Best Backpacking Destinations in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia

1. Parque Nacional Ichillí

Ichillí National Park is a vast wetland reserve teeming with wildlife and offers unparalleled opportunities for birdwatching.

Wildlife Variety: Home to over 400 bird species, including the endangered Jabiru stork.
Wetland Ecosystem: Explore unique ecosystems like marshlands, swamps, and forests.
Remote Beauty: Experience the tranquility of a remote and pristine wilderness area.

Amboró National Park is a vast, biodiverse rainforest with stunning waterfalls and opportunities for trekking.

Biodiversity: Home to over 100 mammal species, including the jaguar and giant otter.
Waterfall Adventures: Explore awe-inspiring waterfalls like San Rafael and Aguas Calientes.
Trekking Opportunities: Challenge yourself on long, rugged hikes through the dense rainforest.

Noel Kempff Mercado National Park is a vast, remote wilderness area with an incredible array of wildlife and beautiful landscapes.

Wildlife Paradise: Home to over 100 mammal species, including the giant armadillo and jaguarundi.
Remote Wilderness: Explore untouched landscapes, including the stunning Parque Nacional Noel Kempff Mercado.
Challenging Treks: Experience long, challenging treks through dense rainforest and over rugged terrain.

The Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos are a series of beautifully preserved missions dating back to the 17th century.

Historical Significance: Learn about the history and culture of the indigenous people in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Architectural Marvels: Admire the ornate, Baroque-style architecture of these historic missions.
Cultural Immersion: Experience the living traditions and customs of the local indigenous communities.

Andeanita Wildlife Reserve is a haven for endangered species like the mountain tapir and giant otter.

Endangered Species: Spot rare animals like the Andean condor, mountain tapir, and giant otter.
Wildlife Rehabilitation: Learn about conservation efforts at the on-site wildlife rehabilitation center.
Rugged Terrain: Experience the beauty and challenge of trekking through rugged Andean terrain.

The Pantanal is the world's largest tropical wetland and offers incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Wildlife Variety: Spot jaguars, caimans, capybaras, and over 600 bird species.
Unique Ecosystems: Explore the diverse ecosystems of grasslands, forests, and wetlands.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure: Experience the adventure of traveling through a remote and pristine wilderness area.

Serranía del Aguaragüe National Park offers stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and opportunities for trekking.

Diverse Ecosystems: Explore the park's diverse ecosystems, including cloud forests, grasslands, and savannas.
Wildlife Spotting: Spot wildlife like jaguars, pumas, and tapirs in their natural habitat.
Rugged Terrain: Challenge yourself on long, rugged treks through the park's remote wilderness areas.

Madidi National Park is a biodiverse paradise with opportunities for trekking and wildlife viewing.

Biodiversity: Home to over 10,000 plant species and 800 bird species.
Wildlife Spotting: Spot wildlife like jaguars, capybaras, and giant otters in their natural habitat.
Remote Beauty: Experience the tranquility of a remote and pristine wilderness area.

Otuquis National Park is a vast, remote wilderness area with an incredible array of wildlife and beautiful landscapes.

Wildlife Paradise: Home to over 100 mammal species, including the giant armadillo and jaguarundi.
Remote Wilderness: Explore untouched landscapes, including the stunning Parque Nacional Otuquis.
Challenging Treks: Experience long, challenging treks through dense rainforest and over rugged terrain.

Carrasco National Park is a vast wilderness area with diverse ecosystems and opportunities for trekking.

Diverse Ecosystems: Explore the park's diverse ecosystems, including cloud forests, grasslands, and savannas.
Wildlife Spotting: Spot wildlife like jaguars, pumas, and tapirs in their natural habitat.
Rugged Terrain: Challenge yourself on long, rugged treks through the park's remote wilderness areas.

Madidi Wetlands offer incredible opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.

Wildlife Variety: Spot jaguars, capybaras, caimans, and over 600 bird species.
Unique Ecosystems: Explore the diverse ecosystems of grasslands, forests, and wetlands.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure: Experience the adventure of traveling through a remote and pristine wilderness area.

Vallegrande is a peaceful town with a rich history and opportunities for hiking and cultural immersion.

Historical Significance: Visit the Che Guevara Museum to learn about the revolutionary leader's life and legacy.
Scenic Hikes: Explore the beautiful landscapes of the surrounding hills and valleys on scenic hikes.
Cultural Immersion: Experience the living traditions and customs of the local indigenous communities.

Samaipata is a small town with a rich history and opportunities for hiking and cultural immersion.

Historical Significance: Visit the El Fuerte archaeological site, believed to have been a pre-Inca temple.
Scenic Hikes: Explore the beautiful landscapes of the surrounding hills and valleys on scenic hikes.
Cultural Immersion: Experience the living traditions and customs of the local indigenous communities.

El Sauce is a peaceful town with opportunities for birdwatching and hiking.

Wildlife Variety: Spot over 300 bird species in the surrounding wetlands.
Scenic Hikes: Explore the beautiful landscapes of the surrounding hills and valleys on scenic hikes.
Cultural Immersion: Experience the living traditions and customs of the local indigenous communities.

Sierra de la Cruz is a mountain range with diverse ecosystems and opportunities for trekking.

Diverse Ecosystems: Explore the park's diverse ecosystems, including cloud forests, grasslands, and savannas.
Wildlife Spotting: Spot wildlife like jaguars, pumas, and tapirs in their natural habitat.
Rugged Terrain: Challenge yourself on long, rugged treks through the park's remote wilderness areas.