The village of Nazareth is at an oasis amidst this desert. According to Wayuu mythology, this is one of the three sons of the god Maleywa who had successfully followed his father’s orders and was so blessed with this climate and vegetation.

Nazareth serves as the gateway into Parque Nacional Natural Macuira, a unique biological island: it is a cloud forest within the desert. Its 25,000 hectares encompass the Serranía de Macuira, an ancient mountain range that reaches to 865 meters (2,837 feet). Amongst the 249 flora species are mosses and orchids. Fauna include monkeys, tigrillo, deer, guacharaca and 22 endemic species of birds. Entrance to the national park is free.

(Nazareth—Altitude: 65 m / 213 ft, Population: 7,100, City Code: 5)