Amboro National Park lies approximately forty kilometers west of Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Leave urban bustle behind and attune yourself to nature in this wild sanctuary nestled between the foothills of the Bolivian Andes, the Amazon basin, and the Chaco!

History

The German Busch Wildlife Reservoir was established in the Amboro region in 1973. In 1894, the site was declared Amboro National Park across an area of 1,800 km² thanks to support from numerous scientists, including zoologist Robin Clark and biologist Noel Kempff. The zone was expanded to 6,376 km² in 1995, before being reduced to 4,425 km² that same year.

Today

Amboro National Park divides into two distinct sections: the highlands in the north and lowlands in the south. The "red line" separates the region into two administrative zones—the park proper covering 442,500 hectares and the IMNA integrated management natural area occupying 195,100 hectares. IMNA was established to ensure balance between preserving the park's biodiversity and sustainable development for local communities.

Still relatively undiscovered by tourists, Northern Amboro hosts beautiful tropical forest, natural pools, waterfalls, rivers and streams. Its fauna and flora feature numerous rare species to discover alongside local communities. This is the essential circuit for those passionate about deep, mysterious jungles. In the park's southern section, the landscape is mountainous with less abundant vegetation. Water bodies are also scarce. However, this is the habitat of several endemic animal species, including the famous spectacled bear.

What to Do at Amboro National Park?

North or south, there's no shortage of activities! In the Mataracú region, you can search for rare animals like the giant sloth. Caimans and other jungle creatures await you at Laguna Verde. At Refugio de Los Volcanes, scan the skies to spot exotic bird species such as the black-breasted eagle, emerald toucan, Andean condor, or military macaw. Tapirs, spider monkeys, pumas, spectacled bears, armadillos, ocelots, and countless other mammals await discovery within the park.

Regarding plant life, the Las Palmeras trail will immerse you in Bolivia's giant trees, ferns, and medicinal plants. The convergence of three ecosystems has fostered rich floral diversity with a high rate of endemism at Amboro. Over 3,000 species have been documented. Cloud forests or lowland forests, cactus fields, palm groves, mountain scrubland, pampas or yungas valleys—nature puts on quite a show.

Hikers will certainly enjoy trekking the La Orquídea, El Cóndor, Bosque Seco y Amboro, La Cascada, and Los Loros trails. The "Dinosaur Trail" will lead you to strange caves and imposing ravines where, with a knowledgeable guide, you'll have the opportunity to see actual dinosaur fossils. Photographers will likely prefer Mirador Loma Borda to capture panoramic views of the Volcanes mountain range, or Jardin de las Delícias, renowned for its beautiful waterfall.

If you're seeking water activities, the Cajones del Ichilo river is perfect for fishing, kayaking, rafting, and canoeing. Between your adventures, take time to cool off in the crystalline waterfalls and mountain streams scattered throughout the park. Be sure to visit the Amboro Interpretation Center to properly plan your itinerary according to the site's geographical, biological, and cultural specificities.

Two highways connecting Santa Cruz and Cochabamba run through Amboro National Park. Created in the 1950s, the southern road was once paved but has been abandoned since the northern route opened in the 1980s. Various secondary gravel tracks branch from these two main routes and serve the park's most developed sections. It's possible to enter the reserve on foot via river beds and small trails.

When to Visit and What Are the Costs?

Amboro National Park ranges between 300 and 3,500 meters in altitude, giving it variable climatic conditions. The region experiences its warmest temperatures between December and January. Weather cools during July and August. At higher elevations, frost can occur on the coldest days. Regarding rainfall, the park receives between 600 mm and 4,000 mm annually—the northern section is wetter than the south. The rainy season extends from October to April, peaking in January. The dry season lasts from May to September and represents the best time to visit Amboro National Park.

A two-day visit with one night costs approximately $120 USD. This rate typically includes an experienced English-speaking local guide, accommodation (lodge, cabin, tent, etc.), meals and water bottles, hiking excursions, round-trip shuttle from Santa Cruz, and park entrance fees.