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Bolivia is known as a birdwatchers paradise among those who are very
active in the birdwatching community. What is not known is that one can
have an excellent bird tour anywhere in the country, be it the Andean
highlands, temperate valleys or the Amazon basin jungles and savanna regions.
There are over 1,500 bird species in Bolivia and according to ornithologists
many endemic species and a few species unknown to man still. That is very
exciting news for anyone looking to add a significant number of birds
to their life lists. Bolivia is a natural history treasure trove with
a variety of species, second to none in the Americas and likely the rest
of the neotropical world as well.
This particular trip features more diverse habitats than any other itinerary
that we have offered. By the end of the tour we will have visited all
of the following: open savannas, chacoan thorn-scrub, gallery forests,
marshy wetlands, semi-deciduous pre-montane forests, the deciduous woodlands
of the Andean foothills, a rain shadow desert valley dominated by subtropical
desert scrub, tropical dry forests, cloud forests, Puna grasslands,
Polylepis woodlands, arid temperate scrub, upper tropical, subtropical,
and temperate forests, the Bolivian Altiplano, and one of the world's
highest navigable lakes, Lake Titicaca. All of this diversity combined
with the incredible scenery that Bolivia has been blessed with makes this
tour a perennial favorite among birders looking for a general introduction
to what Bolivia has to offer.
Some of the potential birds we may see include: Greater Rhea, Silvery
Grebe, 3 different species of flamingos (Chilean, Andean, and James'),
Andean Condor, Red-legged Seriema, Andean Avocet, 22 different species
of Psittacids (including the endemic Red-fronted Macaw), Giant Hummingbird,
Green-tailed Trainbearer, Red-tailed Comet, Blue-banded Toucanet, Hooded
Mountain-Toucan, White Woodpecker, Bolivian Earthcreeper, Many-colored
Rush-Tyrant, Rufous-faced Antpitta, Slaty Gnateater, Olive-crowned Crescentchest,
Yungas Manakin, Cochabamba Mountain Finch, Black-goggled Tanager, Golden-collared
Tanager, Straw-backed Tanager, Giant Conebill, Grey-bellied Flowerpiercer,
and the strikingly beautiful Scarlet-headed Blackbird.
We hope that the trip will be an adventure and a tremendous learning
experience, as well as an opportunity to see some of South America's most
breathtaking scenery and some terrific birds and wildlife as well. Among
the wildlife that we may see, are likely to be some that few people have
ever seen before!
 ABOUT THE
BIRDING AREAS
Santa Cruz
At 437 meters / 1,434 feet, the city of Santa Cruz is definitely the best
place to start a birding trip to Bolivia because it lies in the eastern
lowlands and allows a gradual acclimatization to the increasingly high
altitude found further to the west (it is also serviced by daily direct
flights from Miami). Bolivia's fastest growing city is surrounded by cerrado,
chacoan thorn-scrub, gallery woodlands, and wetlands to the north. Therefore,
the habitats found around the city are definitely worth a good look before
heading off to sites that could potentially offer much more exciting birding.
Some of the local specialties that can be seen during a few days of birding
throughout the areas we visit near Santa Cruz include Greater Rhea, Ringed
Teal, Whistling Heron, Green-cheeked Parakeet, Ashy-tailed Swift, Toco
Toucan, White-eared Puffbird, White-rumped Monjita, Hudson's Black-Tyrant,
White-banded Mockingbird, Rusty-backed Antwren, Black-goggled and Guira
Tanagers, Grey and chestnut Seedeater, and Scarlet-headed Blackbird.
Samaipata
The village of Samaipata, at 1660 meters is situated in the dry eastern
Andean foothills 120 kilometers southwest of Santa Cruz and is a great
place to begin altitude acclimatization for trips further west. Samaipata
has become virtually deserted since the opening of the new road to Cochabamba,
therefore the excellent dry deciduous forest found alongside the old road
near Samaipata has remained relatively untouched. A number of localized
species hard to see elsewhere in Bolivia occur here, including Ochre-cheeked
Spinetail, Slaty Gnatcatcher, and Dull-colored Grassquit. Other specialties
include Tataupa Tinamou, White-faced Dove, Green-cheeked Parakeet, Buff-bellied
Hermit, Slender-tailed Woodstar, Ocellated Piculet, Grey-crested Finch,
Ringed Warbling-Finch, Black-capped Warbling-Finch, and by training our
binoculars on the ridge lines around Samaipata we may detect the presence
of an Andean Condor which are characteristic of the upper Andean slopes.
