Lowlands and Middle Elevations
The “Lowlands and Middle Elevations” route is specially designed to showcase a broad overview of Bolivia’s natural wonders, focusing particularly on the country’s fascinating birdlife, all while ensuring maximum comfort and convenience for travelers. Starting and ending in the vibrant city of Santa Cruz, this route allows you to explore some of the most ecologically diverse areas of the country, visiting a range of ecoregions over the course of just eight days. The journey will take you through vast lowland forests, dramatic foothills, and scenic middle-elevation landscapes, each of which is home to a stunning array of birds and other wildlife.
This tour is tailored to suit all kinds of birdwatchers, from seasoned enthusiasts to newcomers, as well as any nature lovers eager to experience Bolivia’s rich biodiversity. Whether you’re interested in spotting rare and elusive species, capturing stunning photographs, or simply immersing yourself in the beauty of the natural world, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure. Throughout the journey, we will ensure you have the best possible experience by offering knowledgeable guides, comfortable accommodations, and carefully selected stops that highlight the incredible variety of birds, plants, and ecosystems that Bolivia has to offer. This tour provides a unique opportunity to explore one of the world’s most biodiverse countries in a relaxed and immersive way, and we invite you to join us on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Tour Route Map
No. of days: 8
Starting point: Santa Cruz City
Endpoint: Santa Cruz City
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 400 meters above sea level.
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
Today, we embark on our journey to Samaipata, a picturesque town of great archaeological and natural significance. We head toward the southern outskirts of Amboró National Park, in the Tropical Andes—an ecologically rich region known for its exceptional biodiversity and the presence of endemic, near-endemic, and endangered species.
This area is characterized by heavy rainfall and an evergreen forest that includes both rainforest and cloud forest. In this part of South America, the ecoregion is known as the Yungas. Unlike the previous day, the ecosystems here are entirely different, leading to a notable change in the bird species we will encounter. Night in Samaipata.
Targets: Gray Tinamou, Bolivian Tapaculo, Grey-throated Leaftoser, Short-tailed Antthrush, Military Macaw, Black-winged Parrot, Two-banded Warbler, Pale-legged Warbler, Dusky-green Oropendola, Planalto Hermit, Tyrian Metaltail, Blue-capped Puffleg, Plush-crested Jay, Large-tailed Dove, Chestnut-backed Antshrike, the elusive Bolivian Recurvebill (endemic), Yungas Manakin, Slaty Gnateater, Channel-billed Toucan, Blue-banded Toucanet, Ocellated Piculet, Ochre-cheeked Spinetail, Buff-browed Foliage-gleaner, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Streaked Xenops, Montane Woodcreeper, Slaty-backed Nightingale-Trush, Black-capped Antwren, Western Fire-eye, White-eared Solitaire, Masked Trogon, Crested Quetzal, Violaceous Quail-Dove and White-throated Quail-Dove.
Day 3
At the latitude of Samaipata, the Yungas are divided into the Northern and Southern Yungas, allowing us the opportunity to explore both. These two regions are considered distinct ecoregions due to their differences in vegetation and ecological characteristics.
Today, we head to Reserva del Loro Pinero, located in the southern zone. Unlike the northern Yungas, this biome receives slightly less rainfall and features unique tree species such as mountain pine (Podocarpus sp.) and alder (Alnus sp.). These trees shape the landscape and create specialized habitats, including those for the Tucumán Amazon (Amazona tucumana), a species found exclusively in this ecoregion.
In the afternoon, we have two options: a relaxed birdwatching session at the Hummingbird Garden or a visit to El Fuerte de Samaipata.
- Hummingbird Garden: A small but excellent birding hotspot located at the transition zone between the Inter-Andean Dry Valleys and the Serrano Chaco ecoregions. This site is ideal for observing and photographing hummingbirds and other bird species.
- El Fuerte de Samaipata: The most significant archaeological site in the department of Santa Cruz. This ancient military center was occupied by four different cultures throughout history.
Based on the group’s preferences, one of these two activities will be chosen to conclude the day. Night 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 4
Today, we have a long journey ahead as we make our way to the Inter-Andean Dry Valleys, passing through the Chaco Serrano along the way. Much of our birdwatching will take place near the main road, with multiple strategic stops at key sites of ornithological interest.
Our route takes us through mid-elevation ranges, from 1,600 to 2,500 meters above sea level, in a drier climate where the vegetation becomes more open and adapted to arid conditions.
Some of the most notable stops along the way include Laguna Pailones, a stunning canyon nestled along the road, and the protected area known as Jardín de las Cactáceas, home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. We will then continue to the Frente Roja Reserve, where we will conclude our day. Overnight in Pererta.
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 5
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. Reserva Frente Roja is a community-protected area located at 2,000 meters 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, there is 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 lodge’s surroundings on foot, focusing on endemic species and other rarities. Night in Pererta.
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 6
We leave the lodge early in the morning 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 overlooked in previous days. The route once again passes through the Inter-Andean Dry Valleys and the Serrano Chaco, featuring landscapes rich in cacti diversity.
Upon arriving in Comarapa, depending on the available time and the group’s interest, we may include a visit to part of the Serranía de la Siberia, located within the Yungas cloud forest. Night in Comarapa.
Targets: The species we missed on days 4 and 5.
Day 7
Today, we ascend to 3,000 meters above sea level and head once again to the cloud forest of the Serranía de la Siberia in search of more species. The Yungas always hold surprises—one never knows what the day may bring, and with luck, we might spot rare species that have been recorded only a handful of times.
Despite the vibrant colors of the birds in this ecoregion, spotting them amidst the dense fog is no easy task. Yes, birding in these conditions is 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.
Targets: 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 8
Today, we begin our journey back to the city of Santa Cruz, covering a long stretch by road. After an intense week of birdwatching, we will take the day at a more relaxed pace, starting at a time that suits the group’s preference.
Along the way, we will make several strategic stops at sites we haven’t visited before, aiming to spot new species or improve our sightings of the more elusive ones.
We expect to arrive in Santa Cruz by late afternoon (or at a time preferred by the group), concluding our adventure with a well-deserved farewell dinner.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW
The target species listed on all days are merely examples of the specialties that may be encountered. Not all possible species are included, and naturally, none are guaranteed to be observed.
While the species mentioned earlier are our primary focus, we also place significant emphasis on all the birds and wildlife we come across during the day, adjusting our approach to the group’s pace and preferences.
We follow the eBird/Clements taxonomy but can adapt our guiding to the IOC taxonomy if preferred.
Weather conditions may vary significantly throughout the tour. Some areas—such as the Chaco and Chiquitanía—can be very hot, dry, and windy, while others—like the Yungas—may be cold and rainy. Please bring clothing suitable for a wide range of weather conditions, as well as protection against mosquitoes and other insects.
We highly recommend wearing clothing in natural, non-contrasting colors to avoid startling the wildlife we aim to observe.
Expect early morning starts, which will help us make the most of the cooler hours and avoid birding during the hotter parts of the day.
This tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness. We won’t undertake long hikes, but we will reach elevations of up to 3,000 meters (9,800 feet). Please take this into consideration, especially if you have any heart-related conditions.