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La Senda Verde

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Animal habitat
—°12
La Senda Verde (Bolivia)

Weather…

La Senda Verde is a renowned animal welfare center and sanctuary located in the Yungas region near the village of Yolosa in the La Paz Department. Established in 2003, the center is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and lifelong care of wild animals that have fallen victim to illegal trafficking or abuse. Set within lush subtropical vegetation, La Senda Verde provides a safe home for hundreds of animals, including spectacled bears, jaguars, various monkey species, and hundreds of parrots. The institution emphasizes environmental education and gives volunteer programs to raise awareness about the threats facing Bolivian wildlife. Since the animals are often traumatized or have become habituated to humans, most can no longer be released back into the wild. The center is funded through donations, ecotourism, and the commitment of conservationists worldwide. It is regarded as one of South America's most successful examples of private initiative in species conservation.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug–Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C191919191817171820212120
Rain mm1891711247646393541377393152

📋 Practical info

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Best season
The dry season from May to October features the best opportunity to visit the La Senda Verde sanctuary, as the trails are more passable. During this time, rescued animals including monkeys, bears, and exotic birds are particularly active and easy to observe.
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Best time of day
Feeding times and daily tours usually take place in the morning when animals are most alert. A visit in the early morning promises the liveliest encounter with the sanctuary's residents.
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Etiquette
Do not touch the animals unless a guide specifically asks you to. Photography is allowed, but without flash to avoid stressing the animals.
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What to bring
Comfortable hiking shoes and light clothing are recommended for the humid tropical forest. Rain gear is useful even in the dry season as short showers can occur at any time.
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Getting there
La Senda Verde is located about two hours from La Paz on the road to Coroico. Public buses and shared taxis run regularly from La Paz; the sanctuary is well signposted.
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What to expect
Although many animals are accustomed to humans, it may take a while for them to appear - especially in the quiet midday hours. Take your time to learn the stories of individual animals and enjoy the atmosphere.

Geography

Coordinates
-16.20890, -67.72890

Facts

  • The center was founded in 2003 by Vicky Ossio and Marcelo Levy.
  • It houses over 800 animals from more than 60 different species.
  • La Senda Verde is situated at an altitude of approximately 1,250 meters.
  • The grounds cover about 12 hectares of protected secondary forest.
  • Over 90% of the residents are victims of illegal wildlife trafficking.
  • There is a specialized hospital on-site for the primary care of rescued animals.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Yungas Coffee RegionYungas Coffee Region9 km · NWExplore →
IllimaniIllimani19 km · WExplore →
Cordillera RealCordillera Real31 km · SExplore →
Yungas Coca TerracesYungas Coca Terraces35 km · NExplore →
Valley of the SoulsValley of the Souls36 km · SExplore →
Alto Beni Cacao PlantationsAlto Beni Cacao Plantations39 km · NEExplore →
Zongo ValleyZongo Valley41 km · SExplore →
Vesty Pakos ZooVesty Pakos Zoo42 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town La Senda Verde (12)

San Juan🌿 nature

The San Juan viewpoint has sweeping panoramic vistas over the dense tropical canopy and winding river valleys below.

Sacramento🌿 nature

From the elevated vantage point of Sacramento, visitors can take in the dramatic cloud-forest slopes typical of the Yungas region.

Zipline Bolivia📍 landmark

Zipline Bolivia provides an adrenaline-fueled aerial ride across the lush Yolosa valley canopy near the Senda Verde wildlife sanctuary.

Casa de Hacienda🏺 historical

This historical Casa de Hacienda features crumbling colonial-era adobe walls that hint at the region's agricultural past.

El Chawi🏺 historical

The El Chawi monument stands as a notable cultural landmark set against the backdrop of the rugged Andean foothills.

Los Pinos🌿 nature

Surrounded by coniferous trees unusual for the altitude, the Los Pinos viewpoint provides a shaded spot to gaze over the valley.

Monumento a San Francisco de Asís🏺 historical

The Monumento a San Francisco de Asís is a peaceful sculptural tribute honoring the patron saint of ecology amidst the lush natural surroundings.

Casa de Hacienda Chijchipa📍 landmark

Casa de Hacienda Chijchipa is an old rustic estate house that preserves the traditional architectural charm of the Bolivian Yungas.

Uchumachi Govardhan eco yoga village⛪ religious

Set against the green mountainsides, the Uchumachi Govardhan eco yoga village is a spiritual sanctuary focused on holistic living and meditation.

