BOLIVIA ENDEMIC MACAWS & MORE!

PART I: EASTERN LOWLANDS, BENI GRASSLANDS & INTER-ANDEAN VALLEYS SEPTEMBER 3-18, 2021

PART II: FOOTHILLS, CLOUD FORESTS & THE ALTIPLANO SEPTEMBER 16-27, 2021 ©2020

Red-fronted Macaw © Paul Jones

A well-kept birding secret, Bolivia is known for its spectacular array of Andean habitats, from towering snow-capped mountains and volcanoes to the immense panoramic altiplano, and colorful markets and villages. It is one of the least visited Andean countries and a place where birders and naturalists alike have a unique opportunity to explore and share the countries mega avifauna and possibly even make new discoveries. This land-locked nation, half of which is occupied by the Andes and its associated altiplano plains, puna, rich yungas cloud forest and high elevation lakes, boasts nearly 1,450 species of birds! Enhancing the joys of birding here, an exciting new field guide is available: Birds of Bolivia—filled with terrific illustrations and excellent maps all in a convenient and portable format. The addition of this easy-to-use resource allows for quick sorting of the tremendous diversity of birds we will observe and enjoy in this friendly country, and makes birding here even more of a pleasure. Bolivia, Page 2 Much of Bolivia’s mega-diversity is derived from a remarkable array of habitats found within the Andes. Among them are cactus- clad deserts, Yungas cloud forests, puna grasslands, Polylepis forests above “normal” tree line, and high elevation alkaline lakes as well as the famous Lake Titicaca. However, many other exciting avian-rich habitats also exist outside the Andes, including vast Pantanal wetlands in the east of the country to Chaco woodland in the far south.

Although Bolivia harbors 21 species of birds that are strictly endemic to the country, at least 100 hundred other species are near endemics, occurring primarily in Bolivia but ranging barely beyond its geo-political boundary (where they are rare and difficult to find).

Long regarded as a bastion of backwardness and frequent changes of governments, Bolivia has made great strides in the past two decades. Roads have been improved enormously, accommodations are surprisingly good— excellent in some areas—and the country has The Yungas Cloud Forest © Andrew Whittaker made significant progress socially and economically. Despite changes, however, traditions flourish and may be seen almost everywhere, as evidenced by colorful and often strictly traditional clothes and dress, colorful and diverse markets, and pastoral landscapes. With such a small population of around only 11 million means that there remains an abundance of good untouched habitat, often easily accessible by road, and a park system that struggles, despite shortages, to establish and protect large tracts of undisturbed land both in the Andes and in the rich lowlands. Birders and naturalists have little trouble gaining access to fine birdy habitat at almost any elevation and this remains one of Bolivia’s special appeals!

Bolivia can offer travelers a fine palette of wildlife ranging from huge rheas, spectacular Macaws and toucans, and shimmery flamingos on altiplano lakes, to shy antpittas, dazzling hummingbirds and colorful cotingas and mountain tanagers in the cloud forests, to abundant waterfowl. Because our carefully planned two-part trip focuses primarily on covering all major habitats, we will have time for searching for many of the endemic and near-endemic species as well as simply enjoying the exceptional habitats and the diversity of birdlife that the country offers. Bolivia, Page 3

Part I: Eastern Lowlands, Beni Grasslands & Inter-Andean Valleys: This action-packed two-week trip offers visitors an opportunity to see an incredible number of Bolivian birds in wide-open landscapes of Chaco woodlands, dry scrub, semi-desert valleys, Yungas cloud forest, grasslands, gallery forests, palm-islands, vast marshes, and riverine floodplain forests all with an unusually diverse array of birds. We have planned to not just see but be able to enjoy two of the rarest macaws still in the “wilds” of South America, both are endemics and endangered: the Blue-throated and the stunning and most beautiful of them all, the Red-fronted macaws. Among the trip’s many highlights, we will overnight at a nice and new conservation lodge situated at a breeding and roosting area of the endemic Red-fronted Macaw, only found in arid valleys on the eastern slope of the Andes. We also plan to visit the main breeding stronghold of Blue-throated Macaw and the bird rich Bolivian Pantanal wetlands. We should expect to rack up to what was recorded on our 2018 trip, 458 species!

Part II: Foothills, Cloud Forest & the Altiplano: This slightly shorter trip focuses on Bolivia’s Andean mountain habitats. Beginning in the city of Cochabamba, this tour encompasses high Polylepis woodland, a wide array of lush Yungas cloud forest habitats, sweeping panoramas of altiplano grassland, brackish lakes and two days along the shores of Lake Titicaca amid high altitude puna habitats. Our well-planned route allows visitors to slowly acclimate, over a period of a week, to the high elevations that we enter at the end of the trip. In our past tours, participants have not experienced any difficulty with the high elevations around La Paz. Snow-capped Andean Peaks near Lake Titicaca © Andrew Whittaker

Because most of the habitats of Bolivia are relatively open, and birds easy to see, we certainly expect to encounter a very high number of species. Our last two trips (2016 & 2018) recorded a record of over 450 species on Part I, and almost 350 on Part II, with 12 mammals.

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PART I: EASTERN LOWLANDS, BENI GRASSLANDS & INTER-ANDEAN VALLEYS

September 3-4, Days 1-2: Arrival in Santa Cruz, Bolivia with afternoon birding the botanical gardens. Most flights from the United States will depart on Day 1 (September 3), arriving Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia (Viru Viru International Airport; airport code VVI) on the morning of Day 2. After clearing customs and immigration, you will be met by our ground operator and transferred to the group hotel where a room will be reserved in your name. There may be an opportunity for some light birding at or near the airport before continuing on to the hotel. Upon arrival, we’ll have an early lunch (or late breakfast) and a short rest before venturing out in the mid-afternoon for birding in the famous Botanical Garden of Santa Cruz de la Sierra. A half century ago Santa Cruz was a sleepy village with sandy streets, few conveniences, and an uncertain future. Today it is a modern, bustling city and an economic hub for all of eastern Bolivia. Mining, lumber, agriculture, and gas and oil all feed its booming economy, but there are plenty of areas nearby with good habitat for birds and wildlife. Among these is the botanical garden, where amid the park’s woodland habitats, we’ll receive a nice introduction to the local avifauna.

A sampling of species we could see includes Limpkin, Bare-faced Ibis, Speckled Chachalaca, Wattled Jacana, Gray-cowled Wood-Rail, Ferruginous Pygmy-owl, Southern Lapwing, Picazuro Pigeon, Purplish Jay, Blue-crowned Trogon, Dusky-headed Parakeet, Turquoise-fronted and Scaly-headed arrot, Yellow-chevroned Parakeet, Guira cuckoo, Campo Flicker, Yellow-tufted Woodpecker, Rufous Hornero, Yellow- throated Spinetail, Pearly-vented Tody- Tyrant, Chalk-browed Mockingbird, Masked Gnatcatcher, Tropical Parula, Hooded, Guira and Sayaca tanagers, Ringed Teal © Andrew Whittaker Grayish Saltator, and lovely Red-crested Finch. Sometimes a roosting spectacle of hundreds of ibis and even snail Kites can be enjoyed. We also have a good chance for Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth as well the endemic White-eared Titi Monkey.

NIGHTS: Day 1: In transit Day 2: Hotel Cortez, Santa Cruz

September 5, Day 3: Morning departure to the Kaa-Iya National Park of Gran Chaco and rich wetlands on our way to Camiri. After an early breakfast and check-out, we will begin our drive south into the extensive dry low brushlands of Bolivia, known as the Chaco. The word “chaco” has a Quechua origin and means “place for hunting,” referring to the habits and customs of the native cultures of pre-Columbian times who used the clearings in the forest to hunt. This region spreads also into Argentina and Paraguay, and has served as a place of confrontation, a conflict known as “The Chaco War” (1932-1935), where Paraguay and Bolivia fought to control potential oil field territories which later were found to be nonexistent. The main habitats here are thorny woodland, shrubs, cacti, and savannas, which in Bolivia are very well preserved compared to neighboring countries.

Bolivia, Page 5 In taller woodlands of the Guanaco National Park we will search for the spectacular Yellow-collared Macaw, Cream- backed or rare Black-bodied woodpecker, White-barred Piculet (odd looking and most probably a distinct species), Chaco Puffbird, Glittering-bellied Emereld, localized Bolivian Slaty-Antshrike, Stripe-backed Antbird, lovely Black-bellied Antwren, Black-banded Woodcreeper and recently described Straneck’s Tyrannulet. Amazingly there is even an isolated form or separate species of Guancao here (Chaco Guanacho) in the Chaco critically endangered with only around 200 individuals.

We’ll also visit some brackish lakes and wetlands where we will find an abundance of water birdsincluding Puna Ibis, Ringed Teal, Rosy-billed Pochard, Fulvous and White-faced whistling-ducks, Masked Duck, Brazilian Teal, Roseate Spoonbill, and flocks of migrant shorebirds which should include Baird’s Sandpipers and flocks of cute spinning A striking Chaco Puffbird © Andrew Whittaker Wilson’s Phalarope.

NIGHT: Hotel Las Tinajitas, Camiri

September 6, Day 4: Birding the avian rich Gran Chaco from Boyuibe. Today we will be looking for the specialties of the Chaco. An early departure from the hotel will be followed by an hour-long drive southward to visit the little town of Boyuibe. This is a small and quiet town typical of the Chaco, and is surrounded by high- quality habitat where we will begin searching for the day’s main target, the amazing Black-legged Seriema. The Chaco birdlife is rich and abundant with several species nearly exclusive to this region such as the odd looking and amazing sounding terrestrial Crested Gallito, family parties of Lark-like Brushrunner, Crested Hornero, and the odd Chaco Earthcreeper—which are all likely to be found.

