Birdwatching
Jan 2006
Contents
Birder’s Guide to Bolivian Highlands
Planning a Birding trip to Bolivia
Suggested First Bolivian birdwatching
trip
Designing your own Bolivian Birdwatching
trip
Bird Bolivia
This page
offers information regarding visiting
BIRDER’S GUIDE TO BOLIVIA:
PART I: THE BOLIVIAN HIGHLANDS
By Lawrence
Rubey and
A. Bennett Hennessey
Updated version: January
2005
© Copyright 2005 by
We are grateful to
those that have generously provided advice on birding sites, proofread part of
this guide, or accompanied us in the field. Our sincere thanks to our friends,
colleagues, and fellow birders that have provided so much valuable assistance
to this project: Victor Bullen, Isabel Gomez, Sebastian Herzog, Jon Hornbuckle,
Alvaro Jaramillo, Michael Kessler, Tim Miller, Douglas Mason, Preston Motes,
Manual Olivera, Carmen Quiroga, David Recalde, Jim Turner, Bret Whitney, and
Brian Woods. Last but not least, this guide is dedicated to Sjoerd Mayer, the
dedicated chronicler of
It is our fervent
hope that the birdfinding advice presented here will help spark a growth in
birding-related eco-tourism in
The first section of
this guide contains basic information on planning a birding trip to
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SECTION 1: PLANNING A BIRDING TRIP TO
Why Choose
More and more birders
are headed to
1.
Low crime: Unlike
2. Reasonable prices: Unlike some countries, prices for meals,
hotels and public transportation are very reasonable. Only imported consumer
goods and rental cars are relatively expensive.
3. An incredible range of habitats: Like Ecuador and
4. Lots of birds:
Independent birding in
Bolivia
Commercial birding
tours are big business. Plunk down $5,000 per person (plus another $1,000 or so
for airfare) and you can enjoy nearly three weeks birding in
This summary is written
for the independent birder who wants to tackle
For two independent
"budget birders," a 17 day birding trip to Bolivia, taking in many of
the major sites, can be made for less than $1,500 each (excluding airfare).
That is less than a one-third of the cost for two birders on an organized
package tour. For a couple of "backpacker birders," the cost is even
lower--perhaps only $500-600 each (excluding airfare).
The drawbacks? You
have to do a little planning on your own. That is where this guidebook is
designed to help you. But even after all the planning, expect some surprises.
Do I need to speak
Spanish?
A birding trip
through
But you will
certainly enjoy your trip more and feel more secure if you have someone in the
group who has some knowledge of the language. Even if it is just rusty Spanish
from high school or college, a little goes along way. If not, try an
introductory course at your local community college or borrow some language
tapes from a local library.
What about
vaccinations and all those tropical diseases?
First, check with the
U.S. Center for Disease Control website (www.cdc.gov) or a local travel
clinic for up-to-date information. The typical protection includes a yellow
fever shot (good for 10 years), typhoid vaccine, and the new hepatitis A
vaccine. Although cholera is endemic is some parts of South America and Bolivia
gets a few cases a year, the vaccine is not very effective and you are better
off just watching what you eat. Make sure your tetanus vaccine and childhood
vaccinations are up to date as well. A rather new rabies vaccine exists and
given the number of motley-looking village dogs, such a vaccine might not be a
bad idea.
If your itinerary
includes lowland areas, you will likely need anti-malaria tablets. The typical
malaria course starts a week before you leave and continues for four to six
weeks after you return. As always, the best protection against malaria is
keeping as much of your body covered as possible between dusk and dawn and
using a repellent. Bringing a mosquito net is a good idea. Lodges often have
them, with the number of holes inversely related to the price of the lodge.
However, in general malaria is not as much of a problem in Bolivia as in, say,
West Africa. The probability of contracting malaria, even if you do not choose
to take a malarial prophylactic, is apparently low, especially in the dry
season. A general practitioner in
Leishmaniasis, spread
by the bite of an infected sand fly, is a threat in some areas. There is no
vaccine, so again the
best defense is to keep covered up and wear repellent. The sand fly bites at
dawn, dusk and after dark, so adequate precautions can be taken.
