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In the far south of the park are Lake Valencia and the metropolitan area of the city of Maracay, which has a population of around 850,000 inhabitants (INE 2001). Access to and transit within the park is on two main roads that start in Maracay (running north-south). The longer one (50 km) takes the western route from El Limón until it branches in two directions: to Ocumare de la Costa- Cata-Cuyagua and to Cumboto-Turiamo, while the other road connects El Castaño and Choroní in the eastern zone of the park. The Rancho Grande Biological Station, located at Km 12 on the western road, provides lodging and laboratory facilities to researchers, students, and bird watchers, among others. It also has an interpretive nature trail and a museum collection that some years ago was moved a few kilometers down the road to the town of El Limón. The recreational area of Las Cocuizas, located at Km 2 on the eastern route, has cabins for barbecues and is a good place for enjoying the river environment. There are scenic overlooks and water taps along both roads.
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