Comarapa and Tambo
Comarapa and Tambo are found just over 100 kilometers west of Samaipata
along the old road to Cochabamba. Both towns have developed around small
scale farming, however, there are many forest patches and dry thorn scrub
forests found immediately around Tambo and Comarapa that are worth exploring.
Well spent time birding in these forests should provide good looks at
Dusky-legged Guan, Cinereous Harrier, Aplomado Falcon, Red-tailed Comet,
Spot-backed Puffbird, Bolivian Earthcreeper, a variety of thornbirds,
Giant Antshrike, Rufous-capped Antshrike, Greater Wagtail-Tyrant, Brown-capped
Tit-Spinetail, White-tipped Plantcutter, warbling finches, and some specialized
woodpeckers associated with cactus. It is also important to note that
this is the best place in Bolivia to see the endemic Red-fronted Macaw,
arguably one of the most beautiful macaw species. With only an estimated
3,000 individuals left in the wild, it is fortunate that a relatively
large number still survive in the remnant forest patches located near
Tambo, making our chances of seeing them fairly high.
Siberia
Straddling the departmental border of Santa Cruz and Cochabamba, the lush
cloud forests of the Serranía de Siberia represent the southernmost
limit of humid-temperate cloud forests in South America. At 8000' to 9000',
it is also the southern bio-geographical distribution limit of numerous
high-elevation forest birds, including the endemic Rufous-faced Antpitta.
Siberia is a fascinating region and the excellent forests found around
the local community are almost guaranteed to provide a surprise or two.
In addition to the Rufous-faced Antpitta, the area supports two other
Bolivian endemics; Black-hooded Sunbeam and Grey-bellied Flower-piercer,
along with some other local specialties including the rare Black-winged
Parrot, two scarce cotingas (Chestnut-crested Cotinga and Band-tailed
Fruiteater), White-throated Hawk, Mountain Caracara, Violet-throated Starfrontlet,
Blue-capped Puffleg, Light-crowned Spinetail, Giant Antshrike, Brown-capped
Redstart, Pale-legged Warbler, White-browed Conebill, Chestnut-bellied
Mountain-Tanager, Rufous-sided Warbling-Finch, and Rusty-browed Warbling-Finch.
Cochabamba
The Department of Cochabamba offers access to all of the important habitats
found throughout the Andes; from upper tropical, subtropical, and temperate
forests on the wet eastern slopes to arid temperate scrub, puna grassland,
and Polylepis woodland on the dry intermontane side. Therefore, it should
be no surprise that although being one of Bolivia's smallest departments,
more endemic species can be found in the Department of Cochabamba than
anywhere else in Bolivia. The rare Wedge-tailed Hillstar, Bolivian Warbling-Finch,
Cochabamba Mountain-Finch, and Grey-bellied Flower-Piercer are some of
the endemic species that we focus on when visiting this region. However,
there are many other birds that are worth making the extra effort to get
a good look at, including the stunning Many-colored Rush-Tyrant, Short-billed
Pipit, Andean Parakeet, Red-tailed Comet, Rock Earthcreeper, Plain-breasted
Earthcreeper, Tawny Tit-Spinetail, Streak-throated Canastero, Olive-crowned
Crescentchest, Cinnamon-bellied Ground-Tyrant, Cinereous Ground-Tyrant,
White-fronted Ground-Tyrant, Giant Conebill, Black-hooded Sierra-Finch,
Short-tailed Finch, and Rufous-bellied Saltator.
La Paz to Coroico Road
The roadside forests found along this road support a number of notable
species including Stripe-headed Antpitta, White-crowned Tapaculo, Scimitar-winged
Piha, Yungas Manakin, Orange-browed Hemispingus, and Golden-collared Tanager.
