Exploring Bolivia: The Hidden Gem of Wildlife Watching in South America

When it comes to wildlife watching destinations in South America, Bolivia often flies under the radar, overshadowed by its more popular neighbors. However, this vibrant country boasts some of the most incredible ecosystems and untouched protected areas on the planet, making it a true paradise for nature enthusiasts. Here's why Bolivia deserves to be recognized as the most underrated wildlife watching destination in South America:

1. **Untouched Protected Areas:** Bolivia is home to breathtaking national parks such as Noel Kempff National Park and Kaa iya Del Gran Chaco. These areas are among the least visited yet offer unparalleled wildlife watching experiences. With pristine landscapes and minimal human impact, visitors can immerse themselves in truly authentic encounters with nature

.2. **Truly Authentic Experiences:** Unlike crowded tourist hotspots, Bolivia offers the opportunity for intimate wildlife encounters without the presence of hordes of tourists. Imagine exploring a national park without another traveler in sight, allowing you to connect with nature on a deeper level and savor the tranquility of the wilderness.

3. **Rich Birdlife:** Birdwatchers rejoice! Bolivia is hailed as one of the best birding countries on Earth, boasting a diverse array of avian species. From the endemic and critically Endangered Red Fronted and Blue throated Macaws, the country's varied habitats provide endless opportunities for birdwatching enthusiasts to spot their feathered friends in their natural habitat. SEE BELOW AN INCREDIBLE BOLIVIAN BIRDWATCHING TRIP

https://www.nicksadventuresbolivia.com/my-product/jukumari-lodge-the-best-kept-birding-secret-in-bolivia/

4. **Herping Adventures:** For those fascinated by reptiles and amphibians, Bolivia offers unparalleled herping opportunities. Brave souls can embark on quests to find bushmaster , Bolivian Anacondas, endemic vipers, and even snorkeling with the unique Lake Titicaca frogs, creating unforgettable memories in the process. CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE BEST HERPING ADVENTURES IN BOLIVIA

5. **Iconic Species:** Bolivia is home to iconic animals such as sloths, offering visitors the chance to observe these charismatic creatures in their natural environment. Moreover, the country boasts a wealth of endemic species and rare wildlife, providing a treasure trove of unique encounters for wildlife enthusiasts.

6. **Swim with Bolivian Pink Dolphins:** Delve into the waters of Bolivia's rivers and experience the magic of swimming with Bolivian pink dolphins. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allows visitors to interact with these enchanting creatures while gaining a deeper appreciation for Bolivia's rich aquatic ecosystems.

7. **Big Cat Encounters:**  

Bolivia serves as an excellent alternative for those seeking thrilling big cat encounters. With the chance to spot elusive jaguars and pumas in their natural habitat, adventurous travelers can embark on unforgettable safari experiences guided by expert local guides. See below the most popular Big cat and Jaguar watching tours in Bolivia

CLICK TO SEE BOLIVIAN BIG CAT SAFARIS

8. **Conservation Impact:** Booking wildlife tours in Bolivia not only provides unforgettable experiences but also contributes to the conservation efforts of the country. By supporting local guides and initiatives, visitors help protect Bolivia's precious wildlife and work with Indigenous communities and landowners to preserve its fragile ecosystems for future generations.

In conclusion, Bolivia stands out as a hidden gem for wildlife watching in South America. With its incredible biodiversity, authentic experiences, and commitment to conservation, this captivating country offers a paradise for nature lovers seeking adventure off the beaten path. So, pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable journey to discover the wonders of Bolivia's untamed wilderness.

WHY YOU MUST VISIT THE BOLIVIAN AMAZON RAINFOREST

AMAZING 6 DAY/5 NIGHT MADIDI AND PAMPAS WILDIFE WATCHING TOUR

One of our lucky clients just came back from one of our Jungle and Pampas Tours to Madidi National Park and the pampas of Santa Ana de Yacuma. During the 6 day tour package she managed to see a Jaguar, Tapirs, Pink Dolphins, Anaconda, Giant Anteater and the ultra rare Bush Dog

SEE THE GALLERY BELOW OF THE IMAGES TAKEN DURING THE WILDLIFE TOUR TO MADIDI NATIONAL PARK AND THE PAMPAS.

