Bolivian Macaw Photography Tour - 6 Days

Today marks the start of our incredible macaw and nature photography tour as we make our way out of Santa Cruz de la Sierra to Trinidad and the Blue-throated Macaw Reserve, which is one of the best places for birds and mammals in the Bolivian Lowlands. This is where we will spend the next two nights.

Almost all conservation projects need a medium to long period of time to demonstrate successes. The situation and characteristics of the Blue-throated Macaw have made it especially difficult to discover and collect the information necessary for management actions to be formulated and implemented. All indications are that the species still has a small wild population (best current estimate of 400 macaws, or slightly more), which is increasing and is known to exist in the lowland savannas (the Llanuras de Moxos), of the Department of Beni, north-east Bolivia.

The area of these savannas, 213,654 sq-km, is very large, which means that even finding Blue-throated Macaws can consume a disproportionately high amount of effort and resources. There is also the difficulty of access to sites which require searching, caused by the seasonal flooding of the savannas.

Guided experience – Local knowledge of the region and its wildlife is key to crafting the ultimate Bolivia photo tour experience. Combined with the photographic expertise of your photo tour leader, and you are in for an adventure that will further fuel your excitement for photography and the destination.

Photography level – There is no “minimum level” required regarding photographic ability. Beginners and highly experienced shooters alike are all very welcome to join us. You will receive plenty of individual one-on-one time that will be geared towards your own personal skill levels and needs.

The Trinidad flooded savannas are not only home to Blue-throated Macaw but also possess a large density of birds including Wood Stork, Jabiru, Hoatzin, Roseate Spoonbill, Sunbittern, and Buff-necked, Green, and Plumbeous Ibis.

The reserve also protects the Beni Savanna ecosystem in a natural state, protecting it from fires and overgrazing. As many as 1,450 buff-breasted sandpipers (a near threatened species) use the reserve on migration, making this the most important stopover site in Bolivia. Of its 146 mammal species, several are found nowhere else in Amazonia, including the Beni Titi Monkey (endangered), Maned Wolf (near threatened), and the Pampas Deer. Also present are the southern Tamandua, Black Howler Monkey, Capybara, Jaguar and high concentrations of Giant Anteater.

Today we will have the amazing opportunity to search for our main photographic subject, the critically endangered Blue-throated Macaw, with a series of early morning and late afternoon boat rides and hikes through the forest. Until 1992 the natural habitat of this species was completely unknown, and with possibly less than 400 mature individuals it is one of the most endangered avian species in the world.

We will also look for Limpkin, and Wattled Jacana, Snail Kite, Black-collared Hawk, Long- winged Harrier, the local subspecies of Plain Softtail, and Velvet-fronted Grackle, Greater Thornbird, Grey-crested Cacholote, Black-collared Hawk, Snail Kite, and White-bellied and Rusty-collared Seedeaters.

We will continue our Bolivia photo safari as we will explore the forest and the savannas along the savanna and forest islands of the 5,000 ha reserve. Renowned as a bird paradise among birders and photographers alike, this forest islands take centre stage and put on a stunning display of feathered friends in all shapes, sizes and colours.

We also have the fabulous opportunity for intimate encounters with family groups of capybara, huge tapirs, manned wolf, caiman and many bird species.

Today we make our way back to Santa Cruz. If time permit we will spend the morning birding in Trinidad visiting the Chuchuni Ecological Reserve, where we might find species such as Hoatzin, Sunbittern, Black-tailed Trogon, Blue- crowned Trogon, Chestnut-backed Antshrike, Great Antshrike, Barred Antshrike, Band- tailed Antbird, Buff-throated Woodcreeper, Band-tailed Manakin, Purplish Jay, Plain- crowned Spinetail, Fawn-breasted Wren and White-backed Fire-eye. With luck we might find the secretive Bare-faced Curassow, Undulated Tinamou or Pheasant Cuckoo. Then we will fly back to Santa Cruz.

Today we have an early start to drive to Perereta and the Omereque mountains towering over the Mizque River valley, a special place where the endemic Red-fronted Macaw roosts, so the sighting and the chance to photograph this unique species is almost guaranteed.

Other birds here include the endemic Cliff Parakeet, the endemic Bolivian Earthcreeper, the endemic Bolivian Blackbird, Chaco Puffbird, Black-capped Warbling Finch, Rufous-sided Warbling Finch, Striped Woodpecker, and Spot-breasted Thornbird, and on the way back to Comarapa we might have a chance to see the elusive Giant Antshrike and Dusky-legged Guan. With luck, we might see the majestic Andean Condor en route.

We will have the entire day to explore the Red-fronted Macaw Conservation Area looking for our main photographic subject with a series of early morning and late afternoon hikes to the breeding cliffs that surround our lodge. We also have the fabulous opportunity for intimate encounters with many other bird species.

The spectacular Red-fronted Macaw is endemic to the unique dry scrub forests of central Bolivia. Visiting this area offers great birding and will support several ongoing conservation projects. The non-profit group, Armonia, operates a nice lodge very close to a fantastic breeding cliff.

For serious birders, the Red-fronted Macaw lodge is a must visit. All of the rarities known from the area are reliably seen with ease and accommodations are quite comfortable given the remoteness of the site. The lodge has capacity for 14 guests and has running water, electricity, hot showers, and a cook to provide delicious meals.

Other special birds include the Bolivian Blackbird, Cliff Parakeet, and Grey-crested Finch.

An early start will enable us to portray the macaws and other wildlife in this locale one last time before we drive back to Santa Cruz.

If time allows we may look for more birds on the way: possible encounters include the endemic Bolivian Slaty Antshrike, Green-cheeked Parakeet, Fawn-breasted Wren, Blue-crowned Trogon, Amazonian Motmot, Chestnut-eared Aracari and more.

This afternoon you will be transferred to the airport, or extend your visit in Bolivia (many options available).