Small-Group Central Bolivia Tour
A small-group 15-day transect from Santa Cruz to La Paz through Bolivia's valleys, cloud forest and high Andes, with an estimated 400-450 species.
About this tour
This small-group 15-day route crosses central Bolivia from Santa Cruz de la Sierra to La Paz. It opens at Lomas de Arena and the city botanical gardens, then continues through Refugio Los Volcanes, Samaipata and Quirusillas. The next stages visit the Red-fronted Macaw cliffs near Perereta and the Siberia cloud forest above Comarapa before reaching Cochabamba.
Three field days around Cochabamba cover the upper and lower Chapare Road, Cerro Tunari and Laguna Alalay. After flying to La Paz, the itinerary follows the upper and lower sections of the Old Coroico Road, continues through Coroico and Sorata, and finishes at Lake Titicaca. Among the specifically named searches are Red-fronted Macaw, Rufous-faced Antpitta, Berlepsch's Canastero and Titicaca Grebe. The complete route is estimated to produce 400-450 species, depending on conditions.
The pace and difficulty are both rated moderate. Most birding is from dirt roads and generally manageable trails, although some paths are steeper and the narrow Old Coroico Road runs across exposed mountain terrain. High elevations around La Paz may be cold, especially at night. May through November is the recommended period, with smoke from agricultural burning identified as a possible issue in September. Send an inquiry through BirdWatch to confirm dates, logistics and final pricing.
Organizer
Itinerary ▼
Arrive in Santa Cruz de la Sierra and settle in before the field program continues. Overnight at a hotel in Santa Cruz.
Use this session to explore birdlife at Lomas de Arena and Botanical Gardens. The planned overnight is at a hotel in Santa Cruz.
The morning is used to travel to Refugio Los Volcanes near Bermejo. After midday, continue birdwatching at Los Volcanes. Tonight's stay is at Refugio Los Volcanes Ecolodge.
Begin the field day with time to spend the session at Los Volcanes. In the afternoon, make the onward journey to Samaipata, with birdwatching stops along the way. The overnight base is a hotel in Samaipata.
Set out early to visit Quirusillas at higher elevation. In the afternoon, make the onward journey to Perereta. Stay overnight at Armonia Red-fronted Macaw Ecolodge in Perereta.
The initial field period is used to explore Red-fronted Macaw cliffs. After lunch, travel to Comorapa. Accommodation for the night is at a hotel in Comorapa.
Explore Siberia cloud forest/Comarapa Yungas throughout the day. The itinerary uses a hotel in Comarapa for the overnight.
The overland journey to Cochabamba occupies the day, with birdwatching along the way. Tonight's stay is at a hotel in Cochabamba.
Spend a complete field day birdwatching at upper Chapara Road area. The planned overnight is at a hotel in Cochabamba.
Keep the day open for sustained birdwatching at lower Chapare Road area. The day finishes with accommodation at a hotel in Cochabamba.
The morning is used to explore birdlife at Cerro Tunari. After midday, visit Laguna Alalay. The early-evening session is to take a flight to La Paz. Overnight at a hotel in La Paz.
Use a complete day to explore Coroico Road. The planned overnight is at a hotel in Coroico.
Open the day with time to make a field stop at Coroico area. The second half of the day is used to travel to Sorata. Tonight's stay is at a hotel in Sorata.
In the morning, make a field stop at Sorata. The afternoon brings time to return to La Paz. The overnight base is a hotel in La Paz.
Begin before the day warms and visit Lake Titicaca. Make the onward journey toward the airport for either an afternoon or evening flight. The tour concludes at the airport.
Locations & map
- Santa Cruz de la Sierra - Bolivia
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: May-Nov