DISCOVER BOLIVIA - SIGN UP FOR BOLIVIA OUTINGS AND FIELD TRIPS
October 12 - 16Up to 3 field trips simultaneously
Limited capacity: outings are conducted in small groups and require prior registration.
Outings are fun and inspiring, and are a fundamental part of the bird fair. They allow us to share the richness of the host country with birdwatchers from all over the world. Fair after fair, we’ll discover the avian diversity of the continent.
Schedule: 04:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Distance: 70 km
Price: $160
Habitat: Yungas Superiores
Elevation: 2900 m
Size: 12
Join us on this day trip to Jucumari Private Reserve east of La Paz. The property has an altitude range of 2,900 to 3,800 meters, and we will explore well-preserved patches of elfin forest and cloud forest in the Yungas of La Paz.
Black-throated Thistletail, Rufous-faced Antpitta, Bolivian Brushfinch, Gray-bellied Flowerpiercer, Hooded Mountain-toucan, Scaled Metaltail, Rufous-faced Antpitta, Gould’s Inca, Light-crowned Spinetail, Bolivian Brushfinch, White-browed Brushfinch, Rufous-faced Antpitta.
Difficulty: Relatively easy but please consider the great altitude range, as we reach 4,500+ m around the Summit (Apacheta) and then descend to 2,900 m.
Travel advice: Use sun protection and insect repellent.
Schedule: 04:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Distance: 80 km
Price: $90
Habitat: Yungas
Elevation: 2400 m
Size: 12
Birding along the Death Road.
The old (and infamous) dirt road that crosses the Yungas has now become a tourist and birdwatching destination, offering some of the most scenic and challenging hiking trails in the region.
The route encompasses a surprising variety of ecosystems and climatic zones as it descends through the foothills of the Andes and into the valleys of the upper Amazon basin.
The birdlife is spectacular, while the topography and impressive montane forest cover make for easy birdwatching and photography.
The excursion focuses on the surroundings of the Chuspipata cloud forest, between 3,000 and 2,400 m.
We will bird the mid-elevation area of Chuspipata for Diademed Tapaculo (restricted-range), Scimitar-winged Piha (near-endemic), Sickle-winged Guan, Chestnut-crested Cotinga, Plushcap, Yellow-billed Cacique, Bar-bellied Woodpecker, Gould’s Inca, Grass-green Tanager, Striped Treehunter, Fulvous Wren, Ochraceous-breasted Flycatcher, and Golden-collared Tanager and Hooded Mountain Tanager, just to name a few.
Although infrequently seen, we have a chance for Hazel-fronted Pygmy Tyrant and Hooded Tinamou here, while we will have more chances for Bolivian Antpitta, Upland Antshrike, Orange-browed Hemispingus, Fulvous Wren, Black-throated Thistletail, and Yungas Tody-Tyrant. Nearby streams lower down may yield Torrent Ducks, Black Phoebe, and Torrent Tyrannulet.
Difficulty: Relatively easy but please consider the great altitude range, as we reach 4500+ m around the Summit (Apacheta) and then descend to 2400 m.
Travel advice: Use sun protection and insect repellent.
Time: 04:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Distance: 130 km
Price: $90
Habitat: Valles-Puna-Lago
Elevation: up to 4300 m
Size: 30
Three unique and spectacular species!
The range of the endemic Berlepsch’s Canastero is limited to the department of La Paz, at the foot of the Illampu and Ancohuma mountains. We will spend the entire morning searching for this canastero, which shares its habitat with hummers such as the beautiful and tiny Black-hooded Sunbeam…
With some luck, we might find both species before noon, allowing us to return early to Lake Titicaca and explore the reed-covered shores in search of specialized birds like the endangered Short-winged Grebe and other species native to these wetlands.
Berlepsch’s Canastero, Asthenes berlepschi
Black-hooded Sunbeam, Aglaeactis pamela
Titicaca Grebe, Rollandia microptera
Other possible birds include Huayco Tinamou, Green-tailed Trainbearer, Andean Swallow, Cinereous Conebill and specialists of the puna and high Andean wetlands such as Andean Gull, Andean Coot, Yellow-winged Blackbird, Wren-like Rushbird, Many-colored Rush Tyrant, Yellow-billed Pintail, Plumbeous Rail, Yellow-billed Teal, and Andean Avocet among others.
Difficulty: Easy excursion once acclimated to altitude.
Travel advice: Use sun protection.
Outings – what to bring?
- Hiking shoes (with treads, suitable for mud)
- Long pants and a long-sleeved shirt
- Neutral-colored clothing (ideally green and brown)
- Light rain gear
- Personal water bottle (we carry water for refills)
- Sunscreen and a cap/hat
- Insect repellent
Remember to download the Bolivia bird packs from the eBird and Merlin apps on your phone.
To protect yourself you are advised to purchase travel insurance at the time of booking.
