
Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Santa Cruz, Bolivia
1. Noel Kempff Mercado National Park
Expansive park with diverse wildlife and stunning waterfalls.
- Rare Species: Home to many rare and endangered species like the giant otter and hyacinth macaw.
- Tropical Rainforest: A vast tropical rainforest offering opportunities for jungle treks and boat tours.
- Remote Location: Located in a remote region, making it a challenging but rewarding destination for adventurous travelers.
2. Amboró National Park
Protects a vast expanse of cloud forest and high-altitude grasslands.
- Cloud Forest Biodiversity: Boasts one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world, with many unique species.
- Unspoiled Wilderness: An unspoiled wilderness offering challenging treks and opportunities for birdwatching.
- Andean Climate: Experience the unique Andean climate, with cool temperatures and frequent mist.
3. Cotocollao Wetlands Reserve
Wetland reserve offering birdwatching opportunities and a chance to see caimans.
- Diverse Birdlife: A haven for over 400 bird species, including jabiru storks and roseate spoonbills.
- Caiman Spotting: Chance to spot caimans, the South American relatives of alligators.
- Wetland Habitats: A variety of wetland habitats, including swamps, marshes, and lagoons.
4. Samaipata-Cerro Azul National Park
Features ancient archaeological sites and diverse wildlife.
- Archaeological Wonders: Includes the mysterious El Fuerte ruins and other ancient structures.
- Biodiversity: Harbors a rich variety of wildlife, including capybaras, monkeys, and toucans.
- Outdoor Activities: Offers hiking, horseback riding, and birdwatching opportunities.
5. Cerro Verde National Park
Known for its unique geological formations and wildlife.
- Geological Wonders: Features massive sandstone monoliths known as 'the amphitheater'.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides a habitat for many species, including puma, tapir, and various bird species.
- Challenging Hikes: Offers challenging hikes, requiring a good level of fitness and adventurous spirit.
6. Safari Santa Cruz
A private reserve offering wildlife safaris and jungle treks.
- Exclusive Experience: Provides an exclusive, off-the-beaten-path wildlife experience.
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours with knowledgeable local guides.
- Wildlife Variety: Chances to see jaguar, capybara, anaconda, and various bird species.
7. Parque Machía
A private reserve focusing on jaguar conservation.
- Jaguar Conservation: Dedicated to the conservation of jaguars and their habitat.
- Wildlife Variety: Offers opportunities to see various wildlife, including tapir, capybara, and anaconda.
- Guided Tours: Provides guided tours with knowledgeable local guides.
8. Parque Nacional Ichilo
A national park offering opportunities for birdwatching and jungle treks.
- Diverse Birdlife: Home to over 600 bird species, including the harpy eagle.
- Jungle Treks: Offers challenging jungle treks through diverse ecosystems.
- Remote Location: Located in a remote region, making it a challenging but rewarding destination for adventurous travelers.
9. Parque Nacional Madidi
A vast national park offering opportunities for wildlife spotting and jungle treks.
- Wildlife Variety: Home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including jaguar, capybara, and numerous bird species.
- Jungle Treks: Offers challenging jungle treks through diverse ecosystems.
- Cultural Experiences: Opportunities to interact with local indigenous communities and learn about their culture.
10. Parque Nacional TIPNIS
A national park offering opportunities for wildlife spotting and cultural experiences.
- Wildlife Variety: Home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including jaguar, capybara, and numerous bird species.
- Cultural Experiences: Opportunities to interact with local indigenous communities and learn about their culture.
- Challenging Hikes: Offers challenging hikes, requiring a good level of fitness and adventurous spirit.
11. Parque Nacional Kaa-Iya del Gran Chaco
A national park offering opportunities for wildlife spotting and birdwatching.
- Wildlife Variety: Home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including the giant anteater and numerous bird species.
- Birdwatching: A haven for over 350 bird species, including the endangered southern caracara.
- Challenging Conditions: Located in a harsh, arid climate, requiring proper preparation and equipment.
12. Parque Nacional Otuquis
A national park offering opportunities for wildlife spotting and birdwatching.
- Wildlife Variety: Home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including the jaguar and numerous bird species.
- Birdwatching: A haven for over 350 bird species, including the endangered southern caracara.
- Challenging Conditions: Located in a harsh, arid climate, requiring proper preparation and equipment.
13. Parque Nacional Amboró-Safari
A national park offering wildlife safaris and jungle treks.
- Wildlife Variety: Home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including the jaguar and numerous bird species.
- Jungle Treks: Offers challenging jungle treks through diverse ecosystems.
- Safari Experience: Provides a unique safari experience in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.
14. Parque Nacional Madidi-Safari
A national park offering wildlife safaris and cultural experiences.
- Wildlife Variety: Home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including the jaguar and numerous bird species.
- Cultural Experiences: Opportunities to interact with local indigenous communities and learn about their culture.
- Safari Experience: Provides a unique safari experience in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.
15. Parque Nacional TIPNIS-Safari
A national park offering wildlife safaris and cultural experiences.
- Wildlife Variety: Home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including the jaguar and numerous bird species.
- Cultural Experiences: Opportunities to interact with local indigenous communities and learn about their culture.
- Safari Experience: Provides a unique safari experience in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.