🕒 Mo-Su 06:00-20:00

Iglesia⛪ religious

This modest local Iglesia features a quaint whitewashed facade and a simple bell tower that rings across the rural valley.

Capilla Marca⛪ religious

Capilla Marca is an intimate rural chapel constructed with adobe bricks, providing a quiet space for personal prayer.

Ministerio del Nuevo Pacto📍 landmark

The Ministerio del Nuevo Pacto is an active Christian ministry center dedicated to evangelical outreach and community support.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is La Senda Verde?
A wildlife sanctuary for animals that were victims of illegal trafficking.
Where is the sanctuary located?
In the Yungas, near the town of Yolosa at the end of the 'Death Road'.
Can you touch the animals?
No, it is a conservation center; direct contact is avoided to rehabilitate the animals.
Is there accommodation?
Yes, there are eco-lodges where visitors can stay and support the project.
Can you volunteer there?
Yes, there is a long-term volunteer program for animal lovers from all over the world.
La Senda Verde: where is it located?
La Senda Verde is located in Bolivia.
La Senda Verde: what is there to see?
Highlights include San Juan, Sacramento, Zipline Bolivia.
La Senda Verde: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Oct.
La Senda Verde: why is it worth visiting?
La Senda Verde is a renowned animal welfare center and sanctuary located in the Yungas region near the village of Yolosa in the La Paz Department.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
South America
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History & landmarks

Puente Trillizos — La Senda Verde (Bolivia)
Puente Trillizos
A set of three modern cable-stayed bridges in La Paz that connect different parts of the rugged city.
Estadio Hernando Siles — La Senda Verde (Bolivia)
Estadio Hernando Siles
One of the highest professional football stadiums in the world, where the Bolivian national team plays its home matches.
Puente de las Américas — La Senda Verde (Bolivia)
Puente de las Américas
A prominent bridge in La Paz that spans deep ravines and connects the Miraflores and Sopocachi neighborhoods.
Mirador Laikakota — La Senda Verde (Bolivia)
Mirador Laikakota
A popular park and viewpoint in the Parque Urbano Central, offering excellent views of the low-lying part of La Paz.
Monumento a Eduardo Abaroa — La Senda Verde (Bolivia)
Monumento a Eduardo Abaroa
A monument on the plaza of the same name in La Paz, dedicated to the Bolivian national hero Eduardo Abaroa from the War of the Pacific.
Mirador Killi Killi — La Senda Verde (Bolivia)
Mirador Killi Killi
A strategically located viewpoint on a hill that offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of La Paz and Mount Illimani.
Plaza Murillo — La Senda Verde (Bolivia)
Plaza Murillo
The central square of La Paz and the historical heart of Bolivian politics and government.
Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Paz — La Senda Verde (Bolivia)
Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Paz
The neoclassical cathedral on Plaza Murillo impresses with its steep stairs and magnificent dome.

Nature

Desaguadero River — La Senda Verde (Bolivia)
Desaguadero River
The Desaguadero River is the main outflow of Lake Titicaca and feeds Lake Poopó further south.

More places

Yungas Coffee Region — La Senda Verde (Bolivia)
Yungas Coffee Region
The steep, cloud-covered slopes of the Yungas are ideal for growing high-quality, shade-grown Arabica coffee.
Illimani — La Senda Verde (Bolivia)
Illimani
Majestic three-peaked mountain that serves as the iconic snowy backdrop to the city of La Paz.
Cordillera Real — La Senda Verde (Bolivia)
Cordillera Real
Spectacular glaciated mountain range that separates the Altiplano from the Amazon basin.
Yungas Coca Terraces — La Senda Verde (Bolivia)
Yungas Coca Terraces
Steep, meticulously maintained terraces in the Yungas cultivate coca leaves, a sacred and culturally important crop for Andean peoples.
Valley of the Souls — La Senda Verde (Bolivia)
Valley of the Souls
A fascinating geological site near La Paz with towering, needle-like rock formations that attract young explorers.
Alto Beni Cacao Plantations — La Senda Verde (Bolivia)
Alto Beni Cacao Plantations
Deep in the Amazon basin, smallholder cooperatives grow premium organic cacao, supporting sustainable agroforestry.
Zongo Valley — La Senda Verde (Bolivia)
Zongo Valley
The Zongo Valley is a steep gorge near La Paz, known for its hydroelectric facilities and breathtaking cloud forests.
Vesty Pakos Zoo — La Senda Verde (Bolivia)
Vesty Pakos Zoo
The highest altitude zoo in the world, located in La Paz, focusing on the rescue and rehabilitation of native Andean wildlife.