Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Denmark
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Sweden
Switzerland
Waterfall · Santa Elena de Uairén, Bolívar
Quebrada de Jaspe
Shallow stream that runs over a bed of red and orange rock, with small waterfalls, beside the Troncal 10 north of Santa Elena.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Quebrada de Jaspe
Quebrada de Jaspe, called Kako Parú by the pemón, is a stream that runs over slabs of red and orange rock beside the Troncal 10, north of Santa Elena de Uairén. The water is shallow and clear, and the color of the rock shows beneath it, with lighter and darker veins.
The name comes from the idea that the bed was jasper, a semi-precious stone. Studies showed it is a volcanic rock, rhyolite, but the name stuck. The stream forms small waterfalls and steps, and a short trail follows the banks through the vegetation.
The site has a tourist stop with parking and sales of handicrafts and food, managed by the local pemón community.
To protect the bed, you may not remove stones or walk on the marked areas. In some sections the rock becomes slippery.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour.
Best time
At midday, with the sun high, the color of the rock appears stronger under the water. In the dry season, from December to April, the water is usually lower and clearer.
How to get there
It is next to the Troncal 10, about 45 km north of Santa Elena, less than an hour by car. Organized tours from town usually include the stop.
Tip
Walk barefoot only where allowed and with care: wet rock is slippery. Do not take stones as souvenirs.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Quebrada de Jaspe
Is the bed of the Quebrada de Jaspe really made of jasper?
No. Studies showed it is a volcanic rock, rhyolite, with red and orange colors. The popular name stuck.
Can you bathe in the Quebrada de Jaspe?
The water is shallow, good for wetting your feet in permitted sections. For bathing, the Quebrada Pacheco further north has natural pools.
Is it far from Santa Elena?
About 45 km north along the Troncal 10.