Over fifteen percent of Bolivia’s landmass consists of National Parks (parques nacionales, PN), National Reserves (reservas nacionales, RN), and natural areas of integrated management (areas naturals de manejo integrado). While some parks are in the most remote areas of the country, others can be passed into and out of without even knowing it. The Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve, for example, makes up a good potion of Uyuni and Tupiza’s Salt Flat jeep tours. In all, there are over 60 protected natural areas, making up some of Bolivia’s most wild and precious outdoor environments.

Visiting the parks can be an incredible way to see Bolivia at its finest; check with the Servicio Nacional de Ares Protegidas (SERNAP. Av. 20 de Octubre 3659, La Paz, Tel: 593-2-243-0881) for permission and fee details related to the individual areas. Below are some of Bolivia’s most popular protected areas, listed with their general location.

Aguaragüe National Park and Integrated Management Natural Area—The Southwest

Manuripi-Heath National Amazon Reserve—The Amazon Basin

Amboró National Park and Integrated Management Natural Area—The Eastern Lowlands

Apolobamba Integrated Management Natural Area—The Northwest

Beni Biosphere Rerserve—The Amazon Basin

Carrasco National Park—The Central Highlands

Cordillera del Sama Biological Reserve—The Southwest

Cotapata National Park and Integrated Management Natural Area—The Northwest

Eduardo Avaroa National Andean Fauna Reserve—The Southwest

El Palmar Integrated Management Natural Area—The Central Highlands

Iñao National Park and Integrated Management Natural Area—The Central Highlands

Isiboro Sécure National Park and Indigenous Territory—The Central Highlands

Kaa-Iya del Gran Chaco National Park and Integrated Management Natural Area—The Eastern Lowlands

Madidi National Park and Integrated Management Natural Area—The Northwest

Noel Kempff Mercado National Park—The Amazon Basin

Otuquis National Park and Integrated Management Natural Area—The Eastern Lowlands

Pilón Lajas Biosphere Reserve—The Amazon Basin

Sajama National Park—The Southwest

San Matías Integrated Management Natural Area—The Amazon Basin

Torotoro National Park—The Central Highlands

Tunari National Park—The Central Highlands

National Park

By Margaret Rode

A self-professed city girl, sassy staff writer Margaret Rode hails from Chicago where she received Bachelor degrees in English Literature and Spanish...

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