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Cacti of Bolivia

Cacti of Bolivia

Tour Duration
14 Days – 13 Nights
Best time to go
September – October
Tour Type
Overland

Tour Features

Landlocked Bolivia is a biological paradise nestled in the heart of southern South America. Surrounded by Argentina, Chile, Peru, Brazil and Paraguay, Bolivia’s rich and diverse territory is clearly split into a wet eastern slope -where the Bolivian lowlands form part of the Amazon Basin- and a dry western slope, dominated by the mighty Andes. Bolivia’s tropical lowlands occupy roughly 70% of the country’s land mass. Cacti species are not as diverse here as they are in western Bolivia given the type of habitat, but the area is incredibly rich in other wildlife.

It is on the Andean foothills -where the habitat turns into dry forests surrounded by impressive cliffs- that Bolivian cacti species start showing in good numbers and with great diversity. The habitat continues to be a forest -rather dense in some areas- all the way to Cochabamba, where scenery becomes really spectacular, with the forest merging into fertile basins with long ribbons of cultivated crops.

Continuing northwards from Santa Cruz, we will finally reach the “Altiplano”at around 3,650 meters (12,000 feet). It is here that we will be rewarded with the most spectacular vistas of the Andes, as we will visit the famous Lake Titicaca. Cacti species in this area are incredible, and examples of Neowerdermannia, Corryocactus, Sulcorebutia and Orecereus will be among the numerous species that we will see here. From the heights of La Paz, we will loop southwards, to spend the last few days of our journey visiting the three south westernmost departments of Bolivia: Oruro, Potosí and Tarija, where we expect to find a diversity of Lobivia, Rebutia, Sulcorebutia and other wonderful examples of Andean cacti.

Our Bolivian cacti expedition starts in the lowlands of Santa Cruz, and over the next 14 days we slowly climb up to the high Andes, reaching roughly the 4,500 meters (15,000 feet). We aim to run this tour during the peak of cacti blooming season, making sure to spend enough time in the field to enjoy watching as many cacti as possible, but also to discover Bolivia’s unique flora and fauna. We will make frequent stops to take pictures of the breathtaking landscapes and for watching birds, mammals and places.

Tour Highlights

Around 110 species of Bolivian cacti. Lake Titicaca. The Bolivian High Andes. An incredible wildlife diversity. Unique photo opportunities for fauna, flora and landscapes.

INFORMATION

Tour Interest:
Cacti and Flora
Tour Type:
Overland
Tour Dates:
Runs on request
Tour Duration:
14 Days – 13 Nights
Starts/Ends:
Starts in Santa Cruz de la Sierra ends in Tarija
Best time to go:
September – October
Prices:
Based on group size
What’s Included?
Private transportation for all transfers and excursions. Accommodations on a twin/double basis. Single supplements on request. Full time Trogon Tours’ leader to accompany the group from day 1 in Santa Cruz de la Sierra to day 14 on departure from Tarija airport. Local guides where required by law. All breakfasts, lunches, box-lunches and dinners, from lunch on day 1 to breakfast on day 14 of the tour. No drinks included. Admission fees to all national parks and nature reserves.
What’s Not Included?
International and domestic airfares and airport taxes. Tips to guides, drivers, hotel & restaurants personnel, etc. Drinks with your meals. Personal travel and medical insurance. Anything not specified under “What is included?”

Itinerary ( 14 days )

Day

1

Arrival

Morning meeting with your Trogon Tours’ guide at your selected hotel in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Departure to Tambo via Comarapa. O/N Tambo.

Day

2

Tambo to Aiquile

Tambo to Aiquile via Torrecillas and Totoras. O/N Aiquile.

Day

3

Aiquile to Cochabamba

Aiquile to Cochabamba via Arani. O/N Cochabamba.

Day

4

Angostura & La Villa

Full day exploring Angostura and La Villa. O/N Cochabamba.

Day

5

Cochabamba to La Paz.

Cochabamba to La Paz via Calamarca. O/N La Paz.

Day

6

Lake Titicaca.

Full day exploring Lake Titicaca and surroundings. O/N La Paz.

Day

7

La Paz to Oruro.

La Paz to Oruro via Palca. O/N Oruro.

Day

8

Oruro to Potosí.

Oruro to Potosí. O/N Potosí.

Day

9

Sucre & Ravelo.

Full day exploring Sucre and Ravelo. O/N Potosí.

Day

10

Potosí & Millares.

Full day exploring the surroundings of Potosí and Millares. O/N Potosí..

Day

11

Potosí to Tarija.

Potosí to Tarija via Cuchu Ingenio and Cienaguillas. O/N Tarija.

Day

12

Tarija.

Full day exploring Tarija, Juanacas and Leon Cancha. O/N Tarija.

Day

13

Uriondo.

Full day exploring Uriondo, Padcaya and Rubi Cancha. O/N Tarija.

Day

14

Tour conclusion.

Transfer to Tarija airport. Tour conclusion.

From our gallery

Weingartia mentosa ssp swobodae (Sulcorebutia swobodae) © Willy Smith

Weingartia mentosa ssp swobodae (Sulcorebutia swobodae) © Willy Smith

Lobivia pentlandii © Willy Smith

Lobivia pentlandii © Willy Smith

Lobivia cinnabarina © Willy Smith

Lobivia cinnabarina © Willy Smith

Quiabentia verticillata © Willy Smith

Quiabentia verticillata © Willy Smith

Aylostera (Rebutia) steinmannii © Willy Smith

Aylostera (Rebutia) steinmannii © Willy Smith

Weingartia steinbachii (Sulcorebutia hoffmanniana) © Willy Smith

Weingartia steinbachii (Sulcorebutia hoffmanniana) © Willy Smith

Watching cacti in Vitichii © Willy Smith

Watching cacti in Vitichii © Willy Smith

Bolivicactus (Parodia) tuberculatus © Willy Smith

Bolivicactus (Parodia) tuberculatus © Willy Smith

Weingartia fidana ssp cintiensis © Willy Smith

Weingartia fidana ssp cintiensis © Willy Smith

Aylostera (Rebutia) pygmaea © Willy Smith

Aylostera (Rebutia) pygmaea © Willy Smith

MAP

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    The specialist who designs your trip will have explored the country many times and, in some cases, lived there. Their first-hand knowledge gives us the belief that no other travel company can match our expertise in helping you plan your trip. Your dedicated specialist will take the time to understand your preferences and build them into an itinerary to match, working to your budget. He or she will keep perfecting it until you’re completely happy and ready to book.

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