Flor de Oro and Los Fierros
7 Days / 6 Nights
Flor de Oro
The Flor de Oro lodge is the center of ecotourism in Noel Kempff Mercado National Park. Easily accessible from the lodge are large expanses of cerrado vegetation, periodically inundated savannahs, riverine forests, terra firme and igapo rainforests, oxbow lakes, and the semi-deciduous woodlands found on the climb up the Huanchaca Plateau en route to the Mirador de los Monos.
Los Fierros
Los Fierros are large expanses of endangered cerrado habitat, periodically inundated savannahs, terra firme and periodically flooded rainforests, semi-deciduous woodlands, the savannahs and gallery forests found on top of the Huanchaca Plateau, and the spectacular waterfall, El Encanto.
Day 1 - Flight
to Los Fierros, Noel Kempff Mercado National Park.
In the morning, you will be transferred to Samaipata airport for your
charter flight to Los Fierros, which will take about 3 hours. Upon arrival
at Los Fierros, you will spend the afternoon exploring the forests and
expansive grasslands found close to the lodge. You will also have an opportunity
to learn about the local cultures as you pass through the interpretive
natural history trail that the ecotourism program and members of the local
communities are currently developing. Plants have played an integral role
in the history of the region and this trail, which explains some of the
traditional uses, always proves to be one of the more interesting educational
aspects of trips to Los Fierros. . .
Day 2 - Los
Fierros: Periodically Inundated Savannah, Terra Firme Forests
Your second day in Noel Kempff, you will spend traveling through the periodically
flooded savannahs on your way to the pristine forests found near El Encanto
Waterfall. This waterfall is located 38 Km from Los Fierros, 32 of which
you will be traveling by truck through the savannah, and the remaining
6 Km you will hike through the tall humid tropical rainforest that leads
up to the Caparú Plateau. The wildlife that presents itself throughout
the hike will be the main attraction; however, the goal will be El Encanto,
an 80 meter high waterfall that spills over the edge of the Caparú Plateau
into a very inviting pool of water that is formed at its base. We guarantee
that the cool refreshing swim will be a welcome treat after the hot hike
up to the waterfall.
Day 3 - Los
Fierros: Periodically Inundated Savannah, Terra Firme Forests, and the
Caparú Plateau.
The early morning will be spent traveling to the lush, hilly forests that
are found on the way to the Caparú Plateau. This trip will provide you
with some of the most incredible natural history and scenery that the
park has to offer. By traveling through the open savannahs in the morning,
you will have excellent opportunities to see groups of Macaws. As you
enter the forests found on the eastern side of the large expansive savannah
you will be presented with a plethora of opportunities to see some more
of the exciting bird and mammal species that make Noel Kempff their home.
The hike will take you through some excellent pristine forest and after
negotiating a gradual climb, you will reach the foot of the Caparú Plateau.
Visitors in excellent physical condition will have the option to continue
the hike in search of the ultimate view of the surrounding forests, while
those that stay back will relax while enjoying an incredible view and
the sounds of a small waterfall close by.
Day 4 - Transfer
from Los Fierros to Flor de Oro.
You will depart to Campamento Flor de Oro. You will fly over the magnificent
Caparú Plateau with red cliffs and two very impressive waterfalls, Ahlfeld
and Arco Iris. Arrival at Flor de Oro, presentation, welcome reception
and a walk around the facilities. At the Visitors Center you will observe
an extensive photo collection of the park. The morning will be spent on
a hike on the Northern trail, where you will receive an introduction to
humid tropical rainforests and savannahs close to Flor de Oro, which offer
the opportunity to see toucans, turtles, woodpeckers, squirrels and a
wide variety of insects and different bird species. The hike will last
for approximately 2 ˝ hours. Hike along the southern trial, on the Itenez
River shore. You will hike through the forest gallery, and end the journey
with a trip by motorized canoe to the bays (about 2 hours). You can expect
to see a variety of birds, including blue and yellow macaws, white-faced
whistling ducks, and if you are lucky, you may also spot a family of giant
otters. The giant otters and the fresh water dolphins are just some examples
of the many endangered mammal species that thrive in Noel Kempff Mercado
Park.
You will be spending the morning on a motorized canoe trip to Las Torres, a park protection station. You will climb to a rocky outcrop that provides amazing views of the Caparu Plateau and the humid tropical rainforests of the northern areas of the park. Picnic at Las Torres. Return to Flor de Oro.
Your third day in Noel Kempff will be completely spent further exploring the savannahs and tall humid tropical rainforests that lie between Flor de Oro and the Campamento Lago Caiman which is located further to the east. More than 300 bird species have been recorded within walking distance of Flor de Oro. You will transfer by tractor to the trail leading to Lago Caiman where you will have the opportunity to see black spider monkey, tapir, both white-lipped and collared peccaries, and jaguar. This will definitely be an unforgettable hike. There are two options for this day (1) exploring the trails during the early morning hours and then returning to Flor de Oro in time for lunch or (2) hiking all the way to Lago Caiman (an old scientific research station), which provides access to the Caparú Plateau. It is important to note that this is a long hike (10 hours in total) and should only be attempted by the most fit of travelers. An evening return in the dark is possible; however, for those who can handle it, the trip is definitely worth the effort! During the hour hike up the plateau, savannahs are found below and, if you are lucky, you will be able to spot the black spider monkeys which were extensively studied during the mid 1990´s. Back to Flor de Oro by tractor.
You will spend the morning on a hike at the "Isla de las Orquideas" trail and Pauserna river. Following an early lunch you will depart to the city of Santa Cruz