Parque Nacional Amboró

(SERNAP office in Santa Cruz, Calle 9 Oeste 138, Barrio Equipetrol, T03-339 4310, Mon-Fri 0800-1200, 1400-1800. Topographic maps of the area can be obtained at the IGM in Santa Cruz, Av Tres Pasos al Frente near the Tercer Anillo, Barrio Petrolero Sur, T03-346 3040, Mon-Thu 0830-1230, 1500-1800. See also http://www.amboro-bo.org.)

The park encompasses four major ecosystems – the rainforests of the Amazon, the forests and grasslands of the Andes, the dry plains of the Chaco and the savannahs of the Cerrado – and 11 life zones. There are almost 3000 known species of plants, including mahogany, giant ferns and many orchids. Over 1200 species of animals have been reported, including almost 850 birds, 130 mammals, and 50 reptiles. Several of these species, including the spectacled bear and jaguar as well as the curassow and quetzal, are endangered. Less than half of the area has been extensively researched. Illegal logging and encroachment of agriculture from the buffer zone are both ongoing threats.

The park also contains Inca and pre-Inca sites, not all of which have been excavated; for information contact Don Gilberto Aguilera in Samaipata .

Visiting the park

As suggested by the large number of potential access points, Parque Nacional Amboró is vast, 442,500 ha, and surrounded by an additional 195,100 ha of buffer zone. In practice, almost all visitors only see the buffer zone, which is beautiful enough in itself, but your expectations should be reasonable in terms of observing rarer wildlife. The size and abrupt topography of the park proper are daunting. In colonial time it was dubbed the ’Green Hell’, and a 1999 expedition by experienced trekkers took 18 days to cross Amboró from Samaipata to Buena Vista, less than 100 km as the crow flies. Much of the park is wet all year round and many of the routes are riverine or along unmarked trails. A good supply of food, water purification, insect repellent, good boots, long-sleeved shirt and long trousers are all a must. Poisonous snakes are common.