Other specialties include three endemics (Black-throated Thistletail,
Rufous-faced Antpitta, and Yungas Tody-Tyrant), Violet-throated Starfrontlet,
Scaled Metaltail, Black-streaked Puffbird, Versicolored Barbet, Blue-banded
Toucanet, Hooded Mountain Toucan, Plain-breasted Earthcreeper, Tawny Tit-Spinetail,
Light-crowned Spinetail, Streak-throated Canastero, Line-fronted and Scribble-tailed
Canastero, Barred Anthrush, Stripe-headed Antpitta, White-crowned Tapaculo,
Scimitar-winged Piha, Yungas Manakin, Bolivian Tyrannulet, Ochraceous-breasted
Flycatcher, Rufous-bellied Bush-Tyrant, White-collared Jay, White-eared
Solitaire, Orange-browed Hemispingus, Drab and Three-striped Hemispingus,
Golden-collared Tanager, Chestnut-bellied Mountain-Tanager, Short-tailed
Finch, and Moustached Flower-piercer.
Lake Titicaca
At 11,500 feet, Lake Titicaca is one of the world's highest navigable
lakes and with its clear sapphire-blue waters, it is also one of the most
beautiful. Set in the dry, rolling scrub-covered hills of the altiplano
north-west of La Paz, Lake Titicaca represents another important Bolivian
birding site. Throughout trips to Lake Titicaca, we look for Ornate Tinamou,
Short-billed Pipit, and the endemic flightless Short-winged Grebe, which
is often seen on the lake itself.
DAILY ITINERARY
FOR "LOWLANDS & HIGHLANDS"
Day 1: Arrival to Santa Cruz
Upon landing, have your binoculars ready: The Viru Viru airport (named
for a local plant) is surrounded by beautiful natural grasslands and it
is hard to get out without seeing Burrowing Owls, a Whistling Heron, or
even a Rufous-rumped or White-bellied Seedeater if the time of year is
right. Assuming an on time arrival, we will bird some of the nearby woodlands
and grasslands in order to absorb some new birds for a couple of hours
(you'll have access to your luggage and to nice restrooms at the airport
if you need to change clothes). We'll have lunch and a rest at our hotel
before doing some more birding in the late afternoon. Dinner together
and overnight at Hotel Los Tajibos in Santa Cruz. (B,L,D)
Day 2: Santa Cruz
Larger than most European countries and three South American countries,
Santa Cruz harbors one of the most diverse avifaunas of any region on
the globe. Today we´ll spend our time exploring gallery woodland,
grassland, and some Chaco-like shrublands found to the south of the city.
Some of the most exciting birds that we can hope to see are White-bellied
Nothura, Whistling Heron, Golden-collared Macaw, Guira Cuckoo, White-eared
Pouffbird, White-rumped Monjita, Toco Toucan, White Woodpecker, Campo
Flicker, Chotoy Spinetail, Fawn-breasted Wren, Tawny-bellied and Rufous-rumped
Seedeaters, and Yellow-rumped Pipit. Late in the afternoon we'll stop
at a marshy area and will return to the city early in order to allow time
to prepare for the next days early departure. Dinner together and overnight
at Hotel Los Tajibos in Santa Cruz. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Transfer to Samaipata
We'll plan to depart the city of Santa Cruz very early in the morning
(probably 4:30 or 5:00 a.m.) in order to reach our first birding trail
during peak activity. We'll have a picnic breakfast in semi-humid forest
along a rushing river on the lower mountain slopes, then hike a dry, gently
undulating trail through the forest. Continuing westward, we will eventually
reach the southern boundary zone of Amboró National Park. Along
the way, we will have several stops including one at a high altitude lake
where Masked Duck occurs. We'll plan to arrive in Samaipata fairly early
in the afternoon in order to allow people to relax and explore this interesting
town before an excellent dinner! Overnight at Cabañas Campeche.
(B,L,D)
Day 4: Samaipata, transfer to Tambo
A number of localized species hard to see elsewhere in Bolivia occur around
Samaipata, and we will spend the morning trying to get good looks at as
many as possible. Some of the local specialties include Huayco and Tataupa
Tinamous, Bare-faced Ground-Dove, White-collared Swift, Green-cheeked
Parakeet, Planalto Hermit, Buff-bellied Hermit, Slender-tailed Woodstar,
Ocellated Piculet, Ochre-cheeked Spinetail, Streaked Xenops, the elusive
and very local Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Giant Antshrike, Slaty Gnateater,
we should get our first looks at the White-tipped Plantcutter, Gray-crested
Finch, Ringed Warbling-Finch, Black-capped Warbling Finch, Dull-colored
Seedeater, and the striking Ultramarine Grosbeak.
