Discover El Palmar: A Hidden Paradise in the Bolivian Andes
Looking for an authentic, natural, and truly unique experience? Come and discover El Palmar, a hidden treasure just a few hours from Sucre that few have heard of… but everyone should experience.
Nestled high in Bolivia’s inter-Andean valleys, the El Palmar Integrated Management Natural Area is an ecological gem where visitors can walk through forests of mountain pine, draping lichens, ferns, and endemic palms that grow at over 3,000 metres (9,800 feet) above sea level. This natural sanctuary is one of South America's best-kept secrets.
El Palmar is home to stunning biodiversity. Here, majestic Andean condors—the largest flying birds in the Americas—soar overhead. One of the highlights is the magical “Condor Bath,” a cliffside spot where condors gather to bathe and preen their wings.
But perhaps the most remarkable resident of the park is the Andean bear, also known as the spectacled bear or jucumari. This shy and endangered species was recently confirmed in El Palmar, thriving in the park's dry forests and palm groves. Spotting its tracks, markings, or even glimpsing one of these elusive bears is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for nature lovers and wildlife photographers.
El Palmar doesn’t just protect nature—it also safeguards the life and wisdom of its local communities. Here, families still weave baskets and thatch their homes with the leaves of the janch’icoco, a rare and ancient palm found only in Bolivia. This same palm, rich in nutrients, is also the favourite food of the Andean bear.
Visitors can enjoy traditional products like refreshing janch’icoco orchata, visit local artisan workshops, and learn first-hand how people live in harmony with nature.
The trails of El Palmar invite you to adventure. Hikes through remote and peaceful landscapes, each step offers a chance to connect with untouched nature and breathtaking scenery.
Whether you want to explore cloud forests, go birdwatching or simply enjoy the peace that only wild nature can offer.
Visiting El Palmar is not only a soulful journey—it’s a way to support the conservation of one of Bolivia’s most endangered ecosystems. Every hike, every handcrafted souvenir, and every storey shared helps protect the habitat of unique species like the Andean bear and supports the well-being of local communities.
El Palmar has even been featured in an international Mongabay report highlighting its unique and endangered population of Andean Bears and rare endemic palm species.
Come to El Palmar. Discover a corner of the world where condors still soar, ancient palms still grow, and bears still walk freely through the mountains.
