LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION
Itinerary: National Parks, Reserves & Wildlife
Bolivia has protected a third of its territory in 60 national parks and reserves. From Reserva de la Biosfera Sama's slice of the Altiplano and Kaa-Iya's vast chunk of the Gran Chaco, to the inundated savannas of the remote, but spectacular, Parque Nacional Noel Kempff Mercado, flora and fauna fans have much to choose from. Although some of these protected areas can be difficult to access, the following places are worth every ounce of the effort they take to reach.
Parque Nacional Sajama with its vicunas, soaring volcanoes and heavenly hot springs was Bolivia's first preserve. After National Geographic's feature in 2000, Parque Nacional Madidi became the best known, encompassing the widest habitat range and most numerous protected species.
Parque Nacional Carrasco and Parque Nacional Tunari are two of the more accessible, middle altitude cloudforests, while Parque Nacional Amboro is a prime place for bird-watching.
Apolobamba is one of the least visited national parks while the most popular, Eduardo Avaroa, receives more than 40,000 visitors per year.
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