An Independent Travelers Guide

Guide to Santa Cruz BOLIVIA

Beautiful waterfalls, natural swimming pools and jacuzzis in the middle of the rain forest, part of the publicly accessible Parque Amboro – if you're dying to explore this national park without the services of a guide then this is the place to do it. There are 2 parts to Espejillos, one is run by an Indigenous Community, you can visit and camp here, there is a 200m access point to the main Espejillos where dozens of pools means you'll easily find one to yourself. The other is Hotel Espejillos where you can sleep comfortably each night after exploring the area. Behind the hotel is a 150m access point to a private waterfall and natural pool.

About Espejillos

· Best time of year to go: March to July after the rainy season has left water for swimming

· Impossible to go:during wet season or when raining

· If hiking: be prepared—pick up the map from Jodanga Hostel and ask for the latest advice on the river

 

Time: 1-2 Days

If you don´t have private transport, take the ´Angostura´ bus from  Terminal Bimodal, get off at a town called San Jose then cross the Pirai River (on foot) and keep walking for 5 hours. You´ll know you´re there when you see the sign marking ´Espejillos´. Jodanga has created a trekking map for an easy 16km hiking adventure. Always remember if rain is expected or occurs unexpectedly while there, you may not be able to cross the river until the water level returns to a safe level so pack accordingly - including food, this is jungle territory.

Must see status:          5/5

How to Get There