From the Lowlands to the High Andes
From the Lowlands to the Highlands route, is specially designed for passionate birders eager to build an extensive species checklist while still enjoying a comfortable and well-organized journey through some of South America’s most diverse landscapes.
Our adventure begins in the vast lowland plains of Santa Cruz, home to Bolivia’s main international airport and a gateway to incredible birding opportunities. From here, we embark on a journey that takes us gradually higher into the Andes, allowing ample time for acclimatization as we transition from 400 meters above sea level to nearly 5,000 meters at some of our key birding sites.
This dramatic shift in altitude offers a stunning variety of habitats, ranging from tropical lowland forests and foothills to cloud forests, high-altitude wetlands, and puna grasslands. Along the way, we traverse eight of Bolivia’s twelve ecoregions, immersing ourselves in one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet—the Tropical Andes.
Depending on the season, this route provides the opportunity to record between 450 and 550 bird species, making it an essential experience for any serious birder.
Join us for an unforgettable birding expedition in the heart of South America, where every stop brings new discoveries and breathtaking scenery!
Tour Route Map
No. of days: 18
Starting point: Santa Cruz City
Endpoint: La Paz City
Day 0
Welcome to Bolivia! Arrive today at your leisure. Flights arrive during the day to VIru Viru Airport in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. We plan to offer some casual afternoon birding for those who can do it. The group officially assembles for a welcome dinner tonight. Night in Santa Cruz.
Day 1
We begin our day at 5:00 AM, departing from the hotel towards the best hotspots around the city of Santa Cruz. We are located in the lowlands of Bolivia, at 1300 FASL.
In the morning, we visit the Lomas de Arena Park, a protected area situated in the northernmost part of the Chaco, where savannas and some forested areas dominate. Depending on the time of year, it is sometimes possible to find lagoons among the sand dunes, which are the emblem and the reason for the park’s name.
In the afternoon, we head to the Botanical Garden, a vast expanse of forest within the city of Santa Cruz, located in the Chiquitanía Ecoregion. The wildlife is so concentrated in this area that it is home to five species of monkeys.
If the weather permits, we end the day at Laguna Guapilo, a body of water that shelters hundreds of birds in the heart of the city. Night in Santa Cruz.
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.
Day 2 and 3
Before dawn on our second day, we head toward the southeastern sector of Amboró National Park. Here, the Andes Mountains curve from northwest to southwest, forming the “Codo de los Andes” (Elbow of the Andes), where multiple ecoregions converge, making this park one of Bolivia’s most biodiverse.
Our destination is Refugio Los Volcanes, the top birding hotspot in the Santa Cruz department, according to eBird. This ecolodge hides incredible feathered treasures, which we will seek out along the fascinating trails of the rainforest.
From the moment we arrive, all exploration will be on foot. The trails vary in difficulty, and our walks will be adjusted to the group’s pace.
This part of Amboró National Park lies at the transition between the Northern and Southern Yungas ecoregions, resulting in a rich and diverse birdlife. For two full days, we will immerse ourselves in this vibrant forest teeming with life. 2 nights at Refugio Los Volcanes.
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 Opropendola.
Day 4
Today, we set off for Samaipata, a picturesque town of great archaeological and natural significance. It is best known for the ruins of El Fuerte de Samaipata, a sacred site once inhabited by four different ancient cultures.
The ecoregion in this area changes dramatically over just a few kilometers. As we ascend the Andes Mountains, the landscape becomes drier, with less vegetation, giving way to cacti and acacias typical of semi-xerophytic environments. Samaipata is located in the Inter-Andean Dry Valleys at an altitude of 1,700 meters (5,577 ft) above sea level. Overnight in Samaipata.
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.
Day 5
At the latitude of Samaipata, the Yungas split into the Northern and Southern Yungas, giving us the opportunity to explore both. These two regions are considered distinct ecoregions due to differences in vegetation and ecological characteristics.
Today, we head to the Reserva del Loro Pinero, located in the southern zone. Unlike the northern side, this biome receives slightly less rainfall and features unique tree species, such as the mountain pine (Podocarpus sp.) and alder (Alnus sp.), which shape the landscape and create specialized habitats. One notable resident is the Tucumán Amazon (Amazona tucumana), a species found exclusively in this ecoregion.
In the afternoon, we visit the Jardín de los Colibríes, a small yet outstanding hotspot situated in an ecotone between the Inter-Andean Dry Valleys and the Chaco Serrano. This site is perfect for observing and photographing hummingbirds and other bird species. Overnight in Samaipata.
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.
Day 6
Today, we have a long journey ahead as we make our way to the Inter-Andean Dry Valleys, passing through the Serrano Chaco along the way. Most of our birdwatching will take place near the road, with multiple strategic stops at key ornithological sites.