1 JAGUAR 

2 TAPIR 

ANACONDA

THIS TOUR PACKAGE WHICH COMBINES THE BEST LOCATIONS IN MADIDI NATIONAL PARK AND THE PAMPAS OF BOLIVIA IS ONE OF THE BEST JUNGLE AND WILDIFE TOURS IN BOLIVIA. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUR OUR JUNGLE AND WILDIFE WATCHING TOURS IN BOLIVIA CONTACT US AT WWW.NICKSADVENTURESBOLIVIA.COM

INCREDIBLE WILDLIFE OF AMBORO NATIONAL PARK BOLIVIA

INCREDIBLE CAMERA TRAP IMAGES FROM AMBORO NATIONAL PARK   - REFUGIO LOS VOLCANES

As part of our unique tours to Amboro National Park , we have our clients help us set up and check our camera traps. The aim is to record the species in the area as well as routines of the animals in which makes it easier for us to observe them. The cameras are also a useful tours to combat poachers in the area as well

Thus far our cameras have recorded Jaguar, Spectacled Bear, Agoutis, Brocket Deer, Opossums, Jaguarundi, Margay, Puma and amazing images of Bush Dogs and Spectacled Bears. 

SEE BELOW THE NEWEST CAMERA TRAP IMAGES 

1 TAYRA

RED BROCKET DEER

 

 OCELOT 

PUMA 

WE WILL CONTINUE TO CHECK AND UPDATE ABOUR OUR CAPTURES IN THIS AMAZING WILDIFE ECOSYSTEM.

For more details about our Amboro National Park tours or our wildife watching trips to Kaa iya , Madidi National Park , Pantanal,  Alto Madidi etc contact us at WWW.NICKSADVENTURESBOLIVIA.COM

REMOTE TRAVEL EXPERIENCES NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED IN BOLIVIA

JUNGLE EXPEDITION IN THE WET SEASON TO SAN CARLOS WILDLIFE RESERVE

Our latest trip to San Carlos Wildlife Reserve was a real adventure, this year has been one of the wettest in years so huge parts of the Beni Department are flooded, which made road and river conditions harsher than normal. That being said the trip was spectacular and we saw a lot of wildlife which ranged from huge Black Caiman,Pink Dolphins, Marsh Deer, 4 species of Monkeys, Capybara , Macaws and a Giant Anteater which we saw swimming across the river. We also had a Jaguar call and respond and it came less than 200 metres from our lodging.

Here are some of the highlights of the trip

4 meter plus Black Caiman which took interest in our boat

 

Capybara Galore

Pink Dolphins in San Carlos Reserve

Jaguar which we later heard calling close to our lodge

Queen Victoria Amazonian Waterlillys

Stunning birdlife with several species of Macaws.

Breathtaking Sunsets on Rio San Carlos


We entered San Carlos Reserve with a combination of Boat and 4WD, travel time was greatly increased but hope by the start of the tour season the conditions will be perfect

This is just a few of the highlights of this amazing new touristic destination. For more information about our Jungle and wildlife conservation tours contact us at www.nicksadventuresbolivia.com

INTERESTING WILDLIFE OF BOLIVIA

INTERESTING ANIMALS OF BOLIVIA

PART 1 

Bolivia with its huge varieties of different ecosystems could be the worlds most underated wildlife watching destinations. Here is a list of some of the interesting animals Bolivia has to offer.

BLUE THROATED MACAW

First of our list is the endemic and critically endangered Blue throated Macaw. This rarely seen Macaw only lives in a few isolated areas in the Beni department. They are so rare that they number between 200-350 in the wild.  Nicks Adventures Bolivia offers day tours from Trinidad through to multiple day packages to the spectacular Blue throated Macaw Nature Reserve.

JAGUAR  - PANTERA ONCA

The largest cat in the America's, the Jagaur is the king of the Amazon, Chaco, Pantanal and many other ecosystems. It kills with a crushing bite to the base of the skull and its prey includes anything from Caimans and Anaconda though to 250kg Tapirs. Suprisingly unlike its other relatives the Tiger, Lion or Leopard its rarely implicated in attacks on humans and it prefers to stay away from humans. Sadly it is frequently killed by Ranchers and now is poached for its teeth for Chinese medicine.
Best places to observe Jaguars is during our San Carlos Reserve , the Bolivian Chaco and Madidi National Park trips.

LOWLAND TAPIR

One of my personal favourite giants of South America. The Lowland Tapir is Latin Americas largest land mammal. This unique species looks like a pig, but is closely related to horses and rhinos. It communicates via whistles and has one of the longest gestation periods of any animal. The Tapir is very shy and can be observed at salt licks or swimming in rivers during hot days. Sadly it is threatened thoughout its range due to overhunting for meat and loss of habitat. Our tours to Madidi National Park, San Carlos Wildlife Reserve and Kaa Iya National Park offer excellent chances to observe these species.

