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Noel Kempff Mercado National Park wilderness guide
National Park · Santa Cruz, Bolivia

Noel Kempff Mercado National Park

Noel Kempff Mercado National Park is one of the most pristine and biodiverse natural reserves in the Amazon Basin, offering a glimpse into untouched ecosystems and stunning landscapes.

National Park3,867,0002+ Trails

Designation

National Park

Total Wilderness Area

3,867,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Noel Kempff Mercado National Park

Noel Kempff Mercado National Park is one of the most pristine and biodiverse natural reserves in the Amazon Basin, offering a glimpse into untouched ecosystems and stunning landscapes.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Covering nearly 3.8 million acres in the northeastern region of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, Noel Kempff Mercado National Park is a vital sanctuary within the Amazon rainforest. This park presents a variety of ecosystems ranging from tropical rainforests and savannas to rugged highlands. It is home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species such as jaguars, giant otters, and the endemic Bolivian river dolphins. The park was originally established to preserve these rich ecosystems and gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000, further highlighting its global ecological significance. Besides its rich biodiversity, the park is also known for the stunning river systems, waterfalls, and the magnificent Huanchaca Plateau. Visitors are attracted to its remote beauty, offering opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and immersing in nature far from the hustle of modern life.

Field Guide · National Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Noel Kempff Mercado National Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Cultural Charm in Santa Cruz, Bolivia★ 8.4⌖ 232 miExploring
Bolivia

Cultural Charm in Santa Cruz, Bolivia

Explore Santa Cruz, Bolivia's cultural charm and vibrant city life. Visit historical landmarks and natural parks for birding and photography. Enjoy the diverse landscapes from lush rainforests to sand dunes. Perfect for adventure seekers.

Discover the Wonders of Parque Nacional Amboró★ 8.8⌖ 309 miWildlife Viewing
Parque Nacional Amboró

Discover the Wonders of Parque Nacional Amboró

Explore Parque Nacional Amboró in Bolivia's Samaipata region. Known for diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, it offers hiking, birding, and photography. Drive-in access to this remote park rewards with quiet solitude. Ideal visiting during the dry season.

Wildlife ViewingView Details→
Discover Pantanal Matogrossense National Park: A Wildlife Wonderland★ 9.3⌖ 326 miWildlife Safaris
Pantanal Matogrossense National Park

Discover Pantanal Matogrossense National Park: A Wildlife Wonderland

Explore Pantanal Matogrossense National Park near Poconé, Brazil. Known for wildlife safaris, boat tours, and birdwatching, this remote area offers quiet exploration during the dry season. Ideal for photographers, it features diverse fauna such as jaguars and hyacinth macaws.

Wildlife SafarisView Details→
Adventures in Pantanal Matogrossense National Park★ 9.2⌖ 326 miWildlife Watching
Pantanal Matogrossense National Park

Adventures in Pantanal Matogrossense National Park

Explore Pantanal Matogrossense National Park, Brazil's wildlife haven. With activities like jaguar safaris and birdwatching, this remote park offers unparalleled biodiversity. Drive-in access makes it ideal for adventure seekers. Best visited May to October for wildlife sightings.

Wildlife WatchingView Details→
Waterfalls and Wonders: Chapada dos Guimarães National Park★ 8.4⌖ 341 miHiking
Chapada dos Guimarães National Park

Waterfalls and Wonders: Chapada dos Guimarães National Park

Explore Chapada dos Guimarães National Park, located near Chapada dos Guimarães, MT. Enjoy moderate hiking trails, stunning waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. Ideal for adventure seekers during the dry season. Drive-in access and scenic views await at this protected area.

Wilderness Adventures in Parque Nacional Madidi★ 8.7⌖ 503 miWildlife Viewing
Parque Nacional Madidi

Wilderness Adventures in Parque Nacional Madidi

Explore the biodiversity of Parque Nacional Madidi in Bolivia. Best during the dry season, enjoy activities like jungle hiking, river rafting, and bird watching. Remote and serene, this wildlife haven is a must for adventure seekers.

Wildlife ViewingView Details→

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The Huanchaca Plateau, offering breathtaking panoramic views.✦ Arcoiris Falls, a majestic waterfall that is a stunning sight, especially during the rainy season.✦ The incredible biodiversity, which includes jaguars, tapirs, and a wide array of bird species.✦ Hidden trails in the primary rainforest ideal for adventurous explorers.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Noel Kempff Mercado National Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Noel Kempff Mercado National Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Noel Kempff Mercado National Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Noel Kempff Mercado National Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Noel Kempff Mercado National Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Permits required for access, typically managed by tour operators.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Noel Kempff Mercado National Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Noel Kempff Mercado National Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Comodoro
⌖ 80.55 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Comodoro, Mato Grosso

A growing frontier town at the gateway to southern Mato Grosso’s natural landscapes, offering access to rugged terrain and remote waterways.

Dry season (May to September)Explore Town
Corumbiara
⌖ 86.37 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Corumbiara, Rondônia

A remote Amazon gateway with lush tropical rainforest, rich biodiversity, and opportunities for river-based and jungle adventures.

May to September (Dry Season)Explore Town
Pontes e Lacerda
⌖ 120.69 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Pontes e Lacerda, Mato Grosso

A gateway town to the western Mato Grosso biome, offering a mix of tropical savanna, rivers, and nearby preserved nature for water and land adventure seekers.

May to September (dry season)Explore Town
Alto Caparaó
⌖ 134.64 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Alto Caparaó, Espírito Santo

A tranquil mountain town offering gateway access to lush Atlantic Forest trails, with rugged peaks and pristine rivers ideal for nature lovers and trail seekers.

April to SeptemberExplore Town
Pimenta Bueno
⌖ 178.76 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Pimenta Bueno, Rondônia

A gateway town in the southern Amazon region offering river-based adventures and access to tropical forest landscapes, ideal for nature lovers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Dry season (May to September)Explore Town
Rolim de Moura
⌖ 184.95 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Rolim de Moura, Rondônia

A gateway town in Brazilian Amazonia offering lush tropical landscapes, river access, and nearby natural reserves for authentic Amazon adventures.

May to September (dry season)Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Noel Kempff Mercado National Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Amboró Overnight: Refugio Los Volcanes Lodge — 2-Day Jungle & Waterfalls from Santa CruzSanta Cruz de la Sierra, Santa Cruz · 289.81 mi away
All Adventures· NICKS ADVENTURES BOLIVIA

Amboró Overnight: Refugio Los Volcanes Lodge — 2-Day Jungle & Waterfalls from Santa Cruz

Two days at Refugio Los Volcanes put you in the southern reaches of Amboró National Park: jungle treks, waterfall swims, and night walks with a local guide. This private overnight tour includes transport from Santa Cruz and lodge accommodation.

2 days (approx. 10–12 hours hiking total)

Check dates & book

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.