Our route spans mid-elevation ranges, between 1,600 and 2,500 meters (5,250–8,200 ft) above sea level, in a drier climate where the vegetation is noticeably more open and adapted to arid conditions.
Among the highlights of our journey are Laguna Pailones, a stunning canyon nestled along the route, and the Jardín de las Cactáceas protected area, home to an astonishing diversity of flora and fauna. We will end the day at the Frente Roja Reserve. Overnight at Red-fronted Macaw Lodge.
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.
Day 7
Today is a more relaxed day. We wake up in the heart of one of the country’s most renowned birding hotspots, with no need for long vehicle journeys. Frente Roja Reserve is a community-managed protected area located at 2,000 meters (6,560 ft) above sea level, on the banks of the Mizque River in the Inter-Andean Dry Valleys.
Right in front of the ecolodge, across the river, stands an impressive cliff where Red-fronted Macaws nest. These, along with many other bird species, can be comfortably observed from the garden. Throughout the day, we will explore the surroundings of the lodge, focusing on endemic species and other rarities. Overnight at Red-fronted Macaw Lodge (Perereta).
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).
Day 8
Early in the morning, we leave the lodge and head toward the town of Comarapa. Along the way, we will make several stops near the main road, focusing on species we may have missed in previous days.
Our route once again passes through the Inter-Andean Dry Valleys and the Serrano Chaco, landscapes distinguished by their remarkable diversity of cacti. One of the key stops along the way is the Jardín de las Cactáceas protected area. Overnight in Comarapa.
Targets: The species we missed on day 6th.
Day 9
Today, we ascend to 3,000 meters (9,840 ft) above sea level and head into the cloud forest of Serranía de la Siberia in search of new species. The Yungas always hold surprises—one never knows what the day might bring, and with luck, we may spot rare birds that have been recorded only a handful of times.
Despite the striking colors of the birds in this ecoregion, spotting them is no easy task amid the dense fog. Birding in these conditions is certainly a challenge, but that’s precisely what makes it so special. In these forests, we will have the chance to encounter more endemic and near-endemic species. Overnight in Comarapa.
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.
Day 10
Today, we have a long journey ahead to the town of Coranipampa. In the morning, we will once again explore the cloud forest in the Siberia area, continuing our route west toward the department of Cochabamba. We will pass through the Humid Puna, the Inter-Andean Dry Valleys, and finally arrive at the Northern Yungas.
Coranipampa is a small, developing village, but it offers comfortable accommodations where we will spend the night.
Targets: Andean Flicker, Andean Lapwing, Rufous-capped Antshrike, and the ones we missed the day before.
Day 11
Today, we wake up in the heart of the Yungas of Cochabamba. Throughout the day, we will explore a range of mid- to high-elevation forests, varying from subtropical to temperate. This area is home to some of the best birding hotspots in the country.
Early in the morning, we head to the rainforests, situated between 1,300 and 1,800 meters (4,265–5,905 ft) above sea level. The landscape is dominated by cecropia trees, a species that attracts birds of every color, from tanagers to toucans.
In the afternoon, we visit the cloud forest, located between 2,500 and 3,500 meters (8,200–11,500 ft). This ecosystem has a mysterious feel, where you can never be sure what you’ll encounter. At times, the mist reduces visibility to just ten meters, and moments later, the sky may clear up. The brightest feathered jewels can easily go unnoticed in this dense fog, even by the most experienced birdwatchers.
After a long day of exploration, we head to the city of Cochabamba, where we’ll spend the night.
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.
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).
Day 12
Cochabamba is located in the Inter-Andean Dry Valleys at 2,570 meters (8,430 ft) above sea level. From any point in the city, the mountains of Tunari National Park can be seen, our destination for today. In this protected area, our first goal is to explore the Polylepis forest, home to tall tree species that shelter a variety of interesting species.
After passing through the treeline, where the last Polylepis trees mark the transition, we continue our ascent toward the Puna, reaching 4,600 meters (15,091 ft) today. As we climb, we pass through wetlands, lagoons, slopes, and other high-altitude habitats, which, surprisingly, are teeming with life. Overnight in Cochabamba.
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,
At the Humid Puna: Ornate Tinamou, Darwin’s Nothura, Rufous-naped, Taczanowski’s, Puna, Cinereus and Ochre-naped Ground-Tyrant, Rock Earthcreeper, Slender-billed Miner, Glacier Finch, and Boulder Finch.
Day 13
Today, we’ll have another long day on the road, heading toward the Altiplano near the city of Oruro. The journey includes several stops along the highway, passing through the Humid Puna and the Dry Puna.
The landscape in this region has been significantly impacted, mainly by mining and other human activities. The native vegetation is limited to vast grasslands and some scattered shrubs.
Depending on the time of year, you might encounter a few lagoons along the way. After reaching Oruro, if time allows, we can also visit Lake Uru Uru. Overnight in Oruro.
