Carrasco National Park

Carrasco runs down the eastern flank of the Andes from over four thousand metres to around three hundred, taking in puna, cloud forest and lowland rainforest, and the accessible corner is at Villa Tunari where a cable car crosses the Espíritu Santo river into the forest. The main draw there is the Repechón cave, home to a colony of oilbirds, the nocturnal fruit-eating birds that navigate in the dark by echolocation and were described by Humboldt; they leave at dusk with a great deal of noise. Trails run through the forest with bromeliads, ferns and a strong bird list, and waterfalls and pools nearby. The park has faced pressure from road building and coca cultivation on its edges, which is visible on the approach.

What you actually see

• The oilbird cave - the Repechón colony and its evening departure.
• Cloud forest trails - paths through ferns, bromeliads and tall trees.
• The river cable car - the crossing into the park from Villa Tunari.
• Waterfalls and pools - swimming spots on the forest streams.

When to go

April to October is drier; the wet months bring heavy rain to this slope, which is among the wettest in Bolivia. The oilbirds are present year round and leave the cave at dusk.

Honest expectations

It rains a great deal here even in the dry season. The cave is dark, noisy and smells strongly; lights disturb the birds and are restricted. Trails are muddy and leeches occur. Facilities at Villa Tunari are basic and the road is busy with freight.

Nearby

Villa Tunari is the base; Cochabamba lies west.