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The Best of Bolivia
Tour Code: BOL03A comprehensive 20‑day journey through Bolivia, a South American country of astonishing contrasts and beauty – from snow‑capped Andean peaks and shimmering high‑altitude lakes to lush, epiphyte‑laden cloudforest alive with extraordinary wildlife.
£8,895
£7,995
Highlights
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Summary
Bolivia is one of South America’s most ecologically diverse countries, encompassing everything from the lush tropical lowlands of Santa Cruz to the cloudforests of the Yungas, the rich inter‑Andean valleys, and the vast, otherworldly landscapes of the high Altiplano. Here, ancient cultures and dramatic scenery combine with outstanding wildlife, offering a superb introduction to the continent’s natural riches. From vibrant wetlands to snow‑dusted volcanic deserts where flamingoes breed in mineral‑stained lagoons, Bolivia presents a must-see ever‑changing panorama of habitats and species.
We begin our journey in the eastern lowlands around Santa Cruz before travelling to the scenic town of Samaipata, where biodiverse cloudforests and pre‑Columbian history meet. From the extraordinary rock complex of El Fuerte to the hummingbird‑rich Refugio de los Colibríes and the endemic‑laden Tucumán Parrot Reserve, these first days offer a gentle but rewarding introduction to the country’s landscapes and wildlife. Moving west into the Inter‑Andean Dry Valleys, we reach the community‑run Red‑fronted Macaw Reserve, where the spectacular and highly threatened macaws nest on dramatic cliff faces overlooking the Mizque River.
The cultural heart of the tour follows, with time in the beautiful UNESCO‑listed cities of Sucre and Potosí. Here, graceful colonial architecture, lively local markets and centuries of history complement the wildlife watching. From Sucre we explore Tarabuco’s celebrated indigenous market before continuing into the high Andes, where we journey across the Altiplano towards Uyuni. Over several days we explore bofedales (high-altitude, peat-forming wetlands), volcanic deserts and brilliant lagoons rich in flamingoes, vizcachas and high‑Andean specialities, culminating in a day on the dazzling Salar de Uyuni – the world’s largest salt flat, and one of Earth’s most extraordinary natural spectacles.
Finally, we travel north to La Paz, dramatically set beneath the snow‑capped Mount Illimani. Using the city’s cable‑car network (teleférico) to explore its historic centre, we then venture out across the Altiplano to Lake Titicaca in search of the endemic Titicaca Grebe. Our last full day takes us from the windswept Humid Puna at over 15,000 feet down through misty cloudforest to the warm Yungas, offering one of the most remarkable elevational transects in South America. For those wishing to extend their adventure, an optional Amazon extension visits the incomparable Madidi National Park and the wildlife‑rich Yacuma pampas – a fitting finale to this unforgettable exploration of Bolivia’s landscapes, cultures and wildlife.
- Experience Bolivia’s extraordinary diversity — from tropical lowlands and cloudforest to high Andean deserts, volcanoes and the vast Salar de Uyuni
- Enjoy superb birding at Refugio de los Colibríes and the Tucumán Parrot Reserve, home to range‑restricted and endemic species such as the Tucumán Amazon
- Explore the beautiful UNESCO‑listed cities of Sucre and Potosí, rich in colonial history, culture and traditional Andean life
- Cross the high Altiplano in search of flamingo‑filled lagoons, vizcachas and a wealth of specialist high‑Andean birds
- Experience the spectacular Salar de Uyuni — the world’s largest and flattest salt flat, an iconic highlight of South America
- Explore La Paz’s cable‑car network and visit Lake Titicaca for chances to see the endemic Titicaca Grebe
- Journey from 15,400‑ft Puna wetlands down through Yungas cloudforest, one of the most dramatic elevation transects in South America
- Optional Amazon Extension: explore Madidi National Park and the Yacuma pampas for macaws, dolphins, monkeys, caimans and remarkable lowland birdlife
- Led by a local guide alongside a Naturetrek leader
Outline Itinerary
Dates & Prices
2026
Tour Leader: Hugo Santa Cruz
With more than 20 years’ experience guiding in protected areas across Bolivia, Chile, Panama and Costa Rica, Hugo has built an outstanding reputation as a naturalist guide for English‑speaking travellers. His career has taken him through a wide range of Neotropical ecosystems, and he has developed an extensive knowledge of the region’s ecology, ornithology and zoology. He specialises in birdwatching and wildlife observation, as well as environmental interpretation and wildlife photography.
Alongside his guiding work, Hugo has trained local guides and park rangers in various protected areas in both Bolivia and Costa Rica. His courses have covered ecotourism, environmental interpretation, ornithology, and wider aspects of sustainable tourism, helping to strengthen local capacity within conservation areas.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism, postgraduate studies in Sustainable Development, Photography and Higher Education, and a Master’s degree in Protected Area Management from the Universidad para la Cooperación Internacional in Costa Rica. He also speaks advanced English, certified by the University of Michigan.
Beyond guiding, Hugo has worked as a consultant on ecotourism and protected area management projects for governmental, non‑governmental, and private organisations, and is a former university lecturer. He is also an accomplished photographer and writer, contributing to books and magazines on nature conservation, ecotourism, and protected areas.
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
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