As far as exotic
diseases, there is a very remote chance of contracting Chagas disease, but only
if you sleep in thatched-roof huts without a mosquito net where the vinchuca
beetle makes its home. Chagas leads to heart failure over a period of years.
Sleeping under a mosquito net can provide good protection against Chagas.
For the typical
birding traveler, the major health issues are more mundane. Sooner or later
you are bound to come
down with some form of traveler's diarrhea. Powdered Gatorade is great to have
along to rehydrate yourself. An anti-diarrhoeal (such as Imodium AD) can plug
you up and allow you to spend a long day in the field chasing endemics, but it
won't speed your recovery. Your body simply needs to get rid of the offending
parasites.
At high altitudes
there is much greater UV radiation, so severe sunburn can occur in a fraction
of the time it would take at sea level. Bring good sunglasses and sun block
with a high SPF and don't plan on getting a tan. A good hat is essential.
What birding gear
should I bring?
Binoculars, of
course. But if you happen to be in the fortunate position of purchasing a new
pair of binoculars before your South America trip, what would be the
ideal binoculars for neo-tropic birding? Several requirements come to mind.
First, you might want to think about getting a pair that is waterproof. At the
least, you will want binoculars that have a reputation for being rugged and
able to withstand the high humidity and rainfall of the tropical lowlands.
Second, in the dim recesses of the rainforest, the light gathering ability of
binoculars becomes especially important. Lastly, a binocular with an
appropriate balance (for you!) between magnification, a wide field of view and
close focus. Trade-offs are inevitable: magnification of course enables you to
see more detail, but the smaller the field of view, the harder it is to get
your binoculars on that Tody-Flycatcher flitting around in the canopy. Close
focus capability is a real advantage in tight forest situations and there is the
added bonus of improved butterfly watching.
Many neo-tropical
birders consider a tape or mini-disc recorder and uni-directional microphone
standard gear for highland Yungas and lowland Amazonian forests. Indeed,
tape playback can attract many antbirds, antpittas, and other skulkers that can
be difficult to observe. Yet there are growing concerns about repeated tape
playback in heavily birded areas. Case in point, at the popular Cotapata site,
reports suggest that the recently discovered Bolivian-diademed Tapaculo has
grown accustomed to playback and is less likely to show itself. If you bring a
tape recorder, use discretion.
If you are the type
of person who has a spotting scope permanently resting on your shoulder,
Bolivia will not be an exception. However, if you are wavering as to whether to
bring a spotting scope or leave it home, there are two schools of thought
(represented by the two authors!). One view is that a scope is very useful,
occasionally clinching a distant identification, and nearly indispensable in
the pampas and aquatic habitats. The other school of thought is that in
many habitats (especially the yungas, rainforests, arid valles) a
scope is unnecessary and often not worth the trouble of lugging around.
Although you probably
do not usually use one in North America or Europe, an altimeter is
almost essential in Bolivia. Bird distribution is highly dependent upon
altitude. Knowing "where you are" often means knowing your
altitude. A combination watch and altimeter (there are several brands) runs
about $150. Unfortunately, altimeter wristwatches depend upon barometric
readings and changes in barometric pressure throw off readings. It is best to
re-calibrate your altimeter whenever possible. The following are official
altitudes for the major airports in Bolivia:
Cochabamba airport:
Santa Cruz (Viru-Viru)
Sucre airport
A GPS receiver (Global
Positioning System) can come in quite handy if you plan to leave the beaten
track. Since Bolivia has very poor road signs and few good maps, GPS
coordinates are used throughout the site descriptions in this book. For finding
some sites, a GPS is very useful in order to avoid wasting considerable time in
aimless wandering. Prices on lower-end GPS receivers have fallen to below $100,
making them quite affordable.
A notebook for field
notes is always a good idea, but a microcassette recorder can also
really help. In cloud forests and Amazonian forests, it is often "feast or
famine." One minute it is quiet and the next you are surrounded by a
foraging flock with over 20 species. With a microcassette recorder clutched in
your left palm and steady grip on your binoculars, you can whisper notes and
not miss a bird. Well worth the $30 investment.
