Toro Toro National Park
Toro Toro National Park
This Toro Toro Park trip is for the traveller looking for ancient caves, deep canyons and well-preserved dinosaur footprints.
The isolated Toro Toro National Park is situated in the North of Potosí department, 140 km south of Cochabamba. The name Toro Toro comes originally from the Quechua term « thuru thuru pampa », it means « Pampa (extensive plain) of mud ».
Toro Toro National Park has many beautiful landscapes, deep canyons and big caves with stalactites and stalagmites that have amazing shapes.
You can observe thousands of dinosaurs’ tracks, fossils, cave paintings and archaeological remains. The landscape is full of mountains, all size stones and running waters, crystal clear natural pools and beautiful waterfalls.
The dinosaur trackways of biped and quadruped dinosaurs are from the Cretaceus period (80-100 million years ago) during the Mesozoic era also called the Era of the Dinosaurs because during this period of time the dinosaurs ruled the Earth. It is possible to find tracks of three different species: the coelurosaur, the sauropod and the anquilosaurus.
Toro Toro trip bonus: The magnificent Red-Fronted macaw – Ara rubrogenys (endemic to certain areas of Bolivia) can be spotted during a walk throughout Toro Toro National Park. The red-fronted macaw only exists in Bolivia and is highly endangered.
During the prehistoric tour is possible to visit the following sites and more:
- Caves of Humajalanta. Located only 8 Km away from the Toro Toro village, this cavern represent the most important touristic attraction in the Park and a challenge to adventure-lovers. Inside this deep and log cave of almost 2 km we find countless stalactites and stalagmites of white calcareous rock formed by centuries of slow dripping moisture. There is also a underground lagoon inhabited by a rare specie of small silver ¨blind fishes¨.
- El Vergel. Located 6 km away from town, in the canyon of Toro Toro river. This is a small paradise with a tropical climate and vegetation with beautiful waterfalls. On the way to El Vergel there are several natural swimming pools.
- The Toro Toro canyon. A fantastic view of the deep canyon from a lookout point.
- Ciudad de Itas, aka the city of rocks. Caverns that resemble gothic cathedrals.
- Dinosaur tracks footprints from the Cretaceous period (80-100 million years ago) also called the Era of the Dinosaurs.
- Cave paintings and fossils.
Note: A program that highlights the more accessible attractions can also be arranged, or if you prefer, you can decide what to do on-site with the local guides, who are very flexible. Contact us for more information.
REFERENCE PROGRAM
TWO DAYS REFERENCE PROGRAM
DAY 1
Departure from Cochabamba by private transport. We’ll set off towards the town of Torotoro, located 148 km from Cochabamba. During the journey, we’ll pass through a range of landscapes, from 2,000 to 3,500 meters above sea level, with stops along the way for breaks and photo opportunities.
Our second stop will be at the Caine River Bridge. This river forms a natural boundary between the Cochabamba and Potosí departments, offering stunning views that are perfect for photography.
Upon arrival in Torotoro, we’ll register the group at the protected area offices, and then enjoy a welcome lunch.
After lunch, we’ll begin a trek to the Torotoro Canyon and El Vergel, passing natural attractions like the Stone Bridge and the Natural Stone Theater. We’ll reach the canyon viewpoint and then descend a stone staircase (a 40-minute walk) into the canyon, where we’ll find the beautiful waterfalls and natural pools of El Vergel.
Later in the afternoon, we’ll head to the lodge, but on the way, we’ll stop at the base of Cerro Wayllas to see some of the park’s most iconic fossilized dinosaur footprints.
The Umajalanta lodge is a community-based project managed by locals, with a model that ensures fair and equitable distribution of income from community enterprises.
Dinner will be served at the hotel, followed by time to relax and rest.
DAY 2
After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, we’ll head to the « City of Stone, » known as Itas. Located about an hour’s drive from Torotoro at an altitude of 3,700 meters, Itas is home to impressive rock formations carved over millions of years by flowing water. We’ll hike along trails surrounded by giant stones and other fascinating rock structures.
After exploring Itas, we’ll return to the hotel for a farewell lunch and a short rest. Then, we’ll pack up and head to our final destination: the Umajalanta Caves, located 30 minutes from the lodge.
Inside the Umajalanta Caves, we’ll embark on a two-and-a-half-hour exploration, admiring the stalactites, stalagmites, and even a small underground lake where blind fish live.
We’ll finish the adventure by setting off for Cochabamba, where we’ll arrive later in the evening.
THREE DAYS REFERENCE PROGRAM
DAY 1
We’ll start our journey from Cochabamba, heading toward the town of Torotoro. Upon arrival, we’ll register at the protected areas offices. After enjoying lunch in town, we’ll visit the fascinating rock formations of « Siete Vueltas. » Later in the day, we’ll check into the the lodge, where we’ll have dinner and relax, getting ready for the adventures to come.
DAY 2
We’ll begin the day with a hearty breakfast at the lodge before heading to Ciudad de Itas. Here, we’ll take a three-hour hike through stunning rock formations, ancient cave paintings, and breathtaking landscapes at an altitude of 3800 meters.
After lunch and some rest at the lodge, we’ll explore the Umajalanta Cave, Bolivia’s largest and deepest cave.
Dinner will be served back at the lodge.
DAY 3
After breakfast, we’ll visit the famous Dinosaur Footprints before continuing to the Torotoro Canyon. A short hike will take us to the canyon’s viewpoint, offering spectacular views of the local wildlife and landscape. We’ll then descend to El Vergel, a beautiful spot with natural pools perfect for a refreshing dip.
After lunch in Torotoro, we’ll begin our journey back to Cochabamba.
