Discover Albania: park, sculpture and dry forest

Parque de la Princesa Negra is a specific reason to visit Albania: the park is shaped by its namesake main sculpture, green spaces and shady places to rest. The Montes de Oca forest reserve offers something different: it extends across Maicao, Albania and Hatonuevo; the guided day hike is part of the nature experience in the wider travel area. When planning your trip, you can therefore think of a visit to the park in town and the regional hike as distinct experiences.

Parque de la Princesa Negra

Visitors can see the namesake main sculpture at Parque de la Princesa Negra. The green spaces and shady areas offer a place to rest and add a quieter side of the park to your visit. This combines viewing the artwork with a break surrounded by greenery. Cultural celebrations or public events are also occasionally held here. If an event is important to your plans, check the dates in advance.

Montes de Oca: dry forest and biodiversity

The Montes de Oca forest reserve extends across the municipalities of Maicao, Albania and Hatonuevo and covers more than 12,000 hectares of tropical dry forest. It is surrounded by dry forests and subxerophytic scrubland. These landscapes already offer a different contrast to the park’s green spaces: here, the scenery is shaped by a vast natural area.

More than 250 plant and animal species live in this ecosystem, including birds, mammals and reptiles; some are endangered. Species conserved in the reserve include green macaws, tanagers, partridges and Cardonera doves.

The reserve also has a role in protecting water: it safeguards watersheds that help maintain and regulate the flow of the Río Carraipia and contribute to the drinking water supply. At the same time, it preserves landscape values for appreciation and quiet recreation. Montes de Oca is therefore not only a nature destination for active days, but also an area important for water management and landscape conservation.

Hiking and vacation planning

In the wider travel area, the Montes de Oca dry forest offers a hike, natural waterfalls, swimming pools and diverse flora and fauna. A one-day hike is led by knowledgeable local guides and adapted to the fitness level of each group. Access to the trail comes with a clear condition: for safety reasons, it is permitted only with a certified guide or a member of the local community.

When looking for a vacation rental in Albania, you can consider Parque de la Princesa Negra a specific reason to visit the town. The guided day hike in Montes de Oca is part of the nature experience in the wider travel area and should be considered a separate regional experience.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Nevamar, Cuestecita, Cuba, Uribia, Palomino, Dibulla, Maicao, San Juan Del Cesar.

To the broader travel overview: La Guajira.