BOLIVIA FIELD COURSE

LENGTH: 13 Days/12 Nights

FIXED DEPARTURE DATES 2007: Jul 20-Aug 1.

*Other dates for individuals, families and groups, including WINTER INTERIM BREAK and SPRING BREAK, available upon request.

*Our standard BOLIVIA FIELD COURSE itinerary can be modified in content and length for SPECIAL INTERESTS and NEEDS.

*Affordable extensions to NOEL KEMPFF NATIONAL PARK; BENI BIOSPHERE RESERVE; MANURIPI NATIONAL PARK; AMBORÓ NATIONAL PARK; SAJAMA NATIONAL PARK; the CHORO TREK in COTAPATA NATIONAL PARK; the CHE GUEVARA TRAIL; UYUNI SALT LAKE; JESUIT MISSIONS; SUCRE and HISTORIC POTOSI are available before or after our BOLIVIA FIELD COURSE available upon request.

*FIELD COURSES for those with SPECIAL INTERESTS, such as BIRDING and GARDEN GROUPS are available upon request. Sample itineraries can be seen at http://www.birdingtours.org (being updated), http://www.gardentours.org (being updated) and also http://www.rainforestandreef.org. Please contact Rainforest and Reef for details and pricing by e-mail: info@rainforestandreef.org or call toll-free: 1.877.255.3721.

*SPANISH IMMERSION PROGRAMS for individuals/groups are also available in Bolivia. A sample itinerary can be seen at http://www.iwanttolearnspanish.org (being updated) and also http://www.rainforestandreef.org. Please contact Rainforest and Reef for details and pricing by e-mail: info@rainforestandreef.org or call toll-free: 1.877.255.3721.

FIELD COURSE COST: 1050.00USD per person. Based on a minimum of 15 full-paying participants. One Group Leader FREE for the ground portion of our BOLIVIA FIELD COURSE with 15 full-paying participants. Cost is based on triple and quadruple occupancy. Double and single occupancy available upon request, usually at an extra cost.

Notes: Group Leaders, please contact Rainforest and Reef for details about STIPENDS, FREE SPACE and GROUP RATES.

Proof of a yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Bolivia for 2007.

For individuals, families or groups of less than 15 full-paying participants, please contact Rainforest and Reef for pricing by e-mail: info@rainforestandreef.org or call toll-free: 1.877.255.3721.

Includes: All INSTRUCTION and BI-LINGUAL GUIDE SERVICES; all MEALS and LODGING as stated in the itinerary; all GROUND and WATER TRANSPORTATION within Bolivia; ROUND-TRIP DOMESTIC AIRFARE La Paz-Rurrenabaque on DAYS 5 and 12; all ENTRANCE FEES to NATIONAL PARKS and OTHER SITES.

Does Not Include: ROUND-TRIP INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE to; INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX (28.00USD per person); GRATUITIES and PERSONAL ITEMS.
INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE: Rainforest and Reef uses consolidators/wholesalers for all of our GROUP and INDIVIDUAL airfares. We are therefore able to offer the LOWEST RATES available. Please contact Rainforest and Reef for details and pricing by e-mail: info@rainforestandreef.org or call toll-free: 1.877.255.3721.

ITINERARY:

MEAL CODES: B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner

Note: On the MEDICAL INFORMATION FORM that you will be receiving shortly after registration, please make us aware of any special meal requests and/or dietary restrictions….vegan, vegetarian, etc., that you or members of your group may have. We will be pleased to fulfill your requests/needs.

DAY 1 ARRIVAL-FIELD COURSE ORIENTATION. Following your arrival at El Alto International Airport, 9 miles outside of La Paz and over 13,000 feet above sea-level, you will be met by our Bolivia Field Course Staff and transferred to your hotel. After dinner, there will be an orientation session to our Bolivia Field Course. Overnight La Paz. D

Note: You will be met outside of Immigration and Customs by Rainforest and Reef Staff.

