Bolivia’s Birding Highlights

Welcome to Bolivia! Arrive at your leisure today. Flights arrive throughout the day at Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, where a transfer vehicle will be waiting to take you to your hotel. Please note that hotel check-in is generally available from 2:00 pm onward. If you would like your room to be ready upon arrival, we will be happy to arrange an early check-in at an additional cost. Dinner and overnight at Ibis Hotel, Santa Cruz. (D)

We begin our day very early, departing from the hotel to explore some of the best birding hotspots around the city of Santa Cruz, located in the Bolivian lowlands at approximately 1,300 feet above sea level.

In the morning, we visit Lomas de Arena Regional Park, a remarkable natural reserve situated at the northern edge of the Chaco ecoregion, where open savannas blend with patches of dry forest. Depending on the season, temporary lagoons may form among the rolling sand dunes, the iconic feature that gives the park its name.

In the afternoon, we continue to the Botanical Garden, a vast forested area within the city limits of Santa Cruz, located in the Chiquitanía ecoregion. Wildlife is exceptionally abundant here, and the reserve is home to five species of monkeys, along with an impressive diversity of birds and other fauna. Overnight at Ibis Hotel, Santa Cruz. (B, L, D)

Targets: The main targets will be range-restricted birds, such as the Greater Rea, Red-winged Tinamou, White-bellied Nothura, Red-legged Seriema, Spot-backed Puffbird, Toco Toucan, White Woodpecker, White-wedged Piculet, Bolivian-slaty Antshryke, Chotoy Spinetail, and Chopi Blackbird.

Before dawn, we depart toward the southeastern sector of Amboró National Park. Here, the Andes curve dramatically from northwest to southwest, forming the “Codo de los Andes” (Elbow of the Andes), a unique geographical feature where several ecoregions converge, making Amboró one of the most biodiverse national parks in Bolivia.

Our destination is Refugio Los Volcanes, considered the premier birding hotspot in the Santa Cruz department according to eBird rankings. Nestled within lush rainforest and surrounded by striking red sandstone cliffs, this ecolodge shelters an extraordinary variety of birdlife that we will search for along its fascinating forest trails.

From the moment we arrive, all exploration will be done on foot. The trails vary in difficulty, and walks will be adapted to the group’s pace and interests.

This sector of Amboró National Park lies at the transition between the Northern and Southern Yungas ecoregions, creating ideal conditions for an exceptionally rich diversity of birds and wildlife. For the next two days, we will immerse ourselves in this vibrant forest ecosystem, alive with sounds, colors, and unforgettable encounters. Overnight at Refugio Los Volcanes, Amboró National Park. (B, L, D)

Targets: Bolivian Recurvebill (endemic), Short-tailed- Antthrush, Yungas Manakin, Buff-throated Foliage Gleaner, Gray Tinamou, Brown Tinamou, White-whinged Tanager, Blue-browed Tanager, Guira Tanager, Black-googled Tanager, Planalto Hermit, Sparkling Violetear, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, Rufescent Screech-Owl, Tawny-bellied Screech Owl, Sunbittern, Slaty Gnateater, Military Macaw, Green-cheecked Parakeet, Channel-billed Toucan, Ochre-cheecked Spinetail, Red-necked Woodpecker, Gray-throated Leaftosser, Western Fire-eye, Black-streaked Puffbird and Dusky-green Oropendola.

Today, we journey to Samaipata, a picturesque town renowned for its archaeological and natural significance. The area is best known for El Fuerte de Samaipata, a sacred site once occupied by four different ancient cultures and now recognized as one of Bolivia’s most important archaeological landmarks.

Along the route, the landscape changes dramatically within just a few kilometers. As we ascend into the Andes, the environment becomes progressively drier, with dense vegetation gradually giving way to cacti, acacias, and other plants typical of semi-xerophytic habitats. Samaipata lies within the Inter-Andean Dry Valleys at an elevation of approximately 5,577 feet above sea level. Overnight at Ivy Casa Hotel, Samaipata. (B, L, D)

Targets: Red-faced Guan, Huayco and Tataupa Tinamous, Olive-crowned Crescentchest, Sooty-fronted Spinetail, Rothschild’s Swift, Rusty-browed and Black-capped Warbling Finches, Green-winged Saltator, and Giant Antshrike.

At the latitude of Samaipata, the Yungas divide into the Northern and Southern Yungas, giving us the unique opportunity to explore both regions. These areas are considered distinct ecoregions due to notable differences in climate, vegetation, and ecological characteristics.

Today, we head into the Southern Yungas to visit the Tucuman Parrot Reserve. Compared to the northern sector, this region receives slightly less rainfall and is characterized by distinctive tree species such as mountain pine (Podocarpus sp.) and alder (Alnus sp.), which shape the landscape and provide habitat for a specialized community of wildlife. One of the reserve’s most remarkable inhabitants is the Tucumán Amazon (Amazona tucumana), a parrot species found exclusively within this ecoregion.

