Noel Kempff Mercado National Park

Noel Kempff Mercado National Park is one of the largest and most biodiverse national parks in South America, covering approximately 1.5 million hectares (15,000 km²) in the remote northeast of Bolivia's Santa Cruz Department. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 2000 for its exceptional biological diversity and the integrity of its ecosystems. The park is named after the renowned Bolivian biologist Noel Kempff Mercado, who championed its protection before his murder in 1986.

The park's landscape is strikingly varied. A dramatic sandstone plateau — the Huanchaca Plateau (Serrania de Huanchaca) — rises abruptly from the surrounding lowlands, creating sheer escarpments and some of the most spectacular waterfalls on the continent. Below the plateau, the terrain transitions through several distinct forest types: semi-deciduous tropical forest, seasonally flooded savannas, and dense Amazonian rainforest. This ecological diversity supports an extraordinary range of wildlife, including jaguars, giant river otters, tapirs, howler and spider monkeys, giant anteaters, over 600 bird species, and countless reptiles and amphibians.

The park is extremely remote and receives very few visitors — a fact that is both its greatest charm and its main challenge. There are no crowds, no gift shops, and no easy access. Visiting requires planning, usually through an organised tour from Santa Cruz de la Sierra. The reward is an unspoiled wilderness experience that ranks among the finest in South America. The climate is tropical, hot and humid year-round, with a pronounced wet season (November–March) when access becomes difficult.

By Plane

The nearest major airport is Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, approximately 600 km south. From Santa Cruz, most visitors reach the park via charter flights to the small airstrip near the park, or by road and river. The park's remote location means there are no scheduled commercial flights directly to it.

By Car / Road

Access is challenging. From Santa Cruz de la Sierra, the journey involves a long overland drive (typically 12–18 hours depending on conditions) via the town of San Ramon or Ascension de Guarayos, followed by river travel or a rough track to the park boundary. Roads are unpaved and may be impassable during the wet season (November–March). Most visitors arrange transport through tour operators in Santa Cruz, who organise 4WD vehicles, boat transfers, and charter flights as part of multi-day packages.

From San Ramon (the nearest town of any size), the park headquarters at Flor de Oro on the Itenez River is accessible by a rough track (several hours by 4WD) or by river. River access from the north via the Itenez (Guapore) River is also possible from Brazilian border towns.

Within the park, movement is by foot, boat, and small aircraft. There are no roads, no public transport, and no vehicle hire. Guided treks on trails lead from the park ranger stations to waterfalls and viewpoints on the Huanchaca Plateau. River boats are used to access the Itenez River corridor and flooded forest areas. Airstrips at Flor de Oro and Los Fierros allow charter flights directly into the park. All visits must be arranged in advance through the park authority (SERNAP) or an authorised tour operator.

• Arcoiris Falls (Arco Iris Waterfall) — The park's main feature, a spectacular waterfall over 50 m wide that plunges off the Huanchaca Plateau. The name ("Rainbow Falls") refers to the permanent rainbow created by the spray.

• El Encanto Falls — Another major waterfall on the plateau escarpment, equally impressive and even less visited than Arcoiris.

• Huanchaca Plateau (Serrania de Huanchaca) — A massive sandstone tableland rising from the lowlands, with sheer cliffs and panoramic views over the surrounding Amazonian forest.

• Itenez River — The park's northern boundary; a major waterway with rich aquatic life, including river dolphins, giant otters, and caimans.

• Flooded forests and savannas — Seasonally inundated ecosystems teeming with birdlife, particularly rewarding during the wet season.

• Guided trek to Arcoiris Falls — Multi-day guided hikes from Flor de Oro ranger station to the base and top of the falls. The trek involves river crossings and steep ascents to the plateau.

• Birdwatching — Over 600 recorded species, including macaws, toucans, harpy eagles, and jabiru storks. The diversity of habitats makes the park one of Bolivia's premier birding destinations.

• Wildlife observation — Jaguars, tapirs, giant anteaters, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, giant river otters, and river dolphins are all present, though sightings require patience and a good guide.

• River excursions — Boat trips along the Itenez River to spot aquatic wildlife and explore the park's northern reaches.

• Plateau exploration — Ascend the Huanchaca Plateau for panoramic views and to explore the unique tepui-like ecosystems atop the sandstone escarpment.

Food within the park is provided as part of organised tour packages. Meals are basic but hearty — typically rice, beans, grilled meat or fish, and fruit. Tour operators bring supplies from Santa Cruz. There are no restaurants in or near the park. In San Ramon, the nearest town, simple local eateries serve Bolivian staples (almuerzos) for Bs. 15–25.

• Water — Bring all water purification supplies. River water must be treated or filtered. Tour operators typically provide purified water.
• Mate de coca — Coca leaf tea is commonly offered on Bolivian treks.
• Beer and spirits — Tour operators may include beer and basic beverages in their packages. In San Ramon, local beer is available at bars and shops.

• Budget: Flor de Oro ranger station — Basic camping or dormitory-style accommodation available through SERNAP (the park authority). Rates are minimal but must be arranged in advance. Bring your own gear.
• Mid-range: Tour operators typically provide tent camps at designated sites within the park, with meals included as part of multi-day packages. Expect Bs. 500–1,500+ per person per day depending on the operator and group size.
• Upscale / heritage: Noel Kempff Mercado is occasionally included in high-end Amazonian expedition packages operated from Santa Cruz, with charter flights, private camps, and naturalist guides. Prices are correspondingly premium.

There are no shops, markets, or commercial facilities within the park or in its immediate surrounds. All supplies must be brought from Santa Cruz de la Sierra or San Ramon. Any craft items are occasionally available from indigenous communities near the park boundaries, but this is not a regular occurrence.

• Santa Cruz de la Sierra — Bolivia's largest city and economic capital, about 600 km south; the main staging point for park visits, with full urban amenities and an international airport (VVI).
• San Ramon — The nearest town to the park's southern access, about 8–10 hours by rough road from Santa Cruz. Basic services and a launching point for overland park access.
• Amboro National Park — A biodiversity hotspot in the Santa Cruz foothills, about 4 hours from Santa Cruz city; cloud forest and tropical lowlands.
• Samaipata — A charming village and UNESCO World Heritage Site (El Fuerte) about 3 hours from Santa Cruz, combining pre-Columbian ruins with a growing traveller scene.
• Chiquitos Jesuit Missions — A series of UNESCO-listed colonial mission towns east of Santa Cruz, known for their baroque churches and annual music festival.