3 Days - Birding Santa Cruz
Birding Santa Cruz
Exploring the Yungas Transition Zone (2 to 4 Days)
Tour Schedule
Before dawn on the first day, we depart for the southeastern sector of Amboró National Park. Here, the Andes curve from northwest to southwest, forming the “Codo de los Andes” (Elbow of the Andes), where several ecoregions converge—making this protected area one of Bolivia’s most biodiverse regions.
Our destination is Refugio Los Volcanes, considered the top birding hotspot in the Santa Cruz department according to eBird. This remarkable ecolodge shelters exceptional avian diversity, which we will search for along its extensive rainforest trail system.
Blue-browed Tanager by Hugo Santa Cruz
Sunbittern by Hugo Santa Cruz
From arrival onward, all exploration is on foot. Trails vary in difficulty, and walks are adjusted to the group’s pace and interests.
This sector of Amboró lies at the transition between the Northern and Southern Yungas, resulting in extraordinary bird diversity. We immerse ourselves in a vibrant forest teeming with life.
The lodge protects approximately 600 acres (240 ha) and offers more than 40 km of trails, providing outstanding exploration opportunities. We offer two- to four-day programs at this hotspot, though we recommend a minimum of three days to fully experience the area. The itinerary is tailored according to the length of stay selected.
On the final day, we return to Santa Cruz de la Sierra after lunch.
Overnight stays at Refugio Los Volcanes, Amboró National Park (number of nights according to the chosen program).
Targets: Bolivian Recurvebill (endemic), Short-tailed- Antthrush, Yungas Manakin, Buff-throated Foliage Gleaner, Gray Tinamou, Brown Tinamou, White-winged 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 Opropendola.