Following lunch, we will continue our trip westward. With a birding stop
or two along the way, we'll pass through dry deciduous forests before
eventually entering into a zone of arid interandean valleys lying within
a rain shadow formed by the surrounding mountains. Around sunset we'll
pull into a little village of Tambo (about 5500'), where the dry cactus-spiked
gullies that dominate the landscape lend the region that distinctive,
haunting character that only deserts posses. This part of Bolivia is completely
undeveloped, and far away from any town that amounts to more than a crossroads.
Fortunately a mission school of long standing kindly opens its doors and
dining room to us, thereby making it possible to bird this fascinating
region from a convenient and relatively comfortable base. Depending upon
availability at the time of our visit, private rooms may be arranged (for
couples), but guests are usually placed in dormitories with shared baths/showers
nearby. Dinner together and overnight at Tambo Mission School. (B,L,D)
Days 5-6: Tambo / Comarapa / Siberia area
Birding the hot, dry habitats near the villages of Comarapa and Tambo
dictates that we concentrate our efforts in the early morning and late
afternoon. In the Andean foothills and the semi-deciduous woodlands and
shrub-desert near Tambo we hope to see Andean Condor (sometimes lots of
them!), King Vulture, Large-tailed Dove, Buff-bellied Hermit, Ocellated
Piculet, White-fronted, Striped, Golden-breasted and Cream-backed Woodpeckers,
Ochre-cheeked Spinetail, the endemic Bolivian Earthcreeper, Greater Wagtail-Tyrant,
Cliff Flycatcher, Saffron-billed Sparrow, and Ultramarine Grosbeak.
The purpose of our trip to this remote region of Bolivia, however, is
to see the endemic Red-fronted Macaw. This large green macaw, highlighted
with scarlet forehead and underwings, brilliant blue primaries and tail,
and flaming orange epaulets, is not only one of the most spectacular of
all macaws, it also ranks as one of the rarest birds in South America.
It is estimated that fewer than 3,000 Red-fronted Macaws remain in the
wild, and they are restricted to the arid canyons of the central Bolivian
Andes. The birds are erratic, moving to food supplies, but with perseverance
and a little bit of luck, we could come away with excellent views of these
magnificent birds.
On one of the days we will go to a very different habitat: the cloud
forests of Siberia. Just a couple of hours west of Tambo, the mountain
range is high enough (8000' - 9000') to catch the last of the moisture-laden
easterlies and thus represents the southernmost limit of humid-temperate
cloud forest in South America. It also marks the southern terminus in
the distribution of numerous species of high-elevation forest birds. Birding
will be along level roads and on trails (with some climbing near Siberia)
in both the arid zone and in the cloud forest. The cloud forest trails
are sometimes muddy (rubber boots recommended), although not too long
or particularly steep. Dinner together and overnight at Tambo Mission
School. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Tambo to Cochabamba
Following an early morning birding stop in the Siberia cloud forests and
puna grasslands at the cumbre, we will dedicate the day to driving to
Cochabamba with at least two important birding stops at Polylepis forest
and some dry temperate scrub forests found along the way. Our lunch stop
will be at a place where the endemic Maquis Canastero, Grey-bellied Flowerpiercer,
and Wedge-tailed Hillstar occur. We should also have the opportunity to
see a number of localized species throughout the day, most notably the
near-endemic Citron-headed Yellow-Finch, Red-tailed Comet, Olive-crowned
Crescentchest, and Rufous-bellied Saltator. Upon arrival to the old city
of Cochabamba (8,414 feet) we will check into our comfortable hotel and
enjoy an excellent meal before settling in for the night. Overnight at
Hotel Regina. (B,L,D)
Days 8-9: Laguna Alalay and the New Road to
Cochabamba
The city of Cochabamba lies in a ten kilometer wide natural arena of rolling
hills and fertile soils and enjoys a wonderful climate throughout the
year. The saying "las golondrinas nunca migran de Cochabamba"
(the swallows never migrate from Cochabamba) aptly describes what cochabambinos
believe is the world's most comfortable climate, with warm, dry, sunny
days and cool nights. We will spend the early morning exploring a shallow
high-altitude lake which is actually just a short drive southeast of the
city. The lake supports a wide variety of birds, and some of the species
that we will focus our efforts on include White-tufted Grebe, Silvery
Grebe, Yellow-billed Pintail, Rosy-billed Pochard, Puna Teal, Red Shoveler,
Puna Ibis, Cinereous Harrier, Plumbeous Rail, Andean Gull, Wren-like Rushbird,
Many-colored Rush-Tyrant, Grey-bellied Shrike-Tyrant, Cinereous Ground-Tyrant,
White-winged Black-Tyrant, Short-billed Pipit, Blue and yellow Tanager,
and Greenish Yellow-Finch.
