Plizio Visual Lab

Machía Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Animal habitat

Weather…

Parque Machía, located in Villa Tunari, is a globally recognized wildlife sanctuary managed by the Comunidad Inti Wara Yassi (CIWY). Established in 1996, the reserve serves as a haven for wild animals rescued from illegal trafficking, domestic captivity, or abuse. Spanning approximately 38 hectares, the park provides a habitat for various species, including monkeys, coatis, pumas, and numerous tropical birds. The primary mission of the sanctuary is to rehabilitate these animals for eventual release into the wild or to provide them with species-appropriate care in a protected environment. The park's operations rely heavily on the efforts of international volunteers who assist with feeding, medical care, and daily enrichment activities. While visitors can explore the park via designated trails, strict regulations are enforced to minimize stress on the resident wildlife. Despite challenges from nearby road expansions and urban growth, Parque Machía remains a vital symbol of environmental conservation and the fight against wildlife trafficking in Bolivia.

Location: Bolivia
Top sights: Zona de Aves · Mirador del Parque Machia · Area de Monos

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Aug, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	21	21	21	20	19	18	18	20	22	22	22	22
Rain mm	122	118	67	28	13	51	7	9	12	36	54	106

📋 Practical info

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Best season

The tropical climate allows visits year-round, but the dry season from May to October has the most comfortable conditions. In the rainy season, trails are often muddy but vegetation is lush.

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Best time of day

Early morning is when monkeys are most active foraging for food. Late afternoon sees many animals returning near the lodgings.

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Etiquette

Do not touch or feed the monkeys, as they may lose their natural behavior. Keep distance and avoid direct eye contact, which may be seen as a threat.

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What to bring

Rain gear and sturdy shoes are recommended due to wet ground. Binoculars help spot monkeys in the dense canopy.

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Getting there

The reserve is about one hour from Cochabamba and accessible by car. The last stretch is unpaved; a 4x4 vehicle is recommended.

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What to expect

The monkeys are curious but not always immediately visible; quiet sitting often draws them closer. Behave naturally and avoid sudden movements.

Geography

Coordinates

-16.96670, -65.41670

Facts

The park opened in 1996 as the first wildlife sanctuary established by CIWY.
It houses over 500 animals representing more than 30 different species.
CIWY is funded almost entirely through private donations and volunteer fees.
The sanctuary is located in the humid Chapare region at an altitude of 300 meters.
Many of the resident capuchin monkeys were formerly kept as illegal pets.
International volunteers are required to commit for a minimum of 15 to 30 days.