DAY 1 - FLIGHT & RIBERALDA

We'll take a very early domestic flight from La Paz to Riberalta, which is located in far northern Bolivia not far from the border with Brazil. The flight arrives in mid morning. Upon arrival we'll immediately go birding. Our primary target species is Masked Antpitta, which is best found near the small town of Marigüal, located an hour or so west of Riberalta. This species occupies riverine habitat of Varzea forest in a very restricted area of northern Bolivia. If the guide has a bird staked out. we should be able to find the bird in a couple hours. Otherwise, it will take some effort. After a hopefully successful excursion to see the antpitta followed by lunch, we'll drive east a half hour to the San Lorenzo pampas area.This dry cerrado region is a unique mix of tropical savanna, forest patches, and seasonally flooded plains. It's home to several range-restricted birds. We'll have the afternoon and early evening to look for Sharp-tailed Tyrant, Rufous-sided Pygmy-Tyrant, Cock-tailed Tyrant, Dark-throated Seedeater, and Black-masked Finch. We should also see Greater Rhea, which regularly occurs there. Overnight at a hotel in Riberalta.

DAY 2 - RIBERALTA & TRINIDAD

If all went well the preceding day, we'll go north to bird tropical Amazonian rainforest at the Aquicuana Natural Reserve. This infrequently visited reserve offers a second and perhaps better chance of seeing Masked Antpitta if we just couldn't get it the day before. It also offers a chance of seeing the rare-to-uncommon near-endemic Red-necked Aracari, the uncommon near-endemic Large-billed Antwren, the fairly common near-endemic Dusky-green Oropendola, and the scarce and local near-endemic Black-and-tawny Seedeater. Many other more widely distributed species are likely to be seen as well. Around mid-day we'll return to Riberalta for lunch and a late afternoon flight to Trinidad. Overnight at a hotel in Trinidad.

DAY 3 - TRINIDAD

Today we'll drive south about 60km to a private reserve near the Beni town of Loreto to look for the critically endangered Blue-throated Macaw at a private reserve near town. The best time to visit is nesting season from November to April during rainy season, but the birds are resident year-round. After returning to Trinidad and having lunch, we'll transfer to the airport. Tour ends there. Outgoing flight can be to La Paz or Santa Cruz, depending on your other tour and travel arrangements.

 

 

ADDITIONAL INFO
(Not on Menu Above)

• Country Map
• Accommodations
• Photos from Past Tours
• Travel Information

BIRDING LOCALES

• Aquicuana Reserve
• Trinidad - Lake Suarez