Carrasco National Park, Protected natural area in Cochabamba, Bolivia.
Carrasco National Park is a protected area in Cochabamba Department that stretches across more than 622,000 hectares and covers the transitions between the Andes and the Amazon basin. The landscape shifts from cloud forests with orchids and ferns to lower rainforest sections, where rivers flow between limestone walls and form small waterfalls at several points.
The area was designated as a national park in 1988 to protect the forests and waterways in this transition zone between mountains and lowlands. An expansion followed in 1991 after the construction of a road through the territory made additional protective measures necessary.
The name Carrasco comes from the steep mountain slopes that cut through the area and give it its characteristic profile. Local guides from the surrounding villages lead walkers through the different elevation zones and point out plants used in traditional medicine.
Access is usually through Villa Tunari, where lodging and restaurants are available and offices for arranging hikes or kayak trips can be found. Trails in the park range from short walks to multi-day treks, with a guide recommended for longer routes.
Within the protected area lies the Cavernas del Repechón Wildlife Sanctuary with three natural caves that house bat colonies and shelter nocturnal birds. Visitors can explore the entrances to these caves with a guide, though they should watch for slippery paths and low ceilings.
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