Noel
Kempff Mercado National Park
A a biological reserve located in the northeastern
corner of Bolivia, sharing an international border
on the north an east with Brazil. The park is situated
in an ecological transition zone that bridges the
rich, wet Amazon Basin from the north and the drier
ecological communities of the Gran Chaco and Cerrado
to the south and west. As a results of its remote
and unique biogeographic location, the relatively
unstudied 3.8 million acres of Noel Kempff are believed
to contain some of the highest levels of biological
diversity found in the world.
The most outstanding physical feature of the park
is the Huanchaca Plateau, a Precambrian sandstone
escarpment which represents the southern most limit
of the Amazon rainforest. The plateau rises abruptly
from the thick, wet rain forests approximately 1,800
feet to an elevated plain of grasslands and dry Cerrado
forests, which are similar in appearance and structure
to the savannas found in Africa. The Huanchaca Plateau
is drained by numerous perennial rivers which flow
over the plateau, giving rise to more than 20 spectacular
waterfalls. In combination with its waterfalls, this
unique formation framed by the rugged backdrop of
mesas, rivers, and dense forests has blessed Noel
Kempff with some of the most awe inspiring scenery
found in Latin America. The impressive size and landscape
of Noel Kempff is matched only by the flora and fauna
found within its borders.
The wide range of habitats and geologic formations
found in Noel Kempff has resulted in an extremely
high diversity of bird species residing within the
park. To date a total of 613 bird species have been
identified. However, experts estimate than once a
comprehensive bird study of the entire park is completed,
more than 700 species of resident and migratory birds
will be recorded. This translates into one fourth
of all existing bird species in the Neotropics! Without
a doubt, the avifauna is one of the park’s main
attractions. With little effort, one can sight and
hear many species: from small hummingbirds to harpy
eagles, toucans, macaws, over 20 species of parrots,
multicolored tanagers, and at least 7 species of cracids,
a group with many threatened species throughout the
Neotropics. Other species of special interest include
the Crimson-bellied Parakeet, Red-necked Aracari,
Black-girdled Barbet, Flame-rested Manakin, Black
and tawny Seedeater, and the Yellow-billed Blue Finch.
There is also an incredible rich fauna found within
the park’s borders which is indicated by the
frequent sighting of large mammals during hikes into
the park’s savannas and forests or while traveling
along the extensive river and lagoon systems. An extensive
species list of over 150 mammals includes such notable
species as the South American Tapir, Capybara, Jaguar,
Spider Monkey, Black Howler Monkey, Silvery Marmoset,
Bush Dog, Giant Armadillo, the rare Maned Wolf, and
a number of cat species including the Margay, Jaguarundi,
and Ocelot. The rivers are equally as rich with common
sightings of freshwater dolphins (pink and gray variations),
Giant Otters, and both Spectacled and the endangered
Black Caiman.
Noel Kempff Mercado
National Park houses two comfortable lodges:
Flor de Oro and Los
Fierros.
Flor
de Oro, calmness settles in as the moonlight
shines over camp. Here in this remote region, you
will be met by the sunrise while observing groups
of monkeys traveling through inundated forests, or
freshwater river dolphins fishing and playing in the
extensive system of blackwater rivers and lagoons.
During the afternoons, from the gallery inside the
visitor's center, one can observe Giant Otters swimming
among the clouds - reflections on the surface of the
river found right out your front door. Watching the
otters and viewing the Caparú Plateau clearly
visible in the distance, you will quickly realize
that Noel Kempff is a special place to visit. As the
center of ecotourism activities within the park, Flor
de Oro is a renovated ranch located on the bank of
the Iténez River in the extreme north-central
section of Noel Kempff Mercado National Park. It is
accessible only by small plane or a long boat ride
up the Iténez River, but provides easy access
to an incredible diversity of habitats. The two largest
waterfalls - Arco Iris and Ahlfeld - can also be reached
from Flor de Oro.
Flor de Oro makes the perfect destination for those
who enjoy breathtaking scenery, impressive landscapes,
and a diversity and abundance of flora and fauna found
in few other places in the world. Its remote location
and relaxing atmosphere also make it perfect for those
who just want to get particularly far away from the
established routines of daily life.
Los
Fierros, offers a more rustic setting and
a different variety of ecosystems and habitats. From
the middle of a large African-like savanna, an unfamiliar
calmness will settle in as you stare in awe at the
Caparú Plateau projected in the distance. Here
you will watch endangered black howler monkeys travel
through the canopy of tall humid tropical rainforests.
During the afternoons, you will travel through savannas
and primary forest in search of the best mix of wildlife
and scenery imaginable. Throughout your visit, you
will realize again that Noel Kempff is a special place.
As the base of ecotourism activities in the southern
end of Noel Kempff, Los Fierros is accessible only
by small plane or a long ride (13 hours in a 4-wheel
drive vehicle) from the city of Santa Cruz. Once there,
you will have easy access to an incredible diversity
of habitats, the magnificent Caparú Plateau,
and one of the most beautiful waterfalls that the
park has to offer-El Encanto.
