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Carrasco National Park
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Carrasco National Park is located in the Cochabamba Department and covers an area of approximately 622,600 hectares in the eastern Andes of Bolivia. Established on October 11, 1991, the reserve protects an impressive vertical range from 300 to over 4,500 meters above sea level. The landscape is characterized by dense cloud forests, deep canyons, and rushing rivers that are part of the Amazon basin. The park is home to over 5,000 plant species and serves as a refuge for endangered animal species such as the spectacled bear and the jaguar. A special attraction is the Repechón caves, where rare oilbirds (Guácharos) nest. Due to the extreme elevation changes, the park has one of the highest biodiversity rates in the world and plays a crucial role in the water cycle of the surrounding regions.
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep–Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 19 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Rain mm | 127 | 116 | 73 | 37 | 24 | 44 | 12 | 16 | 17 | 43 | 60 | 105 |
📋 Practical info
Best season
The dry season from May to October is convenient for hiking in the cloud forests of Carrasco National Park. During this time the trails are drier, and the Andean cock-of-the-rock and spectacled bear are more active.
Best time of day
Early morning is the best time to spot the Andean cock-of-the-rock at its display arenas. Late afternoon features increased chances of seeing a spectacled bear along forest edges.
Etiquette
Do not feed any animals and stay on designated hiking trails. Collecting plants or disturbing wildlife is strictly prohibited.
What to bring
A good binocular and a rain cover for your camera are essential as it is often misty and damp. Sturdy hiking boots with good tread and waterproof clothing are recommended.
Getting there
The park is reachable from Cochabamba via the road to Villa Tunari, but the last kilometers are on dirt roads. A high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicle is advisable.
What to expect
The spectacled bear is very shy and rarely seen; plan to spend several hours searching. The Andean cock-of-the-rock is easier to locate by listening for its calls at display sites in the morning.
Geography
Facts
- The national park was officially established on October 11, 1991.
- The total protected area covers approximately 6,226 square kilometers.
- The park spans elevations ranging from 300m to 4,700m.
- More than 5,000 distinct species of vascular plants have been documented.
- The Repechón caves house a significant colony of nocturnal oilbirds.
- The park is directly adjacent to Amboró National Park to the east.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the main attraction in Carrasco Park?
The 'Cavernas del Repechón', where rare oilbirds (guácharos) live.
Where is the park located?
In the Chapare region, about 3-4 hours from Cochabamba.
What clothing should you wear?
Light rain gear and good hiking boots, as it is one of the wettest places in Bolivia.
Are there camping sites?
There are designated areas, but permission from the park administration is required.
Can you see cloud forests?
Yes, the park protects vast areas of pristine cloud forests at various altitudes.
Carrasco National Park: where is it located?
Carrasco National Park is located in Bolivia.
Carrasco National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep, Nov.
Carrasco National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Carrasco National Park is located in the Cochabamba Department and covers an area of approximately 622,600 hectares in the eastern Andes of Bolivia.
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Mercado La Cancha
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