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Bolivia El Beni Wildlife

El Beni region is an extensive flat surface, with low population density, located at an altitude of around 150 meters above sea level. The largest rivers iof Bolivia and isouth America are in El Beni
The natural habitat of wild animals is more extensive than in this region of Bolivia. But this habitat is rapidly shrinking due to the rapid growth of livestock and the trend towards agriculture.

The price per hectare has increased, especially the higher areas. The islands of forest in the pampas and the jungle on the banks of the rivers are a great refuge for wild animals since cattle do not enter much these areas.

 

Also because of cattle grow, the practice of the “Atajados” is a very common way or work. In the dry season, some farmers, due to the lack of places where the cattle can drink water, they cut off the circulation of the little current that remains in some rivers, causing dry stretches in the rivers, which is a trauma in the normal provision of water, especially for the Wildlife of El Beni

In all this panorama, the potential that El Beni has for eco-tourism specialized in wild animal observation, is a lifeline that is necessary and essential It is may be the only way to save hundreds of species,otherwise the best of El Beni will disappear as it is already being experienced.

Combining Ecotourism and Cattle Grow In El Beni

In El Beni it has been sometime since some tour operators / ecotourism entrepreneurs have been visiting ranches or cattle ranches due to the existence of great potential for wildlife in these areas and in search of satisfying the specialized ecotourism market. The observation of wild animals in complete freedom in their natural habitat.

The conditions for the development of ecotourism in combination with livestock in the ranches can be a bit harsh for tourists due to the conditions of the access roads, along with other factors such as the lack of infrastructure in some ranches. Therefore, the figure of ecotourism specialized in observing mammals is necessarily complemented by an adventure tourism totally OFF THE BEATEN TRACKS because it is not a well-known or frequented route, and almost all of it does not appear in the travel guides of the travelers in or out of Bolivia

If the persistence of the tour operators subsists and if the owners of these ranches, In El Beni, perceive the economic/environmental importance of tourism, and they try to make the new activity to work keeping in mind that ecotourism almost absolutely does not impede the maintenance of theri cattle groo business.

The owners of the ranches could charge for each service and also for each visitor attractive prices for a market of visitors starting with tourists who have a medium payment capacity and not only those who have or are with a high budget for the observation of wild animals.. It is thus that the market expands enormously and tourism would be available all year round, with a great multiplier effect for all the actors, especially for ranchers and for El Beni Wildlife

Important Details for El Beni Wildlife tours​ – Maps

Itinerary: El Beni Wildlife Tour

 

3 Days and 2 Nights

El Beni Wildlife

Dry Season

From Trinidad, Beni

 
 
Day 1
Departure from Trinidad (El Beni) at 07:00 AM to take advantage of the morning freshness and increase the chances of spotting wildlife along the way. Sometimes, it is even possible to see toucans in the main square of Trinidad.
 
The road is paved until the town of San Javier, about 30 km from Trinidad. After that, it becomes a dirt road.
 
After approximately one hour of travel, and with a bit of luck, you may have the opportunity to observe capybaras along the roadside. As we continue, we may also spot caimans, along with a wide variety of bird species.
 
Most of El Beni consists of swamps, lagoons, natural pampas, and rivers, with some forested areas, especially along the riverbanks.
 
It is essential to stay alert during the journey to increase the chances of seeing Beni’s wildlife.
 
Along this route, besides animals, we will come across breathtaking natural landscapes that are worth stopping to appreciate.
 
At times, it is also possible to see the Bolivian water lily growing along the roadside.
 
The journey from Trinidad to the nearest town to the ranch takes about 5 hours. However, this trip itself is an experience of discovering the pampas and the wildlife of El Beni, Bolivia.
 
Lunch can be taken in this town, or it may be better to wait until we reach our final destination. This will depend on how the trip progresses and, most importantly, which specific ranch is our destination for this tour.
 
Estimated arrival at the ranch is at 2:00 PM, followed by a rest of approximately 2 hours. Overnight stays can be in rooms at the ranch, with excursions departing from the house.
 
These excursions can take place at sunset, at night, or at dawn. However, to make the most of the tour, it is ideal to stay overnight in the forest, in locations that offer higher chances of spotting Beni’s wildlife.
 
After the 2-hour rest, we prepare for the first excursion and overnight stay in the forest, either camping or in hammocks.
 
A potential campsite may be located about 5 km from the house. Once at the site, we will set up tents and prepare dinner. After dinner, we will take a short walk around the area.
 
Overnight camping.
 
Day 2
Before breakfast, at around 5:00 AM, we take an early morning walk, always with the hope of spotting a jaguar or other wild mammals.
 
After returning and having breakfast at the campsite, we will pack up the tents and begin a walk of approximately 2 hours back to the ranch house. This return journey can also be done on horseback. During this time, we will continue to search for more wildlife.
 
Lunch and rest at the ranch.
 
At approximately 4:30 PM, we depart to spend the night at another location with high potential for wildlife sightings.
 