Other more widespread species include: Blue-fronted Parrot; Blue-crowned Parakeet; White-fronted and Checkered woodpeckers; the magnificent Great Rufous; the smaller but striking Narrow-billed woodcreepers; Little Thornbird; Short-billed Canastero; Suiriri Flycatcher; Cinereous Tyrant; Crowned Slaty-Flycatcher; Masked Gnatcatcher; Blue- and-Yellow Tanager and Many-colored Chaco Finch. We also will be on the lookout for the rare Black-crested Black-legged Seriema © Andrew Whittaker Finch and Stripe-capped Sparrow.

NIGHT: Hotel Las Tinajitas, Camiri

September 7, Day 5: Birding our way to the lovely Los Volcanes. Leaving Camiri early this morning, we’ll drive northward retracing our steps back north towards Santa Cruz and keeping our eyes peeled for Red-legged Sierema on the way. We plan for an exciting early stop at a hidden oasis, an incredibly hidden but extremely rich wetland where waterbirds abound! We can expect wonderful looks at the odd Comb Duck (certainly to be split from African subspecies), the odd Southern Screamer, Rosy-billed Pochard, Fulvous Whistling Ducks, Ringed Teal, Yellow-billed Pintail, colorful Masked Ducks or shy Spot-flanked Gallinule. In 2018 we found some rare migrants at these marshes including Black-headed Duck and the Patagonian form of Silvery Grebe, plus a lost Hudsonian Godwit! Bolivia, Page 6

After some morning birding, we will stop for a wonderful German Style meal on the near side of Santa Cruz. Turning west we will start climbing gradually to reach the rich forested foothills of the Andes. As we climb to an elevation of about 900 m (3,000 ft.) we’ll drive along a valley following a river boarded by our first “Yungas” forest. A number of interesting birds occur here including several that are relatively restricted in distribution.

Ringed Teal and Black-bellied Whistling Duck © Andrew Whittaker Among these are the Large-tailed Dove (distinctive four-noted call), Buff-bellied Hermit (very restricted distribution), Ochre-cheeked Spinetail, Slaty Gnateater, and Two-banded Warbler. Other more common species of the dry-to-moist woodland and streamside vegetation are Mitred and Green-cheeked parakeets, Blue-headed and Red-billed parrots, Channel-billed and White-throated toucan, Ocellated Piculet, Black-capped Antwren, Purplish and Plush-crested jay, Moustached Wren, Rufous-bellied Thrush, Black-goggled and Orange-headed tanagers, and Dusky-green Oropendola.

Around mid-afternoon we’ll arrive at the entrance of Los Volcanes in the vicinity of Amboró National Park at about 1400-1500m (4500-5300 feet). From the entrance we will be able to see the lodge at the bottom of the valley, surrounded by lush vegetation and impressive red sandstone cliffs. These cliffs are part of the mountain range that forms Amboró. Access to the lodge is gained by four-wheel drive vehicles, due to the narrow and steep entry road. As we descend the valley, we can listen to a chorus of Gray and Brown, and possibly Tataupa, tinamous. The lodge is unlikely to be hosting any other guests at the time of our visit as the number of rooms is limited; therefore, we will likely have an exclusive time here.

Late this afternoon the imposing Military Macaws should be flocking right outside our doorsteps around the lovely forested clearing offering an incredible spectacle and good photo ops too.

NIGHT: Refugio Los Volcanes

September 8, Day 6: Los Volcanes and Amboro National Park vicinity. Tucked away in a deep valley, Los Volcanes is a true paradise with spectacular views of colorful red stained sandstone rock cliffs (on three sides of the clearing) that afford a stunning vivid color show at dawn and dusk. Lush tropical forests surround the lodge. The picturesque walks at Los Volcanes will be on well-kept trails past sublime waterfalls and quiet pools. Here we’ll look for some of the 270 species recorded in the area. Several trails in the area allow for exploration of the forest and to experience the diversity of birds, bromeliads, stunning orchids, and, with a bit of luck, some mammals.

Bolivia, Page 7 Among the many bird species we hope to find will be: Yellow-chevroned and Green-cheeked parakeets; Blue- headed and Blue-fronted parrots; Andean Guan and the lovely Blue-throated Piping-Guan. The blue skies and surrounding cliffs are home to Solitary Eagle (rare), King Vulture, and Andean Condor, while walks on forest trails will be rewarded with sightings of key species such as the poorly-known Subtropical Pygmy- Owl, Black-streaked Puffbird, the localized Slaty Gnateater and the endemic and rare Bolivian Recurvebill.

Short-tailed Anttrush (split), the endemic and rare Bolivian Recurvebill, Gray-throated Leaftosser, Rufous-breasted Wood-Quail, , Chestnut-tipped Toucanet, Red-necked Woodpecker, the tiny White- bellied Pygmy-Tyrant, Tschudi’s and Buff-throated Woodcreepers, Blue-naped Chlorophonia, the rare Blue-browed and White-winged tanagers, Golden- rumped Euphonia and Yungas Manakin. While on the lodge feeders we can find Plush-crested and Purplish Military Macaws © Andrew Whittaker Jay and amazingly Gray-cowled Wood-Rail too! On a night birding prowl, we’ll try for Band-bellied Owl, Rufescent and Southern Tawny-bellied screech-owls, Rufous Nightjar or Ocellated Porwill.

NIGHT: Refugio Los Volcanes

September 9, Day 7: Inter-Andean Valleys and Samaipata; Afternoon birding a new rich Yungas Cloud Forest Site nearby. We will get an early start this morning we will have to say goodbye to this paradise and ride back up to the main road where our bus is waiting. Once we reach the roadway, we’ll slowly enter into slightly drier surroundings, good habitat for an assortment of drier country species such as Picui Ground-Dove, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Ultramarine Grosbeak, Golden-billed Saltator, Black-capped Warbling-Finch, and Red-crested-Finch.

We will stop en route to bird some dry forested and open areas for the likes of the localized Huayaco Tinamou, Variable Hawk, Giant Antshrike and Spot-breasted Birding the lodge at Los Volcanes © Andrew Whittaker Thornbird. Our destination will be the charming historic town of Samaipata with its delightful subtropical climate at an altitude of 5200-5900 feet. The town is small with numerous colonial buildings and narrow cobbled streets and lovely squares full of historical monuments with Bolivia, Page 8 interesting succulents and towering palm trees. In the 16th century, Guarani warrior tribes, called Chiriguanos by the Incas and Spanish, coming from the south invaded the valley and defeated both Incas and Chanes. The Guaranis continued raiding the valley and the region until the 19th century. Samaipata is quite cosmopolitan and diverse for being such a small town. Local Samaipateños from old families are descendants of Spanish colonists from Valle Grande and Santa Cruz (many of whom were of Sephardic origin) and the local Guarani natives that had invaded the valley prior to the arrival of the Plush-crested Jay © Andrew Whittaker Spaniards. Beginning in the 1880s, some Arab families settled in Samaipata, they were followed by a few Croatians and Italians, all of which mixed and assimilated to the local population.

After lunch we’ll check in to our hotel and have a short break. Later this afternoon we will go to a wonderful and exceptional mid altitude Yungas Cloud Forest site we found on our 2018 trip (nick named the Golden Road). So be prepared for some great birding. We plan to be back later tonight for some exciting owling. Here the lovely Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater and smart Blue-banded Toucanet occur alongside colorful tanagers including the stunning Blue-winged Mountain Tanager, the magnificent orange crowned race of Saffron-crowned, Blue-naped, White- winged and Beryl Spangled, and we will be looking out for mixed species flocks. Our nocturnal target species include the poorly-known Cloud Forest Screech-owl and beautiful Buff-fronted Owl, and even the Andean Potoo.

NIGHT: El Pueblito Resort in Samaipata

Some of the terrain, especially in river floodplains, has been converted to agriculture, but birds abound almost everywhere and we have a lot of species to seek. Among the desert species are Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Blue- crowned and the delicate looking Gray-hooded parakeets, Blue-tufted Starthroat, Glittering-bellied Emerald, White- bellied Hummingbird, and Narrow-billed Woodcreeper. At Blue-banded Toucanet © Andrew Whittaker somewhat higher elevations, desert scrub gives way to an open and more mesic woodland where we may find Stripe- crowned and Sooty-fronted spinetails; Streak-fronted Thornbird; Bolivian Earthcreeper (endemic); Rufous- capped Antshrike; White-bellied Tyrannulet; White-winged Black-Tyrant; Chiguanco and Creamy-bellied thrushes; Purple-throated Euphonia; and Hepatic Tanager.

Bolivia, Page 9 September 10, Day 8: Morning Birding Comarapa then to Red-fronted Macaw Lodge. This morning we return to our Golden Road for pre-dawn owling and enjoying one of our first field breakfasts. Catching up this morning on some more special targets such as Black- and Chestnut Eagle, White- throated Antpitta, and if still needed of course the lovely Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater, Crested Quetzal, Three- striped (Yungas) Warbler, White-browed Brushfinch. Mixed species flocks hold Mountain Woodcreeper, The delicate tiny and cute Gray-hooded Parakeet © Andrew Whittaker Spectacled Whitestart, Barred Becard and Common Chlorospingus the endemic fulvous throated fulvigularis subspecies. After our morning birding we will drive and bird our way in the stark desert scrub and dry valleys, working our way to the Red-fronted Macaw Ecolodge some distance to the west.