If you wear
eyeglasses, bring an extra pair. You likely will not have time to find a
replacement in Bolivia. If you wear contacts, be aware the extreme dryness of
high altitude areas can be difficult on the eyes and bring plenty of eye drops.
Narrow jungle trails,
high Andean scree slopes and urban cobblestones make walking in Bolivia a
challenge, especially if your eyes are focused elsewhere. Hiking boots,
preferably with water protection and good ankle support, are good for highland
areas. In the lowlands, heavy hiking boots can become a bother and, by
contrast, lightweight running shoes are very foot friendly. Ted Parker
regularly wore Converse Hightops in the field! And don't forget rain gear.
Even in the dry season, rain showers are regular in the yungas forests.
During the rainy season, a pair of rubber boots is also an excellent
idea. For trips to the highlands, nothing beats a warm fleece jacket for
cool mornings.
It is difficult to
pack for Bolivia, as temperatures vary greatly. In the lowlands, long sleeve
nylon shirts and nylon pants will give you protection from both the sun and
assorted biting insects. They also dry in record time. Cotton shirts are
also very comfortable option. Short pants are only appropriate for lounging
around the hotel pool or relaxing after a hard day's birding. Finally, don't
forget a hat for sun protection. For highlands, a wool cap, gloves and long
underwear are good insurance. At high-altitude, UV rays are intense and
painful sunburns can occur with limited exposure. A baseball hat does not
protect the ears and back of the neck and most people need something more
substantial. A favorite for the neo-tropics is the wide-brimmed Tilley hat.
Such hats (there are other brands) offer excellent sun protection. The heavy
canvas keeps you dry during a brief tropical rain shower and has a cord that
keeps you from losing your hat in a sudden breeze. Finally, a good first aid
kit is essential. You will likely be traveling in areas where immediate medical
assistance is very limited.
It is always a good
idea to bring a stash of snacks. Many birding areas are far from lodging
and restaurants and early departures are the norm. Granola bars and crackers can
pass for breakfast, bringing up blood sugar levels, and staving off hunger
pangs. As an alternative, you can stock up on snacks (and more substantial fare
for camp meals) at grocery stores in the larger cities.
As a general rule, if
you cannot live without it, bring it with you. Many common consumer goods are
hard to find outside of the large cities and quality is often poor. Medicines,
batteries, and film fall into this category.
What birding
guidebooks are recommended?
Unfortunately, there
is no single guidebook that covers all of the nearly 1,400 species found in
Bolivia. Two guide books are presently in work, which we hope to see available
by 2008. But for now, the visiting birder must make do with a combination of
field guides.
For the highland
areas (including Yungas habitats) covered in this guide, Birds of the
High Andes (1990) by Jon Fjeldsa and Niels Krabbe is essential. With a few
notable exceptions, virtually every bird you are likely to encounter over
Many bird watchers
bring down the Field Guide to the Birds of Peru by James F. Clements and
Noam Sahny, published in 2001. It is convenient to have, but very poorly put
together, both text and plates at times are worse than useless- some plates
make identification harder. The ideal book would be the two large volumes of
the Birds of South America by Robert Ridgely and Guy Tudor- but these are large
and expensive. We are waiting for a new release of these books with plates of
all the song birds of South America- which will be ideal.
A copy of the 2003
version of the annotated list of the birds of
For the Northern
lowlands, the best strategy is to carry A Guide to the Birds of Columbia
(1986) by Steven Hilty and William Brown. This book is superb but naturally a
number of birds with more southerly distributions found in Bolivia are not
included. And combine this with Birds of Peru by Clements, at least until
something better comes out. If you have the money, I recommend you remove the
plates to both volumes of Birds of South America.
