Plizio Visual Lab

Otuquis National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Animal habitat

Weather…

The Otuquis National Park protects the Bolivian portion of the Pantanal, the world's largest inland wetland. It is located in the southeast of the Santa Cruz Department, near the triple border of Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay. Established in 1997, the protected area spans approximately 9,033 square kilometers and consists of a mosaic landscape of seasonally flooded savannas, lagoons, and gallery forests. During the rainy season, the area transforms into a vast aquatic world that hosts an extraordinary concentration of wildlife. Otuquis is famous for its high density of capybaras, caimans, and giant otters, as well as over 300 species of birds, including the iconic Jabiru stork. The park plays a key ecological role in regulating the water cycles of the Paraguay River system. Despite its importance, the area is threatened by climate change, wildfires, and agricultural expansion in its peripheral zones. Protecting this sensitive ecosystem is of immeasurable value for the preservation of global biodiversity.

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	29	29	28	27	24	23	23	26	28	30	30	30
Rain mm	139	136	107	64	66	23	19	14	35	81	103	134

📋 Practical info

📅

Best season

The dry season from May to October is good for observing waterbirds and caimans, as falling water levels concentrate animals around remaining lagoons. During the rainy season from November to April, floodplains are vast, but birdlife remains active.

🌅

Best time of day

Early morning is best for bird activity, while caimans often bask on sandbars late in the morning. Use midday heat for a break and plan late afternoon for further observations.

📜

Etiquette

Maintain at least 30 meters distance from caimans and capybaras to avoid stressing them. Feeding animals is prohibited; avoid loud noises and stay in your boat or on marked trails.

🎒

What to bring

A binocular with good magnification is essential for birdwatching, along with a camera and telephoto lens. Sun hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent are necessary due to the intense sun and mosquitoes in the Pantanal.

🧭

Getting there

Otuquis National Park lies in the Bolivian Pantanal and is best reached from Puerto Suárez by car or boat. Guided tours are offered by local operators in the dry season - it is advisable to book in advance.

🦌

What to expect

Capybaras are often seen in larger groups along the banks, but caimans can remain motionless for long periods - carefully scan the shoreline with binoculars. Birdwatching requires patience; sit quietly and wait for birds to emerge from the reeds.