Bolivia

Bolivia's Wild East: Jaguars, Cloud Forest and Lost Missions

Duration

11 Days

Price

$4,200

Discover More

Ecovoyager Experiences

Tour Highlights

The moments that make this journey unforgettable.

Three Days Inside Kaa Iya: Bolivia's Largest and Least-Visited National Park

Jaguar Tracking with Resident Park Rangers

Amboro National Park: 800 Bird Species at the Meeting of Andes and Amazon

El Fuerte: UNESCO World Heritage Site and Easternmost Point of the Inca Empire

Seven UNESCO World Heritage Jesuit Mission Churches of the Chiquitania

High-Altitude Wine Tasting at Winery 1750 Above Samaipata

Bolivia Tour Overview

Bolivia's Wild East: Jaguars, Cloud Forest and Lost Missions

An 11-day expedition through Amboro National Park, the Gran Chaco, and the UNESCO Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitania

Duration

11 Days

Price

$4,200

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Time

May – October

This 11-day expedition covers three landscapes in eastern Bolivia that almost no international tour operator visits. Amboro National Park sits at the meeting point of the Andes and the Amazon, home to 800 recorded bird species, giant tree fern forests, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of El Fuerte. Kaa Iya National Park, Bolivia’s largest protected area at 3.4 million hectares, is one of the last intact Gran Chaco dry forests on the continent, patrolled with resident rangers in search of jaguar, ocelot, and tapir. The circuit closes with four days through the Chiquitania, where seven UNESCO World Heritage Jesuit mission churches from the 17th and 18th centuries stand in remote tropical towns where the original music and craft traditions remain alive. Maximum 10 guests.

Bolivia's Wild East: Jaguars, Cloud Forest and Lost Missions

Your Bolivia Tour Itinerary

Route Overview 11 Days · Bolivia

Day 1

Santa Cruz to Amboro Park

The drive southwest from Santa Cruz takes three hours on roads winding through red rock formations before arriving at Refugio Los Volcanes on the southern edge of Amboro National Park. The refuge sits at the ecological meeting point of the Andes, the Amazon, and the Chaco, producing exceptional biodiversity and 800 recorded bird species. A short trail from the refuge reaches a vantage point over the park. Macaws are common in the late afternoon. Three natural waterfalls on the Elvira River, one forming a natural swimming pool, are accessible on foot from the lodge. Meals: L / D

Dramatic sandstone cliffs and lush green valleys of Amboro National Park at sunset with colorful clouds

Colorful parrot with green body, red head, and yellow-blue wings flying in mid-air

Amboro National Park waterfalls Bolivia - cascading streams over red sandstone cliffs in pristine rainforest wilderness

Day 2

Amboro Park to Samaipata

The morning follows the Mairana Valley south to La Yunga, a small hamlet on the park's southern edge. A trail from the village enters cloud forest where giant tree ferns grow to several meters, their dark trunks hosting wild orchids. This is one of the few accessible stands of tree ferns in Bolivia and the forest carries a distinctly prehistoric character. The afternoon drive continues to Samaipata, a quiet mountain village at 1,750 meters known for its mild climate. Wine tasting at Winery 1750, a small high-altitude estate on the hills above the village, rounds out the evening. Meals: L / D

Dense tropical rainforest with tall tree ferns and moss-covered trunks in Bolivia

Sustainable vineyard with solar panels nestled in Bolivia's lush green mountains on eco-tourism adventure

Colonial church with white bell tower and red tile roof in Samaipata village, Bolivia

Day 3

Samaipata to Santa Cruz

The morning is spent at El Fuerte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site ten kilometers from Samaipata. This carved sandstone outcrop marks the easternmost point of the Inca Empire and holds the largest carved rock in the world, used as an astronomical observatory and ceremonial site by both Chane shamans and Inca priests. After the visit, a short stop at a hummingbird refuge hosting over 15 species breaks the return drive to Santa Cruz. The Cosmopolitano Hotel Boutique occupies a 9-room colonial building in the historic center, built around two open patios with natural ventilation throughout. Meals: L

Ancient pre-Columbian stone terraces and ruins at El Fuerte de Samaipata archaeological site in Bolivia's eastern highlands

Rufous-breasted hermit hummingbird perched on branch in Bolivia's eastern rainforest wilderness

Cathedral Basilica of Saint Lawrence towers over Santa Cruz de la Sierra Bolivia with red brick colonial architecture

