| Noel
Kempff Mercado National Park is a spectacular biological reserve
of 3.8 million acres located in the northeastern corner of Bolivia in
the Department of Santa Cruz. Due to its unique biogeographical location,
the rich, extraordinary diversity of species and habitats found in Noel
Kempff is unequaled in the New World. Nowhere else in South America can
you see such a wide variety of habitat with so little effort - humid tropical
rainforests, seasonally flooded savannahs, Brazilian cerrado, gallery
forests, thorn scrub, dry forests, and large expanses of wetlands similar
to the Pantanal areas found in Brazil. As a result of its unique biogeographic location, Noel Kempff is believed to contain some of the highest levels of biological diversity in the world. For example, the park currently has a bird list of over 630 species, and approximately 130 mammals have been identified, including abundant populations of giant otter, fresh-water river dolphin, jaguar, giant anteater, and the very rare and endangered maned wolf. Flor de Oro The Flor de Oro lodge is the center of ecotourism in Noel Kempff Mercado National Park. Easily accessible from the lodge are large expanses of cerrado vegetation, periodically inundated savannahs, riverine forests, terra firme and igapo rainforests, oxbow lakes, and the semi-deciduous woodlands found on the climb up the Huanchaca Plateau en route to the Mirador de los Monos Los Fierros Los Fierros are large expanses of endangered cerrado habitat, periodically inundated savannahs, terra firme and periodically flooded rainforests, semi-deciduous woodlands, the savannahs and gallery forests found on top of the Huanchaca Plateau, and the spectacular waterfall, El Encanto. |
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| Day
1: Santa Cruz - Flor de Oro (Noel Kempff Mercado National Park) In the morning, you will be transferred from your hotel to "Km. 7" Airstrip. Your flight to Flor de Oro Lodge takes around 2.5 hr. This lodge is located on the Iténez River in the extreme north section of the park, and near the Bolivian-Brazilian border. The flight will take you over hundreds of miles of pristine rainforest, as well as the magnificent Caparusch Plateau and two very impressive waterfalls, Ahlfeld and Arco Iris. This plateau is part of the Brazilian shield, along with the surrounding remote rainforests. An optional night hike will be offered. Overnight at Flor de Oro. (L,D) |
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| Day
2: The Waterfalls of the Paucerna River Today will be dedicated entirely to getting to the Ahlfeld Waterfall, the first of two magnificent waterfalls found along the Paucerna River. The trip by motorized canoe will take up to 5 hours, but the time spent on the river will increase your chances of getting excellent views of some incredible wildlife: capybaras, Tapir, Jaguar, and an unbelievable variety of birds including blue and yellow macaws, the rare Zig-Zag Heron, and a variety of kingfishers. Following arrival to the Ahlfeld Camp, you will spend the rest of the afternoon hiking along the river to a breathtaking 35 meter high waterfall, Ahlfeld, where you will be able to swim in the large pool of water that has formed around the base of the waterfall. An optional night hike will be offered. Overnight at Ahlfeld Camp. (B,L,D) |
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| Day
3: Ahlfeld Camp and the Arco Iris Waterfalls We will leave early in the morning. Throughout the 4-hour hike to Arco Iris, you will be provided with great opportunities to see one of the eleven monkeys that inhabit the national park. Great views of the waterfalls. Overnight at Ahlfeld Camp. (B,L,D) |
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| Day
4: Ahlfeld Camp - Flor de Oro; the Bays of the Itenez River This day of travel will signify the end of the heart of your trip to N. K. Mercado National Park; however, the wildlife, will be present itself throughout the day, and you should be on the look out for giant otters, black howler monkeys, and Spectacled Caiman - all of which are often seen while travelling along the Paucerna River. Overnight at Flor de Oro. (B,L,D) |
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| Day
5: Noel Kempff Mercado National Park - Santa Cruz Your final morning in this beautiful national park will take you in search of some of the species that may have eluded you during the previous four days. That means you could be visiting any of the bays or trails located around Flor de Oro Lodge before your flight back to Santa Cruz. Departure for the city of Santa, and transfer to your hotel.(B,L) |
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| Departures: Only available from late November through early May | |||||||||||||
2008
Rates per person:
1 airplane 1 to 5 pax $ 2 airplenes 1 to 10 pax $ |
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| Tour
includes: transfers
in/out from hotel to airport in Santa Cruz, 5D/4N in Flor de Oro Ecolodge,
meals, local guide, accommodation, boat transport. Not included: entrance fee to Noel Kempff National Park ($ per person), alcoholic beverages and laundry. |
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| What
to take: Luggage: - 1 backpack or dufflebag - small day pack Clothes: - 2 pairs of long pants (loose, fast-drying, cotton is ideal) - 1 light, long-sleeved cotton shirt - 4 short-sleeve cotton shirts - 1 pair of walking/swimming shorts - 4 sets of underwear (cotton is best; avoid heavy synthetics) - 6 pairs of socks (avoid heavy synthetics) - 1 pair of sneakers or thongs for use around the lodge - 1 waterproof folding sun hat with brim (very important for travel along the river and on top of the plateau) - 1 rain poncho (if desired) - 1 bandanna or handkerchief Other items: - 1 pair of binoculars (these will prove to be one of your most important pieces of equipment) - 1 camera, flash and film (400 speed is recommended for use under the canopy, 100 in the savanna or on top of the plateau) - 1 flashlight for night hikes and canoe rides (plus several sets of batteries) - 1 pocket knife - 1 cigarette lighter (even if you don’t smoke it will come in handy - candles, etc.) - 1 pair of sunglasses - a photocopy of your passport - 1 bottle of insect repellent (those with 90-100% DEET will be the most effective) - 1 bottle of Sun block (the sun near the equator is VERY strong - 1 water bottle (it is important to drink plenty of fluids) - 6 large plastic bags (to protect equipment) - 1 garbage bag (to transport wet clothes) - Bottle of aspirin and any other medications and vitamins you normally use |
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