Safety

Traveler Advice Types:
Safety

By Lorraine Caputo

The more remote areas of the park are reportedly safer than they were 10 years ago. However, if hiking more isolated trails (e.g., from Calabozo to Cabo San Juan del Guía), it is more advisable to do so in a group or with a guide. Take no valuables.

Beware the errant, omnivorous donkeys, especially at Arrecifes. Hang all your belongings beyond their reach.

Swimming is not safe at Cañaveral and Arrecifes, due to strong surf and currents.

Take proper protection against mosquitoes. At times yellow fever is reported in the area and the park is closed entirely or entrance is restricted to only those with proof of vaccination. Since 2006 a number of cases of dengue have been reported by travelers to the region; it remains unclear if the culprit zone is the park or near-by villages. Also, beware of ticks and other bloodsuckers when walking along jungle-crowded paths.

If visiting beaches or entering the park by boat, be aware of small-craft advisories issued December-January because of high winds.