Tour: Toro Toro National Park (3 days, from Cochabamba)
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The Toro Toro National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in Bolivia. Its abundance of fossils and dinosaur footprints makes it very interesting for paleontological research. Located 138 km from the city of Cochabamba, the small town of Toro Toro is the starting point for tours in the park. Framed by two very unusually folded and shaped mountain ranges, which converge with their sharp and eroded peaks, the valley around Toro Toro resembles an open crocodile mouth. The Toro Toro National Park is home to more than 1000 species of plants and a diverse fauna. It also offers an inexhaustible range of natural attractions, including spectacular canyons, rock cathedrals, waterfalls, and various caves. Not to forget the countless dinosaur track and footprints that can be found throughout the Toro-Toro plain, as well as rock paintings, Inca ruins and much more.
Itinerary
First day: Drive from Cochabamba to Toro Toro, visit to Umajalanta cave
The first day is mostly dedicated to the journey from Cochabamba to Toro Toro via an interesting route that has a lot to offer. After leaving the city of Cochabamba, you continue to the corn-growing region of the Valle Alto. Take a short stop at the colonial town of Tarata, with its rich history and beautiful central square. Continuing through the hilly landscape, we descend into the valley of the Rio Caine. The road meanders beautifully through a narrow gorge, later the valley opens up and offers a view of interesting colorful mountain formations of the Mizque mountain range in the north and deep canyons cut into the valley flank to the south. Our destination Toro Toro, located at 2800m in a side valley above the Rio Caine, is the starting point tours in the National Park. In the afternoon we visit Umajalanta cave, the biggest stalactite cave in Bolivia. Overnight in a nice lodge with a marvelous view over the Toro Toro valley. (Travel time approx. 4-5 hours) (-/-/-)
Second day: Toro Toro Natonal Park
Today we drive into the mountains above the Toro Toro valley. Our goal is the “rock city” called "Ciudad de Itas", located at about 3700 meters above sea level. Here we visit interesting rock formations that were created thousands of years ago when Toro Toro was located on the edge of a large prehistoric sea. Today’s highlight is a huge rock cathedral open to the top - hidden inside a maze of narrow rock passages, caves, and eroded rocks resembling animals and mythical creatures. Some rock paintings from the former inhabitants of the place can still be seen, after about 2000 years. From a viewpoint we enjoy a unique view of the entire national park, the valley of the Rio Caine and its deep side canyons. We also have a good chance of seeing the largest bird in the world, the Condor. On the way back to Torotoro, we visit Carreras Pampa, eroded and naturally exposed rock where you can find a multitude of well-preserved footprints of various dinosaurs. Our local guide will show and explain the best-preserved prints. Overnight like the day before. (B/BL/D)
Third day: Toro Toro Natonal Park, return to Cochabamba
After breakfast, we take a short walk to see various dinosaur tracks on the outskirts of the village. Then we hike to the Toro Toro Grand Canyon through a river bed and over natural stone bridges. On the way we admire the largest dinosaur footprints found in this area: of a 36 meter long Titanosaurus! After these impressions we continue to hike to the viewpoint which gives us an unforgettable view of the canyon. Here we have chances of observing the endangered red-fronted macaw which is endemic to the valleys of this region. We take a rest before we descend into the canyon to the hidden waterfalls of "El Vergel", an impressive ecosystem. Crystal clear water that comes out of a side wall of the canyon (from underground caves) and falls softly over moss blankets, has created a green oasis here. Natural bathing pools and large polished rock slabs invite to a picknick and a swim in this wonderful atmosphere. In the afternoon return to Cochabamba (B/BL/-) - END OF OUR SERVICES
Included in the package
- English-speaking guide (from/to Cochabamba)
- Private transport
- 2x overnight in DBL room
- Compulsory local guide (Spanish-speaking) in the national park
- Equipment for visiting the cave (helmet, headlamp)
- All entrance fees
- Meals according to program (B= breakfast; L= lunch; D= Dinner)
Reservation
Please do not hesitate to contact us for price requests, reservation, general question, and individual tour inquiries, at: contact(at)landmarktravelbolivia.com
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