Noel Kempff Mercado National ParkNoel Kempff Mercado National Park at a Glance
About Noel Kempff Mercado National Park
Noel Kempff Mercado National Park is a large protected area in eastern Bolivia known for its intact Amazonian and savanna landscapes and biodiversity. It contains extensive forested plateaus, waterfalls and remote upland ecosystems.
Opportunities are mainly for scientific study, remote wildlife observation and multi-day expeditions rather than conventional tourism. Notable natural features include steep escarpments, cascades and expanses of well-preserved forest.
The park was created to protect significant tracts of Amazon and cerrado-type habitats and has been the subject of international conservation attention. Its remoteness has helped preserve large, continuous ecosystems.
Noel Kempff Mercado National Park is in Bolivia’s Santa Cruz Department in the eastern lowlands near the border with Brazil, within a mosaic of forest and savanna landscapes.
- Remoteness: The park is remote; access typically requires long overland travel or charter flights followed by river or trail journeys, so logistics must be planned in advance.
Best Time to Visit Noel Kempff Mercado National Park
Best visited in the Bolivian dry months (May-October) for trail access and safer logistics.
Weather & Climate near Noel Kempff Mercado National Park
Noel Kempff Mercado National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 16°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1562 mm/year), wettest in January with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 21° - 31° | 26° | 278 mm | - | - | 2.3 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 21° - 30° | 26° | 228 mm | - | - | 2.1 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 21° - 31° | 26° | 220 mm | - | - | 1.9 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 20° - 31° | 25° | 130 mm | - | - | 2.0 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 18° - 30° | 24° | 58 mm | - | - | 2.2 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 16° - 30° | 23° | 23 mm | - | - | 2.3 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 16° - 31° | 23° | 13 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 17° - 32° | 25° | 22 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 20° - 32° | 26° | 52 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 21° - 33° | 27° | 119 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 21° - 32° | 26° | 176 mm | - | - | 2.3 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 21° - 31° | 26° | 243 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Noel Kempff Mercado National Park
Access is challenging and typically arranged through specialist operators; the park lies in northeastern Santa Cruz Department and requires long road transfers often combined with river access from border towns. Flights to regional airstrips and overland 4x4 travel are commonly used.
Tips for Visiting Noel Kempff Mercado National Park
- Noel Kempff is remote-arrange visits through accredited tour operators and check seasonal accessibility before booking.
- Bring high-SPF sun protection and insect repellent-some areas are open savannah with little shade.
- If visiting the Arco Iris waterfalls, a good level of fitness is required for the trails.