Located in the Amazon basin along the banks of the Yolosa River, La Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary is a privately run organization that has offered refuge to over 350 animals rescued from illegal trafficking and abuse. These monkeys, bears, ocelots, tortoises, and birds roam the 30-acre (12-hectare) nature reserve freely, and are cared for by a team of volunteers.
Among the variety of rescued animals, the undeniable superstars are the primates (spider, capuchin, howler, squirrel, owl, and tamarin monkeys) and exotic birds (macaws, parrots, parakeets and toucans). La Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary also offers guided excursions into the jungle with overnight ecolodge stays.xa0
Visit the sanctuary as part of a guided tour that includes a thrilling mountain bike adventure down Yungas Road (aka “world’s most dangerous road’), a slender serpentine route carved into the mountainside. The daring downward bike trek runs about 40 miles (64 kilometers), and as you make the 11,800-foot (3,600-meter) descent, the landscapes change from snow-covered mountains to tropical jungle. All levels of bikers are welcome.
La Senda Verde is located about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) from Coroico and about 61 miles (98 kilometers) from La Paz. From La Paz, expect approximately 2.5 hours on the road, by bus or taxi. From Minasa Station, take a van to Coroico. At Coroico's main plaza, find the colectivos bound for La Senda Verde or take a taxi.
The sanctuary is open daily, morning until afternoon. It is best to visit the sanctuary from May to October as the skies will be clear with very little rain. If you're in town in mid-June, come to nearby Coroico for its Coffee Festival and enjoy the best Bolivian coffees.
La Senda Verde was founded by Vicky Ossio and Marcelo Levy after rescuing two capuchin monkeys and two parrots from illegal traffickers. Soon after, more rescued animals were brought to them through various animal rescue organizations. In 2008, the Bolivian government certified La Senda Verde as a non-governmental organization, and now their sanctuary provides a home to over 65 species of birds, monkeys, bears, and felines, among others.