Day 4

Santa Cruz to Kaa Iya National Park

A four-hour drive southeast reaches San Jose de Chiquitos for lunch and a visit to the mission church before the final 70 kilometers of off-road track into Kaa Iya National Park. Bolivia's largest protected area at 3.4 million hectares, Kaa Iya was founded in 1995 through the initiative of three indigenous peoples: the Isosena-Guarani, the Chiquitana, and the Ayoreo, whose name for the park in Guarani means master of the forest. Temperatures regularly exceed 40 degrees Celsius. The park holds 108 mammal species including jaguar, ocelot, puma, and jaguarundi. Overnight at the park rangers' refuge. Conditions are basic with fans but no air conditioning. Meals: L / D

Aerial view of pristine Bolivian rainforest canopy with towering palm trees in protected indigenous territory

Wild jaguar yawning in Bolivia's Pantanal wetlands during eco-tourism wildlife safari adventure

Historic Jesuit Mission church with ornate stone facade and bell towers in Bolivia's Chiquitos region

Day 5

Kaa Iya National Park

The day begins before dawn. Early morning is the most productive time in the Gran Chaco, when birds and large mammals move before the heat builds. A guided patrol on foot with park rangers covers the trail network around the refuge. Trap cameras placed on regular jaguar routes are collected and reviewed in the afternoon at the refuge. The Gran Chaco here is dry tropical forest with good visibility into the undergrowth, structurally different from the Amazon. Peccaries, tapir, anteater, and a high diversity of reptiles and birds are present throughout. A second evening patrol takes advantage of falling temperatures and fading light. Meals: B / L / D

Tapir swimming in pristine Bolivian waters surrounded by lush rainforest vegetation on eco-adventure tour

Giant anteater foraging in grasslands of Bolivia's eastern wilderness during EcoVoyager Adventures wildlife tour

Wild peccary family with babies foraging in Bolivia's eastern wilderness during luxury eco-safari adventure

Day 6

Kaa Iya National Park to Santa Cruz

An early vehicle patrol covers the park trails with a sensor camera mounted on the 4x4, the most effective method for photographing animals in the heat of the open Chaco. The group returns to camp for breakfast before the seven-hour drive back to Santa Cruz, stopping for lunch at San Jose de Chiquitos. After three days of extreme heat and basic conditions, the Cosmopolitano Hotel Boutique's two-patio colonial building in the historic center provides a sharp change of pace. The evening is free. Meals: B / L

Muddy 4WD safari vehicle on dirt trail through Kaa-iya National Park Bolivia wilderness during jaguar tracking expedition

Off-road vehicle navigating dirt trail through Bolivia's dry Chaco forest wilderness on eco-adventure safari

Modern eco-lodge courtyard with green walls, natural lighting and sustainable architecture in Bolivia's Santa Cruz region

Day 7

Santa Cruz to Concepcion

The route northeast follows the Jesuit Mission circuit through the lowland departments of Santa Cruz and Beni. The first stop is San Javier, whose church was founded in 1691 as the first Jesuit mission in the Chiquitania. The mission also housed the region's first music school, producing violins, harps, and harpsichords whose traditions survive in the biennial International Festival of Baroque Music. After lunch the route continues to the Piedras de Paquio, an unusual geological formation of naturally balanced rocks, before arriving at Concepcion. The baroque church here, considered one of the finest in the Chiquitania, is best seen at sunset when low light reveals the carved columns and mestizo baroque detailing. Meals: L / D

Historic colonial church interior with ornate wooden architecture and religious artwork in Bolivia's eastern region

Choir and orchestra performing in ornately decorated Jesuit mission church in Santa Cruz, Bolivia showcasing colonial religious heritage

Ancient rock formations and traditional lodge in Bolivia's eastern wilderness for eco-adventure tourism

Day 8

Concepcion to San Ignacio

The morning begins at the Missions Museum in Concepcion, housed in the birthplace of General Hugo Banzer. The museum holds original musical scores composed and performed in the missions , a dimension of the Chiquitania that most visitors miss entirely. Every two years between April and May, the International Festival of American Baroque Music travels from church to church across the region. After lunch the drive continues east to San Ignacio de Velasco, one of the most significant missions. The town sits closer to the Brazilian border than to La Paz, and its culture reflects that frontier position in its music, food, and the particular warmth of its people. Meals: L / D

Historic Jesuit Mission church with colonial architecture and bell tower in Bolivia's tropical lowlands

Local artisan crafting traditional wooden violin in Bolivia museum workshop showcasing indigenous cultural heritage

Traditional Colombian musical ensemble performing in ornate colonial church with golden altarpiece and religious artwork