We should arrive at the Red-fronted Macaw Ecolodge late in the afternoon. Upon arrival, we will be greeted by a magnificent panoramic view of this spectacular valley from our veranda, with sheer cliffs providing a super backdrop to a unique wildlife watching experience. Here, flocks of glorious Red-fronted Macaws nest and roost in the cliffs, giving us the rare opportunity for a close encounter (in great afternoon light) with a gorgeous bird found nowhere else on earth. VENT is proud to stay in this conservation lodge, owned and operated by Asociación Armonía, a not-for-profit Bolivian conservation organization dedicated to the preservation of Bolivia’s birds and their natural habitats. Therefore, our stay will help the continued funding for research and protection of this truly iconic species.

NIGHT: Red-fronted Macaw Ecolodge

View from our Red-fronted Macaw Lodge © Andrew Whittaker.

Bolivia, Page 10 September 11, Day 9: Red-fronted Macaw Nature Reserve birding our way back to San Isidro. This morning we will make an early start to be well positioned on top of the impressive cliffs to enjoy close up encounters and flyby looks at eye level or below us of these enigmatic and spectacular macaws which have to be the most spectacular of all. Several other parrot species also make the cliff home including a large colony of Cliff Parakeet (recently split from Monk), Mitred and Yellow-chevroned parakeets, and Blue- (Turquoise) fronted Parrots. We may also be lucky to see Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle and the resident Peregrine Falcon. We’ll return to the lodge to have full breakfast on our panoramic veranda overlooking the active bird feeders which attract another couple of endemics, the Bolivian Blackbird and Gray-crested Finch as well as White-fronted Woodpecker and the colorful Blue-and-yellow Tanagers.

Birding around the rich farmland we hope to see Andean Condor, Andean Swift, White-eared Puffbird, Greater Wagtail Tyrant, White-tipped Plantcutter, Striped woodpeckers, Apolomado Falcon, Ultramarine Grosbeak, Cliff and Crowned Slaty flycatcher, and a host of warbling- Endemic Red-fronted Macaws © Andrew Whittaker finches including the lovely Black-and-chestnut, plus commoner Ringed and Black-capped.

After lunch we will bird our way back through the rich dry valleys and mosaics of agricultural fields to our hotel, home for the next two nights with its wonderful scented rose gardens in full bloom. This evening, enjoy a good home cooked dinner and a well-earned rest.

NIGHT: Monteblanco, San Isidro

September 12, Day 10: Exploring the extremely rich Cloud Forest of the Sierra de Siberia. We plan for another sensational hot breakfast as the Cloud Forest awakens around us full of exciting songs. A little over an hour away, and at considerably higher elevation, the desert scrub around San Isidro gives way to the Andes and often a cloud bank hiding a superbly rich mossy cloud forest at elevations of about 2,500-2,700 m (8,250 to 8,900 ft.). On the way to the cloud forest we will stop at grassy slopes and patches of scrub woodland where several interesting species occur including the highland form of the Olive-crowned Crescentches, Hellmayr’s Pipit and Great Pampa-finch. This region, however, is often windy and dusty and we may not stop if weather conditions are unfavorable.

Although the region is often cloaked in clouds by mid or late morning, we plan to arrive early and remain as long as we can in this sensational area. Human settlement has encroached upon this zone of forest from above and below, but almost 20 kilometers of relatively undisturbed forest remains alongside the roadside, providing birders and naturalists with an unparalleled opportunity to visit one of the most southerly cloud forests that is accessible in the Andes. Many of the species that occur here also can be found at similar elevations a Buff-fronted Owl © Andrew Whittaker bit northward in the departments of Cochabamba and La Paz.

Bolivia, Page 11 Examples of species possible today include the poorly-known Black-winged and Scaly-naped parrots, Violet-throated Starfrontlet, Tyrian Metaltail, Long-tailed Sylph, localized Bar- bellied Woodpecker, Buff-browed Foliage- gleaner, Pearled Treerunner, Trilling Tapaculo, Highland and Sierran elaenias, Rufous- breasted Chat-Tyrant, Red-crested Cotinga, Band-tailed and Barred fruiteaters, Spectacled and Brown-capped whitestarts, Citrine and Pale-legged warblers, White-browed Conebill, Blue-winged and Chestnut-bellied mountain- tanagers, Bolivian BrushFinch, Masked Flowerpiercer, Gray-bellied Flowerpiercer (endemic), up to three species of warbling- finches, Rufous-sided, Rusty-browed, and Ringed), Light-crowned Spinetail (nearly endemic orange-crowned subspecies here), endemic Black-throated Thistletail, Rufous- faced Antpitta (endemic) and Rufous Antpitta The endemic Rufous-faced Antpitta © Andrew Whittaker (cochobambae). Among the rarer species that also have been found here are Blue-capped Puffleg, Crested Quetzal, Hazel-fronted Pygmy-Tyrant, Rufous-bellied Bush-Tyrant, Plumbeous Tyrant and Moustached Flowerpiercer. NIGHT: Monteblanco, San Isidro

September 13, Day 11: Drive from San Isidro birding our way back to Santa Cruz. We will depart the hotel after breakfast and enjoy some birding amid nearby scrubland habitat. En route to Santa Cruz, we will make stops for birds we may have missed on previous days such as for the endemic Bolivian Warbling Finch, Bolivian Earthcreeper or the highland form of Olive-crowned Cresentchest (to be split). We plan to have lunch en route at a marvelous German run restaurant serving homemade Germanic dishes including their very popular sausages and imported ice-creams! Arrive at the hotel in Santa Cruz by early to midafternoon for a well-earned break or swim in their pool. The rest of the day we’ll be a restful one as we catch up and prepare for the next day’s flight to Trinidad and its mega rich Pantanal wetlands.

NIGHT: Hotel Cortez, Santa Cruz

September 14, Day 12: Flight from Santa Cruz to Trinidad. We will take a morning flight to the frontier city of Trinidad in the heart of the Department of Beni. The Beni region is the ranching heartland of Bolivia. In fact, this region is quite reminiscent of the more open parts of the famous Pantanal wetlands of Brazil. Here, we’ll be certain to be treated to a spectacular array of birds. Lying several hundred kilometers to the north and slightly west of Santa Cruz, the Beni region is remote and sparsely populated, and consists mostly of grassland mixed with scrub, gallery forest, marshes, and seasonally inundated woodland in low-lying areas.

Upon arrival in Trindad we have a short drive to our hotel where we should have time for an introduction to the birds of the area this afternoon. One does not have to travel far to begin birding. Large numbers of wading and raptorial birds can be found congregating around water holes and in areas of the damp grass fields. Many birds, in fact, can be seen right at the edge of the town of Trinidad where a combination of scrub vegetation and seasonal lagoons are found. A sampling of species we probably will see includes Jabiru, Wood Stork, Rufescent Tiger- Heron, Whistling Heron, Green Ibis, Snail Kites, Long-winged Harrier, Savanna Hawk, Limpkin, Southern Screamer, Picazuro and Pale-vented pigeons, Yellow-collared Macaw, Dusky-headed and White-eyed parakeets, Campo Flicker, Gray-crested (Rufous) Cachalote, Greater Thornbird, Great Antshrike, Black-backed Water- Bolivia, Page 12 Tyrant, White-headed Marsh-Tyrant, Vermilion Flycatcher, Black-capped Donacobius, Sayaca Tanager, Red-crested and Red-capped (Bolivian) cardinal, Grayish Baywing, and Rusty-collared Seedeater.

A short drive away, Black Howler, the rare Beni Titi and Capuchin monkeys roam these rich gallery forests. Antshrikes and chattery groups of Velvet-fronted Grackles (an endemic isolated form), and shy Razor-billed Curassow enliven the dim forest understory. Sunbitterns daintily patrol the creek banks, and with luck we may have a fly-by sighting of Orinoco Goose (listed by Red Data Book as threatened status). Plain Softail (soon to be split, this race is the nominate form and will become another endemic to Bolivia) chuckle along the roadside. With luck The lovely highland form of Olive-crowned Crescentchest we could find a roosting Great Potoo (as we have done on © German Pugnali our past two trips), and Purplish Jays call from mango trees. Additionally, at all times we’ll stay watchful for the endemic, near mythical, Uniform Thrush. We will be listening out for the odd voice of localized Sulphur-bellied Tyrant-Manakin, while the nearby river often holds Slender-billed Kites and playful Pink River Dolphins as well.

NIGHT: Tapacaré Resort, Trinidad

September 15-16, Days 13-14: Birding the Beni wetlands. We will have two full days of birding the Beni wetlands and associated gallery forests enjoying the endemic Blue-throated Macaw. The rediscovery in the wild of the Blue-throated Macaw in 1992 by our friend Dr. Charles Munn, a scientist with the New York Zoological Society (at that time), made major headlines within conservation circles. Since then, other populations of the Blue-throated Macaw have come to light and, at present, the population is estimated at only about 350 individuals—a small number considering the size of the area where it occurs. But populations are concentrated in certain areas, and recent nest box construction, local education, and the opportunity for ranchers to profit from eco-tourism have helped stabilize the population. These macaws are, of course, the primary reason for our visit to this area, but we will see many other The Whistling Heron is fairly common in the Bolivian Pantanal © Andrew Whittaker birds here as well.

Bolivia, Page 13 In addition to the opportunity of encountering and enjoying the antics of the stunning Blue-throated Macaw (we had stunning studies of multiple pairs on our last two tours), this super-rich birdy region can yield in excess of 125 species in a single day! Such a high number tells much about the region. It is extraordinarily rich in bird diversity and, because the habitats are mostly open or lightly wooded, or marshlands, birds, for the most part, are easy to see. Additionally, because most of the wooded habitats are dry or moist forest or lighter woodland, birds tend to remain active throughout the day. We do believe that you will be absolutely amazed at the diversity of birds in this north-central region of Bolivia.