The balance of the afternoon and the next day will be spent birding along
the "new" road from Santa Cruz which goes through superb elfin,
temperate, and subtropical yungas forests on the northeastern Andean slopes.
This stretch of road is considered by many to be one of the best birding
sites in South America! As well as four endemics (Black-hooded Sunbeam,
Black-throated Thistletail, Rufous-faced Antpitta, and Grey-bellied Flower-piercer),
it supports a number of species (Stripe-faced Wood-Quail, Black-winged
Parrot, Hazel-fronted Pygmy-Tyrant, and Slaty Tanager) restricted to southeastern
Peru and western Bolivia which are virtually impossible to see in Peru
and remain rare or unrecorded elsewhere in Bolivia itself Furthermore,
this site is also one of the best, if not the best in Bolivia for Hooded
Tinamou, Blue-banded Toucanet, Hooded Mountain Toucan, Upland Antshrike,
White-throated Antpitta, Chestnut-crested Cotinga, Band-tailed Fruiteater,
Bolivian Tyrannulet, and the rare Straw-backed Tanager.
Other birds we will focus on during these two great days of birding include
Brown Tinamou, Sickle-winged Guan, Violet-throated Starfrontlet, Versicolored
Barbet, Golden-headed Quetzal, Masked Trogon, Red-necked Woodpecker, Buff-browed
Foliage-gleaner, Light-crowned Spinetail, Barred Fruiteater, Yungas Manakin,
Bolivian Tyrannulet, Buff-banded Tyrannulet, Unadorned Flycatcher, Rufous-bellied
Bush-Tyrant, both White-eared and Andean Solitaire, Three-striped Hemispingus,
Rust and yellow Tanager, Saffron-crowned Tanager, Chestnut-bellied Mountain-Tanager,
Moustached Flower-piercer, Deep-blue Florwerpiercer, and Dusky-green Oropendola.
Dinner together and overnight at Hotel Regina. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Cerro Tunari
Today will be dedicated to the exploration of some very different habitats
where we hope to get a much different sampling of the birds found close
to Cochabamba. The first part of the morning will be spent traveling up
the lower slopes of Cerro Tunari where we hope to get good looks at Andean
Tinamou, Torrent Duck, Red-backed Hawk, some great hummingbirds (Red-tailed
Comet, Andean Hillstar, Great Sapphirewing, adn Giant Humingbird), Grey-hooded
Parakeet, Olive-crowned Crescentchest, White-capped Dipper, Grey-bellied
Flowerpiercer, Plain-breasted and Rock Earthcreepers, and the endemic
Bolivian Blackbird. By mid-day we should be on top of the mountain birding
in puna grassland where Maquis Canastero, Grey-breasted Seedsnipe, White-winged
Diuca Finch, Short-tailed Finch, Ground Tyrants, and Yellow-Finches are
a high probability. Once the altitude starts to take its effect, we will
move back down the slope to bird an excellent patch of Polylepis woodland
before heading back to Cochabamba for the day. At our last stop we will
make a great effort to see rare Rufous-webbed Bush-Tyrant, 2 endemics
(Cochabamba Mountain Finch and Bolivian Warbling Finch), Rufous-bellied
Saltator, and the Giant Conebill. Dinner together and overnight at Hotel
Regina. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Cochabamba to La Paz
Leaving Cochabamba behind this morning (this is primarily a travel day),
we'll make several birding stops along the gradual ascent over eroded,
gullied mountains en route to the Bolivian altiplano. In the highest parts,
the landscape is largely featureless yet very captivating as the dry,
yellow domes of hills fade away one upon another to the distant horizon.