LAKE TITICACA
Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake on earth at an elevation of 12,580 feet. Straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia, the Andean peoples refer to it as “The Sacred Lake”. Indian legend says the Sun God had his children here, Manco Capac and Mama OcIlo. They are then thought to have sprung from the Lake, founded Cuzco and began the Incan Empire. Actually two lakes joined by the Strait of Tiquina, Lake Titicaca sprawls over 3500 square miles and is fed by waters from the melting snows of the Andes. Nearby, on the Bolivian side of the Lake, arose the population and ceremonial center of Tiahuanaco, capital to one of the most important civilizations in South America. Tiahuanaco ceremonial sites were built along the Lake's shores, indicating that the lake was considered sacred at least 2000 years ago. Excavations have uncovered the remains of five civilizations, one on top of the other. The last one is thought to have ended a hundred years before the first Incans. At the time of the Spanish Conquest, one of the most important religious sites of the Inca Empire was located on the Island of the Sun. The people who utilize the Lake's resources today make offerings to her, ensuring sufficient tortora reeds for their boats, safe passage across its waters, successful fishing and for a mild climate (note: Tortora Reeds are mostly seen on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca, near Puno, Peru). The traditional tortora-reed boats used by natives to this area take 3 days to build and last 7-8 months. The rugged, snow-covered peaks of the Cordillera Real loom over the shores of the Lake, but its waters are calm and relaxing to the eye. The best-known of the islands dotting Lake Titicaca's surface are the Uros, floating islands made from the reed named after the Indians who inhabit them. Besides the Lake itself and the Island of the Sun within it, the highlight of the region is the picturesque lakeshore town of Copacabana. Copacabana has a number of small but important Incan ruins. All of them are overshadowed by the town's main attraction, the Virgin of Copacabana. Pilgrims travel from all over South America for the Virgin's blessing.

TIHUANACO
The ancient citadel of Tihuanaco is set on the Altiplano, at an elevation of 12,400 feet, 44 miles west of La Paz. Archaeologists generally agree that the civilization which spawned Tihuanaco rose ~600 B.C. and it served as a great ceremonial center. At its height it was a city of ~20,000 inhabitants, encompassing approximately 1.6 square miles. This civilization may have disappeared due to long periods of geological droughts that affected South America some 2000 years ago. Later, the Incas inherited their knowledge and science. Although only a very small percentage of this archaeological site has been excavated, Tihuanaco is known to include the most imposing megalithic architecture of the pre-Inca in South America. Besides its religious purpose, Tihuanaco is considered to have been the home of sacred beings. Crafts with animal figures like llamas, cats and condors were assigned special places next to other domestic animals like dogs, ducks, small birds, deer and fish.

DAY 2 CALLAMARCA AYMARA COMMUNITY VISIT-TIHUANACO-COPACABANA. Following an early breakfast, we will travel across the Bolivian Highlands to the native Village of Callamarca. Several families here are low-yielding farmers currently selling milk to dairy companies, attempting to have more sustainable economy, while at the same time rescuing their native Andean culture. Our visit will include a live music performance, an Andean lunch and stories about their culture and daily-lives. We will also take part in a respectful local ritual, which makes an offering to Mother Earth. Participants will then travel on to Tihuanaco and see a great legacy to one of the oldest Andean cultures in the New World. This is exemplified at the magnificent ruins found here, with its great temples made of stone. There is also a new museum educating about the history of Tihuanaco with samples of ancient pottery and art. We continue the bus ride to Copacabana, this time we will get close to Lake Titicaca and pass the Strait of Tiquina. The ride is spectacular showing the Lake, the Wiñaymarka Archipelago and distant views of the Cordillera Real before arriving in Copacabana. After our arrival, participants will take a walking tour of Copacabana. While here, we will visit the main plaza and the Catedral de Copacabana. Dinner and overnight Copacabana. B L D

DAY 3 BOAT RIDE to ISLA del SOL-PILKOKAINA INCAN RUINS-SUNSET OVER LAKE TITICACA. After breakfast today, our group will travel by boat to northern end of Isla del Sol or “Island of the Sun” (~1 hour). Upon arrival, we will visit the Pilkokaina Incan ruins, have a typical "aptapi" (communal Andean lunch) and then hike to La Estancia Ecolodge (~1.5 hours). Following dinner, participants will be able to hike to the shore-line and observe a spectacular sunset over the Island and Sacred Lake Titicaca. Dinner and overnight Isla del Sol. B L D

