Tunari National Park National Park

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 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.

• 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.