For pampas and chaco
habitats (i.e. most of Beni Department and a good chunk of Santa Cruz
department), the best option is a Collins guide Birds of Southern South
American and Antarctica (1998) by Martin R. de
Serious birders will
definitely also want Volume 1 and Volume 2 of The Birds of South America
by Robert S. Ridgely and Guy Tudor. Unlike most multi-volume tomes, the authors
started this series from the end of the taxonomic order. Thus Volume 1 covers
the oscine passerines (wrens, thrushes, warblers, tanagers, etc.), while Volume
2 tackles the suboscine passerines (ovenbirds, woodcreepers, antbirds,
manakins, etc.). Although not every bird illustrated, this is a landmark
series. For those interested in in-flight parrot identification, check out
"Flight Behavior and of the Genera of Neo-tropical Parrots" by Bret
Whitney in the journal Cotinga (number 5).
Although much depends
on the planned itinerary, for a trip that covers both highlands and lowlands,
the three field guides mentioned above (Fjedsa and Krabbe, Hilty and Brown, and
de
Although not a field
guide, Steven Hilty's Birds of Tropical America is highly recommended.
This collection of essays on neotropical birds provides some great insights and
makes excellent reading at the end of a long birding day. More generally, the Neotropical
Companion offers a primer on how rainforests function and describes the
many common creatures of the neo-tropics. For birders that want a broader
understanding, this book is just the ticket. It has a good section on birds
that focuses on the major neotropical families, a welcome introduction for the
first time visitor. Eloquent, precise, and perhaps even more entertaining, Tropical
Nature by Adrian Forsyth and Ken Miyata provides 17 fascinating essays that
provide a glimpse of the incredible tapestry of life in the Amazonian
rainforest.
If you have an
interest in bird songs, the CD-ROM Bird Sounds of Bolivia Version 2 by
Sjoerd Mayer is an incredible tour de force. Many of the species on this CD-ROM
are not found on commercially available cassettes and recordings of species
never recorded before, such as Huayco Tinamou, Inquisivi Spinetail and Masked
Antpitta, are included. The second edition has sounds of over 900 of the nearly
1400 species in Bolivia with many photos as well. The CD-ROM format is an
excellent way to learn calls and songs of the more common species prior to a
trip. The CD-ROM can be ordered from Bird Songs International B.V. (a Dutch
company dedicated to producing and marketing CD-ROMs with nature sounds). The
address is: Bird Songs International B.V., Wierengastraat 42, NL-9969 PD
Westernieland, Netherlands; Tel: (31) 595 528679; Fax: (31) 595 528629;
www.birdsongs.com
What key
habitats occur in Bolivia?
Bolivia has an
incredible assortment of habitats, only lacking a sea coast. There are many
possible classifications, but for the birder, eight habitats are of major
importance. The more of these habitats that are visited, the more variety of
birds likely to be seen in Bolivia. The first four habitats are found in the
highlands, while the last four are lowland habitats. The habitat categories are
somewhat simplified and it is likely that no botanist or ecologist would choose
such simplified categories. But they should serve the purposes of the birder.
The eight are:
- Dry Andean valleys (valles)
- Yungas (humid montane forest)
- Puna grasslands and
heaths (including high-Andean wetlands, lakes and ponds)
- Polylepis forests
- Cerrado
- Chaco (dry thorn scrub)
- Lowland Amazonian forest
For the birder intent on either
a big list or seeing localized species, these habitats differ sharply in terms
of diversity, abundance and number of endemics. For example, in the Bolivian
pampas, it is possible to see (not just hear) 130 species in a day. But on your
second day in the same habitat you will probably see around 85 percent of the
same species. Abundance is high, but diversity is low. By contrast, in the lowland
Amazonian forest, you may see (not just hear) 30 species in a day. The next day
you will also likely see 30 species, but 50 to 70 percent will be species you
did not see on the first day. Diversity is high, but relative abundance is low.