In the afternoon, we continue to Refugio de los Colibríes, a small but exceptional birding hotspot located in an ecotone between the Inter-Andean Dry Valleys and the Chaco Serrano. This peaceful refuge offers excellent opportunities for observing and photographing hummingbirds, along with a variety of other colorful bird species. Overnight at Ivy Casa Hotel, Samaipata. (B, L, D)

Targets: Brown Tinamou, Red-faced Guan, Yungas Guan, White-throated Antpitta, Tucuman Amazon, Green-cheecked Parakeet, Cream-backed Woodcreeper, Spot-breasted Thornbird, Red-tailed Comet, Black-capped and Black-and-rufous Warbling Finch, White-bellied Hummingbird, Mottle-cheecked Tyrannulet, Moustached Wren, Bronze-green Euphonia, and White-browed Brushfinch.

Today, we embark on a long but rewarding journey toward the Inter-Andean Dry Valleys, passing through the Chaco Serrano along the way. Much of our birdwatching will take place near the roadside, with several strategic stops at key ornithological sites throughout the day.

Our route traverses mid-elevation landscapes ranging from approximately 5,250 to 8,200 feet above sea level, where the climate becomes noticeably drier and the vegetation more open, featuring plant species specially adapted to arid environments.

Among the scenic highlights of the journey is Laguna Pailones, a spectacular canyon carved into the landscape, as well as the Jardín de las Cactáceas protected reserve, home to an impressive diversity of cacti, flora, and wildlife.

By the end of the day, we arrive at the Red-fronted Macaw Reserve, an important conservation area dedicated to protecting one of Bolivia’s most iconic and endangered endemic bird species. Overnight at Red-fronted Macaw Lodge, Perereta. (B, L, D)

Targets: Huayco Tinamou, Andean Condor, Bolivian Earthcreeper, Stripe-crowned Spinetail, Giant Antshrike, Rufous-capped Antshrike, Bolivian and Black-and-chestnut Warbling Finch, Band-tailed Sierra Finch, Sooty-fronted Spinetail, Green-barred Woodpecker, Ultramarine Grossbeak, and Moss-backed Sparrow.

Today is a more relaxed day, allowing us to fully enjoy one of Bolivia’s most celebrated birding hotspots without the need for long vehicle journeys. We wake up in the Red-fronted Macaw Reserve, a community-managed protected area located at approximately 6,560 feet above sea level along the banks of the Mizque River in the Inter-Andean Dry Valleys.

Directly across the river from the ecolodge rises an impressive cliff where Red-fronted Macaws nest. These striking endemic parrots, along with many other bird species, can often be observed comfortably from the lodge gardens.

Throughout the day, we will explore the surrounding habitats on foot, focusing on endemic species and regional specialties that thrive in this unique dry valley ecosystem. Overnight at Red-fronted Macaw Lodge, Perereta. (B, L, D)

Targets: Black-chested Buzzard Eagle, Red-fronted Macaw (endemic), Monk Parakeet (Cliff), Spot-backed and White-eared Puffbird, Striped Woodpecker, White-tipped Plantcutter, White-bellied Tyrannulet, Ringed Warbling Finch, Grey-crested Finch, and Bolivian Blackbird (endemic).

Early in the morning, we depart from the lodge and begin our journey toward the town of Comarapa. Along the route, we will make several strategic birding stops near the main road, focusing on species we may have missed during previous days.

Our journey once again takes us through the landscapes of the Inter-Andean Dry Valleys and the Serrano Chaco, regions renowned for their striking scenery and extraordinary diversity of cacti and drought-adapted vegetation.

One of the key stops of the day is the Jardín de las Cactáceas Reserve, an important protected area that showcases the unique flora and wildlife of these semi-arid ecosystems. Overnight at Monte Blanco Lodge, Comarapa. (B, L, D)

Targets: The species we missed on day 6th.

Today, we ascend to approximately 9,800 feet above sea level and enter the misty cloud forests of Serranía de la Siberia in search of new and exciting bird species. The Northern and Southern Yungas are full of surprises, one never knows what the day may reveal, and with a bit of luck, we may even encounter rare birds that have only been recorded a handful of times.

Although many birds in this ecoregion display spectacular colors, spotting them within the dense fog and thick vegetation is no easy task. Birding under these conditions can be challenging, but it is precisely this sense of exploration and unpredictability that makes the experience so rewarding.

These forests are also home to a remarkable number of endemic and near-endemic species, offering excellent opportunities to discover some of Bolivia’s most sought-after cloud forest birds. Overnight at Monte Blanco Lodge, Comarapa. (B, L, D)

Targets: Bolivian and Rufous-face Antpittas, Blue-capped Puffleg, Violet-fronted Starfrontled, Scaly-naped Parrot, Black-winged Parrot, Bar-bellied Woodpecker, Light-crowned Spinetail, Creamy-breasted Canastero, Pearled Treerunner, Highland Elaenia, Pale-footed Swallow, Buff-banded and Tawny-rumped Tyrannulets, Pale-legged Warbler, Brown-capped and Spectacled Redstars, Superciliaried Hemisphingus, the shy and elusive Slaty Gnayeater, Blue-backed Conebill, several Bolivian Brushfinch, Fulvous-headed Brushfinch, Trilling Tapaculo, Common Chlorospingus, Blue-winged Mountain Tanager, Sepia-capped Flycatcher, Blue-necked Tanager, Fawn-breasted Tanager, Golden-winged Cacique, White-tipped Swift, Plumbeus Black-Tyrant and Rusty-browed Warbling Finch.

