Tunari National Park

National Park Protected Andean park near Cochabamba with páramo.

Mountain park above Cochabamba protecting the Tunari massif; hikers and climbers use high trails and ridgelines to access alpine flora and views over the valley.

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Tunari National Park is a protected area in the Cochabamba Department of Bolivia that conserves the Tunari mountain range and surrounding Andean ecosystems. The park includes high peaks, puna grasslands and valley catchments important for regional water supply.

Hiking, mountain trekking and supervised outdoor recreation are the main attractions, with trails that lead into puna and subalpine zones and viewpoints over the Cochabamba valley. The park’s elevational range includes valley floors and peaks rising above 5,000 metres, offering a variety of high-Andean landscapes.

The area was set aside to protect watershed areas, native vegetation and wildlife that support Cochabamba’s water supply and ecological stability; management focuses on conservation and regulated public use. Cerro Tunari, the central summit, is the park’s highest point and a common objective for trekkers.

Tunari National Park sits immediately northwest of the city of Cochabamba in central Bolivia; access starts from roads and trailheads near the city and from towns in the Cochabamba Department.

  • Water source and altitude: The park protects high-Andean habitats and key water catchments that supply the city of Cochabamba; altitudes in the park range up to about 5,035 metres.
  • Access and altitude: Access is normally from Cochabamba and visits involve high-altitude trails, so acclimatization is advisable for hikers.

What to See #

  • Cerro Tunari: The highest summit of the protected area, rising to about 5,035 metres and forming a dominant skyline feature above the Cochabamba valley.
Tunari National Park
-17.2328, -66.3459

How to Get to Tunari National Park #

Tunari National Park is north of Cochabamba city. Access by car or local taxi from the city center is common; several trailheads are reachable within 30-60 minutes depending on the specific entrance.

Tips for Visiting Tunari National Park #

  • Hire a local guide to explore trail networks and to learn about endemic flora and fauna.
  • Start hikes early to avoid steep sun and check local weather reports; afternoon storms can develop quickly in the mountains.
  • Visit the park's lower reaches for cultural sites and the upper trails for birding and panoramic vistas.

Best Time to Visit Tunari National Park #

Best during the dry season for safer hiking and clearer mountain views; weather varies considerably with elevation.

Dry Season
May-October · 10-22°C (50-72°F) depending on elevation
Best for trekking and clear summit views; trails are drier and safer.
Wet Season
November-April · 8-20°C (46-68°F)
Lush landscape but trails can be slippery and stream crossings more dangerous.

Weather & Climate near Tunari National Park #

Climate

Tunari National Park's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in November) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -8°C to 17°C. Moderate rainfall (972 mm/year).

Air Quality: AQI 76 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
SeptemberJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
23°
Warmest Month
-3°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (175 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

45 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

175 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.8
UV Index
Extreme
12.9h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (141 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

47 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

141 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.8
UV Index
Extreme
12.6h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

53 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

106 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).

65 Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3° 14°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

49 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
11.6h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

69 Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-6° 14°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

47 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.0
UV Index
Extreme
11.2h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and clear sunny skies.

69 Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-8° 14°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

30 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.7
UV Index
Very High
11.0h daylight

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 13°C and lows of -8°C. The driest month with just 20 mm and mostly sunny skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-8° 13°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

20 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.1h daylight

August

August is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-6° 15°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

32 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
11.4h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

75 Very Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4° 16°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

46 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
11.9h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

67 Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2° 17°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

78 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.4h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

65 Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
17°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

107 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
3.0
UV Index
Extreme
12.8h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (141 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
16°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

141 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.8
UV Index
Extreme
13.0h daylight

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