The park is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including 139 species of mammals, 620 bird species, 74 reptile species, and over 250 fish species. Notable mammals include jaguars, giant otters, giant armadillos, and several monkey species. The park is a birdwatcher's paradise, hosting rare species like the harpy eagle and blue-throated macaw. The isolation and size of the park have helped preserve populations of species that have become rare or extinct in other parts of the Amazon. The park's waters support diverse aquatic life, including pink river dolphins and various endemic fish species.
The park hosts an extraordinary diversity of plant life with over 2,700 documented species of vascular plants. The vegetation varies from dense Amazon rainforest to dry forest, cerrado savannas, and gallery forests along waterways. Notable species include Brazil nut trees, rubber trees, and various orchids. The Huanchaca Plateau supports unique plant communities adapted to its harsh conditions, including endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. The park's varied elevations and soil types create distinct ecological zones, each supporting its own characteristic plant communities.
The park's most distinctive geological feature is the Huanchaca Plateau, a dramatic tabletop mountain (meseta) that rises 500-600 meters above the surrounding Amazon rainforest. This ancient sandstone plateau was formed over 1 billion years ago and has been shaped by erosion over millions of years. The park's terrain varies dramatically from lowland rainforest to cerrado savannas and includes numerous waterfalls where rivers cascade off the plateau's edges. The geological formations create a variety of microhabitats and contribute to the park's remarkable biodiversity.
Noel Kempff Mercado National Park was established in 1979 and named after Bolivian biologist Noel Kempff Mercado, who was tragically murdered in the park while conducting research in 1986. The park was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 in recognition of its exceptional biodiversity and pristine ecosystems. Originally known as Huanchaca National Park, it encompasses an area that has been largely untouched by human development, preserving archaeological sites that provide evidence of pre-Columbian settlements. The park's creation marked a significant milestone in Bolivia's conservation efforts and has since become a model for protected area management in South America.
The park's most spectacular attractions include the Arco Iris (Rainbow) Falls, which drops 88 meters from the Huanchaca Plateau, and the Federico Ahlfeld Falls, one of Bolivia's highest waterfalls. The Huanchaca Plateau itself offers breathtaking viewpoints and unique hiking opportunities. The park contains several crystal-clear lakes and rivers, perfect for swimming and wildlife viewing. Archaeological sites featuring rock paintings and ancient settlements can be found throughout the park. The combination of dramatic landscapes, pristine ecosystems, and rich biodiversity makes this park one of South America's most remarkable protected areas.
The park experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season runs from November to April, with heavy rainfall and high humidity, while the dry season occurs from May to October with more moderate temperatures. Average temperatures range from 23°C to 26°C (73-79°F), though they can climb above 30°C (86°F) during peak summer months. Visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes, particularly during transitional periods between seasons. The best time to visit is during the dry season when trails are more accessible and waterfalls are still flowing from residual wet season rains.
Bolivia
-14.4660°, -60.8660°
1979
15234
This UNESCO World Heritage site features spectacular table mountains and waterfalls. The park contains over 4,000 species of plants and diverse wildlife including rare black caiman. Its remote location helps preserve one of the most pristine tropical forests in the Amazon.