ANACONDA 

The stuff of legends, the infamous Anaconda is one of the most iconic and infamous animals of South America. This species is called the Yellow Anaconda and only grows to a maximum of 4 metres. It feeds on Capyabara, birds and whatever smaller mammals it can capture. Its larger cousin the Green Anaconda is the worlds heaviest snake and can grow to 9.8 metres. This species is often killed on sight due to lack of education, movies such as Anaconda are partly to blame for the unfair reputation these amazing snakes have. Nicks Adventures Bolivia offers tours to the Bolivian and Brazilian Pantanal to look for Jaguars and Anacondas.

 TARANTULA 

Another of South America's infamous species. The Tarantula often has an unfair reputation, it is commonly seen along roads at night and unlike the hysteria from movies it generally tries to avoid humans.

PUMA

South America's 2nd largest feline, the Puma is sleek, shy and rarely seen. In some areas where it competes with the Jaguar it can actually grow to the same size or larger. Unlike its North American cousin which is responsible for many attacks on humans, the South American Puma prefers to avoid humas. The Puma is the most adapatable of all cats and can survive in Amazon Rainforest, Pampas, Pantanal, deserts, Mountains , dry chaco forests and more.

For more information about the incredible wildlife of Bolivia contact us at www.nicksadventuresbolivia.com

** All pics were taken during tours with Nicks Adventures Bolivia

Bolivian Fly Fishing Golden Dorado Expedition

This amazing footage was taken during an expedition to a remote fishing concession managed by Bolivia's leading fly fishing outfitter Angling Frontiers, the aim was to explore this area, look for wildlife and learn more about this sustainable catch and release Golden Dorado fly fishing operation.

Stopping illegal fishing in the rivers

18KG Surubi, released to live another day.

 This area is so remote than many the local indigenous population did not  even speak spanish. The fly fishing in this area was simply outstanding and combined with the pristine riversystems and forests it makes an unbelievable once in a lifetime trip.

Remote indigenous communities of Bolivia

For every tourist who visits a substantial indigenous fee is paid to the communities, in return the locals protect the river system and closely watch for any illegal fishing , logging or hunting in the area.

My first cast and first Golden Dorado on lure- was released to live another day.

Overall this was an amazing experience and a eye opener to how strictly managed fishing can actually save rivers and jungle systems. 

For more information about visiting this incredible area contact us at www.nicksadventuresbolivia.com

Bolivian Wildlife tours - Amazing Ocelot sighting

WILDLIFE WATCHING IN SAN CARLOS RESERVE BENI BOLIVIA

Our newest Bolivian Jaguar Conservation Eco Tourism project

Jaguar with cubs recorded during our wildlife watching tours to San Carlos Reserve.

Located deep in the Beni Department is the spectacular San Carlos Wildlife Reserve. This property is ideally located between pristine savannahs, motacu palm islands and tropical forests, all of which are teeming with wildlife. The different ecosystems, no hunting policy and the remoteness of this property has provided a refuge for a huge variety of animals and as such could be the very best location in all of Bolivia to observe wildlife.

San Carlos Wildlife Reserve offers world class birdwatching.

In the wet season access to the Reserve is via a combination of 4WD and boat trips, this journey is incredible, Capybaras are seen from the road and the birdlife is astounding, occasionally the Green Anaconda can be seen as well.  The boat trip is equally exciting, here black caimans , Macaws and Pink Dolphins are frequently seen and keep your eyes open as Jaguars are often seen hunting or sleeping on the river banks. 

Looking for Pink Dolphins, Black Caimans and even Jaguars 

Activities during the tour include horseriding, boat trips, hiking, fishing, setting up and checking camera traps, birding and 4WD safaris of the reserve.

A Lesser Anteater, seen during a night excursion. PHOTO CREDIT JEREMIE GOULEVITCH

The aim of the conservation project

The aim of this project is to help compensate the landowners who are losing up to 30 cows per year, from Jagaur predation. This has a significant affect on the income of many and in turn Jaguars and other predators like Puma are shot on sight. This conservation project through eco tourism aims to cover these losses and in turn no Jaguars or other animals will be killed. 

 The San Carlos Wildife Reserve Conservation project will also provided employment and additional income, from local guides, cooks, drivers and more, we aim to show locals that native wildlife can really boost the economy and that its more benifical to preserve for the future.

Giant Anteater seen during a horseriding expedition in San Carlos Wildlife Reserve

Night spotlighting for Armadillos  , just another part of the adventure.

If you wish to learn more about this amazing new wildife eco tourism project then visit our webpage of www.nicksadventuresbolivia.com  

Though responsible Eco Tourism we will make a difference and help teach locals that wildlife especially the Jaguar is worth much more alive than dead.

