is made up of small islands, coral reefs and sandbanks, giving it a unique beauty. It is a marine reserve and is popular with sailors and divers who come to explore the beautiful blue waters and the abundance of marine life. The archipelago is also home to some of the most important wetlands in South America, making it an important ecological site. It has been recognized by UNESCO as a “Man and the Biosphere Reserve” due to its great biodiversity. Los Roques is the perfect place to experience ecotourism or simply relax on a pristine beach. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Venezuela
Prominent Features:

1. The archipelago consists of 350+ islands, islets, and cays. 2. Some of the islands are inhabited, including François, Coche, Madrizquí, Crasquí, Pitá, Doín, Medio Muerto, Noronquí, and Carenero. 3. It is located 128 km (79.5 miles) northeast of the Venezuelan mainland. 4. It is a popular tourist destination because of its pristine coral reefs and beautiful beaches. 5. The archipelago is a popular destination for diving, sailing, and windsurfing. 6. It is a designated National Park, protecting the numerous sea turtles, sea birds, and iguanas that inhabit it. 7. The archipelago is considered a Ramsar Site, recognizing the importance of its mangroves and vibrant aquatic life. 8. Los Roques is home to lovely coral formations, tropical fish, and a variety of seabirds, including flamingos. 9. The area contains a wealth of both Macro- and Micro-fauna, making it a paradise for nature lovers. 10. The waters surrounding the islands have excellent visibility year-round, making Los Roques an ideal destination for snorkeling and underwater photography. This national monument of Venezuela portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Los Roques Archipelago was first discovered by the Spanish in 1526 during a voyage to the Caribbean. The Spanish explorer, Alonso de Ojeda, had been sailing to search for islands for trading and colonization, and it was during his expedition that he came across the archipelago located just off the northwestern coast of Venezuela. In the 17th century, French merchants began using the islands as a base for the salt trade. They named the islands as Los Roques Archipelago (The Forts), as a reference to the multiple fortifications built by the merchants during this period. In 1831, the archipelago was declared as Dependencias Federales by the government of Gran Colombia, the Confederation of Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador. In 1898, the entire archipelago was claimed as the property of the Venezuelan state. In the mid-20th century, the northern islands of the archipelago, including Gran Roque, were used to host a number of military installations. This was primarily due to the strategic importance of its location. In 1972, the islands were declared a national park by President Rafael Caldera and began to be developed as a tourist destination. Today, the archipelago remains one of the most important tourist spots in Venezuela. It is also a popular destination for recreational fishing, scuba diving, and yachting. Many species of birds and marine life can be found in the waters and vegetation of the islands. You must visit one of these historical places in Venezuela on your Venezuela tour

Interesting facts:

1. Los Roques Archipelago is an archipelago of islands located in the Caribbean Sea off the northeast coast of Venezuela. 2. It is the largest marine park of the Caribbean, boasting with over 350 islands and cays. 3. The park is home to five species of turtles, 85 species of coral, 523 species of fish and 42 species of birds, including the American Flamingo. 4. The islands are known for their crystal clear, warm turquoise waters that are rich with marine life and their sandy beaches lined by coconut palms. 5. Los Roques was designated as a National Park in 1972 and was declared a Ramsar Site of International Importance in 1975. 6. Los Roques Archipelago is known as a premier destination for kite surfing, windsurfing and deep sea fishing. 7. Los Roques National Park is a coral archipelago and has an area of 2,172km2 and is located 88 km due north of Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. 8. In addition to the main park, the archipelago includes the small islands of Blanquilla, Francisquí, Margarita, La Orchila, La Blanquilla, Las Aves, Los Frailes and Los Monjes, with numerous coral cays and sandbanks. Visit one of the famous monuments of Venezuela with your friends and family.