The park supports rich wildlife diversity, including over 850 vertebrate species. Notable mammals include jaguar, spectacled bear, giant otter, and several monkey species. The area is particularly important for bird conservation, hosting over 500 species including the harpy eagle and military macaw. Reptiles are well-represented with species like the black caiman and yellow-spotted river turtle. The rivers contain diverse fish populations, including various catfish species and the prehistoric-looking arapaima.
TIPNIS hosts exceptional biodiversity with over 2,500 documented plant species across various ecosystems. The vegetation transitions from humid tropical forest in the lowlands to cloud forest at higher elevations. Notable species include valuable hardwoods like mahogany and cedar, alongside numerous medicinal plants traditionally used by indigenous communities. The park also contains extensive palm forests, featuring species such as the moriche palm, and unique pre-Andean Amazon vegetation communities that create a biological corridor between highland and lowland ecosystems.
The park encompasses diverse geological formations, transitioning from the eastern Andes foothills to Amazonian lowlands. Elevation ranges from 180 to 3,000 meters above sea level, creating distinct ecological zones. The territory features extensive river systems, including the Isiboro and Sécure Rivers, which have shaped the landscape through millennia of erosion and sediment deposition. Alluvial plains and terraces characterize the lower regions, while the western portions feature more dramatic topography with steep hillsides and rocky outcrops.
TIPNIS was established in 1965 as a national park and gained additional status as an indigenous territory in 1990, recognizing the ancestral lands of the Yuracaré, Moxeño, and Chimán peoples. The area has been a focal point of conservation efforts and indigenous rights movements, particularly during the 2011 protests against a proposed highway through the territory. This dual designation as both a protected area and indigenous territory makes it unique in Bolivia's protected areas system, representing a complex balance between conservation and indigenous autonomy.
Key attractions include the confluence of the Isiboro and Sécure Rivers, creating an important waterway network that supports both wildlife and local communities. The park contains several indigenous settlements where traditional lifestyles and customs are maintained. The western region features spectacular mountain views and waterfalls, while the eastern lowlands offer opportunities to observe diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. Several ancient petroglyphs can be found within the territory, providing evidence of long-term human habitation. The park's unique combination of ecological zones and cultural significance makes it an important site for both conservation and anthropological research.
The park experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Annual rainfall averages 3,000mm, with the heaviest precipitation occurring between December and March. Temperatures remain consistently warm throughout the year, ranging from 24°C to 28°C (75-82°F). The dry season from May to October offers better conditions for visiting, though occasional rain showers still occur. Humidity levels are consistently high, typically above 80%, due to the dense rainforest environment and proximity to numerous waterways.
Bolivia
-16.1170°, -65.6330°
1965
12363
Isiboro Secure is both a national park and indigenous territory protecting vast areas of Amazon rainforest. The park contains incredible biodiversity and numerous indigenous communities. It serves as a crucial corridor between the Andes and Amazon Basin.