Plizio Visual Lab

Kaa-Iya National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Animal habitat

Weather…

The Kaa-Iya del Gran Chaco National Park is Bolivia's largest protected area and one of the most significant in South America. Located in the southeast of the country within the Santa Cruz Department and bordering Paraguay, it spans an area of approximately 34,411 square kilometers. Established in 1995, the park is globally unique as it is co-managed by indigenous groups such as the Izoceño-Guaraní. The area protects the best-preserved tropical dry forest of the Gran Chaco, an ecosystem defined by seasonal droughts and extreme heat. Kaa-Iya is a critical sanctuary for large mammals, hosting the world's largest population of jaguars along with endangered species like the Chacoan peccary and the lowland tapir. Its remote location and difficult accessibility have helped ensure that its biodiversity remains largely undisturbed. Beyond conservation, the park also serves to preserve the cultural identity of its indigenous inhabitants, who refer to the land as Kaa-Iya, meaning 'Lord of the Mountains'.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	28	27	27	25	22	21	22	24	26	29	28	28
Rain mm	140	123	108	77	66	29	23	20	35	74	103	123

📋 Practical info

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Best season

The dry season from May to October is good for wildlife viewing as animals gather around remaining water sources. In the rainy season, roads are often impassable and vegetation very dense.

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Best time of day

Early morning and late afternoon are when animals are most active to avoid the heat. Plan your game drives around these windows for the best sightings.

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Etiquette

Never leave your vehicle outside designated areas; many animals are shy and can be dangerous. Do not leave any litter and do not feed animals.

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What to bring

A high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is strongly recommended. Binoculars, camera, sun protection, and enough water for the full day are essential.

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Getting there

The park is about 300 km east of Santa Cruz and reachable via Ruta 4 and dirt roads. A permit is required, obtainable in Santa Cruz or at the park entrance.

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What to expect

Animal density in the Gran Chaco is low; do not expect mass sightings like in savanna. Enjoy the unique landscape and the quiet atmosphere of Bolivia's largest national park.