The Gran Chaco
of Bolivia.

34,411 km² of pristine Chaco dry forest — the world's largest protected Chaco area and Bolivia's largest national park. Co-managed with the Izoceño-Guaraní since 1995. Jaguar, giant armadillo, pampas deer, guanaco and 300+ bird species. No roads or tourist services inside — this is true wilderness.

The Bolivian Gran Chaco covers ~250,000 km² of southeastern Bolivia across Santa Cruz, Chuquisaca and Tarija. It forms part of the larger Gran Chaco — South America's second largest forest after the Amazon — extending into Paraguay and Argentina. The extreme climate (up to 45°C in summer) drives extraordinary wildlife adaptations.

The Bolivian Chaco has jaguar (genetically distinct Chaco population), puma, giant armadillo, tapir, giant anteater, guanaco, pampas deer, white-lipped peccary and 300+ bird species including the greater rhea. Kaa-Iya is the best access point for large mammal sightings.

Main gateway: Camiri (Santa Cruz dept.), by bus from Santa Cruz (5–6h) or Sucre (4–5h). Southern gateway: Villamontes (Tarija), by bus from Tarija (3h). Kaa-Iya requires a 4×4, advance SERNAP permit and specialist guide — no independent access.

May–August. Temperatures drop to 20–32°C, wildlife concentrates near water, and roads are dry and stable. August is best for Villamontes (Fiesta del Pescado). Avoid November–March: 40–45°C temperatures and flooded tracks.