Cordillera de Sama Biological Reserve

Cordillera de Sama is a protected reserve in Tarija Department spanning varied landscapes from high mountain peaks to river valleys below. The terrain shifts between rocky slopes, forested areas, and open grasslands as elevation changes dramatically across the region.

People settled this area thousands of years ago, building irrigation channels and water storage systems to support farming on steep terrain. These structures show how communities adapted to the challenging landscape over long periods of time.

Indigenous communities live within and around the reserve, maintaining agricultural techniques passed down through generations that work with the mountain environment. Daily life here revolves around farming cycles and seasonal changes that shape how people interact with the land.

The best time to visit is during the drier months when trails are easier to walk and mountain views are clearer. Bring sturdy footwear and take time to adjust to the altitude, as the air thins out significantly in the higher areas.

A lake system within the region attracts unusual bird populations that gather here in ways you won't see in many other places. These water bodies serve as crucial stopover points during seasonal movements.