National park · Colombia
El Tuparro National Natural ParkParque Nacional Natural El Tuparro
Visit El Tuparro for a multi‑day river‑based trek: book a guided 3‑day trip from Bogotá (flight $230 round‑trip) and explore the Attalea Trail or Anaconda Trail; entry fee about 15 000 COP per person; best in the dry season May–Oct; bring camping gear for backcountry nights.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
More
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
5,570 km² (2,151 sq mi)2,151 sq mi (5,570 km²)
approximate
Established
1980
Best months
May–Oct
UNESCO
Biosphere
Rules in force · 9Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Colombia ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Migración Colombia or a Colombian consulate; some travellers must complete an online migration form before arrival.
- Colombia ↗Security advice lists specific departments and border areas: check your own government's advice for every place on your route, including coastal roads.
- Colombia ↗Never accept drinks, food or cigarettes from strangers, and be careful with people met on dating apps: drugging (including with scopolamine) followed by robbery is a known risk.
- Colombia ↗Fill in Check-MIG only on the official Migración Colombia site; it is free, and lookalike sites charge a fee.
- Orinoquía ↗Past Villavicencio most roads are unpaved; a 4x4 or a local driver is the norm, not a rental sedan.
- Orinoquía ↗Caño Cristales is visited only with an authorised local guide, in a fixed season, on a booked tour.
At a glance
- Country
- Colombia
- Area
- 5,570 km² (2,151 sq mi)2,151 sq mi (5,570 km²)
- The park covers about 557,000 ha (≈5,570 km²) of savanna and riverine forest (official source).
- Established
- 1980
- Best months
- May–Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
El Tuparro National Natural Park in the Orinoquía region protects vast savannas, rivers and wetlands; it offers river‑based treks, wildlife viewing and cultural visits to Sikuani villages, but access is only by guided boat or flight from Bogotá.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserve · 2000UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Size and age
5,570 km² (2,151 sq mi)2,151 sq mi (5,570 km²) · national park since 1980
The park covers about 557,000 ha (≈5,570 km²) of savanna and riverine forest (official source).
Why go
- Vast savanna and river landscapes accessible only by boat.
- Rich wildlife including jaguars, tapirs, and over 320 bird species.
- Cultural visits to Sikuani indigenous villages.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarCaution
- AprCaution
- MayBest
- JunBest
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovCaution
- DecCaution
- JanWet season, many rivers high (check).
- FebWet, possible flooding (check).
- MarTransition, rain common (check).
- AprEnd of wet season (check).
- MayDry season starts, rivers lower.
- JunDry, good for trekking.
- JulDry, stable weather.
- AugDry, optimal river travel.
- SepDry, pleasant temperatures.
- OctLate dry, still good.
- NovRain returns (check).
- DecWet season begins (check).
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaguars, pumas, tapirsAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Monkeys (5 species)All year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| 320+ bird species, including aquatic birdsAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Bogotá
Satena flight to Puerto Carreño (≈1.5 h); then 30 min road to park gate.
2–3 h total (flight + transfer)
Open the page →
From Vichada region
Charter boat from nearby rivers; limited schedules.
4–6 h (check)
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance area near Puerto Carreño | Gate, visitor office, basic facilities. | Open with entry ticket. |
| River corridor | Main navigation routes along Rio Tuparro and Rio Tomo. | Guided boat trips only. |
| Backcountry savanna | Camping sites, wildlife viewing zones. | Allowed with guide and permit. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
5 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates centred on Puerto Carreño; park points are approximate.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry | COP 15,000 | person | Approximate 2026 estimate (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Guided river trek permit or guide
Park rules
- Camping
- Allowed in designated backcountry zones with permit.
- Fires
- Open fires prohibited; use camp stoves only.
- Guides
- Required for all river and backcountry treks.
- Litter
- Carry out all waste.
Where to stay
Near the park
Puerto Carreño hotels
Basic to mid‑range hotels and guesthouses, 30 min from park gate.
In the park
Backcountry campsites
Designated sites on savanna, basic facilities.
Safety
River flooding medium
Wildlife encounters low
Remote location high
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Entrance area reachable by car from Puerto Carreño.
- Trails and river routes require moderate fitness; not wheelchair accessible.
Visiting lightly
- Use guides registered with the park authority.
- Leave no trace; pack out all waste.
- Support local Sikuani communities by purchasing crafts.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter El Tuparro National Natural Park?
Entry is about 15 000 COP per person (2026 estimate); purchase at the gate.
What are the best hikes in El Tuparro National Natural Park?
The Attalea Trail along Maipures Rapids and the Anaconda Trail along Rio Tomo are the most popular; both require a guide.
When is the best time to visit El Tuparro National Natural Park?
The dry season from May to October offers lower river levels and easier trekking.
Can I camp in the park?
Backcountry camping is allowed in designated zones with a permit and guide.
Do I need a guide for all activities?
Yes, any river travel or backcountry trek must be done with a licensed guide.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about El Tuparro National Natural Park
Loading…
Was this useful?