Today is primarily a transfer day, as we undertake a long journey toward the small town of Coranipampa. In the morning, we continue birding through the cloud forests of the Siberia region before heading west into the department of Cochabamba.

Along the way, we traverse an impressive variety of ecosystems, passing through the Humid Puna, the Inter-Andean Dry Valleys, and eventually descending into the Northern Yungas. This dramatic transition in landscapes highlights the extraordinary ecological diversity of the Bolivian Andes.

Coranipampa is a small and developing village, yet it offers comfortable accommodations where we will spend the night and prepare for the next stage of our birding adventure. Overnight at Campo Aventura Lodge, Coranipampa. (B, L, D)

Targets: Andean Flicker, Andean Lapwing, Rufous-capped Antshrike, and the ones we missed the day before.

We wake up in the heart of the Yungas of Cochabamba, a region known for hosting some of the finest birding hotspots in Bolivia. Throughout the day, we will explore a remarkable range of mid- to high-elevation forests, from subtropical rainforest to temperate cloud forest habitats.

Early in the morning, we head into the rainforest zone, situated between approximately 4,250 and 5,900 feet above sea level. The landscape here is dominated by cecropia trees, whose fruits attract an extraordinary diversity of colorful birds, including tanagers, toucans, and many other species.

In the afternoon, we continue into the cloud forest, located between 8,200 and 11,500 feet above sea level. This ecosystem has a mysterious atmosphere, where conditions can change dramatically within minutes. Dense mist may reduce visibility to only a few meters before suddenly lifting to reveal the forest in full clarity. Even the most brilliantly colored birds can easily disappear into the fog and dense vegetation, making birding here both challenging and deeply rewarding.

After a full day of exploration, we continue to the city of Cochabamba, where we will spend the night. Overnight at Apart Hotel Anteus, Cochabamba. (B, L, D)

Targets at the rainforest: Versicolored Barbet, Bolivian Tapaculo, Slaty Tanager, Yungas Tody-Tyrant, Rust-and-yellow and Green-throated Tanagers, Upland Antshrike, Yungas Antwren, White-throated Quail-Dove, Bolivian, Sclater’s and Buff-banded Trannulets, McConnel’s Flycatcher and Flammulated Pygmy-Tyrant.

Targets at the Cloud Forest: Hooded Mountain Toucan, Stripe-faced Wood-Quail, Chestnut-bellied Mountain Tanager, Rufous-faced Antpitta, Trilling Tapaculo, Black-throated Thistletail (endemic), Rufous-bellied Bush-Tyrant, Ochre-faced Tody-Flycatcher, Black-hooded Sunbeam (endemic), and Bolivian Brushfinch (endemic).

This marks the final day of the main tour. Cochabamba is a pleasant and vibrant city located within the Inter-Andean Dry Valleys at approximately 8,400 feet above sea level. From nearly every point in the city, the mountains of Tunari National Park dominate the horizon, our destination for today’s exploration.

Within this protected area, we will focus on the unique Polylepis forests, high-Andean woodlands formed by one of the world’s highest-growing tree species. These forests provide habitat for a variety of fascinating and specialized bird species adapted to life at high elevations.

In the afternoon, we visit either Cotapachi or Alalay Lagoon in search of waterfowl and other wetland species that inhabit the region.

*Guests concluding the main tour on this day (without taking the La Paz Extension) will have a domestic flight scheduled to Santa Cruz, departing at approximately 4:30 PM. Upon arrival, an overnight stay and dinner will be arranged, allowing time to rest comfortably before their international departure the following day. Overnight at Ibis Hotel, Santa Cruz. (B, L, D)

*Guests continuing on the La Paz extension will spend the night in Cochabamba. Overnight at Apart Hotel Anteus. (B, L, D)

NOTE: Airport transfers, domestic flight arrangements, and the corresponding hotel accommodations will be organized accordingly.

Targets at the Polylepis Forest: Red-tailed Comet, Wedge-tailed Hillstar, Olive-crowned Crescentchest, Bolivian Blackbird (endemic), Giant Conebill, Cochabamba Mountain Finch (endemic), Bolivian Warbling Finch, Streak-fronted Thornbird, Maquis Canastero, Brown-capped and Tawny-tit Spinetails, D’Orbigny’s Chat-Tyrant.

Targets at the Lagoon: Yellow-billed Pintail, Yellow-billed Teal, Plumbeous Rail, Southern and Andean Lapwings (yes! at the same spot), Wren-like Rushbird, Many-colored Rush Tyrant, Puna Pipit, Grayish Baywing, and Yellow-winged Blackbird.

Transfer to Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) in Santa Cruz de la Sierra will be arranged according to your flight schedule. (B)