Introduction

Due to its unique biogeographical location, the rich, extraordinary diversity of species and habitats found in Noel Kempff are unequaled in the New World tropics. Nowhere else in South America can you see such a wide variety of habitat with so little effort - humid tropical rainforests, seasonally flooded savanna, Brazilian cerrado, gallery forests, thorn scrub, dry forests, and large expanses of wetlands similar to the Pantanal formations found in Brazil.

As a result of its unique biogeographic location, Noel Kempff (approximately the size of the state of Massachusetts) is believed to contain some of the highest levels of biological diversity found in the world. For example, the park currently has a bird list of over 630 species, and approximately 130 mammals have been identified, including abundant populations of Giant Otter, Fresh-water River Dolphin, Jaguar, Giant Anteater, and the very rare and endangered Maned Wolf.

By far the most outstanding physical feature of Noel Kempff is a great 850,000 acre Precambrian sandstone escarpment that rises abruptly from the thick rainforests approximately 1,800 feet to an elevated plain of grasslands and cerrado forests. The Caparú Plateau is drained by numerous perennial rivers that flow over the plateau, giving rise to more than 10 spectacular waterfalls. In combination with its waterfalls, this unique formation framed by the rugged backdrop of mesas, rivers, and dense forests has blessed Noel Kempff with some of the most awe inspiring scenery found in Latin America.

On a trip to Noel Kempff, you are guaranteed to see incredibly beautiful scenery, you will encounter many threatened and endangered species, large predators and a wealth of Amazonian wildlife that has largely vanished from other accessible parts of the Amazon. At the isolated lodge, Flor de Oro, wildlife is very abundant and you will have access to an incredible diversity of habitats. Our bi-lingual naturalist guides are trained biologists who work with members of the local communities in an effort to show you the intricacies of each habitat and the respective plants and animals that live there. In addition, we offer specialized trips for birdwatchers, photographers, botanists, etc. using the best guides available.

Accommodations
With the completion of recent renovations, Flor de Oro is quite comfortable. Facilities include lodging capacity for up to 16 people in double occupancy cabins (each with private bathrooms), solar generated electricity (110 and 220 volts), a large kitchen/dining area, an observation tower, and a very large interpretation center that was completed in October, 1998. All additional supporting services including air and land transportation in the park, itineraries, lodging, meals, guides/naturalists, support materials, and ancillary tour activities are currently provided by Noel Kempff's ecotourism program.

Food
The food at Noel Kempff's lodge has been rated excellent by past visitors. Dishes served are a mix of Bolivian and Brazilian specialties (using local ingredients) and the kitchen staff happily accommodate their menu to meet visitors requirements (vegetarians, lactose intolerant, etc.).

Other Costs
Our tour prices are all inclusive from and to the city of Santa Cruz with no hidden extras. The only expenses not included on our tours are tips for guides and personnel, and any extra beverages, photos, or artesania that may be purchased while in Noel Kempff.

How does it help?
Satellite images clearly show a contrast in the conservation of rainforests on the Bolivia and Brazil border in the region of Noel Kempff Mercado National Park. During the 1970's, the Brazilian government actively promoted an intensive land development policy in its Amazonian territories. A well-developed road infrastructure and economic incentives initially provided by the Brazilian government, brought thousands of families from the overpopulated cities on the coast and interior to the states of Rond™nia and Matto Grosso along the park's northern and eastern borders. This rapid colonization resulted in deforestation, habitat degradation and forest fragmentation, while in neighboring Bolivia; Noel Kempff has remained protected and pristine. Before FAN began protecting the park, residents of Brazilian communities were known to go into Noel Kempff regularly to fish, hunt, and harvest timber. Although all of these activities have in effect been stopped, the cattle ranching and farming in Brazil continues to expand. It is evident that without the proper funds or personnel to effectively manage and protect this magnificent park, Bolivia could possibly stand to lose a unique piece of its natural heritage.

The mission of Noel Kempff's Ecotourism Program is to provide eco-travelers with the best possible opportunity to visit and learn about the unique cultural and natural history of Noel Kempff Mercado National Park. The primary goals are to create a high conservation awareness among visitors, keep physical impacts on the park's natural resources to a minimum, and provide direct economic and educational benefits to members of the local communities that surround the park. Profits earned from ecotourism in Noel Kempff go directly towards the maintenance and administration of the Ecotourism Program, while also helping to fund all of the conservation activities currently being carried out within Noel Kempff Mercado National Park.