Once at the site, we set up tents, and after dinner, we take a night walk, either along forest trails or by the riverbanks.
 
Overnight camping.
 
Day 3
Very early, before breakfast, we take another excursion around the ranch to maximize our wildlife viewing opportunities.
 
Breakfast will be enjoyed while taking in the coolness of the morning.
 
After breakfast, we return to the ranch for lunch and prepare for the return trip to Trinidad.
 
The return journey also presents an excellent opportunity to spot birds and mammals along the way.
 
Expected arrival in Trinidad at approximately 6:30 PM.
 
End of El Beni Wildlife Tour.
 
Bolivia El Beni Wildlife

The most outstanding and well-known of El Beni wildlife are; caimanes negros (Melanosuchus niger) Mamíferos oso bandera (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) y el oso oro (Tamandua tetradactila) se encuentran distribuidos tanto en bosques como en las sabanas.

En los bosques sobresale la fauna arborícola, perezosos y los osos hormigueros. Marimono (Ateles chamek), manechi colorado (Alouatta seniculus), silbador (Cebus libidinosus), chichilo (Saimiri boliviensis), Callicebus olallae, C. modestus y manechi negro (Alouatta caraya), el tejón (Nasua nasua), el oso melero (Eira barbara), el oso oro (Cyclopes didactylusk), el perezoso de tres dedos (bradypus variegatus). En el sotobosque se encuentran el jaguar (Panthera onca), el tigrecillo (Leopardus pardalis), el yaguaroundi (Herpailurus yagurondi), y el margaí (Leopardos wiedii), el tropero (Tayassu pecari), el taitetú (Pecari tajacu), el anta (Tapirus terrestris). Entre otros grupos de bosques se encuentra el pejichi (Priodontes maximus), el jochi pintado (Cuniculus paca), el jochi colorado (Dasyprocta punctata), la urina (Mazama gouazoubira) y el huaso (Mazama americana)

In El Beni  the savannahs they are represented by herbivores such as the maned wolf (borochi) (Chysocyon brachyurus), el oso bandera (Myrmecophaga tridactila), el ciervo de pantanos (Blastocerus dichotomus), el tatú (Dasypus novemcinctus), la capibara (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris), el zorro oreja corta (Atelocynus microtis), el león (Puma concolor). amango others wildlife of El Beni.

Important Details for El Beni Wildlife tours

Do not bring suitcases; backpacks are recommended.
 
Once at the camping site, you can carry a small backpack with your water, flashlight, and valuables. Do not leave your valuables in the tents or unattended.
 
All hikes/treks can be coordinated with the guide and will be carried out based on the physical condition of the participants, available time, and weather conditions.
:✅ Pick-up and return from the city of Trinidad in a vehicle according to the itinerary.
✅ Overnight stay in camping/tents or rooms according to the program.
✅ Camping equipment: thin mattress, sleeping bag, tent, or hammock.
✅ Spanish-speaking guide (translator available at an additional cost).
✅ Bottled water.
✅ Meals.
✅ Excursions as per the itinerary.
✅ Day and night safari on foot with a flashlight.
 
NOT INCLUDED:
❌ Snacks.
❌ Special medications.
❌ Bilingual guide.
❌ Alcoholic beverages.
❌ Accident insurance.

📄 Personal identification documents (Original) in waterproof bags.
🎒 A large backpack.
🧴 Sunscreen.
🧢 Hat or cap (⚠ Do not wear it under trees or branches!).
🕶 Sunglasses.
🧥 Warm clothing for cold weather.
👞Wear appropriate shoes, trekking shoes
🌧 Rain gear (the weather can change quickly).
🦟 Insect repellent (ensure it is effective).
👕 Long-sleeved shirts and long pants, thick enough to protect against insects (light colors—mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors).
💊 Personal medications.
🛍 Plastic bags for items that should not get wet.
🧻 Personal hygiene items (towel, toilet paper, etc.).
🔋 Chargers, extra batteries.
🩴 Sandals 
🔦 Hand and head flashlights (with extra batteries).
🦟 Mosquito net for the head (Very useful if not using insect repellent on the face).
👖 Enough clothing, including a pair of quick-dry convertible trousers.

DO NOT BRING:
❌ Deodorants or strong-smelling substances

✔ Do not explore alone.
✔ You must have accident insurance (purchased on your own).
✔ Follow the guide’s instructions.
✔ Do not touch insects or reptiles.
✔ Keep your belongings dry by using plastic bags.
✔ Be careful not to slip or fall when crossing rivers, streams, or near natural pools.
✔ Avoid jumping from one place to another.
✔ Inside the tents: Do not smoke, light candles, or enter with shoes.
✔ Do not lift rocks or logs.
✔ Do not litter—dispose of only biodegradable waste (including cigarette butts).
✔ Do not use detergents in rivers, streams, or natural pools.
✔ Avoid bringing strong-smelling substances like deodorants.

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