DAY 4 ISLA DEL SOL-VILLAGE OF YUMANI-INTI WATA CULTURAL COMPLEX-PILKOKAINA INCAN PALACE-CATAMARAN TRIP ACROSS LAKE TITICACA-LA PAZ-EVENING GUEST SPEAKER. Following an early morning sunrise over Lake Titicaca and breakfast, participants will take a short hike to the Village of Yumani, where we will visit an Incan Garden, with its traditional Andean flora, ancient steps and fountain. Our group will then visit the Inti Wata Cultural Complex, which includes the Ekako Underground Museum, examples of traditional Andean medicine, the Titicaca Reed Shipbuilders Display Center, the Pachamama agricultural Incan terraces, a handi-craft shop, the Manco Kapac Lookout and an exhibit of cameloids (15 Andean varieties of llamas and vicuñas). There will also be an opportunity to take part in a unique sailing experience aboard a traditional Lake Titicaca fishing vessel that stops at the Pilkokaina Incan Palace. Participants will then travel by catamaran across Lake Titicaca to enjoy the overwhelming panoramas, with lunch on-board. Late this afternoon, we will travel back to La Paz for dinner. Following dinner, our group will have a guest speaker on one of a variety of topics. Overnight La Paz. B L D

DAY 5 FLIGHT LA PAZ-RURRENABAQUE. Following breakfast today, our group will transfer to the airport and take a flight to Rurrenabaque (note: earliest flight possible La Paz-Rurrenabaque). Dinner and overnight in Rurrenabaque. B L D

Note: There is a new three-quarter mile Rainforest zip-line canopy experience available following a boat ride from Rurrenabaque (~20 min.). Proceeds help support the Villa Alcira Tacana community. The cost is 45.00USD and you can make arrangements upon arrival. En route, our group can see ribereños, mostly subsistence farmers and fishermen that sell their crops and fish in Rurrenabaque.

NEOTROPICAL SAVANNAHS (Pampas)
Near the lowland villages of Reyes and Santa Rosa, is an area of Savannah or Pampas. This is comprised of a very flat landscape, divided by meandering rivers and characterized by generally low and open vegetation. This area has a very high diversity and abundance of fauna, especially birds. There are also a number of charismatic mega-fauna species present, such as rheas, capybaras, monkeys (including black howler, squirrel and brown capuchins), anacondas, caiman, pink fresh-water dolphins. Because of the high abundance of many species and the very open nature of the vegetation, fauna are extremely easy to find and observe, making this an excellent area for wildlife observation.

DAY 6 RURRENABAQUE-YACUMA RIVER-WILDLIFE OBSERVATION. Early this morning we will travel by 4-wheel drive jeeps northeast to Caracoles Lodge on the Yacuma River (~3.5 hours). En route participants will travel through the Villages of Reyes and Santa Rosa. Following our arrival at the Lodge, we will have lunch and spend the afternoon on the River looking for wildlife, including monkeys, capybaras, anaconda, lizards, caimans, pink fresh-water dolphins and the wide variety of bird-life found here. Time permitting, participants will be able to take a sunset swim in the Yacuma River. Dinner and overnight Caracoles Lodge. B L D

DAY 7 DUG-OUT CANOE RIDE on the YACUMA RIVER-PAMPAS-HIKING to OBSERVE WILDLIFE-NIGHT BOAT RIDE on the YACUMA RIVER. After breakfast this morning, our group will travel by dug-out canoes on the Yacuma River. En route, we hope to see more pink fresh-water dolphins, turtles and capybaras. Following lunch, our group will hike in the pampas, in hopes of seeing rheas, anteaters and monkeys. Late this afternoon, we will return to Caracoles Lodge for dinner. This evening, participants will have the opportunity to take a moon-light ride on the Yacuma River looking for caimans and other nocturnal wildlife. Overnight Caracoles Lodge. B L D



DAY 8 PAMPAS-HIKING-SAN MIGUEL del BALA-RURRENABAQUE. Following breakfast today, we will spend the morning hiking trails near Caracoles Lodge. After lunch, our group will travel to San Miguel del Bala, a ribereño community, and experience their interesting life-style. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight Rurrenabaque. B L D