As a rule, more
complex ecosystems create more diversity of birds. So for the birder (who is
looking for species numbers, not specific species) with a limited time span,
the strategy would be to spend more time in areas of high diversity and low
abundance. The following table summarizes the trade-offs:
|
Habitat type |
Diversity |
Abundance |
Endemics |
|
Dry valleys |
Medium |
Low |
High |
|
Yungas |
Medium |
Low |
High |
|
Puna |
Low |
Medium |
Low |
|
Polylepis forests |
Low |
Low |
High |
|
Pampas |
Medium |
High |
Low |
|
Chaco |
Low |
High |
Low |
|
Amazonian forest |
High |
Low |
Low |
As seen from the
table above, in general, the highlands of Bolivia are characterized by
relatively high rates of endemism while abundance (actual number of birds) is
relatively low. Indeed, most of the Bolivian endemic and range restricted
species (range restricted species refer to those that are not endemic but are
found outside Bolivia in a very limited area) sought after by birders are
highland species.
I only have
limited time so what are the best birding sites to visit?
The typical visitor,
with only two or three weeks, has to make some key decisions. The first step is
decide what type of trip best suits you. Do you want to build as big a list as
possible in a short time? Do you want to focus on finding most of the endemics
and range-restricted species? Or do you want to combine birding with some of
the most awe-inspiring landscapes and natural areas on the continent?
If building a big
list is a priority, you will want to devote a good chunk of your time to the
lowlands. Diversity is much higher in the lowlands and a few days in Santa Cruz
followed by a quick circuit of the highlands and a longer excursion to the
pampas and Amazonian forest in the Northern lowlands can easily push you past
500 species in just over a couple weeks. However, most of the species that will
be seen are widely distributed across South America. So if you have done some
birding in forests and pampas in other South America countries, many species will
already be familiar.
If you want to focus
on finding most of the endemics and range-restricted species, the lowlands will
be less of a priority. Since many of your target birds will be in middle and
upper Yungas forests, dry valles, and Polylepis forests,
plan an itinerary around the highlands Cochabamba and
If finding birding
areas with cultural or scenic interest is important (or if you simply are not
obsessed with searching out endemics), you may want to include a visit to some
of the lesser known areas in Southwestern Bolivia. Sajama National Park, with snow-capped
volcanoes, simmering hot springs, and stark grasslands, offers an experience of
a lifetime. Although diversity is lower still, the bird life of the altiplano
and lagunas is unique. And who could deny the pure enjoyment of
flamingos shimmering pink in a highland lake?
Finally, those
interested in getting off the beaten track should consider exploring areas such
Pando department in the north, the Pantanal (South America's answer to the
Everglades), and Gran Chaco National Park in the southeastern part of the
country. These areas, again not described in this volume, offer some incredible
birding experiences for adventuresome types.
When is the best
time of year to visit?
If your itinerary
includes more of the lowlands than just Santa Cruz, avoiding the January to
April rainy season is often a good strategy. In the Northern lowlands, roads in
pampas areas often turn to mud during the rainy season. And if your
lowland Amazonian adventure is of limited duration, a couple days of rain can
be most unwelcome. The January to April rainy season is, however, a good time
to visit the altiplano of southwestern Bolivia. The altiplano is so arid
that there is little danger of being rained out. Temperatures are more moderate
in the rainy season and hillsides are green.
Austral winter months
(May to August) have clear blue skies in most of the country and little risk of
rain (except in the Yungas where it can rain any time of year). Travel
is pleasant, although temperatures are cold in the highlands. In August and
September, the seasonal chaqueo, burning of grasslands, casts a smoky pall
throughout nearly the entire country. Nevertheless, the latter half of the dry
season (August through early November) are prime birding months in forested
areas as song and breeding activity are high.
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SECTION 2: GETTING AROUND IN
Although
Using local
transportation
Except where noted,
most sites in this guide can be reached by cheap public transportation.
Taxi service in
With long driving
distances, internal flights can be a good way of maximizing birding time. Fares
are reasonable and many flights leave at mid-day or at night, meaning you are
less likely to lose a morning waiting in an airport. Special tickets allowing
you to stop off at various cities on a pre-determined circuit can be
economical, but are only available outside the country. Also, be aware that
during the rainy season, flights to Rurrenabaque and San Borja can be delayed
when lowland airstrips become waterlogged.
