The Chapare Valley stretches across the Cochabamba department, at the junction of the Andes and the Bolivian Amazon. This "Tropics of Cochabamba" combines humid tropical forests, powerful rivers and national parks harboring some of the country's densest biodiversity. Villa Tunari, its main access point, serves as a base for exploring Machia park, Carrasco National Park and the indigenous territory Isiboro Sécure.

Why visit the Chapare Valley

The Chapare offers a rare geographical contrast: within a few hours' drive from Cochabamba, you transition from the Andean highlands to Amazonian lowlands. This transition zone concentrates several ecological layers across a short elevation change, which explains the richness of its fauna and flora: cloud forests, moss- and lichen-covered Yungas, orchids, bromeliads, tree ferns and over a thousand bird species.

The region remains on the margins of classic circuits, which tend to focus on the Salar de Uyuni or Lake Titicaca. It primarily attracts travelers interested in wildlife observation, national parks and community tourism with the Yuracaré peoples and other indigenous communities settled along the Chapare River, a tributary of the Mamoré River.

It's worth noting that the Chapare is one of Bolivia's main coca-growing regions. The leaf is cultivated legally for traditional uses, but the region has long been associated with the illegal cocaine economy. The situation has stabilized considerably since the 2000s and tourism is developing normally there, particularly around Villa Tunari.

History

The Yuracaré are the first documented inhabitants of the region. Chapare Province was created by decree on June 10, 1854, before being incorporated into Cercado Province and then re-established as an autonomous entity on December 31, 1888.

Modern colonization took place between 1920 and 1940, but remained limited until the mid-1970s. The real turning point came in the early 1990s, with the construction of the new road axis connecting Cochabamba to Santa Cruz. This infrastructure opened up the valley, accelerated the arrival of Andean settlers and structured the agricultural activity—coca, banana, citrus, pineapple—that characterizes the territory today.

What to see and do

Villa Tunari

Located 166 km from Cochabamba, between the Espíritu Santo and San Mateo rivers, Villa Tunari is the access hub of the Chapare. The town offers varied accommodations, restaurants specializing in river fish and concentrates outdoor activities: canoeing, rafting, zip-lining and jungle trekking. It's also the departure point for nearby national parks.

Machia Park

Adjoining Villa Tunari, Machia Park is an animal rehabilitation center managed in part by foreign volunteers. It houses capuchin and howler monkeys rescued from trafficking, as well as other recovering species. The trails offer views of the Eastern Cordillera and lowlands. Practical tip: leave no valuables visible (phone, glasses, lighter)—monkeys are quick and persistent.

Carrasco National Park

Carrasco National Park is part of a conservation corridor connecting Bolivia to Peru. You'll find cloud forests, canyons, waterfalls and a network of torrential rivers. The Cavernas del Repechón reserve shelters guacharo birds (nocturnal species) and several bat species; access is via the San Mateo River using a suspended cable (oroya). The park's most remote zones may be occupied by indigenous groups living in voluntary isolation.

Isiboro Sécure National Park

This indigenous territory and national park (TIPNIS) is home to several native communities living from hunting, fishing and agriculture. The landscape alternates between marshes, lagoons and cloud forests. The sites of Incachaca and Laguna Corani, in the park's upper section, are accessible from Cochabamba for day excursions.

When to go

The Chapare receives an average of 5,850 mm of rainfall per year, making it one of Bolivia's wettest zones. Seasonality is pronounced:

• Dry season (May to September): recommended period. Trails remain passable, wildlife observation is easier and rivers are navigable without excessive risk.
• Wet season (November to March): intense rainfall, frequent flooding of the Chapare River, some trails and park access become impassable.
• Transition months (April, October): acceptable compromise, lush vegetation, fewer visitors.

How to get there

Access is from Cochabamba via the Cochabamba–Santa Cruz road, approximately 3 to 4 hours drive to Villa Tunari. Several options:

• Regular bus: frequent departures from Cochabamba terminal, moderate fare.
• Trufi (shared taxi): faster, departure when vehicle is full.
• Car rental or private vehicle: most flexible option for exploring the parks afterward.

From Santa Cruz, the same road connects the valley in 5 to 6 hours.

Practical information

• Recommended duration: 2 to 4 days to combine Villa Tunari, Machia Park and an excursion into Carrasco Park.
• Accommodation: Villa Tunari concentrates the offer, ranging from basic hostels to complexes with pool and spa.
• Safety: the tourist area around Villa Tunari is calm. However, avoid unmarked secondary trails and isolated agricultural zones without a local guide.
• Equipment: light and waterproof clothing, effective insect repellent, closed hiking shoes, moisture protection for electronics.
• Health: tropical zone, antimalarial prophylaxis to discuss with a doctor depending on season.

Nearby

To extend your itinerary in Bolivia, several sites complement well a stop in the Chapare:

• El Sillar, on the route between Cochabamba and Santa Cruz, spectacular viewpoint over Andean canyons.
• Mururata mountain, peak of the Royal Cordillera accessible from La Paz.
• Valley of the Moon, eroded formations at the gates of La Paz.
• Cerro Rico mines in Potosí, for an immersion into colonial mining history.

Frequently asked questions

Prepare your trip

To integrate the Chapare Valley into a complete itinerary in Bolivian Amazon and the Andes, consult our suggestions for customized travel in Bolivia.