{"id":235678,"date":"2025-08-05T01:41:05","date_gmt":"2025-08-04T23:41:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visit-latin-america.com\/?p=235678"},"modified":"2025-08-05T01:41:07","modified_gmt":"2025-08-04T23:41:07","slug":"secret-bolivia-the-ten-natural-gems-of-the-charagua-iyambae-region","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/visit-latin-america.com\/en\/secret-bolivia-the-ten-natural-gems-of-the-charagua-iyambae-region\/","title":{"rendered":"Secret Bolivia: the ten natural gems of the Charagua Iyambae region"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In southern <a href=\"https:\/\/visit-latin-america.com\/en\/p\/bolivia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Bolivia<\/mark><\/a>, where the Chaco plains stretch between dry forests, seasonal rivers, and Guaran\u00ed communities, the Charagua Iyambae Indigenous Autonomous Territory has taken a decisive step toward sustainable tourism. Following an unprecedented participatory process, this autonomous government, the first of its kind in the country, has presented an official selection of its ten natural wonders. Out of more than fifty local proposals, only ten were selected after an open vote and validation by a technical committee composed of experts in biodiversity, geography, and land use planning.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"668\" src=\"https:\/\/visit-latin-america.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Portal-de-Okit.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-235666\" style=\"width:260px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visit-latin-america.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Portal-de-Okit.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/visit-latin-america.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Portal-de-Okit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visit-latin-america.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Portal-de-Okit-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Much more than just a ranking, this selection represents a commitment to tourist itineraries aligned with the <em>Yaiko Kavi P\u00e4ve<\/em> philosophy (full life, in Guarani), which integrates environmental conservation, indigenous autonomy, and community management of the territory. The selected sites are distinguished by their ecological or scenic value, their relative accessibility, and their symbolic importance to the Guarani communities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The ten wonders<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Guira Waterfall:<\/strong> Located in the community of Guiracuputi, it is only accessible during the dry season. Its unspoiled natural environment is perfect for hiking, swimming in fresh water, picnicking by the river, and bird watching. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Puerto Viejo Beach:<\/strong> Just 18 kilometers from the town of Charagua, this stretch of natural beach along the Guapay River becomes a popular place to relax between February and May, when rainfall is scarce. The site has great potential for river tourism. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Charagua Hot Spring \u2013<\/strong> Nestled in a little-explored ravine, these hot springs are currently used by the local community. Still off the beaten track, they offer great potential for development in the field of <a href=\"https:\/\/visit-latin-america.com\/en\/wellness-tourism-in-latin-america-thermal-waters-rituals-and-new-sensory-journeys\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">wellness tourism<\/mark><\/a>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>La Vieja Bruja (Tacuaremb\u00f3):<\/strong> This spectacular geological formation, topped by a seasonal waterfall, is steeped in local stories and beliefs. It occupies a special place in the collective imagination of the surrounding communities. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Chorro de Piriti: <\/strong>Renowned for its panoramic views and dense environment, this difficult-to-reach waterfall is popular for medium to high-level guided hikes. It offers total immersion in the vegetation of the Bolivian Chaco. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Parapet\u00ed Dunes:<\/strong> Located on the banks of the river of the same name, these dunes offer an unexpected landscape in the region. Frequented by researchers and students of geomorphology, they are distinguished by their rarity and scientific interest. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Portal de Okita:<\/strong>This natural stone arch traditionally marks the entrance to ancient hunting and gathering grounds. Its importance is both geological and cultural, serving as a symbolic landmark for Guaran\u00ed communities. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>El Abuelo \u2013 Ndechi Akae<\/strong> : This interpretive trail offers a series of stops combining environmental knowledge and Guaran\u00ed stories. An immersive experience at the crossroads of nature and oral history. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Paltas Salek<\/strong> : The first diversified agricultural production area in the territory, this region is dedicated to traditional avocado cultivation. It embodies a model of community management that combines food autonomy and sustainability. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Chorro Grande \u2013 Pirapoguasu<\/strong> : Located on the Parapet\u00ed River, this ecologically rich site offers visitors the opportunity to observe remarkable biodiversity in a calm and preserved setting, especially during the dry season.