Nature of Bolivia - national parks and reserves for active recreation

Bolivia is a country located in the center of South America. This is the highest country in the world. The country can be divided into three zones, conditionally following its landscapes. Each zone differs significantly from the previous one. This is why Bolivia is famous for its richness and diversity of flora and fauna. The Altiplano plateau is a large area with numerous volcanoes and salt marshes. It gradually rises in the east. The average altitude here is 3.5-4 thousand meters above sea level. The majestic peaks of the Andes rise all around. They cover this surprisingly harsh but fascinating place with their mountain ranges. Almost 70% of the population lives in this region. A third of them live in cities and towns located here. The main mass of industrial enterprises is also located here. The plateau ends abruptly with deep canyons.

The Yungas region covers up to 16% of the country's territory. These are foothill plains intersected by river valleys. The average attitude of this part of the country is from 1 thousand to 3.2 thousand meters. The climate is subtropical here. Vegetation and animal life are very diverse both in the forests and on the plains. The region is considered very dangerous due to sharp changes in altitude. This is where the most dangerous road in the world is laid. This is the "Road of Death". Up to 200 people die on it every year.

The natural area of Llanos de Moxos is plains with a subtropical climate. They cover up to 60% of the country's territory. This area is located in the eastern and southern parts of the country. It is covered with dense, exuberant motley grass for half a year. Most of the vegetation dries up during the dry season. Dense tropical forests are located mainly in the basins of numerous rivers. The largest of them is the Amazon River. This region supplies most of the country's agricultural products. The lowest point of the country is located here. This is the Paraguay River (90 meters above sea level). Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The small size of Bolivia and the great poverty in the country do not prevent its inhabitants from taking care of nature and protecting it. There are many National Parks, reserves, nature reserves, and forest nurseries to preserve the country's surprisingly diverse animal and plant life.

Madidi National Park was founded in 1995. It is located in an area of 19 thousand square kilometers. The park and the surrounding protected areas form the largest nature reserve in the world. These territories are characterized by the richest biological diversity of their climate zones. According to the latest data, the plant world here is represented by more than 5,000 species, animals – 156 species, and birds – 914 species. Spectacled bears, Andean cats, Cougars, jaguars, otters, deer, monkeys, and many other animals are found here. The variety and colors of birds are amazing. The Andean cock-of-the-rock and crested eagle are found only here. Colorful parrots of all sizes accompany tourists with their cries. Local residents live in these territories. Eco-lodges are provided for tourists. These are communities created by businesses to attract and expand eco-tourism in the region. Chalalan is the most popular of them. It is located on the Tuichi River.

Noel Kempff Mercado National Park is located in the east of the country. This is the largest protected area. It belongs to the Amazon River basin. The park is recognized as a world heritage area by UNESCO. The high humidity of the subtropical climate, hilly plains, lush vegetation, many rivers, lakes and waterfalls make this area very popular for tourists. These are the rainforests that Arthur Conan Doyle described in the novel “Lost World”. Thickets of magnificent orchids grow here. Also, a huge number of birds, monkeys, tapirs, and armadillos live in the park. Black caimans and amazing pink freshwater dolphins are found here. Local residents carefully preserve this wonderful world. They made two entrances for tourist groups. They are located on the north and south sides of the reserve.

Sajama National Park is located in the highlands of the Andes in the Department of Oruro. It got its name from the highest mountain in the country towering here. This is an extinct volcano Sajama covered with snow. Geysers and thermal springs gush at its foot. This unusual sight attracts more and more tourists despite the difficult terrain. The hills are interspersed with plains with bubbling springs. Bushes of tall grass and thickets of low trees cling to the soil with their roots. The rarefied air is crystal clear. You have to see this place to feel its splendor.

The Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve of the Andes is located in the South-West of the country in the mountains at an altitude of 5.4 thousand meters. The huge territory of the park attracts tourists with several of its curiosities among other things. The Colorado Lagoon is a very shallow (about 30 centimeters deep) reservoir with rose water. It is colored by microscopic algae. Its color changes from pink to purple depending on the time of day and weather conditions. Numerous flocks of flamingos complete the fairy-tale picture. Another reservoir is located nearby. This is Laguna Verde. Its waters and coastal territory are painted in a bright green color due to the high content of arsenic, lead, and magnesium salts. The "stone tree" of Arbol de Piedra stands nearby. This is a rock formation that has acquired the appearance of a tree clinging to life for millions of years of erosion. You can watch the geysers in the Sol de Mañana. They exuberantly throw boiling water and steam jets into the air. There are still a lot of unique places in Bolivia. You should come to this amazing country to get acquainted with them better.