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Noel Kempff Mercado National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Noel Kempff Mercado National Park (Bolivia)

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Noel Kempff Mercado National Park, located in the Bolivian Amazon basin on the border with Brazil, is one of South America's most pristine protected areas and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2000. Spanning approximately 15,234 square kilometers, the park is famous for the striking Huanchaca Plateau, which rises 500 meters above the surrounding rainforest. This isolated plateau hosts unique habitats, including untouched savannas and dense tropical forests that have remained virtually unchanged for millennia. Spectacular waterfalls such as Arco Iris and Federico Ahlfeld plunge from the plateau's edges, feeding the park's extensive river systems. The region acts as a sanctuary for numerous endangered species, including the giant otter, marsh deer, and the hyacinth macaw. The park is named after the renowned Bolivian biologist Noel Kempff Mercado, who dedicated his life to environmental protection. Due to its remote location, the park remains difficult to access, which has successfully preserved its primordial character.

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Access to this remote national park in northeastern Bolivia is notoriously difficult and usually requires booking a specialized charter flight or organizing an arduous multi-day overland 4x4 expedition.

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Best season

It is generally recommended to visit during the dry season, which makes the unpaved access routes somewhat more passable and allows for safer trekking around the dramatic waterfalls and plateaus.

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Terrain & paths

The pristine landscape encompasses a challenging mix of dense tropical rainforest trails, steep climbs up rugged sandstone plateaus, and sometimes slippery paths near the numerous large waterfalls.

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What to bring

Visitors must bring sturdy waterproof hiking boots, comprehensive first-aid supplies, reliable water filtration gear, and sufficient protective clothing suited for intense tropical environments.

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Parking

There is no conventional public parking at the boundaries; vehicles used for the challenging overland approach are typically parked at designated expedition campsites under local supervision.

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Safety

Due to its extreme isolation, independent exploration is highly discouraged; travelers should strictly rely on experienced certified guides and be prepared for limited medical facilities or communication.

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Time needed

Considering the complex travel logistics to simply arrive here, most visitors dedicate roughly five to eight days to properly explore the diverse habitats and prominent plateaus of the park.