Sample Natural History Itinerary for 4D/3N

Day 1 - Flight from Santa Cruz, Bolivia, to Flor de Oro, Noel Kempff Mercado National Park. This morning, you will be transferred to Km. 7, Carretera a Samaipata for your charter flight to Flor de Oro, the center of ecotourism in Noel Kempff Mercado National Park. Flor de Oro is located right on the banks of the Iténez River in the extreme north-central section of the park. Therefore, en route to the park, you will fly over hundreds of kilometers of pristine rainforest, as well as the magnificent Caparúsh Plateau with its red cliffs and two very impressive waterfalls Ahlfeld and Arco Iris. The entire plateau along with the majority of the surrounding rainforests make Noel Kempff Mercado National Park exactly what it is - a large, well-protected area encompassing more than 3.8 million acres of wilderness. The afternoon will be spent exploring gallery forests found along the Iténez River and the large expanse of savanna located close to Flor de Oro, offering the opportunity to see Toco Toucan, White Woodpecker, and a variety of insects and mammal species including South American Coati Mundi´s and the beautiful Silvery Marmoset. An optional night hike will be offered. Overnight - Flor de Oro.

Day 2 - Flor de Oro and Las Torres: Oxbow Lakes, Gallery Forests, and Periodically Inundated Savanna Your first full day in Noel Kempff will be spent exploring some of the oxbow lakes, gallery forests, and periodically inundated savannas located near Flor de Oro. The exploration of these three distinctly different habitat types should provide you with an excellent idea of the different vegetation types found in Noel Kempff along with some great chances to see the diversity of wildlife that make their home within the boundaries of the park. During the morning hours you will walk through savanna and some pristine riverine forests en route to one of the bays located close to Flor de Oro where motorized boats will be waiting to take you on an expedition of the black waters of the local system of lakes and rivers. During the trip you will have the opportunity to see the Rufescent Tiger-Heron, both Scarlet and Blue and Yellow Macaws, White-faced Whistling Duck, Sunbittern, and if you are lucky you may also spot a family of Giant Otters. The Giant Otter is just one example of the many endangered mammal species that thrive in Noel Kempff Mercado National Park. Following a return to Flor de Oro you will be served lunch and have a siesta to rest up. The afternoon will be spent traveling to Las Torres, a park protection station that gives access to a rocky outcrop, providing amazing views of the Caparú Plateau and the humid tropical rainforests found in the northern section of the park. Jaguars have been spotted more than five times along the river to Las Torres so you will have to keep alert! Overnight - Flor de Oro.

Day 3 - Flor de Oro and Mirador de los Monos: Periodically Inundated Savanna and Terra Firme Forests Your third day in Noel Kempff will be completely spent further exploring the periodically inundated savannas 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, and your transfer by tractor to the trail leading to Lago Caiman will provide you with numerous opportunities to see many exciting bird species such as the Horned Sungem, Black and Tawny Seedeater, Red-necked Aracari, and the Snow-capped Manakin. The opportunity to see all of these species combined with the chance to see Black Spider Monkey, Tapir, both White-lipped and Collared Peccaries, and Jaguar will definitely make this 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 that can handle it, the trip is definitely worth the effort! During the 1 hour hike up the plateau, you will pass through four different types of forest and eventually arrive to the Mirador de los Monos (Monkey Point), located on the ledge of the Caparú Plateau. From there you will be provided with innumerable breathtaking views of the forests and inundated savannas found below and if you are lucky will be able to spot the Black Spider Monkeys which were extensively studied during the mid 1990´s. It wasn’t named Monkey Lookout Point without good reason! Following your hike back down the plateau and through the tall humid tropical forests, you will be taken back to Flor de Oro by tractor. For those choosing not to attempt the long hike, you will return to Flor de Oro and after lunch will be given the opportunity to further explore the periodically inundated savanna along a trail known as the Isla de Orquideas. The late afternoon may be spent once again on the rivers looking for fresh water dolphins, families of Giant Otters, or the endangered Black Caiman. Overnight - Flor de Oro.

Day 4 – Flight from Noel Kempff Mercado National Park to the city of Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Your final morning in Noel Kempff will take you in search of some of the species’ that may have eluded you during the previous three days. That means you could be visiting any of the bays or trails located around Flor de Oro before your flight back to Santa Cruz. Following a late breakfast, you will depart for Santa Cruz city with the balance of the day for relaxing or preparing for departures later in the evening or the following day.

Rates

Noel Kempff Mercado - Flor de Oro Lodge Valid until December 01, 2002
Double occupancy
$2500 per person
Available: any day, on request, min 2 people

 

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