During our days in this area we should see most of the following: Greater Rhea; Maguari Stork; Jabiru; Capped Heron; Plumbeous and Buff-necked ibis; Roseate Spoonbill; Hook-billed Kite; Savanna Hawk; Great Black-Hawk; Black Hawk-Eagle; up to five species of macaws including Blue-throated, Blue-and-gold, Red-and-green, Yellow-collared, and Chestnut-fronted; Peach-fronted Parakeet; White-eyed Parakeet; Blue-crowned and Black-tailed trogons; White-tailed Goldenthroat; Rufous-tailed Jacamar; Chestnut-eared and Lettered aracaris; Toco Toucan; flocks of the prehistoric Hoatzins; White-wedged Piculet, Great Rufous, Straight-billed, Buff-throated, and Narrow-billed woodcreepers; Red-billed Scythebill; Gray-crested (Rufous) Cacholote; Greater Thornbird; Rusty-backed Spinetail; Rusty-backed Antwren; Band-tailed, Black-throated, and Mato Grosso antbirds; White-winged Becard; Hudson’s Black-Tyrant; Fuscous and Euler’s flycatchers; Fawn- The Blue-throated Macaw is a trip highlight and breasted Wren; Creamy-bellied Thrushes; Gray, White and White- an endangered endemic © Andrew Whittaker rumped monjitas; Black-faced Tanager; Velvet-fronted Grackle; the stunning Scarlet-headed Blackbird; Crested Oropendola; Variable Oriole; and dazzlingOrange-backed Troupial. We will also be focused on the lookout for Great-billed Seedfinch and a most certain new species of Greenlet.

NIGHTS: Tapacaré Resort, Trinidad

September 17, Day 15: Return to Santa Cruz or continue on to Part II. After some relaxed birding this morning around the gardens and marshes (which are right in front of our rooms!), we will depart on a late morning flight to Santa Cruz which first stops in Cochabamba en route to Santa Cruz.

Those returning home after Part I will continue to Santa Cruz, arriving at Viru Viru International Airport (airport code VVI) where participants will be met by our ground operator and taken to our nearby hotel. Dinner tonight is on your own.

NIGHT: Hotel Cortez, Santa Cruz

September 18, Day 16: Departure for home. This morning you will be transferred to the airport for international flights home.

Those continuing on to Bolivia Part II: Foothills, Cloud Forests and the Altiplano will disembark in Cochabamba and join up with newly arriving participants with birding in A splendid beak on the mighty Toco Toucan the largest in the family © Andrew Whittaker the afternoon (see below) Bolivia, Page 14

PART II: FOOTHILLS, CLOUD FORESTS & THE ALTIPLANO

September 16-17, Days 1-2: Arrival in Santa Cruz, Bolivia the connect to flights to Cochabamba. Most flights from the United States will depart on Day 1 (September 16), arriving Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia (Viru Viru International Airport; airport code VVI) then connecting to a flight to Cochabamba, arriving on the morning of Day 2 (September 17). Upon arrival you will be met by our ground operator and transferred to the group hotel where a room will be reserved in your name.

NOTE: Please remember, La Paz, at 12,000 feet, is one of the highest elevation cities in the world. From Cochabamba (8000 ft), we have carefully planned to spend more than a week gradually increasing elevations which allows for easy acclimatization to the higher elevations of La Paz. On past tours, by the time we reach the La Paz area, participants have not experienced any problems with the elevations there.

Cochabamba is a strategic location ideal for exploring the rich Yungas cloud forest below and the habitats of the drier valleys and spectacular high Andes above. This evening we will visit nearby Laguna Alalay which lies at the edge of the city of Cochabamba. This foray should present our first acquaintance with wading birds and waterfowl typical of the high Andes. Among the bird possibilities here are both (Andean) Silvery and White- tufted grebe; Puna Ibis; Rosy-billed Pochard; White-cheeked & Yellow-billed Pintail; Yellow-billed, Puna and Cinnamon, teal; Andean Ruddy Duck; Andean Coot; Plumbeous Rail; Black-necked Stilt; Andean Gull; the stunning Many-colored Rush-Tyrant; Wren-like Rushbird; and Blue-and-white Swallow. From time to time, Andean and Chilean flamingos are also found at Lugana Alalay as well as numerous other migrant shorebirds, and possibly some vagrants.

NIGHTS: Day 1: In transit Day 2: Hotel Diplomat, Cochabamba

Handsome male Rosy-billed Pochards © Andrew Whittaker

September 18, Day 3: Yungas Cloud Forest of the Tablas Monte. The road to Villa Tunari, now fully paved, climbs out of the Cochabamba Valley and up over a high pass at 3,550 m (11,700 ft.) before gradually descending through miles of lush Yungas forest. We’ll leave the hotel early with a field breakfast and picnic lunch, spending the day in the higher elevations from about 2,200-2,800 m (7,250-9,250 ft.). Sometimes fog and low clouds are frequent throughout this area and our activities doubtlessly will be determined to some extent by the weather causing us sometimes to descend to bird below where it’s clear. A couple of deserted mountain roads run along a gorgeous forested ridge makes for spectacular access for birding and scenery. Additionally, there will be opportunities to enjoy orchids, mosses of many kinds, and colorful bromeliads. A nice walk through the mountain Bolivia, Page 15 slopes, clad in pristine Yungas forest, will yield some key birds including (we hope) the poorly-known rare Black- winged Parrot; exquisite Hooded Mountain-Toucan (one of the best known areas for this localized species); and endemics such as Rufous-faced Antpitta, Black-throated Thistletail, and Bolivian Brush-Finch.

The avian highlights are many here, and our time in the lush forest biome will produce an array of marvelous birds. A representation of what is possible includes Andean Guan; Plum-crowned Parrot; Crested and Golden- headed quetzals, Chestnut-crested and Red-crested cotingas; Barred and Band-tailed fruiteaters; Yungas Pygmy- Owl; Bar-bellied Woodpecker; Olive-backed Woodcreeper; Pearled Treerunner; Rufous Antpitta; Rufous-bellied Bush-tyrant; Crowned and Rufous-breasted chat-tyrants; Bolivian, Sclater’s, Tawny-rumped and Buff-banded tyrannulets; Rufous-headed Pygmy-Tyrant; White-collared Jay; Brown-capped Whitestart; Citrine Warbler; Blue- backed Conebill; Common Chlorospingus; and Three-striped and the beautiful sought after Orange-browed hemispingus. If we’re lucky we will be enthralled by the wondrous songs of a group of Fulvous Wrens. A spectacular close flyby on our last trip was a magnificent Black-and-Chestnut Eagle which was one of the trip highlights!

Hummingbirds and tanagers, among the favorite families of birders who travel to the tropics, are also well represented. Among the hummingbirds, we have good chances for Sword-billed Hummingbird, Booted Racket- tail, Long-tailed Sylph, Amethyst Throated Sunangel, and Tyrian Metaltail. The tanagers are represented nicely by flocks of gorgeous mountain-tanagers containing the likes of Scarlet-bellied, Blue-winged, Chestnut-bellied, and Hooded Mountain-tanagers; in addition to other beauties such as Grass-green, Blue-and-black, Blue-capped, and Rust-and-yellow tanagers.

On a slightly lower road we will be looking out for the striking Blue-banded Toucanet, Yungas Tody-Tyrant and the gorgeous but odd sounding White-cheeked Solitaire, the rare Green-throated Tanager and the Yellow-rumped Antwren in mixed flocks. We will return to our hotel for the evening and enjoy a great Bolivian meal.

NIGHT: Hotel Diplomat, Cochabamba

September 19, Day 4: Cerro Tunari Area. This morning we will get off to an early start in advance of a drive up to the vicinity of snow-capped Cerro Tunari. Although quite close to Cochabamba, elevations here are somewhat higher than most we’ve visited to this point, and we may even reach 3,700-3,800m (12,200- 12,500ft.). Early in the morning the small agricultural fields are simply alive with birds and we have a good chance of seeing some very special birds, most notably the endemic Cochabamba Mountain-Finch and the rare and local Rufous-bellied (Saltator) Mountain-Tanager.

We will be keeping our eyes open for Andean Tinamou sometimes parading around the edge of the fields. Often the highland form of the spectacular Olive-crowned Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager © Andrew Whittaker Cresentchest sings its odd song from low scrub while Marquis Canastero skulk around in the thorny scrub. Three breathtaking species of hummingbirds are found here: Giant Hummingbird, the gorgeous Red-tailed Comet, and Wedge-tailed Hillstar (near endemic). Seeds on the small fields attract the dainty Gray-hooded Parakeet, stunning Black-hooded sierra-finches, Greenish Yellow Finch and Ringed, Rufous-sided warbling-finches and Golden-billed Saltator’s. The roadside scrub holds the fabulous and localized Fulvous-headed Brush Finch. The endemic Bolivian Warbling-Finches can be found displaying on the cactus clad hillsides, or Rock Earthcreepers sing from their favorite boulders.

Climbing up the pass we will search for the gem that is the Giant Conebill in the Polylepis forest and the cute Tawny Tit-spinetails and Tufted Tit Tyrant as well. Bolivia, Page 16 As we gain more height the scenery becomes truly breathtaking and more open with huge boulders, rushing crystal clear streams and countless spectacular peaks. The avifauna changes dramatically too as we enter into the realms of the majestic Andean Condor.

