Amboro National Park

Amboro National Park is located near the midway point of Bolivia and is a neighboring protected area of Carrasco National Park.  The park covers an area of 1,709 square miles (4,425 sq km).

The park is located along the Andes mountains' eastern side at the junction where their mountains make a more abrupt northwestward turn.  This region is affectionately known as the “Elbow of the Andes.”

The park is part of a larger bioregion that includes a variety of differing habitats.  The varying ecosystems include Bolivian montane forest, Chiquitano dry forest, Dru Chaco, Southwest Amazon moist forest, and Yungas.

The vegetation, of course, varies with the elevation changes, which extend from 980 feet (300 m) up to 10,951 feet (3,338 m).  The park's majority is situated at elevations over 3,300 feet (1,000 m) and below 6,600 feet (2,000 m).

The elevation and varied ecosystems make the national park one of the most diverse in the world.  There are over 3,000 identified and recorded species of plants.  The bigleaf mahogany, mountain pine, and the giant tree fern are some of the more intriguing species.

As would be expected with the ecosystem and habitat variations, there is a diversity of wildlife.  With over 900 species of birds, the national park accounts for over 60% of the bird species located in the country.  This makes the park a birdwatcher’s coveted destination.

The giant anteater, jaguar, ocelot, cougar, caiman, and spectacled bear are some of the most hopeful wildlife sightings.  Although the park features 177 species of mammals, it is a reptilian and amphibian haven.  There are at least 173 species of amphibians and another 135 species of reptiles.

Photos

Amboro National Park Photo Gallery

Highlights

The park's highlight is easily the diversity of wilderness that is available for an escape into the wilds of nature.  With mammals, amphibians, and reptiles each having over 130 species with an additional 900 species of birds, there is something for everyone.

Another highlight for those who embark on exploring Amboro is the true Indiana Jones-type experience.  Waterfalls, rainforest, mountains, and more all wait for the explorer who is ready to walk on the wilds of this magnificent and diverse collection of ecosystems.

Amboro National Park Trails

There are several trails scattered throughout the amazing landscape of Amboro.  Hiking on the trails and through the forests and stunning landscapes is one of the national parks' most popular activities.

Orquideas Trail

This is a short trail that only takes about an hour.  It is fairly easy and quite rewarding with beautiful orchids and bromeliads escorting your journey past a beautiful waterfall.

Loro Trail

This trek up is rated moderate and takes about three hours.  This is a popular trail for those who enjoy birdwatching while reaching the top, which offers a striking panoramic view.

Condor Trail

This hike rewards trekkers with a striking view of Refugio Los Volcanes along with views of the surrounding picturesque landscapes.  Orchids and other flowering vegetation is one of the highlights of this trail which takes about 2.5 hours to complete.

Parque and Condor Trail

This is a more challenging trail and requires hikers to be in good condition.  It combines parts of the Condor Trail into the Parque Trail.  It will take about 4 hours to complete.  The trail traverses across the Elvira River multiple times while passing by views of giant ferns, large bibosi trees, abundant orchids, and other flowering vegetation.  The remarkable panoramic views are another highlight of this hike.

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Park Protection

Amboro National Park was created to protect one of the more diverse ecosystems in the world.  Located on the Andes' eastern side, the varied habitats serve as a refuge for an equally diverse collection of wildlife.

The global community must do all that we can to protect the habitats and ecosystems that allow vulnerable wildlife to survive.  Deforestation and the encroachment of humankind are the largest threats to the area and the wildlife that calls it home.

It also protects one of the greatest concentrations of birds per square mile (per sq km) in the world.  It is a bird lover’s haven.