A Botanical Journey to the Elbow of the Andes
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We invite you to the "Elbow of the Andes”, in Bolivia. In this region, the Andes takes a sharp turn, forming a distinctive series of valleys and folds. This unique biogeographic region is the convergence of several ecosystems that only intertwine here: the wet Bolivian-Tucuman forest with southern elements, the dry Chaco-Serrano forests, the arid Altiplano, and a series or parallel inter-Andean dry valleys – each drier than the previous one, as wet winds from the Amazon discharge rain along their way.
Here, botanical exploration is an ongoing adventure. Ranging from 500 to 4,000 meters above sea level, and with a diverse geology and extreme gradients in precipitation, this region has fostered the evolution of unique species found nowhere else in the planet. We will visit the only known wild populations of the two species of the endemic palm Parajubaea, search for individuals of the endemic tree genus Cardenasiodendron, and visit one of the few locations with Puya raimondii (the largest bromeliad on Earth).
The proposed trip uses paved and unpaved roads through breathtaking scenery, and includes frequent short walks to explore creeks, ravines, rock outcrops and dry riverbeds. We will find many rare and endemic species, including a myriad of cacti and bromeliads. Our expert guides will unveil details of the natural world for you, and provide insights into the cultural aspects of this little-known region and its remote towns and communities.
Who we are
Who we are
This expedition is offered by a partnership between Oikobit LLC and Huellas Foundation (a Bolivian NGO). No other operator offers comprehensive visits to the region.
Our main guide is Marcelo Arze, founder of Huellas Foundation. Marcelo is a professional with more than 20 years of experience in the field of conservation, sustainable tourism, and rural community development in Latin America. He has worked with international cooperation, in the private sector, and as a public servant from municipal roles to Vice Minister of Tourism in Bolivia. He knows Bolivian roads, trails, and people, as the back of his hand.
Gabriel Arellano may join the expedition, depending on space availability and other commitments. Gabriel is an ecologist with 15 years of experience in multiple tropical forested systems, and has done much of his fieldwork in Andean forests in Bolivia.
We will always work with local scientific guides, either botanists or ecologists, with decades of experience with the local flora and ecosystems. They are associated to the Noel Kempff Natural History Museum, the second largest natural history institution in the country.
Contact us with any question:
Marcelo Arze: marcelo.arze@planetahuellas.org
Gabriel Arellano: gabriel@oikobit.com
Dates, duration, locations
Dates, duration, locations
Dates:
November (cacti floration)
April/May (end of wet season)
Duration: 11 days
Locations (day by day):
Arrival and night at Santa Cruz (hotel)
From Santa Cruz to Refugio Volcanes (lodge)
From Refugio Volcanes to the Tree Ferns Forest in Samaipata. Night at Samaipata (local hotel)
From Samaipata to Valle Grande (hotel)
From Valle Grande to the Río Grande river. We will camp at the Santa Rosa bridge
From Río Grande river to El Palmar community. Night in their community lodge
From El Palmar to Sucre (hotel)
From Sucre to Puya raimondii stands near Vacas, then to Kuri Canyon. We will camp near the Kuri river
From the Kuri Canyon to Mizque (hotel)
From Mizque to Omereque (community lodge)
From Omereque to Santa Cruz (hotel)
Departure from Santa Cruz
Price and conditions
Price and conditions
Price: 3300 US$ per person
Minimum group size: 2 persons
The price includes:
Lodging in 3-star hotels, community hostels and, in some cases, camping
Food
Transportation by vehicle for the entire tour
Specialized guides
The price does not include:
Airfares to/from Santa Cruz (Bolivia)
Alcoholic beverages, extra expenses
Individual travel or health insurance
When confirming the trip, travelers agree to be bound by the terms and conditions outlined in this contract, which sets forth the rights and obligations of the parties involved, and all the necessary details. In any case, do not hesitate to contact us with any question:
Marcelo Arze: marcelo.arze@planetahuellas.org
Gabriel Arellano: gabriel@oikobit.com
Contact
Contact
Marcelo Arze: marcelo.arze@planetahuellas.org
Gabriel Arellano: gabriel@oikobit.com
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