Day 9

San Ignacio to San Jose de Chiquitos

An early start covers San Miguel and San Rafael missions before continuing to Santa Ana, a village of barely 300 inhabitants where the Jesuit legacy is present in daily life rather than in tourist infrastructure. The afternoon crosses into Mennonite country, where a distinct religious community maintains 16th-century German and Dutch traditions in near-total separation from surrounding Bolivian society, avoiding cultural assimilation and preserving a language and way of life unchanged for generations. The day ends at San Jose de Chiquitos, whose mission complex is unique in the circuit for its stone and lime facade , built without large timber because the surrounding Chaco had none. Meals: L / D

Historic Jesuit Mission church with ornate wooden facade and bell tower in Bolivia's Chiquitania region

Mennonite horse-drawn buggies in rural Bolivia colony showcasing traditional sustainable transportation methods

Historic Jesuit Mission church San José de Chiquitos Bolivia stone facade colonial architecture eco-tourism destination

Day 10

San Jose de Chiquitos to Santa Cruz

The morning is spent at the Jesuit mission complex of San Jose de Chiquitos, one of the oldest standing monuments in eastern Bolivia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike the other missions in the Chiquitania circuit, it was built entirely from stone and lime rather than wood, a practical response to the absence of large trees in the surrounding Chaco. The construction is unique in South America. The return drive west crosses the Rio Grande before rejoining the Santa Cruz highway, arriving in the late afternoon for a final night at the Cosmopolitano Hotel in the historic center. Meals: B / L

Ornate wooden interior of historic Jesuit mission church in Santa Cruz Bolivia with carved pillars and pews

Aerial view of Santa Cruz de la Sierra colonial cathedral and plaza surrounded by lush green parks in Bolivia

Aerial view of vast green Gran Chaco forest canopy stretching to horizon under blue sky in Bolivia's wilderness

Day 11

Departure

A private transfer from the Cosmopolitano Hotel to Viru Viru International Airport. The drive takes approximately 35 to 40 minutes from the historic center depending on traffic. Meals: B

Bolivia Tour Details

What's Included

Everything included in the tour, and what to budget separately.

What's Included

All accommodation: 10 nights based on double occupancy (Refugio Los Volcanes x1, El Pueblito Resort Samaipata x1, Cosmopolitano Hotel Boutique Santa Cruz x3, Kaa Iya park rangers refuge x2, Gran Hotel Concepcion x1, Apart Hotel San Ignacio x1, Hotel Villa Chiquitana x1)
All meals as indicated in the itinerary
Airport arrival and departure transfers
Private transport with driver for all overland legs throughout the 11-day expedition
English-speaking guide for the full 11-day expedition
Local guides as indicated in the itinerary, including park rangers at Kaa Iya and local mission guides in the Chiquitania
All entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary (El Fuerte UNESCO site, Kaa Iya National Park, Jesuit mission churches)
Trap camera review sessions with park rangers at Kaa Iya (Days 4-6)
Wine tasting at Winery 1750 above Samaipata (Day 2)
Hummingbird refuge visit near Samaipata (Day 3)
Assistance 24/7 during your stay

Not Included

International airfare (return)
Travel insurance (required: must cover wildlife tracking and remote locations)
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary (approximately $8 per person for a local lunch, $12 for an international restaurant lunch, $20 per person for dinner)
Drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beyond those included)
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and park rangers (recommended)
Personal expenses and personal laundry
Bank charges and currency exchange fees
Visa fees (if applicable)
Single room supplement ($420)
Medical evacuation costs

Bolivia Tour Details

Tour Pricing & Departures

Transparent pricing, comprehensive inclusions, and exactly what to expect.

August 1 – August 11, 2026

11 days

Available

From $4,200 per person

Book This Date

August 22 – September 1, 2026

11 days

Festival de Temporada weekend falls on Days 7-8 (Concepcion and San Ignacio)

Available

From $4,200 per person

Book This Date

September 18 – September 28, 2026

11 days

Peak late dry season for wildlife concentration at Kaa Iya water sources

Available

From $4,200 per person

Book This Date

Prefer your own dates and itinerary? Our private expeditions offer full flexibility with the same expert guides, exclusive access, and conservation partnerships, tailored entirely around your group.

Starting From

$4,200

From, based on group of 6

Single Supplement$420

Deposit$1,050

CurrencyUSD

Private Group Rates

Group Size	Per Person	Notes
2 travelers	$6,150	Per personDouble occupancy
4 travelers	$4,650	Per personGroup rate
6 travelers	$4,200	Per personGroup rate
8 travelers	$4,150	Per personGroup rate
10 travelers	$4,100	Per personBest value

Deposit & Payment: A 25% deposit secures your place (credit card accepted). 50% balance due 90 days before departure. Final balance due 60 days prior. ACH bank transfer available at reduced fees. Bookings within 60 days require full payment.