One of many special birds found here is the rare White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant, and in taller groves of trees we will search out the Streak-fronted thorn bird, and always on the lookout for the odd Short-tailed (boulder) Giant Conebill © German Pugnali Finch. As we leave behind the trees, the open dry Puna grasslands are home to Gray-breasted Seedsnipe, the striking White-winged Diuca Finch, Ash-breasted Sierra-finches and our first Ground-Tyrants with Cinereous and Takzanowvsky. Isolated pools hold Crested Duck and Andean Geese while magnificent scarlet red flowering cactus act as magnets to dazzling Andean Hillstars. Late this afternoon, we will return back to the hotel for a well- earned rest. NIGHT: Hotel Diplomat, Cochabamba

September 20, Day 5: Early Departure from Cochabamba to Oruru. We will get off to an early start this morning because we have several important destinations to visit today. First off, we’ll make a few short stops just outside of Cochabamba for the incomparable Red-tailed Comet. As we begin the long steady climb up to the altiplano region, the endemic Bolivian Blackbird will become common along the roadsides The scenery is incredible as we travel through mile after mile of vivid, high, grass plains against a backdrop of the snow-capped Sajama volcano that towers up a staggering 6,542m (21,463 feet) in the distance. Here, at elevations of about 2,500-3,000m (8,250-10,000 ft.), the vegetation is arid and sparse amid river valleys mostly under cultivation. In the valley bottoms, tall eucalyptus line the streams, and large patches of pampas grass, willow, mesquite, acacia and pepper trees intersperse with cultivated fields and settlements.

Red-tailed Comet (male) © German Pugnali

At the higher elevations much of this landscape gives way to sparse low scrub on steep rocky cliffs and gravelly slopes. It is in these regions that we will explore and hope to locate several species typical of high arid zones such as Ornate Tinamou, Puna Miner, Plain-breasted Earthcreeper, D’Orbigny’s Chat-Tyrant, Plain-mantled Tit- Spinetail and perhaps Black Siskin.

Bolivia, Page 17 Other possibilities here include Andean Gull, Golden-spotted Ground-Dove, Andean Flicker, Common Miner, Cordilleran Canastero, Ochre-naped and Cinereous Ground-tyrants, Short-billed Pipit, and various sierra-finches and yellow-finches.

We should arrive Oruro by early afternoon, in time to enjoy the incomparable sight of countless thousands of flamingos on Lake Uru Uru for as far as the eye can see. Flamingos are of special interest in this area as all three of the species that occur in Bolivia can be present: Chilean, Andean, and James’s flamingos in addition to an abundance of Black Siskin is also often found in our lovely hotel garden on Lake Titicaca © Andrew water birds on the rich Whittaker brackish lake. NIGHT: Hotel Flores Plaza, Oruro

Flamingo (3 species) on the brackish lake outside Oruro © Andrew Whittaker

September 21, Day 6: Lake Uru Uru to Lake Titicaca. After an early breakfast, we’ll exit the area on our way to the famous Lake Titicaca skirting the shore of Lake Uru Uru looking for anything we may have missed. We expect to see such altiplano species as Andean Goose; Puna Ibis; Crested Duck; Yellow-billed, Puna, and Cinnamon teal; Yellow-billed Pintail; “Andean” Ruddy-Duck; Slate-colored Coot; Andean Lapwing; the localized Puna Plover; wonderful Andean Avocet; Greater and Lesser yellowlegs; Baird’s Sandpiper; and possibly even Gray-breasted or Least seed-snipes. We’ll also be keeping our eyes open for the restless Andean Negrito.

First stop will be a wondrous rich dry valley for the likes of Ornate Tinamou, Spot-winged Pigeon (this Andean form), Andean Flicker, the incomparable Andean Hillstar, Creamy-breasted (Dark-winged) Canastero, Plain- capped Tit-Spinetail, Spot-billed Ground-Tyrant, Black-billed Shrike Tyrant, Brown-backed Mockingbird and flocks of colorful Hooded Siskin.

While driving through the wondrous expanses of Altiplano while keeping a watchful eye open for wild Vicunha (a member of the camel family), before passing through the unique bustling capital, La Paz. We plan to arrive in the mid afternoon at the shores of magnificent Lake Titicaca.

Bolivia, Page 18

The Uru, or Uros, and their amazing reed boats on the banks

of the famous Lake Titicaca © Andrew Whittaker

Spectacular scenery abounds in the Andes near Sorata © German Pugnali

Lake Titicaca, the largest inland lake on the continent, covers an impressive area of 8,372 km2 and lies in the altiplano (high grassy plains) at an elevation of about 3,600 m (12,000 ft). Our accommodations are set right on the lakes shore and we plan to arrive in the early afternoon with time for some relaxed birding off the hotel walkway and in the garden. We can look forward to tremendous views of our main target, the flightless and near endemic Titicaca Grebe.

Our Accommodations front on the lake and other species commonly found include White-tufted Grebe, Puna Teal, Andean Coot, Black-throated Flowerpiercer, Black Siskin and colorful Peruvian Sierra Finch. Afterwards we can enjoy an instructive visit to the hotel museum of the Inca Utama indigenous peoples, plus looking at and photographing their famous Titicaca reed boats on display in the hotel grounds. It’s simply amazing to think these crafts were proven by the famous Kon-Tiki voyage of Thor Heyerdahl, that people from South America could have settled Polynesia in pre-Columbian times travelling across 4300 miles of open Pacific Ocean to safely land on a boat made out of entirely reeds!

Tonight, we will enjoy a wonderful meal at our hotel followed by a very enjoyable local indigenous band in full dress playing native instruments and dancing.

NIGHT: Hotel Inca Utama, Lake Titicaca

September 22, Day 7: Lake Titicaca and Sorata. After another great breakfast we’ll drive past the towering snow-capped llampu mountain (6,368 m.; 20,892 ft.) on our way to bird near the tiny town of Sorata. Our main objective today is to get good views of one of the most spectacular hummers of this continent, the endemic Black- hooded Sunbeam. The illustration of this bird in a field guide certainly does not do it justice. The subtle mix of plumage coloration is a spectacle to behold: a dazzling turquoise back and a flashy, bright orange tail contrasting with a black hood and body just has to be seen to be believed!

We also hope to see the rare and endemic Berlepsch’s Canastero, Huyaco Tinamou, the odd looking Slender- billed Miner, Black-winged Ground-Dove, Yellow-billed Tit-Tyrant, Correndera or Hellmayr’s pipit, Puna Miner, Cinereous Conebill, Brown-capped Tit-Spinetail and perhaps the Black-faced (Andean) ibis. A visit to a high lake should reward us with the unusual and immense Giant Coots in all their glory.

Bolivia, Page 19 Birding activities around the lake will be concentrated on a path that is on an elevated road through the wide expanse of reedy edges. Here we should be able to locate the vibrant looking Many-colored Rush Tyrant (always a favorite). We should also be able to see; stunning quartering Cinereous Harriers; White-tufted Grebe; Plumbeous Rail (with its vibrantly multi colored bill; Wren-like Rushbird , Andean Swallow, abundant wild fowl and Yellow- winged Blackbird. In the damp fields near the lake we’ll watch for various altiplano species including Short-eared Owl, Mountain Caracara, Puna Snipe (rare), and Peruvian, Plumbeous, Ash-breasted, and Band-tailed sierra- finches. We’ll return to the hotel in the midafternoon for a break.

NIGHT: Hotel Inca Utama, Lake Titicaca

September 23, Day 8: Lake Titicaca to Coroico. After an early breakfast we will depart en route to La Paz but first with a stop to hopefully encounter the sought after Darwin’s Notura (named in honor of the great explorer and World renowned naturalist) and Band-tailed Sierra-Finch. We will start towards the summit of the high pass, from which we will spend the rest of the day birding gradually descending toward the Amazon Basin. Elevations in the morning will range from about 4,000 m to as high as 4,600 m (11,000 to 15,180 ft.) near La Cumbre (“the summit”), and even with our acclimatization, we’ll be taking it slow. The road is excellent and there are tremendous views of high mountains, The amazing Giant Coot © Andrew Whittaker precipitous slopes, and steep-walled canyons throughout the drive. You should always be on the lookout for the really cute looking Mountain Viscacha which often sun themselves on rocks or rock walls.

There are many interesting birds in this region—true high elevation specialists and other range-restricted species. We will begin in the tree-line shrubbery and rocky talus slopes in the vicinity of the village of Pongo where various flowering shrubs provide good habitat for four bird families: furnariids, tyrannids, emberizids and hummers. These comprise a dominate proportion of the avifauna at these high elevations. Avian possibilities here include Andean Condor, Andean Gull, Great Sapphirewing, Blue-mantled Thornbill, Plain-breasted Earthcreeper, Tawny and Andean tit-spinetails, the fearless Scribble-tailed Canastero (with luck it will be running around at our feet), as Our enjoyable afternoon birding site on the reed fringed shores of Lake well as Streak-throated and Line-fronted Titicaca © Andrew Whittaker canasteros.

Bolivia, Page 20 Other possibilities include the striking Stripe-headed Antpitta, Puna Tapaculo, Tufted Tit-Tyrant, Brown-backed chat- tyrants, Plain-capped and Cinereous ground-tyrants, Black-billed Shrike- Tyrant, Brown-bellied Swallow, White- browed Conebill, Peruvian Sierra-Finch, Band-tailed and Plain-colored seedeaters, and with some luck Short-tailed (boulder) Finch (quite local). Some of the rarest or less numerous species occur in bogs and lake shores at these elevations, such as Diademed Sandpiper-Plover (rare) and the much sought after Rufous-bellied The much sought after Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe © Andrew Whittaker Seedsnipe, both are unpredictable in occurrence and typically difficult to find.

Also, Andean Goose; Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle; Puna Snipe; Common Miner; Puna and Streak-throated canasteros; Puna, Ochre-naped, and White-fronted ground-tyrants; White-winged Diuca-Finch; Peruvian Sierra- Finch; and Bright-rumped Yellow-Finch are possible.

