OPTIONAL PRE-TOUR: PAMPAS

As a suggested (and recommended) pre-tour we offer a side-trip to the Pampas (neo-tropical savannah) of the Bolivian lowlands. This tour complements the Chalalan rainforest stay.

PAMPAS: : Near the lowland village of Santa Rosa is an area of savannah, a very flat landscape divided by meandering rivers and characterized by generally low and open vegetation. This area also has a very high diversity and abundance of fauna, especially birds. Notable species found in the area include: capaybaras, pink river dolphins, monkeys (including black howler, squirrel and brown capuchin), anacondas, caiman and rheas. Because of the abundance of many species and the very open nature of the vegetation, fauna are extremely easy to find and watch, making this an excellent area for wildlife observation.

PAMPAS (ATPA 001)

Available March to December

PROGRAM 5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS

DAY- 1: La Paz - Rurrenabaque. Flight to Rurrenabaque. Free afternoon to explore this colorful town on the bank of the Beni River.

DAY- 2: Rurrenabaque - Pampas. You will depart from Rurrenabaque by car at 9 in the morning to the Yacuma River; this car trip takes 3 ½ hours. After lunch, you will take a 2-hour ride by dugout canoe to the campsite, where monkeys, capybaras and herons can be seen. Dinner and camp. (L, D)

DAY- 3: Pampas. After breakfast you will get into your boat again and travel on the Yacuma River to observe pink dolphins, turtles, and birds. Lunch and later a short walk to see rheas, anteaters and monkeys. After dinner, a night tour to look for anacondas and alligators. Accommodation. (B, L, D)

DAY- 4: Pampas – Rurrenabaque. After breakfast, your last day offers the chance to see the dolphins, capibaras and birds once more before you depart to Rurrenabaque. You should be arriving in Rurrenabaque at 4 p.m (B, L)

DAY- 5: Rurrenabaque - La Paz. Return flight to La Paz.

PAMPAS ATPA 001

PRICE PER PERSON

Pampas $US 92.00

This includes transport from / to Rurrenabaque, meals, accommodations and local guide at the Lodge.

The price does not include meals and accommodations in Rurrenabaque, airport taxes, or entrance fee to the Park ($US 3.00 per person).

** An additional cost will be the Airplane ticket La Paz-Rurrenabaque-La Paz ($US 130.00 per person. This price could change.)

• Exploration and interpretation of Savannah.



• Wildlife viewing and monitoring



• Bird Watching.

LUGGAGE:

• backpack or dufflebag
• small day pack

CLOTHES :

• long-sleeved shirts, preferably cotton (to protect yourself from mosquitoes and the sun)
• long cotton pants shorts
• T-shirts sweater or fleece/polartec (to be prepared for a cold front)
• windbreaker/rain poncho
• pair of hiking boots
• pair of sneakers
• pair of sandals or Tevas (river crossings, casual wear around the lodge)
• swimsuit
• socks
• underwear
• sleepwear
• casual clothes for Rurrenabaque
• waterproof folding sun hat with brim

OTHERS ITEMS

• binoculars, best 8x or 10x
• camera film (ASA 50, 100 and 200 are recommended)
• sun block
• mosquito repellent (30% DEET -100% DEET could be too much for your skin)
• flashlight sunglasses
• pocket knife
• a bandanna
• plastic bags (for your camera in the boat and for dirty clothes)
• a photocopy of your passport
• water bottle
• cigarette lighter (even if you don't smoke it will come in handy - candles, etc.)
• bottle of aspirin and any other medications and vitamins you normally use

It is always advisable to consult your physician regarding health measures before traveling