Santa Cruz - Tree Fern Forest - Samaipata

Samaipata - The journey begins with a scenic 3-hour drive from Santa Cruz into the mountainous region surrounding Samaipata. Along the route, travelers will experience the unique Yungas cloud forests.

The highlight of the day is a 3-hour trek through a forest of tree ferns near Samaipata. This area is renowned for having one of the world’s highest concentrations of these ancient plants, offering a glimpse into the Carboniferous period.

The night will be spent in Samaipata, a charming and inviting town located at 1400 meters above sea level. The village is perfect for leisurely strolls through its picturesque streets. With a variety of restaurants and accommodations, it provides an ideal setting for a pleasant stay.

Samaipata - Postrervalle - Sunkha Palm - Vallegrande

Vallegrande - The journey continues south from Samaipata to the quaint town of Postrervalle. This transition offers a unique view of the ecotone between the Yungas cloud forest and the dry inter-Andean valleys.

From Postrervalle, the trip proceeds westward towards Vallegrande. Along this unpaved road, travelers will encounter the only remaining populations of Parajubaea sunkha. This critically endangered palm is one of only two species of Parajubaea, an endemic genus with few remaining populations in the area.

Upon arrival in Vallegrande, the night will be spent in this colonial village, which is primarily focused on agriculture and livestock. The village offers a modest yet delightful selection of dining and lodging options.

Vallegrande - Pucará - Santa Rosa Bridge over Río Grande

Pucara - The journey to the Río Grande river spans several hours, with numerous stops for observation and interpretation. Initially following the historic path of Che Guevara’s guerrilla battles, the route transitions to showcase a captivating journey from Vallegrande through the heights of Pucará, influenced by the Tucuman-Bolivian Forest, and ultimately descends to the Rio Grande river.

Here, the convergence of watercourses from the dry inter-Andean valleys creates a stunning landscape. Previously unexplored, the valley is now accessible by road thanks to a new bridge, where camping will take place. The area is home to a variety of endemic cacti and bromeliads. The breathtaking scenery unfolds between the mountains and the river, with frequent sightings of various bird species, including the Andean condor.

Santa Rosa Bridge over Río Grande - Villa Serrano

Villa Serrano - Presto - El Palmar

El Palmar - Presto - Sucre

Sucre - After a restful night at the community-owned lodge, the day begins with a morning walk to observe the region’s flora. The trek leads through relict populations of the palm, which are well-integrated into a unique forest type with other endemic species. This environment also serves as the habitat for the Red-fronted Macaw, known for nesting in these towering palms.

Following a relaxing break and a community-prepared lunch, the journey continues towards Sucre, a colonial city and the constitutional capital of the country (though administrative functions are in La Paz). Sucre invites leisurely exploration of the nation’s history, diverse gastronomy, and a comfortable hotel stay. This marks a well-deserved respite after several nights in lodges and campsites, offering a moment for true relaxation.

Sucre - Aiquile - Mizque - Kuri Bridge

Kuri Bridge - Stand of Puya Raimondii - Mizque

Mizque - Aiquile - Omereque

Omereque - Pulquina Abajo - Mataral - Samaipata

Samaipata - Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz - The day is reserved to accommodate any delays from previous days. If all goes smoothly, there will be time to visit a hummingbird sanctuary a few kilometers from Samaipata. Here, around 20 different species have been recorded, and landowners maintain a variety of local plants that nourish these typically Andean birds.

Afterward, the route from the first day will be retraced back to Santa Cruz, with stops made as needed, depending on time and energy levels.

• Lodging is included.
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

• Airfares to/from Santa Cruz (Bolivia)
• Alcoholic beverages and other personal expenses
• Individual travel or health insurance

Bolivia’s “Elbow of the Andes” is an area of great biological significance, a hotspot with high levels of diversity and endemism. We are the only operator offering comprehensive visits to this remote and unexplored area. Our guides, local naturalists, will help you understand both nature and culture.

We will use paved and unpaved roads through stunning scenery, doing short walks to creeks, ravines, and rock outcrops. We will explore the wet Bolivian-Tucuman forest, Chaco-Serrano dry forests, and the unique inter-Andean valleys, each one drier than the previous one. We will visit the only known wild populations of the endemic palm Parajubaea, the rare Cardenasiodendron endemic tree, and one of the few locations with Puya raimondii, the largest bromeliad on Earth. With luck, we will also spot endemic bird species, like the red-fronter paraba and other fauna.

Dates may require coordination. Suggested: November (cacti floration) and April/May (end of wet season). Duration: 11 days.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.