*** ALL PHOTOS HAVE BEEN TAKEN DURING TOURS TO THE SAN CARLOS WILDLIFE RESERVE

NEW WILDIFE WATCHING EXPEDITION IN THE HEART OF BENI BOLIVIA

Spectacular scenery and amazing encounter with a Jaguar , Pink Dolphins and a monster Black Caiman.

On the 17th of Feb, we departed to explore a new area for potential tourism , this project aims to follow in the footsteps of our successful pilot Jaguar conservation project San Miguelito Jaguar Reserve where through tourism we aim to compensate Ranchers who encourage tourism and in turn stops the killing of Jaguars and other wildlife on the properties. With the help and support of the director of Conservation Loros Bolivia( Jose Antiono Diaz )and the friendly and very professional property owner Fenelon we departed Trinidad on this conservation based adventure.

Amazing Queen Victoria WaterLillys along the drive to the Ranch

To reach the Ranch is an adventure in itself, it involves a 5 hour drive with stunning scenery, along the way we observed many Macaws, Capybara and even a dead Anaconda, the owner told us once he had seen a 5 metre Anaconda on the road as well as several Pumas.

Sad remains of a Green Anaconda, killed by a Car on the dirt road towards the Ranch.

After a few hours we finally entered the town of San Ramon, here we crossed a plontoon as there are no bridges to cross the river as yet, we had lunch in the towns Plaza before setting the boat up for the 4 hour long river trip ahead.

To reach the ranch , we nagivated through many different rivers, sadly the first part of the trip was soured by the sight of 4 recently killed endangered Black Caiman which were just shot and left floating in the river. We pushed deeper into the Jungle and the large rivers made way for smaller pristine waterways, here Pink Dolphins, Macaws, Hoatzins and Capybara were frequent and the best sighting we had was of a giant 4 metre plus Black Caiman which was seen close to the Ranch itself. The owner was also suprised at the size of this ancient beast and said later that it was one of the biggest he had ever seen.

By evening we arrived to the Ranch, had a delicious freshly cooked meal and partook in an evening night spotlighting boat trip, here we saw a Cooks Tree Boa, many Spectacled and Black Caiman and some small marsupials. We tried calling for the Jaguar, however they remained elusive.

Horse riding through the pristine Beni Savannahs in search of Maned Wolves and Giant Anteaters.

Day two involved a very early start, here we took horses though the savannahs and we kept an eye out for the resident Giant Anteater or Maned Wolves, sadly they remained elusive. Our mission was to explore a forested island which the owner and rancheros said was teeming with wildlife. They were correct and almost immedietly we saw huge groups of curious squirrel and Capichun Monkeys and literally the whole forest was alive. 

In addition to the Monkeys, the forest was alive with bird life with macaws, trogons, Sun bitterns , Hoatizns and more being seen. Other animals we saw included a Tayra hunting monkeys, Coatis, tracks of Tapirs and huge troops of white lipped Peccaries which are the main food item of the Jaguar.

A family of Capybara basking in the sun,

 The evening boat trip provided the most action , we departed towards a different river, one where the Rancheros had seen a Jaguar just a few days before.

Not the Jaguar we saw, but was of similar size, sadly all of our group was too slow to take any footage of the Jaguar, something we will have to change for our next trip.

As we navigated deeper down the seculded river i noticed in the distance something swimming across the river, however all of us incuding the owner assumed it was a Capybara, as we inched closer we saw that the animal swimming was indeed the very animal we were looking for , the magnificent Jaguar. All of us were memorised at the sight of this giant feline bounding out of the water literally metres from the boat and it was something i know i will never personally forget!

With the mission completed we returned to the Ranch to enjoy what was an amazing day in the Beni Jungle.

The last day we visited another savannah and forested island, hoping for a sighting of the Pampas Deer or Giant Anteater, however as there had been heavy rain the night before and the weather had turned bad the animals were playing hide and seek. 

Jaguar recorded on our camera trap in the San Carlos Ranch

We said good bye to the local workers and made the long way back to Trinidad with everlasting 

memories and the seed for a new and exciting Jaguar conservation based tourist destination in the heart of the second biggest Wetland in the world.
 The aim is to showcase to the world the incredible Department of Beni and work with Cattle Ranchers to develop sustainable tourism and help preserve the incredible biodiversity this largely unknow region has. If we prove that tourism can compensate Ranchers from Jaguar predation then we hope that this will convince many other ranchers to put down their guns, stop killing big cats and be supportive to Eco Tourism in Bolivia.

If you are interested in learning more about this Jaguar/Wildife Conservation Project in the heart of the Beni Wetlands then CONTACT US TODAY for more information.