| 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: Flight to Los Fierros (Noel Kempff Mercado National Park) In the morning you will be transferred from your hotel to "Km. 7" Airstrip, on the road to Samaipata. The flight will take you to the southern part of the national park until Los Fierros Lodge. Upon arrival to Los Fierros, you will spend the afternoon exploring the forests and expansive grasslands found close to the lodge. These forests have an Amazonian affinity and with regards to birds, are incredibly diverse - more than 350 bird species have been recorded within walking distance of Los Fierros alone! Plants have played an integral role in the history. Walks in always prove to be one of the more interesting educational aspects of trips to Los Fierros. Optional night hike will be offered. Night at Los Fierros (B,L,D) |
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| Day
2: Los Fierros: Periodically Inundated Savanna, Terra Firme Forests, and
the Caparush Plateau The early morning will be spent travelling to the lush, hilly forests that are found on the way to the Caparuch Plateau. The hike will take you through some excellent pristine forest and after negotiating a gradual climb, you will reach the foot of the Caparuch Plateau. Visitor´s in excellent physical condition will have the option to continue the hike in search of the ultimate view of the surrounding forests, while those that stay back will relax while enjoying an incredible view and the sounds of a small waterfall close by. The return trip to Los Fierros will be equally exciting as the area supports an abundance of large mammals. You will have a very good chance of seeing a large cat (Jaguar and Puma are surprisingly numerous in the area!), Tapir, or Crab-eating Fox. This day promises to be one to remember! Night at Los Fierros. (B, L, D). |
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| Day
3: Los Fierros: El Encanto Waterfall and the Savanna After breakfast you will travel crossing the savannahs near Los Fierros on your way to visit the El Encanto Waterfall. You will have a good chance to see: large and playful spider monkeys traveling in the high canopies and also herds of white-lipped and collared peccaries. After the drive through the savannahs and the tall forests, a nice walk under the forest will gradually take you to the El Encanto Waterfall; an 80-meter waterfall that spills over the side of the Caparuch Plateau into an inviting pool of water that has formed at its base. The late afternoon will be spent returning to Los Fierrros with a planned night time arrival giving you another opportunity to see a large cat, Tapir or the very rare Maned Wolf - an example of the many rare and endangered mammal species that thrive in the national park. Night at Los Fierros. (B,L,D) |
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| Day
4: Transfer from Los Fierros to Flor de Oro Your final morning in Los Fierros will take you in search for the species' that may have eluded you during the previous three days. Flight to Flor de Oro Lodge, which is located right on the banks of the Iténez River, in the extreme north section of the park. Therefore, you will fly over hundreds of kilometers of pristine rainforest, as well as the magnificent Caparuch Plateau with its steepe cliffs and two very impressive waterfalls Ahlfeld and Arco Iris. An optional night hike will be offered. Night at Flor de Oro. (B, L, D) |
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| Day
5: Flor de Oro and Las Torres: Oxbow Lakes, Gallery Forests, and Periodically
Inundated Savanna Your first full day in Noel Kempff Mercado will be spent exploring some of the oxbow lakes, gallery forests, and periodically inundated savannahs located near Flor de Oro. During the morning hours you will walk through savannah and some pristine riverine forests en route to one of the bays located close to Flor de Oro where motorized boats will be waiting to take you on an expedition of the black waters of the local system of lakes and rivers; if lucky you may spot a family of Giant Otters. The afternoon will be spent traveling to the Iténez River to Las Torres, providing amazing views of the Caparush Plateau. Night at Flor de Oro. (B, L, D) |
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| Day
6: Flor de Oro and Mirador de los Monos This day at Noel Kempff Mercado will be completely spent further exploring the periodically inundated savannahs and tall humid tropical rainforests that lie between Flor de Oro and the Campamento Lago Caiman. More than 300 bird species have been recorded within walking distance of Flor de Oro. There are two options for this day (1) exploring the trails during the early morning hours and then returning to Flor de Oro in time for lunch or (2) hiking all the way to Lago Caiman (an old scientific research station), which provides access to the Caparuch Plateau. It is important to note that this is a long hike (10 hours in total). The late afternoon may be spent once again on the rivers looking for fresh water dolphins, families of Giant Otters, or the endangered Black Caiman. Night at Flor de Oro. (B,L,D) |
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| Day
7: Noel Kempff Mercado National Park - Santa Cruz Your final morning in Noel Kempff will take you in search for the species that may have eluded you during the previous three days spent at Flor de Oro. That means that you could be visiting any of the trails located around Los Flor de Oro in search of monkeys, before your flight back to Santa Cruz. Following an early lunch, you will depart for the city of Santa Cruz with the balance of the day for relaxing or preparing for departures later this evening or the following day. Transfer to your hotel in Santa Cruz. (B,L) |
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| Departures: Available only from late May through early November | |||||||||||||
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, 7D/ 6N in Flor de Oro and Los Fierros lodges, meals, local guide, accommodations, boat transport. | |||||||||||||
| Not included: the entrance fee to Noel Kemff National Park ($ per person), alcoholic beverages, and laundry. | |||||||||||||
| 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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