Targets: Puna Plover, Chilean Flamingo, Andean Goose, Crested Duck, Puna Miner, Scale-throated Earthcreeper, Andean Negrito and Puna Pipit.
Day 14
The landscape doesn’t differ much from the previous day: vast plains surrounded by mountains, grasslands, and occasionally a few lagoons. However, as we approach the valley of La Paz, the landscape gradually begins to change. The imposing Illimani mountain, with its peak reaching nearly 6,500 meters (21,325 ft), is hard to miss.
La Paz is not our capital, but it is the seat of government. It is a unique city, where millions of Aymaras and mestizos shape a vibrant culture, full of life, but also marked by constant chaos.
Targets: Andean Duck, Yellow-billed Teal, Andean Avocet, White-tufted Grebe, Giant Hummingbird, Spot-winged Pigeon, Common Miner, Brown-bellied Swallow, Many-colored Rush-Tyrant, Wren-like Rushbird, Black Siskin, Peruvian Sierra Finch, and Band-tailed Seedeater.
Day 15
Today is a very special day. We are heading to Lake Titicaca, world-renowned for both its size and its altitude, at 3,800 meters (12,467 feet) above sea level. The Aymara community of Humamarka is waiting to guide us on a trip in traditional small boats, rowing in search of the grebe that bears the lake’s name: the “Titicaca Grebe.” We will slowly navigate through the reeds until we reach a viewpoint in the middle of the water. It’s an excellent opportunity for photographers, as some species will allow us to get very close.
After the boat trip, we continue our journey across the altiplano, crossing the mountains of the Cordillera Real in the Andes, heading toward the Sorata Valley, where, if we’re lucky, we’ll spot the endemic Berlepsch’s Canastero, the most notable species of the day. Overnight in La Paz.
Targets at the lake: Titicaca Greebe, Silvery Grebe, Giant Coot, Chilean Flamingo, James Flamingo, Cinereus Harrier, Andean Flicker, Puna Pipit, and Yellow-winged Blackbird.
At the mountains and valleys: Huayco Tinamou, Berlepch’s Canastero (endemic), Scribble-tailed Canastero, Bare-faced Ground Dove, Black Throated Flowerpiercer, Mourning, Peruvian and Ash-breasted Sierra Finches, and Yellow-bellied Siskin.
Day 16 and 17
We will begin our birdwatching at 4,700 meters (15,420 feet) above sea level, in a frigid climate. During the first part of the morning, we will explore wetlands, lagoons, and native shrub vegetation, home to several bird species adapted to the heights of the magical Andes.
Later, we will descend into a completely different landscape. In less than 20 km, we will reach the stunning “Death Road,” a narrow route that drops abruptly to 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) in just 30 km. The name comes from the 1990s when, before the construction of the new road to Coroico, this route had the highest annual death toll from car accidents worldwide.
In just a few kilometers, we will go from the thick fog of the cloud forest to the warmth of the rainforests in Cotapata National Park, part of the Yungas of La Paz. We will explore the park both on the way down and on the way up. We will spend the first night in Coroico and the second in La Paz.
Targets at La Cumbre: Giant Coot, Rufous-bellied and Gray-breasted Seedsnipe, Golden-spotted Ground-Dove, Slender-billed Miner, White-fronted, Cinnamon-bellied, and White-browed Ground Tyrants, Glacier Finch, and Plumbeus Sierra-Finch.
At Los Yungas: Great Sapphirewing, Greenish Puffleg, Collared Inca, Booted Racket-tail, Long-tailed Sylph, Blue-mantled Thornbill, Montane Foliage-gleaner, Fulvous Wren, Andean Solitaire, White-banded and Buff-banded Tyrannulets, Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant, White-browed Conebill, Hazel-fronted Pygmy-Tyrant, Scimitar-winged Piha, Diadamed Tapaculo, Orange-browed, Superciliaried, Black-eared and Three-striped Hemispinguses, Golden-collared Tanager, Orange-bellied Euphonia, Moustached Flower-piercer, Swallow Tanager and Citrine Warbler.
Day 18
Today is our last day together! We will enjoy birdwatching at the group’s pace, saying goodbye with a final outing in some of the protected municipal areas of La Paz. One of these is the Bosquecillo de Auquisamaña, a small patch of forest with both native and introduced vegetation, located in the heart of the city, where we can still record new species. We will return to our hotel to celebrate with a delicious farewell dinner.
Today, we won’t venture far from the city, in case there are flight connections in the afternoon or evening.
Targets: Andean Swift, Red-tailed Comet, Giant Hummingbird, Rock Earthcreeper, Plain-mantled Tit-Spinetail, Streak-fronted Thornbird, White-browed Chat-Tyrant, Brown-backed Mockingbird, and Greenish Yellow-Finch.