The **Guárico parish** is the Andean balcony of Morán Municipality. Its capital is the town of **Guárico**, perched at 1,700 m above sea level, known for its cool climate, its strawberry, blackberry, peach, and potato crops, and for being **the gateway to Dinira National Park**, where the Tocuyo River rises. It should not be confused with Guárico state in the central plains: this Guárico is a **mountain town in Lara state**.
About Guárico
Andean parish in the south of Morán Municipality. Its capital, the town of Guárico, is one of the **highest towns in Lara state** (≈ 1,700 m above sea level). Gateway to **Dinira National Park** and the **Cendé páramo**, source of the Tocuyo River.
History of the Guárico parish
Guárico took shape as a **doctrine town** in the 17th century from reductions of indigenous peoples of the Jirajara and Ayamane groups. Its altitude and isolation made it a refuge during the civil wars of the 19th century, where it maintained its own productive life and a distinctive peasant identity. The modern civil parish preserves that traditional Andean town character.
Geography, terrain and climate
The parish lies in the **Lara Andes mountain range**. It is dominated by the **Cendé páramo** (part of the Cendé–Jirajara massif) and **Dinira National Park**, where the **Tocuyo River**, the most important river in Lara state, rises. There are glacial lakes, frailejones (Espeletia spp.), cloud forests, and páramo areas above 2,800 m above sea level.
Culture, religion and traditions
Guárico preserves Andean traditions: **aguinaldo Masses** in December, **Paraduras del Niño** in January, **Our Lady of Mercy** in September, and traditional dances with vigils and galerones. The cuisine and woolen weavings are markers of identity.
Economy and production
**Intensive Andean agriculture**: potatoes, strawberries, blackberries, peaches, garlic, carrots, cabbage, leek, and cilantro. **High-altitude coffee** at mid-elevations. Sheep and dairy cattle farming. Small-scale artisanal production of weavings and sweets.
Main crops
This parish stands out for the production of: coffee, potatoes, strawberries, blackberries, peaches, garlic, carrots.