Tariquía Flora and Fauna National Reserve, Nature reserve in Tarija Department, Bolivia
Tariquía Flora and Fauna National Reserve covers about 2,460 km² of the Subandean ranges and part of the Cordillera Oriental in Tarija Department, near the Argentine border. Its terrain runs from roughly 900 to 3,400 m, with steep north-south ridges and deep valleys drained by the Salinas, Tarija and Chiquiacá rivers. Dense Yungas forest with moss-covered trunks and hanging epiphytes covers much of the slopes.
The reserve received official protection status in 1989 through national legislation. This designation came as recognition of the need to safeguard the diverse ecosystems found across these mountains.
The Jesuit mission of San Ignacio de Tariquea was founded in 1691 by Father José Francisco de Arce in the South Pilcomayo region.
The area is best visited during the dry season when mountain paths are most passable. Plan for uneven terrain and bring layers since altitude makes the air cooler throughout the day.
The reserve protects well-preserved samples of Tucumano-Bolivian Yungas forest, the only Bolivian protected area to do so. Its 406 recorded fauna species include the jukumari bear, taruca (Andean deer), jaguar and military macaw. The main threats are the advance of the agricultural frontier, deforestation on steep slopes, logging and livestock in forest areas.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,644 contributors worldwide.