Cancellation: 90+ days: full refund minus $500 admin fee. 60-89 days: 50% refund. Under 60 days: no refund. Comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency evacuation is required for all participants.

Ready to secure your place on this expedition? Spaces are limited to ensure an intimate experience.

Book This Tour

JavaScript required. This booking form requires JavaScript to submit. Please enable JavaScript or email contact@ecovoyager.com to book directly.

Ecovoyager Adventures

Book Your Adventure

Complete your booking request and our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours to confirm your journey.

No payment required to request a booking

Response within 24 hours guaranteed

Flexible dates and custom itineraries available

Thank you! Your booking request has been received. We'll be in touch within 24 hours to confirm your adventure.

Oops! There was an issue submitting your request. Please try again or contact us directly.

Full Name *

Email Address *

Phone Number

Departure Date

Preferred Date

Adults (18+)

Children (0-17)

Total: 2 travelers

Special Requests or Questions

Traveler Stories

What Our Adventurers Say

View Us on Trustpilot

Norway

"Watching the northern lights from that coastal overlook was one of those moments you carry with you. EcoVoyager's team knew exactly where to take us and when."

Chile

"They made my trip to Chile super smooth. I had nothing to worry about, they connected me with local guides and took me to some super cool places."

Madagascar

"My kids are still talking about the lemurs months later. EcoVoyager handled every detail so we could actually be present together."

Mongolia

"Absolutely loved our Mongolia trip in July 2025! Ecovoyager put together the best itinerary possible that combined adventure and comfort. We would 100% recommend Ecovoyager to our friends and family!"

Guyana

"The Rupununi was fabulous. Even if there weren't any animals, it would've been a great experience. The only negative was leaving."

Cuba

"The trip was thoughtfully curated for a REAL Cuban cultural experience, juxtaposing between the island's insolvency and the faux luxuries propped up by foreign investment."

Bolivia

"The salt flats at sunrise were even more stunning than I'd imagined. Our guide positioned us perfectly for the reflections."

Kyrgyzstan

"EcoVoyager put my mind at ease with expert guidance on how to stay safe and enjoy the vibes. If I were to plan another solo trip to an unfamiliar country, I'd trust EcoVoyager to help me through it all."

Japan

"I had a wonderful time. Organization was superb and our experiences were maximized due to great planning and enthusiasm."

Kyrgyzstan

"Staying with nomadic families, riding through valleys with no other tourists in sight. This is the kind of travel I didn't know I was missing."

10 Days

From

From $5,700

Explore This Journey

See All Experiences

Destination

Explore the Places You'll Visit

Each stop on this journey through Bolivia, and the country that ties them together.

Bolivia

From the world's largest salt flat to endless reflections that mirror the sky, discover South America's most extraordinary landscapes where ancient cultures thrive in impossible places

Explore Bolivia

Bolivia's Wild East: Jaguars, Cloud Forest and Lost Missions

Tour Highlights

Three Days Inside Kaa Iya: Bolivia's Largest and Least-Visited National Park

Jaguar Tracking with Resident Park Rangers

Amboro National Park: 800 Bird Species at the Meeting of Andes and Amazon

El Fuerte: UNESCO World Heritage Site and Easternmost Point of the Inca Empire

Seven UNESCO World Heritage Jesuit Mission Churches of the Chiquitania

High-Altitude Wine Tasting at Winery 1750 Above Samaipata

Bolivia's Wild East: Jaguars, Cloud Forest and Lost Missions

Request More Information

Santa Cruz to Amboro Park

Refugio Los Volcanes

Amboro Park to Samaipata

El Pueblito Resort

Samaipata to Santa Cruz

Cosmopolitano Hotel Boutique

Santa Cruz to Kaa Iya National Park

Kaa Iya Park Rangers' Refuge

Kaa Iya National Park

Kaa Iya Park Rangers' Refuge

Kaa Iya National Park to Santa Cruz

Cosmopolitano Hotel Boutique

Santa Cruz to Concepcion

Gran Hotel Concepcion

Concepcion to San Ignacio

Apart Hotel San Ignacio

San Ignacio to San Jose de Chiquitos

Hotel Villa Chiquitana

San Jose de Chiquitos to Santa Cruz

Cosmopolitano Hotel Boutique

Departure

What's Included

What's Included

Not Included

Tour Pricing & Departures

Private Group Rates

Book Your Adventure

What Our Adventurers Say

More Adventures in Bolivia

Sacred Lake Titicaca

Bolivian Amazon Rainforest Expedition

The Bolivian Traverse: Amazon to Altiplano

Bolivia's Wild Altiplano

The Uyuni Ancient Salt Route

Bolivia Endemic Macaw Birding Expedition

Explore the Places You'll Visit

Bolivia