Sucre: Hike, Explore & Discover Monte Villca Protected Park｜Bolivia

We start the day by picking you up from your accommodation at around 8:15 a.m., and we head towards the valleys near the city of Sucre. We visit the Río Chico area, known for supplying vegetables and fruits to the families living in Sucre. This region is inhabited mainly by Quechua indigenous communities.

We travel by vehicle along a paved road, passing through several communities for approximately one hour. These communities maintain a strong cultural identity through the Quechua language and communal farming practices. We make a short stop in one of them to shop for any necessary items.

From there, we take an easy walk to the interpretation center and the entrance of Monte Villca Park. In this area, we will meet a local park guide, who will begin by explaining the history and customs of the community as well as the natural and cultural richness of Monte Villca Park, a reserve that protects native areas, Andean wildlife, and trails that connect with ancient routes once used by Quechua communities.

Monte Villca Park is an ecological and cultural reserve located in the foothills of the Andes. It protects one of the last remnants of native forest in the Chuquisaca region and was established to conserve both biodiversity and the cultural heritage of the Quechua who have lived in the area for centuries. Along its trails, visitors can see tree species, cactus as well as a variety of medicinal plants traditionally used by locals. The park is also home to birds like the giant hummingbird and the black-chested buzzard-eagle, and mammals such as the Andean fox, mountain cat, and viscacha.

Among the birds found in the park, the most notable is the red-fronted macaw (Ara rubrogenys), a species endemic to Bolivia that inhabits the dry inter-Andean valleys. This macaw is currently classified as endangered due to significant habitat loss caused by deforestation, and the illegal wildlife trade. Monte Villca Park, is one of the important refuges for this species. The park protects native forests, dry valleys, and rocky cliffs that provide essential nesting and feeding areas for the red-fronted macaw, as well as other endemic birds like the Bolivian parrot (Myiopsitta luchsi).

Recent surveys have found that Chuquisaca holds the largest known population of red-fronted macaws. This discovery has highlighted the critical conservation value of the region.

Monte Villca Park brings together nature, culture, and conservation, offering insight into indigenous traditions while protecting endangered species through community-based efforts.

The hike lasts about 4 hours, during which we climb to viewpoints where we can see the park and the valleys. We then descend to the bank of a small river and pass through small canyons, which are the best spots to wait and observe the beautiful birds of the park.

After lunch, it's time to relax as we visit recreational haciendas where we can rest, enjoy the pools, or simply appreciate the pleasant climate of the Sucre valleys.