Cotapata National Park and Integrated Management Natural Area, National park in La Paz Department, Bolivia
Cotapata National Park is a protected area in La Paz Department spanning multiple elevation zones with diverse forest types. The terrain features numerous trails through these varied landscapes.
The park was established in 1993 to protect the natural ecosystems of the Yungas region. This protected status marked a turning point for conservation in this biologically rich area.
Local communities practice traditional farming methods in specific zones, shaping how the land is used and organized. You can see these agricultural patterns as you move through different areas of the park.
Buses connect La Paz to the park entrance via mountain roads, requiring about two hours of travel to the northwest. Weather conditions change rapidly with elevation, so bring appropriate gear for rain and temperature shifts.
The park is home to over 800 plant species and more than 200 animal species, including the spectacled bear. Birdwatchers can spot threatened species here that exist in very few other locations.
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