MADIDI NATIONAL PARK
Located in northwestern Bolivia, Madidi National Park was created in 1995. It protects a full array of ecosystems, from the high Andes to the Amazon basin, a vast wilderness of 4,500,000 acres that encompasses unparalleled biological diversity, ranging from cloud forest to dry tropical forest, humid lowland rainforest to savannah, wild rivers to lakes. The scenery in this region has been shaped by ancient geological and glacial processes resulting in spectacular landscapes. This park is home to more than 1000 species of birds, 44% of all New World species of mammals and an estimated 38% of all Neotropical amphibians. It is also a critical global hotspot for endemic plants. In 2005, a new species of titi monkey (Callicebus aureipalatii) was discovered in Madidi and it is commonly seen or heard near Chalalan Lodge, where we will be staying. During our Bolivia Field Course participants will visit the heart of the Park, near the Tuichi River and stay at the Chalalan Lake and Ecolodge.

DAY 9 BOAT TRIP on the BENI and TUICHI RIVERS-CHALALAN LODGE-HIKING in MADIDI NATIONAL PARK-NIGHT HIKE. This morning, our group will travel by boat on the Beni and Tuichi Rivers, en route to the Chalalan Lodge in Madidi National Park. Upon arrival at the trail-head leading to the Lodge, participants will hike through the Rainforest (~30 min.) and settle in. Chalalan is owned and operated by the Quechua-Tacana people of San Jose de Uchupiamonas and situated on beautiful Chalalan Lake. Following lunch, we will hike on the Paraba Trail in Madidi National Park to learn about the high diversity of flora and fauna found here. We will continue around the Lake to a lookout that is excellent for sunsets and then return to the Lodge. On our trip back we hope to see several species of primates, including capuchin and squirrel monkeys. There will also be a good opportunity to see toucans, hoatzin and caiman. Following dinner at the Lodge, participants will have the opportunity to take a night hike into the Rainforest and search for nocturnal animals. Overnight in comfortable, artistic and locally crafted cabins of Chalalan Lodge. B L D

DAY 10 EARLY MORNING BIRDING-HIKING MADIDI NATIONAL PARK. At sunrise today, we will have an opportunity to go birding on trails near the Lodge. After breakfast, our group will hike on the Silbador and Chichilo trails in the amazing Rainforest of Madidi National Park. We will learn about Rainforest ecology and medicinal uses of Rainforest plants from our Bolivian Guides. Participants should also be on the lookout for wildlife, as white-lipped peccaries and a wide variety of bird species are commonly seen. Following lunch at the Lodge, participants will have opportunities for more hiking on the Lodge trails, as well as swim in Lake Chalalan. After dinner this evening, our group will learn about the area´s history, culture, local traditions and the legends of San Jose de Uchupiamonas. Overnight Chalalan Lodge. B L D

DAY 11 EARLY MORNING BIRDING-HIKING in MADIDI NATTIONAL PARK-SALITRAL-EVENING “DUMOQUAVI” FEAST. Today, again an opportunity for early morning birding. Following breakfast, we will take one of the most interesting hikes in Madidi National Park leading to a region known as Penena, as we continue to explore the rich bio-diversity of the region. Following our arrival, participants will hike in search of a "salitral", or clay-lick where birds and mammals congregate to take in vital nutrients from the mineral-rich soil found here. Our group will then travel by boat back to a trail leading to Chalalan Lodge and have lunch. Participants will spend the afternoon hiking on the Chichilo and Mirador trails in the Park. The evening will then be spent making local handi-crafts and enjoying a traditional “dumoquavi” feast to celebrate our journey to Madidi National Park. Overnight Chalalan Lodge. B L D

DAY 12 BOAT TRIP on the TUICHI and BENI RIVERS-RURRENABAQUE-FLIGHT RURRENABAQUE-LA PAZ-FAREWELL DINNER. After breakfast today, our group will travel by boat on the Tuichi and Beni Rivers back to Rurrenabaque and transfer to the airport for our flight to La Paz. Afternoon at leisure, La Paz. Tonight, we will celebrate our adventure to Bolivia with a Farewell Dinner. Overnight La Paz. B L

DAY 13 DEPARTURE. After an early breakfast and farewells to your Bolivia Field Course Staff, you will be transferred to El Alto International Airport, outside of La Paz for your return flight home. B

Note: Due to weather conditions and circumstances beyond the control of Field Course Staff, certain activities may be changed or done on different days in the best interest of the group.