Driving safely in
Bolivia
Very few roads are
signposted and safety features (median markings, guardrails and street lights)
taken for granted in
Asking directions
Great care has been
taken in describing how to reach each birding site. GPS coordinates are
provided for most sites to aid in finding them. Yet Bolivian road signs are
notoriously bad. Rarely updated, Bolivian road maps should be read with
skepticism. Planned roads are often included though they do not yet exist,
while older, impassable roads are frequently shown as if new. A small town may
go by two or even three names. The bottom line: you will undoubtedly get lost at
some point in your travels. When you do, here are some tips on asking
directions. First, remember that kilometer-based distances are a difficult
measurement for many rural people. Someone who has lived in a particular town
all their life may not have any idea how many kilometers (
Dealing with
police checkpoints
Upon entering and
exiting all major cities and some smaller towns, the traveler encounters police
checkpoints. The dual purpose of these checkpoints is to collect modest tolls
and to record information about the vehicle and driver. The birder/tourist
should have no problem at these checkpoints and will pass through in a matter
of minutes. Simply present your driver's license (and passport if requested)
and be prepared to tell them your destination, license plate, and number of
passengers. For a rental car, you may be asked to produce the rental agreement.
Also, be sure to save any receipts you are given for payment of tolls: you will
probably be requested to present them at future checkpoints. UMOPAR, the
national drug police, operates several checkpoints to restrict the flow of
coca, cocaine paste and precursors (materials used in the processing of
cocaine). Again, presenting your driver's license and passport should quickly
produce a wave of the hand, motioning you to continue on your way. In some
instances, you will be asked to open the trunk or a suitcase or two. All this
is quite normal and should not be any cause for worry. It is extremely rare
that tourists are solicited for bribes or given trouble. Naturally, it would be
extremely foolhardy to buy or transport any prohibited drug in
Bridging the
cultural gap between campesino and birder
Unlike in much of
Rural Bolivians are
some of the friendliest people in the world. Except for some of the
well-traveled treks on former Inca trails, rural crime is virtually
non-existent. Just remember that, in their view, you are exhibiting strange
behavior in your search for birds. Even if your Spanish is limited, a smile and
giving them a glance at the plates in your bird guide is often all it takes to
bridge the cultural gap. Your efforts will determine the reception that future
birders receive.
Fences and private
property
Fences are quite
common in much of the lowlands of
Wherever you are, be
very careful about walking in active farm fields. Rural farmers are very poor
and their livelihood depends on their meager harvests. A group of birders that
thoughtlessly trample a path through a potato field may cause real human
suffering in the form of reduced household food supplies. Respect their fields.
Staying in smaller
hotels
For birders, some
important points to keep in mind: Smaller hotels often lock up their doors at
night. To avoid the frustration of being trapped in a hotel lobby at 5AM,
explain to the desk clerk the day before if you are planning an early departure.
Also, many hotels in rural areas have discos that primarily attract a local
clientele. Ask if there is a disco before registering, and, at the very least,
request a room far from the action to assure yourself a good night's sleep.
Finally, the outskirts of many cities have "motels." These are not
hotels for the motoring tourist, but rather discrete rendezvous spots for
amorous encounters with rooms for rent by the hour.
Camping in the
campo
Coping with
fiestas
If
you are on a tight schedule, it pays to be prepared for Bolivian holidays.
Public transportation usually runs on holidays and smaller grocery stores are
open. But hotels can be quite full, especially when there is a three-day
weekend. The major Bolivian holidays are:
January 1: New Year's
Day
Mid-February: Carnival (falls on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday)
March/April: Good Friday (the Friday before Easter Sunday)
May
1: Bolivian Labor Day
June: Corpus Christi Day (always on a Thursday)
August 6: Bolivian Independence Day
Early November: All Saints Day (usually November 2)
Dec 25: Christmas
Avoid the city of
In addition, each
department has its own Departmental holiday once a year:
April 15: Tarija department
May 25: Chuquisaca department
July 16:
September 14:
September 24:
November 10:
November 18
Back to top
I have written a trip here based on the information in
the site guide- which you might want to review first. This is a great trip- with
a lot of birds, and passing almost everything
Day 1: Arrival in
Day 2: Day at Los Volcanes.