Depending on time and weather conditions we may also spend some time at lower elevations, but our general plan is to arrive in Coroico and to our forest-based hotel in the mid-to-late afternoon in time to do a late afternoon birding walk. The hotel grounds and adjacent rich forest often hold the strikingly beautiful Versicolored Barbet; Southern Emerald (black-throated) Toucanet; Upland Antshrike; Cabani’s Spinetail; Swallow Tanager; Yellow- bellied Siskin. NIGHT: Hotel Viejo Molino, Coroico

September 24-25, Days 9-10: Yungas Cloud Forest above and below Coroico. The town of Coroico is a quiet mountain retreat surrounded by patches of forest and farmland. Our hotel is located on a mountainside with some forest nearby. We’ll take advantage of this great location to organize our activities above Coroico, covering a range of altitudes along both the lower and upper parts of the road ranging in elevations from 1,500 to 2,500 m. (3,600–6,500 ft.) through orchid and bromeliad festooned Yungas cloud forest. We’ll be birding along the old road that connects the lowlands with the altiplano. This is also known as the Yungas road, a massive work constructed by Paraguayan prisoners in the mid-twentieth century. This road winds along spectacular cliffs with some great scenic views of forest extending almost as far as the eye can see in all directions.

The incomparable male Versicolored (Blue-mustached) Barbet © Here, in the upper section, the road is quite narrow Andrew Whittaker and consists of a single track with frequent pull-outs for vehicles to pass. In places, the road is cut into the sides of cliffs, with waterfalls splashing into the roadbed, and hanging gardens of ferns and mosses covering sheer cliffs. Most traffic now, however, uses the new road, so there should be little traffic on this old road.

Bolivia, Page 21 In my opinion this road is as good if not better than the famous Manu Road in Peru (that I know well)! Bearing this in mind we have planned for two full days, and then again on our last morning on our way back to La Paz to really enjoy its truly amazingly rich avian delights! Certainly, several more exciting ornithological discoveries are awaiting to be unraveled here. For example, on our last tour we had seen one of a very few country records of the sought after Lancelotaed Monklet, and the countries only second ever sighting of the Rusty-breasted Antpitta!

While the list of bird possibilities here is large, mountain birding is notoriously unpredictable and can be either rocking or rather quiet as the day progresses on any hot sunny cloudless days. With this in mind, we’ll hope for favorable weather and some good mixed species flocks in each of these areas. The possibilities are enormous and include the likes of Hooded Tinamou; Andean Guan; the stunning Blue-banded Toucanet; the rare Black-winged, Plum-headed, Turquoise-fronted, and Scaly-headed parrots; Crimson-mantled Woodpecker; Crested and Golden- headed quetzal; White-throated Quail-Dove; Andean Potoo (sometimes found on its day roost); Black-and-chestnut Eagle; Yungas Manakin; Bolivian Tyrannulet; Yungas Tody-Tyrant; Booted Racquet-tail; Bronzy and Gould’s incas; Buff-browed and Montane foliage-gleaners; Streamcreeper; Striped Treehunter; Black-banded Woodcreeper; Variable antshrikes; Barred Antthrush; Bolivian Tapaculo; White-throated and Torrent tyrannulets; Marble-faced Bristle-Tyrant; Cinnamon and Golden-crowned flycatchers; Ochre- faced Tody-Flycatcher; Golden- crowned Flycatcher; Barred Fruiteater; Andean Cock-of-the Rock; Barred Becard;; Andean and White-eared solitaires; Mountain The breathtaking view of this birding hotspot over Yungas Cloud Forest that Wren; Green (Inca) Jay; Fawn- stretches as far as the eye can see © Andrew Whittaker breasted, Saffron-crowned, and Beryl-spangled tanagers; Common Chlorospingus; Chestnut-bellied, Scarlet-bellied, and Blue-winged mountain- tanagers and Grass-green Tanager.

The forest on the upper section of the road is very wet and mossy at these higher elevations, with much bamboo. Some species that we expect to see in this zone include White-rumped Hawk; the stunning Hooded Mountain- Toucan and Golden-collared tanager; Barred Parakeet; Great Sapphirewing; Scaled and Tyrian metaltails; Amethyst-throated Sunangel; the crippling Violet-throated Starfrontlet; Rufous-capped Thornbill; Sword-billed Bolivia, Page 22 Hummingbird; Crimson-mantled Woodpecker; Black- throated Thistletail (endemic); Light-crowned Spinetail (white-crested race); Streaked Tuftedcheek; Undulated and Rufous Antpitta; the recently described Diademed Tapaculo; Sierran Elaenia; the lovely Ochraceous-breasted Flycatcher; Crowned and Rufous-breasted chat-tyrants; Rufous-bellied Bush- Tyrant; Fulvous Wren; White-collared Jay; Citrine Warbler; Spectacled Whitestart; Blue-backed Conebill; Superciliaried, Three-striped, Orange- browed, and Southern Black-eared hemispingus; Moustached and Masked flowerpiercers; Blue-and- black, Golden-collared, Blue-capped, and Rust-and- yellow tanagers; Chestnut-bellied and Hooded mountain-tanagers; and Plushcap and Southern Mountain-Cacique.

One endemic we stand a great chance to encounter, and we will certainly concentrate on trying to see is the Crimson-mantled Woodpecker © Andrew Whittaker enigmatic Scimitar-winged Phia seen so well on our last trip.

One afternoon we will venture a little way up behind our hotel to bird some open natural grassland and the very localized Andean foothill cerrado enjoying its unique and different avifauna. We hope to find the likes of Yungas Dove; the skulky but if seen delightfully pretty Ocellated Crake; Green-capped and Black-faced tanager; Sub Tropical Dorodito; Sharp-tailed Grass Tyrant; Grassland Sparrow; Lesser Elaenia and Cinereous-breasted Spinetail.

NIGHTS: Hotel Viejo Molino, Coroico

September 26, Day 10: Morning birding Coroico; Afternoon return to La Paz. After an early breakfast at the hotel in Coroico, we’ll start ascending gradually to La Paz, birding along the old road that connects with lowlands with the altiplano.

Depending on time, we’ll stop and bird various habitats depending on the previous day’s success. For example, if we missed Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe previously or another special high altitudinal species, we will give them another shot. However, our general plan is to arrive La Paz not too late in the afternoon in order to have an early farewell Scimitar-winged Phia © Andrew Whittaker dinner.

Our general plan is to arrive in our lovely hotel Ritz in the bustling capital of La Paz not too late in the afternoon in order to have an early farewell dinner and enjoy learning the top 7 species of the trip

NIGHT: Hotel Ritz, La Paz

September 27, Day 11: Morning departure for international flights home. The tour ends this morning with a morning transfer to the La Paz International Airport (El Alto International Airport, airport code LPB) for international flights home. Bolivia, Page 23

Bolivian women dancing in lavish costumes in the streets of La Paz © German Pugnali

EXTRA ARRANGEMENTS: Should you wish to make arrangements to arrive early or extend your stay, please contact the VENT office at least four months prior to your departure date. We can very easily make hotel arrangements and arrange transfers often at our group rate, if we receive your request with enough advance time.

TOUR SIZE: Both tours will be limited to 9 participants.

TOUR LEADER: Andrew Whittaker

Andrew Whittaker, a senior member of the VENT staff, has led VENT tours since 1993 throughout South and Central America, Antarctica, Europe, Israel, and, more recently, Asia. His birding passion began at the early age of seven (thanks to his father), but he is also a true all-around naturalist. Andy immensely enjoys sharing his bird knowledge and fascination for all other aspects of the natural world in a really fun way. Andy was born in England; however, he considers himself Brazilian, having lived more than 30 years in this mega biodiverse country, first working for the Smithsonian Institution, studying Amazonian rainforest birds in Manaus. Andy is a qualified ringer/bander trained by the late Dr. Clive Minton (famously known as the father of shorebird/wader studies). A lifelong fascination with bird migration has seen Andy working around the globe at several top bird observatories: Eilat, Israel; Long Point, Canada; and in the UK at Sandwich Bay and on Fair Isle, Scotland. Andy is well recognized for his passionate and intimate knowledge of bird vocalizations and taxonomy, which has enabled him to discover several new species (such as the Cryptic Forest-Falcon in 2002) and rediscover others thought to be extinct. He is an excellent communicator and tour organizer and loves nothing better than finding and sharing a rare skulker, or telling one of his many fascinating bird stories. Andy had the honor of working with Sir David Attenborough as a consultant for the prestigious BBC Life of Birds series. He is widely considered an authority on Amazonian birds, having authored numerous technical publications on the region’s avifauna. At present, Andy is working with Kevin Zimmer on a comprehensive field guide to the birds of Brazil to be published by Princeton University Press. Andy is an associate researcher at the Museum Goeldi, Belem and an active conservationist. He loves photography (with many of his images being used in books) and is an avid football fan of Birmingham City FC and an orchid lover. Andy lives with his partner in life, Jaqueline, and their dog, Mozart, in Porto Alegre, southern Brazil.

Bolivia, Page 24 MEDICAL EVACUATION INSURANCE REQUIREMENT: This tour visits remote locations where immediate access to primary medical care may NOT be available. For this reason, travel insurance which covers you for emergency evacuation is required for participation on this tour. This coverage is included in the Ripcord Rescue Travel InsuranceTM program. Through Ripcord, “emergency evacuation” can be purchased as a stand-alone benefit or as part of a comprehensive travel insurance policy. If you choose not to purchase insurance through Ripcord, you are required to obtain it through another provider.

FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS: The fee for Part I, Bolivia: Eastern Lowlands, Beni Grasslands & Inter- Andean Valleys tour is $7295 per person in double occupancy from Santa Cruz, Bolivia and includes all meals from breakfast on Day 2 to breakfast on Day 14, accommodations as stated in the itinerary, ground transportation during the tour, roundtrip internal flight (economy class) between Santa Cruz and Trinidad (or Cochabamba if continuing on to the next part of the tour), and guide services provided by the tour leaders. The tour fee does not include airfare from your home to Santa Cruz, and return, airport departure taxes, alcoholic beverages, special gratuities, phone calls, laundry, or items of a personal nature. Rates are based upon group tariffs; if the tours do not have sufficient registration, a small-party supplement may have to be charged.

Please Note: The cost for the internal flights are included in the tour fee. Victor Emanuel Nature Tours reserves the right to assess a surcharge for the price of the air ticket should costs increase significantly.

The fee for Part II, Bolivia: Foothills, Cloud Forests & the Altiplano tour is $4995 per person in double occupancy from Cochabamba. This includes all meals from dinner on Day 2 to dinner on Day 10, accommodations as stated in the itinerary, ground transportation during the tour, and guide services provided by the tour leaders. The tour fee does not include airfare from your home to Santa Cruz, Bolivia with the connecting flight to Cochabamba, and return from La Paz, airport departure taxes, alcoholic beverages, special gratuities, phone calls, laundry, or items of a personal nature. Rates are based upon group tariffs; if the tours do not have sufficient registration, a small-party supplement may have to be charged.

The single supplement for Part I is $670; and the single supplement for Part II is $525. You will be charged a single supplement if you desire single accommodations or if you prefer to share but have no roommate and we cannot provide one.

Special Note: Participants on both tours will receive a Combination Tour Discount of $400 ($200 off each tour).

REGISTRATION & DEPOSIT: To register for this tour, please contact the VENT office. The deposit for each tour is $1,000 per person. If you prefer to pay your deposit using a credit card, the deposit must be made with MasterCard, Visa, or American Express at the time of registration. If you would like to pay your deposit by check, money order, or bank transfer, your tour space will be held for 10 days to allow time for the VENT office to receive your deposit and completed registration form. The VENT registration form (available from the VENT office or by download at www.ventbird.com) should be completed, signed, and returned to the VENT office.

PAYMENTS: All tour payments may be made by credit card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express), check, money order, or bank transfer (contact the VENT office for bank transfer information). These include initial deposits, second deposits, interim payments, final balances, special arrangements, etc. Full payment of the tour fee is due 150 days prior to the tour departure date, Part I, April 6, 2021; Part II, April 19, 2021.

EXCHANGE RATE SURCHARGES: In the erratic global financial markets of today, it is difficult to predict foreign currency exchange rates over the long term or at the time of operation of a tour or cruise departure. Tour prices are based upon the rate of exchange at the time of itinerary publication. If exchange rates change drastically, it may be necessary to implement a surcharge. If a surcharge is necessary, every effort will be made to minimize the amount. In many cases, these additional foreign exchange rate surcharges are passed to VENT by its vendors and suppliers.

Bolivia, Page 25 CANCELLATION & REFUNDS: Refunds are made according to the following schedule: If cancellation is made 180 days or more before the tour departure date, a cancellation fee of $500 per person will be charged unless the deposit is transferred to a new registration for another VENT tour that will operate within the next 12 months, in which case the cancellation fee will be $100 per person. If cancellation is made between 179 and 151 days before departure date, the deposit is not refundable, but any payments covering the balance of the fee will be refunded. If cancellation is made fewer than 150 days before departure date, no refund is available. This policy and fee schedule also apply to pre- and post-tour extensions. For your protection, we strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance that covers trip cancellation/interruption.

If you cancel: Your refund will be: 180 days or more before departure date Your deposit minus $500* 179 to 151 days before departure date No refund of the deposit, but any payments on the balance will be refunded 150 days or less before departure date No refund available

*Unless the deposit is transferred to a new registration for another VENT tour that will operate within the next 12 months, in which case the cancellation fee will be $100 per person. To qualify, cancellation must occur 180 days or more before departure date; deposit transfers must be made at the time of cancellation; and one transfer per deposit.

Upon cancellation of the transportation or travel services, where you, the customer, are not at fault and have not cancelled in violation of the terms and conditions of any of the contract for transportation or travel services, all sums paid to VENT for services not received by you will be promptly refunded by VENT to you unless you otherwise advise VENT in writing. This policy does not apply to air tickets purchased through VENT or to any special arrangements, such as additional hotel nights, that fall outside the services described in the tour itinerary.

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours is not a participant in the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund. California law requires certain sellers of travel to have a trust account or bond. This business has a bond issued by Travelers in the amount of $50,000. CST #2014998-50.

FUEL AND FUEL SURCHARGES: In the uncertain, often volatile oil market of late, it is difficult – if not impossible – to predict fuel costs over the long term, and more specifically, at the time of operation of this departure. Our prices are based upon the prevailing fuel rates at the time of itinerary publication. While we will do everything possible to maintain our prices, if the fuel rates increase significantly, it may be necessary to institute a fuel surcharge.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: To safeguard against losses due to illness, accident, or other unforeseen circumstances, we strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance as soon as possible after making a deposit. VENT has partnered with Redpoint Resolutions as our preferred travel insurance provider. Through Redpoint, we recommend Ripcord Rescue Travel InsuranceTM. Designed for all types of travelers, Ripcord is among the most highly regarded travel insurance programs available.

Critical benefits of Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance include a completely integrated program with a single contact for emergency services, travel assistance, and insurance claims; medical evacuation and rescue services from your point of injury or illness to your hospital of choice; comprehensive travel insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, primary medical expense coverage, and much more. Waiver for pre-existing conditions is available but must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit. Optional expanded insurance coverage is available and includes items such as security evacuation coverage in case of a natural disaster or other security events, and a “Cancel for Any Reason” clause (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit). Ripcord is available to U.S. and non-U.S. residents.

For a price quote, or to purchase travel insurance, please visit: ripcordrescuetravelinsurance.com/ventbird; or click the Ripcord Rescue Travel InsuranceTM logo on our website (click Help and Trip Insurance); or call +1- 415-481-0600. Pricing is based on age, trip cost, trip length, and level of coverage. Bolivia, Page 26 AIR INFORMATION: Victor Emanuel Travel is a full-service travel agency and wholly owned subsidiary of Victor Emanuel Nature Tours (VENT). Victor Emanuel Travel will be happy to make any domestic or international air travel arrangements from your home and return. Please feel free to call the VENT office to confirm your air arrangements. Please be sure to check with the VENT office prior to purchasing your air ticket to confirm that the tour is sufficiently subscribed to operate. VENT cannot be responsible for any air ticket penalties.

BAGGAGE: Please limit luggage to one full-sized bag and one hand-carry or daypack. Duffels stow more easily in buses than do large hard-sided suitcases. Check your airline carrier for international weight restrictions on luggage. Due to ever-changing circumstances in the government’s attempts to improve airport security we recommend that you check the website of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for the most updated information: http://www.tsa.gov/.

CLIMATE / CLOTHING: This tour is scheduled for the spring transition from late dry to early rainy season. We do not expect much rain and it would be welcome in most areas. Two areas of cloud forest, however, are wet and are often foggy or have low cloud virtually year-round. Temperature will range from hot and dry (and possibly windy) around Santa Cruz, to damp and chilling in cloud forests, and cool possibly even frosty in early morning at some of the higher elevations on part 2.

Lightweight, loose-fitting field clothing will be useful at low elevations but please we urge you to avoid white or unusually bright-colored clothes, especially hats. Movements are much more noticeable in bright or white or light-colored clothing and more apt to frighten birds and animals. We suggest long pants and long-sleeve shirts for this trip. In all lowland areas, e.g. around Santa Cruz, biting insects are possible. T-shirts or short-sleeved shirts can be worn even on some days in the Andes (during mid- day breaks) although temperatures can vary markedly over short periods of time and there is a greater risk of sunburn at high elevation.

Bring a good hat for sun, as well as protection against the intense ultra violet radiation that we will encounter at very high elevations. A strong newly-purchased sun screen is recommended to avoid sunburn during periods while at high elevations. Mid-elevation cloud forests are cool and damp and require layers to prevent chilling.

Participants should have an umbrella and rain jacket. Rubber boots are not necessary but gore-tex boots will be useful as some trails or roads in the cloud forests may be muddy. Most areas, however, will be quite dry. We suggest: sturdy walking shoes and a spare pair of sneakers; shower-thongs; and 3-4 sets of field clothing. Regular laundry facilities will be available in Santa Cruz (useful for participants taking the Bolivia Part I tour), Trinidad and Cochabamba. A few roads are very dusty. Bring plastic bags appropriate to protect cameras, binoculars or other personal items.

DOCUMENTS: A passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Bolivia is required for United States citizens to enter the country along with an international Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination. As of this writing (October, 2020) visas are not required for U.S. or Canadian citizens. Nationals of other countries should check with their consulates for updates. Visit the Embassy of Bolivia website for the most current visa information (https://www.boliviawdc.org/en-us/).

EQUIPMENT: You should pack a pair of binoculars that are in good repair along with a belt pack or day pack (good for carrying books, sunscreen, etc.). As a precaution, it is a good idea to pack your binoculars, a change of clothing, toiletry items, medication and travel documents in your airline carry-on bag. Your leader will have a spotting scope, but if you have one and wish to bring it, please feel free to do so. You may also want to bring between meal snacks such as nuts, dried fruits, granola bars, etc. as we may not be able to purchase these kinds of items in Bolivia.

Other useful but optional items include pocket knife (pack in checked luggage), raingear, umbrella for sun or possible rain.

