Lake Titicaca — Photo: Steve Hilty

Often overlooked by travelers, landlocked Bolivia boasts an impressive list of more than 1,300 species. This trip concentrates on the mountainous western half of the country where most of Bolivia's endemic or near-endemic species occur, and provides a spectacular elevational survey of the Bolivian Andes from the lowlands and foothills to the high altiplano.

Our route begins in the lowlands in the surprisingly modern city of Santa Cruz and proceeds westward, climbing into the Andean foothills and lower slopes, and finally emerging onto the stark altiplano around the capital city of La Paz. The step-by-step increase in elevation allows travelers plenty of time to acclimate to the very high elevations encountered at the end of the trip.

This trip is a survey of bird life of the Bolivian Andes, and we believe you will be impressed with the birds, wildlife, and scenery. Beginning in grassland and scrub near Santa Cruz, our route progresses westward through dry and moist forest, a mid-elevation, rain-shadow desert, then cloud forest, upper montane scrub, elfin woodland, Polylepis woodland at tree line, and finally puna grassland on the altiplano at 12,000 feet and higher. We are sure to see Andean Condors and, if water levels are favorable, we should see all three species of resident flamingos, as well as flightless grebes on Lake Titicaca. Bolivia offers a remarkable array of hummingbirds, furnariids, antbirds, and tapaculos, as well as colorful tanagers, and many small finches. Numerous endemic or range-restricted species are likely.

Remarkably good accommodations and food; mostly easy walking on roadsides or trails; travel by bus; roads generally good (far better than in the past!); trip begins in lowlands and ascends in stages to allow acclimatization to extremely high elevations. Terrific scenery, great birding, and a few long days.