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DM0WRkpPg04\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\">\n<div style=\"padding:16px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DM0WRkpPg04\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;\" target=\"_blank\"> <\/p>\n<div style=\" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\">\n<div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;\"><svg width=\"50px\" height=\"50px\" viewBox=\"0 0 60 60\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><g stroke=\"none\" stroke-width=\"1\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><g transform=\"translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)\" fill=\"#000000\"><g><path d=\"M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631\"><\/path><\/g><\/g><\/g><\/svg><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\">\n<div style=\" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;\">Ver esta publicaci\u00f3n en Instagram<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\">\n<div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\">\n<div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-left: auto;\">\n<div style=\" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div>\n<div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div>\n<div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\">\n<div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DM0WRkpPg04\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\">Una publicaci\u00f3n compartida por WWF Bolivia (@wwfbolivia)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>An organized territory, regulated access<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"508\" src=\"https:\/\/visit-latin-america.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Kaa-Iya-del-Gran-Chaco-National-Park-H.-Justiniano-.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-235670\" style=\"width:396px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visit-latin-america.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Kaa-Iya-del-Gran-Chaco-National-Park-H.-Justiniano-.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/visit-latin-america.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Kaa-Iya-del-Gran-Chaco-National-Park-H.-Justiniano--300x149.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visit-latin-america.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Kaa-Iya-del-Gran-Chaco-National-Park-H.-Justiniano--768x381.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Since last year, Charagua Iyambae has had internal regulations recognizing more than five million hectares as conservation and regulated use areas, enabling clear planning of tourist routes in terms of access, permits, and environmental responsibility. These areas include sites such as the <strong>Kaa Iya del Gran Chaco National Park<\/strong>, the <strong>\u00d1embi Guasu<\/strong> Conservation Area, and community biocultural corridors such as Irenda Guaran\u00ed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For travelers, this means the opportunity to follow clearly marked routes, accompanied by trained local guides, with visiting rules established by each community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>These ten natural wonders stand out not only for their beauty, but above all because they are part of a region that has managed to organize itself, define its own priorities, and implement them. In a context where tourism tends to become standardized, Charagua Iyambae offers another path: clear in its direction, consistent with its environment, and defined by those who live there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><em>Photos: C\u00e9sar Pizarro | H. Justiniano<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Charagua Iyambae unveils its 10 natural wonders, a unique sustainable tourism initiative led by the Guaran\u00ed communities of the Bolivian Chaco.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":235664,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16783],"tags":[23926,23918,23910,23896,23922,23907,23899,23911,23893,23914,19572,23909,23913,23921,23917,23916,23923,23894,23924,23898,23904,23920,23915,23925,23901,23912,23900,23902,23231,23892,23905,23903,23906,23919,23895,23897,22699,23908],"class_list":["post-235678","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-authentic-travel-bolivia","tag-avocado-production-bolivia","tag-biodiversity-bolivia","tag-bolivian-chaco-tourism","tag-bolivian-dry-forest","tag-bolivian-nature-tourism","tag-chaco-bolivia-attractions","tag-charagua-hot-springs","tag-charagua-iyambae-2","tag-chorro-grande","tag-community-tourism-en","tag-community-managed-tourism","tag-conservation-bolivia","tag-cultural-landscapes-bolivia","tag-eco-destinations-bolivia","tag-ecotourism-bolivia","tag-ecotourism-destinations-south-america","tag-guarani-communities","tag-guarani-heritage","tag-guira-waterfall","tag-indigenous-territories","tag-indigenous-tourism-bolivia","tag-kaa-iya-national-park","tag-local-guides-bolivia","tag-natural-wonders-bolivia","tag-nature-reserves-bolivia","tag-ndechi-akae-trail","tag-nembi-guasu-2","tag-off-the-beaten-path-bolivia","tag-parapeti-dunes","tag-piriti-waterfall","tag-portal-de-okita","tag-puerto-viejo-beach","tag-regulated-tourism-bolivia","tag-rural-bolivia-travel","tag-sustainable-tourism-bolivia","tag-sustainable-travel-latin-america","tag-yaiko-kavi-pave"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/visit-latin-america.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/235678","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/visit-latin-america.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/visit-latin-america.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visit-latin-america.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visit-latin-america.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=235678"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/visit-latin-america.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/235678\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":235682,"href":"https:\/\/visit-latin-america.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/235678\/revisions\/235682"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visit-latin-america.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/235664"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/visit-latin-america.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=235678"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visit-latin-america.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=235678"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visit-latin-america.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=235678"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}