Day 3: Birdwatching Los Volcanes for the morning. Afternoon up
the
Day 4: Day at Red-fronted Macaw Lodge. The habitat is desert
like- with less bird diversity in the forest, but the area and scenery is
interesting enough to stay for more days.
Day 5: Drive back to
Day 6: With rental car, bird down the Yungas of Cochabamba
passing Tablas Monte Road, Miguelito, and Lower
Chapare Road. Night in Hotel El Puente.
Day 7: Birding around Hotel El Puente grounds and visiting the
Oilbird caves and Cock-of-the-Rock lek at Carrasco National Park Road.
Night in Hotel El Puente.
Day 8: Day birding back up the
Day 9: You cannot miss the San Miguel Polylepis forest
best in the morning- but not so early- leaving Cochabamba at 7 am is fine. Lake Alalay in the afternoon to see Andean aquatic
birds. Late afternoon flight to
Day 10: In rental car travel down the Yungas road stopping at La Cumbre, Upper
Coroico Road, and Choquetanga Valley.
From here, take the
Day 11: Day birding at Apa apa. You could easily spend an extra
day at this site, with a forest that offers many birds.
Day 12: Early morning birding. In the afternoon visit Lake Titicaca. Night in
Day 13: Morning shopping in
Day 13 (Option 1): You could end the trip with a few days at the
comfortable Selvablue lodge in the
Day 13 (Option 2): You could end the trip here, catching a return flight
out of
Day 14: Day birdwatching the Beni flooded savannas. Night in cheap
hotel in
Day 15: Return birdwatching Beni Flooded savannas. Catch late
afternoon flight to
Day 16: In the morning visit the Lomas de Arena Park. After lunch visit the Santa Cruz Botanical Gardens. Night in
Day 17: International flight out of
You could shorten this trip by losing some of the days in
the Yungas in either
If you have strong feelings for Curassows, you could
change Day
OTHER
POSSIBLE TRIPS
A great trip to Bolivia would be to contrast the habitat
types with the lodges that are available. I strongly recommend a trip that
would begin visiting the Selvablue lodge
for 5 to 7 days, then visit a contrasting site like the Red-fronted Macaw lodge up in the
dry Andes- or the Apa apa lodge in the
moist
Another popular option is to separate Bolivian visits into
the highlands and the lowlands, Making the first visit to areas around the hubs
of
Designing your own Bolivian Birdwatching trip
For a
Many groups wish to create a
Most Bolivian endemics (believed to be 19 now) are found in
the highlands around
Thus, in three weeks the usual, sensible route is Santa Cruz
(Dry Forest and open-grasslands flooded pampas in the city, and dry forest,
tropical forest and high Andes jumping off point), Cochabamba (Andean Dry
Valley, Puna, Andean Cloud forest, Montane, Hill and Poor Amazonian Forest),
This typical trip misses good Cerrado, Chaco Habitat, Pantanal, and Northern Bolivian Amazonian Forest, but each is often seen as too far off the beaten path and 50% of the birds can be seen elsewhere during the trip.
Your emphasis on the birding factors will decide your trip. A big list is approached best by zooming through as many habitats as possible, two days in each, and visiting repeated habitats in different areas. Endemic birding means visiting the right spots and investing time and searching. Pleasant Birding, I think of as days in a forest lodge, camping on Montane forest edge, driving out to poorly known areas, maybe even taking in some local culture like Andean Music, Museums and festivals. Of course all can be combined for a great trip.
The dry season is between June and Sept. This is important for wet habitats especially
Bolivian Currency Advice JAN 2006
Right now the Boliviano is 1
When coming to
While in
Basically what changes when you travel in
Things are relatively cheep in
Prices
1 Boliviano buys you
a street drink, bag of bread, sweets and other little things.
1.5 Bolivianos buys you
minibus
ride anywhere in
6 Bolivianos buys you