Cotapata National Park and Integrated Management Natural Area
National Park Andean-Amazon protected area with high-altitude cloud forests
Cotapata National Park protects Andean cloud forest and puna near La Paz, with steep valleys, biodiversity and trails used for multi-day hikes and mountain scenery.
Cotapata National Park and Integrated Management Natural Area is a protected complex in Bolivia’s La Paz Department that combines national park protection with zones where sustainable use is allowed. It protects cloud forest, montane forest and high Andean ecosystems in the Yungas-east-Andean transition.
Cloud-forest biodiversity, steep valley scenery and areas of traditional agriculture managed alongside conservation zones. The park supports ecological connectivity between Andean highlands and lower montane forests and is used for research, recreation and limited community use in designated areas.
The area was set aside to conserve Andean and cloud-forest habitats and to provide integrated management with local communities, reflecting combined conservation and sustainable-use goals. Management divides zones for strict protection and for regulated human activities.
Geographically it lies east of the city of La Paz in the Yungas region, covering steep terrain from high Andean zones down into humid montane forest valleys. Access is typically from road corridors leading into the Yungas.
- Ecosystem variety: Contains a range of cloud forest, montane and puna ecosystems across steep elevational gradients, making it important for species adapted to Andean-forest transitions.
How to Get to Cotapata National Park and Integrated Management Natural Area #
The park is northeast of La Paz; access is usually by road from La Paz to El Alto and then local roads into the Cotapata sectors (routes vary by entrance). Local cooperatives and registered guides can arrange permits and transport.
Tips for Visiting Cotapata National Park and Integrated Management Natural Area #
- Hire a local guide familiar with altitude and weather; weather can change rapidly above 4,000 m.
- Acclimatize in La Paz for at least two days before attempting treks into the park's higher zones.
- Bring cash for park permits and local fees-remote ranger stations may not accept cards.
Best Time to Visit Cotapata National Park and Integrated Management Natural Area #
The dry season (May-October) is the best time for visiting higher-elevation sectors; plan for cold nights year-round.
Weather & Climate near Cotapata National Park and Integrated Management Natural Area #
Cotapata National Park and Integrated Management Natural Area's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 10°C to 26°C. Abundant rainfall (1111 mm/year), wettest in January with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (188 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (187 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is the coolest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. The driest month with just 15 mm.
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July
July is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall.
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August
August is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (165 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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