Throughout the day we will be looking for a number of tinamous, raptors,
ground tyrants, miners, canasteros, and earthcreepers, and if the water
levels are suitable we will also visit a large lake en route to La Paz.
Possibilities include Flamingos (3 different species), Andean Avocet,
White-tufted Grebe, Andean Goose, Andean Lapwing, Andean Gull, Andean
Negrito, Bare-faced Dove, Andean Flicker, Slender-billed Miner, and Wren-like
Rushbird. Once activity dies down around the lake, we will continue our
travels to the capital city of La Paz, stopping a couple of times to bird
in puna scrub (easy walking at about 12,500 feet) and at a small lake
or two. Toward late afternoon we should reach the city of La Paz, which
at 12,000 feet is the highest capital city in the world. Having slowly
worked our way up in elevation, we should be ready for the high altitude
of La Paz. Dinner on your own. Overnight at Hotel Oberland. (B,L)
Days 12-13: La Paz to Coroico Road, La Paz
to the Zongo Valley
Like Cochabamba, La Paz encompasses a tremendous transect of habitats
on both the wet and dry slopes of the Andes and the opportunities for
excellent birding are unlimited. On the road down the wet slopes to Coroico,
there are four major zones to concentrate upon: puna grassland and bogs
above treeline at 15,092 feet (good for Puna Snipe, Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe,
and Peruvian Sierra-Finch); shrubby precipitous canyons; untouched stunted
temperate forest with bamboo; and the subtropical "yungas" forests
found further down slope. Descending 14,108 feet in just 100 kilometers,
the road from La Paz to Coroico is considered to be one of the most spectacular
in South America and luckily, the birding is also brilliant.
We will plan to depart from our hotel in La Paz very early in the morning
(probably 5:00 a.m.) in order to reach our first birding sites during
peak activity. Be prepared with an arctic to tropical range of clothing
as we will be exploring each of the habitats found throughout the altitudinal
transition where rain is definitely a possibility! With luck, we should
get good looks at the following species: Black-throated Thistletail, Rufous-bellied
Seedsnipe, Violet-throated Starfrontlet, Scaled Metaltail, Pearled Trerunner,
Plain-breasted Earthcreeper, Tawny Tit-Spinetail, Light-crowned Spinetail,
Streak-throated Canastero, Line-fronted Canastero, Scribble-tailed Canastero,
Stripe-headed Antpitta, Barred Fruiteater, Bolivian Diademed Tapaculo,
White-crowned Tapaculo, Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant, Bolivian Tyrannulet,
White-collared Jay, White-eared Solitaire, Three-striped Hemispingus,
Golden-collared Tanager, Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager, Chestnut-bellied
Mountain-Tanager, Short-tailed Finch, Moustached Flower-piercer, and Rusty
Flower-piercer. Return to La Paz, dinner on your own and overnight at
Hotel Oberland (B,L)
Day 14: Lake Titicaca
The surrounding areas of La Paz are justly famous for the limited but
unusual birdlife of the puna grasslands and the waterbirds of Lake Titicaca.
Following a fairly late breakfast, we will travel to the shores of Lake
Titicaca where we will look for Ornate Tinamou, Short-billed Pipit, Many-colored
Rush-Tyrant, the endemic flightless Short-winged Grebe (which is often
seen on Lake Titicaca itself), and the Yellow-winged Blackbird. The relaxed
pace will continue with a break from birding when we stop at the Inca
Utama for lunch and a tour of their museum which will provide some insight
into the unique cultures of Lake Titicaca and the Bolivian altiplano.
Our return to La Paz will be early to allow sufficient time to explore
the artesania markets and prepare for tomorrows early morning departure.
Return to La Paz, dinner on your own and overnight at Hotel Oberland (B,L)
Day 15: La Paz - Home
Transfer to El Alto International Airport for departure flight.
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