Bolivia, Page 27 Checklist of essential items: • A small light or headlamp (extra batteries) • Insect repellent • Water bottle - 1/2 to 1 quart large-mouthed plastic bottle (bottled water is available for purchase but we will try to purchase and provide water in large containers so bottles with large openings are easier to refill) • Sunscreen lotion and good hat • Supply of plastic bags • Walking shoes (boots) and a pair of sneakers (also thongs/flip-flops for showers) • All personal medications, including first aid items; extra eyeglasses • Checklist, small pocket notebook, and pens • Binoculars • Day pack • Passport with Entry Visa (see details above) • Travel Alarm (very important as not all hotels will have wake-up service)

ELEVATION: On the Eastern Lowlands, Beni Grasslands & Inter-Andean Valleys tour, all elevations are quite low (less than ca. 4000 feet). On the Foothills, Cloud Forests & the Altiplano tour we reach higher elevations in the Andes, just over 15,000 feet during the last few days of the tour. However please do not worry, we’ll spend little over a week, gradually increasing elevations which allow us to easily acclimate to these higher elevations. In past tours, by the time we reach the La Paz area, participants have never experienced any problems with the elevations here. Nevertheless, the air is thin at these elevations and we will go slowly.

HEALTH: Yellow fever inoculation (good for ten years) is required for entry into Bolivia. As standard travel precautions, you should always be up to date with the “routine vaccines,” including influenza, chickenpox (varicella), polio, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), and diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT). Additionally, some health care professionals consider inoculations against hepatitis types A and B as standard. If you are taking personal medication, prescription or over-the-counter, be sure to bring an ample supply that will allow you to get through the trip safely. Please consult your physician as necessary. Remember to pack all medication in your carry-on baggage, preferably in original containers or packaging. As airline baggage restrictions can change without warning, please check with your airline for procedures for packing medication.

In addition to your physician, a good source of general health information for travelers is the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, which operates a 24-hour recorded Travelers’ Information Line (800) CDC-INFO (800-232-4636). You can check the CDC website at wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel. Canadian citizens should check the website of the Public Health Agency of Canada: www.canada.ca/en/public-health.html (click on Travel Health).

Leishmaniasis is apparently present but extremely rare; the likelihood of encountering it on this trip is especially small to almost non-existent. It is transmitted by a small fly that is active mainly at dusk or after dark mostly during the wet season. . During previous our trips we have not even encountered the sand flies that may carry this disease. It is not common and only a few are carriers. Your best protection for this disease is proper clothing, insect repellent, and reduced exposure to particular areas within the forest (between tree buttresses, heliconia thickets, etc.) where the fly vectors occur.

INSECTS: Biting insects (“no-seeums”), ticks and mosquitos are sometimes a problem in eastern Bolivia, most especially in the open areas, and insect protection is important. Follow these precautions: 1. Wear loose fitting long pants and long-sleeved shirts. 2. Bring Cutters lotion and/or a pump bottle of OFF repellent. 3. We recommend treating field clothing with permethrin.

Bolivia, Page 28 MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION: Departure Tax - $30 USD (paid in USD currency and subject to change) Electricity - 110 volts; standard two flat-pin plug electrical outlets are used in almost all hotels Language - Spanish Time - 1 hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time

SUGGESTED READING: A number of traditional booksellers and online stores list excellent inventories of field guides and other natural history resources that will help prepare you for this tour. We recommend www.amazon.com which has a wide selection; www.buteobooks.com and www.nhbs.com which specialize in ornithology and natural history books; and www.abebooks.com for out-of-print and hard-to-find titles.

Most Recommended for this trip: Herzog, S.K. R.S. Terrill, A.E. Jahn, J. V. Remsen, Jr., O. Maillard Z., V. H. Garcia Soliz, R. MacLeod, A. Maccormick, & J. Q. Vidoz.Armonia. Birds of Bolivia Field Guide. Printed in Bolivia and filled with terrific illustrations, excellent maps all in a convenient and portable format which makes sorting through the tremendous diversity of birds we will observe even more of a pleasure!

Please note- This excellent field guide can be extremely difficult to find in the US as it’s mostly sold in Bolivia as its produced by a Bolivian conservation NGO. However we will be able to purchase the guides for all of the group (around 50 $) in Santa Cruz so you would be provided with it on your arrival.

Butterflies: D'Abrera, B., Butterflies of South America. Australia: Hill House, 1984. Good pocket guide, covers many genera, nice pictures. Some newer books on butterflies (including some published privately) are available and may be useful on this trip. Check internet for resources including Butterflies of Southern Amazonia.

Mammals: Emmons, L., Neotropical Rainforest Mammals. Chicago: University of Chicago, 1990. Paperback with good pictures and excellent text. Useful only for Bolivia Part I.

General: Forsyth, A. and K. Miyata, Tropical Nature: Life and Death in the Rainforests of Central and South America. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1984. Excellent introduction to tropical ecosystems; now in paperback. Does not deal much with birds but a top-notch treat covers just about everything else. Hilty, S.L., Birds of Tropical America: A Watcher's Introduction to Behavior, Breeding and Diversity. 1994 second edition, 2005, University of Texas Press, Austin, Texas. An introduction to a wide variety of topics of interest to birders and naturalists. A sampling of topics includes: why there are so many species in tropical America; why antbirds don’t eat ants; why there are so many flycatchers; why tropical birds are so colorful (or not); how hummingbirds survive and prosper in the cold Andes; why manakins and cotingas dance; and many more. A must for visitors to the New World Tropics. Kricher, J.C., A Neotropical Companion. An Introduction to Birds, Animals, Plants and Ecosystems of the New World Tropics. 1997. Second edition. Another good introduction to tropical ecosystems. Ambitious, wide- ranging, knowledgeable and an excellent read for anybody wanting a broader look at wildlife in the New World tropics.

TIPPING: Tipping (restaurant staff, porters, drivers, local guides) is included on VENT tours. However, if you feel one or both of your VENT leaders or any local guides have given you exceptional service, it is entirely appropriate to tip. We emphasize that tips are not expected and are entirely optional. Tips should be given directly to your tour leader; they should not be sent to the VENT office.

RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT: Victor Emanuel Nature Tours, Inc., a Texas corporation, and/or its agents (together, “VENT”) act only as agents for the participant in regard to travel, whether by railroad, motorcar, motorcoach, boat, or airplane and assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity Bolivia, Page 29 which may be occasioned either by reason of defect in any vehicle or for any reason whatsoever, or through the acts or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the participant or in carrying out the arrangements of the tour. VENT accepts no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in airfare or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, terrorism, or other causes. All such losses or expenses will be borne by the participant, as tour rates only provide for arrangements for the time stated.

VENT reserves the right (i) to substitute hotels of similar category, or the best reasonable substitution available under the circumstances, for those indicated and (ii) to make any changes in the itinerary that are deemed necessary by VENT or which are caused by third party transportation schedules (i.e. railroad, motorcar, motorcoach, boat, airplane, etc.).

VENT reserves the right to substitute leaders or guides on any tour. Where VENT, in its sole discretion, determines such substitution is necessary, it will notify tour participants.

VENT reserves the right to cancel any tour prior to departure. If VENT cancels a tour prior to departure without cause or good reason, VENT will provide the participant a full refund, which will constitute full settlement to the participant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, VENT will not provide any participant with a refund and will not be liable or responsible to any participant, nor be deemed to have defaulted under or breached any applicable agreement, for any failure or delay in fulfilling or performing any term of such agreement, when and to the extent such failure or delay is caused by or results from acts beyond VENT’s control, including, without limitation, the following force majeure events: (a) acts of God; (b) flood, fire, earthquake, hurricane, epidemic, pandemic or explosion; (c) war, invasion, hostilities (whether war is declared or not), terrorist threats or acts, riot or other civil unrest; (d) government order, law or actions; (e) embargoes or blockades in effect on or after the date of the scheduled tour; (f) national or regional emergency; (g) strikes, labor stoppages, labor slowdowns or other industrial disturbances; (h) shortage of adequate power or transportation facilities; and (i) any other similar events or circumstances beyond the control of VENT.

If a participant cancels any tour or any portion of a tour, VENT will have no obligation to refund or reimburse any participant for any tour payments or deposits previously paid by any participant (see VENT Registration & Deposit policy and Cancellation & Refunds policy contained in the itinerary). Tour prices are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect on October 29, 2020 and are subject to adjustment in the event of any change thereto.

VENT reserves the right to decline any participant’s Registration Form and/or refuse to allow any participant to participate in a tour as VENT deems reasonably necessary, in its sole discretion. VENT also reserves the right to remove any tour participant from any portion of a tour as VENT deems necessary, in its sole discretion, reasons for such removal include but are not limited to, medical needs, injury, illness, inability to meet physical demands of a tour, personality conflict or situations in which such removal is otherwise in the best interest of the tour, the tour group and/or such participant. If a participant is removed from a tour, such participant will be responsible for any expenses associated with such removal, including but not limited to, transportation, lodging, airfare and meals, and VENT will have no obligation to refund or reimburse any such removed participant for any tour payments or deposits previously paid by such participant.

Baggage is carried at the participant’s risk entirely. No airline company, its employees, agents and/or affiliates (the “Airline”) is to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time participants are not on board the Airline’s aircraft. The participant ticket in use by any Airline, when issued, will constitute the sole contract between the Airline and the purchaser of the tickets and/or the participant. The services of any I.A.T.A.N. carrier may be used for VENT tours, and transportation within the United States may be provided by any member carrier of the Airlines Reporting Corporation.

BOLL:20210913 / BOLF:20210916 Rev: 12/12/18 – AW PNP: 10/19/20 – GL P: 11/03/20 – GL