The Chonta Tours
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La Chonta tours
La Chonta Tours are trips to one entrance in the north side of Amboro National Park. La Chonta is a Palm that grows in the tropical Amazon of Amboro park.”La Chonta” is also the name of stream that runs just before the park ranger´s Camp Site. And it is the name of this zone in this part of Amboro National Park. To get into the trails of La Chonta we have to cross the Red Line (it is trail that divides the communities of the central part of the park).
This official entrance is located about 138 Km from the city of Santa Cruz. 100 of these 138 Km are paved and the rest is a dirt road. We take you inside the park leaving behind the communities (ANMI). The trekking in the Amazonian jungle is the part of the park where there are not human settlements.
The ANMI is almost entirely populated by inhabitants from the Bolivian highlands. (Non natives or the region) Like all the communities round Amboro park, these people appear to be very impoverished; however, in reality almost each family owns a minimum of 50 hectares of land within the ANMI, 50 or more head of cattle, a home or hut within the ANMI, and one or two brick homes in either a small town, in a larger city that is a few kilometres from the park, or in Santa Cruz.
La Chonta Tours are trips to one entrance in the north side of Amboro National Park. La Chonta is a Palm that grows in the tropical Amazon of Amboro park.”La Chonta” is also the name of stream that runs just before the park ranger´s Camp Site. And it is the name of this zone in this part of Amboro National Park. To get into the trails of La Chonta we have to cross the Red Line (it is trail that divides the communities of the central part of the park).
This official entrance is located about 138 Km from the city of Santa Cruz. 100 of these 138 Km are paved and the rest is a dirt road. We take you inside the park leaving behind the communities (ANMI). The trekking in the Amazonian jungle is the part of the park where there are not human settlements.
The ANMI is almost entirely populated by inhabitants from the Bolivian highlands. (Non natives or the region) Like all the communities round Amboro park, these people appear to be very impoverished; however, in reality almost each family owns a minimum of 50 hectares of land within the ANMI, 50 or more head of cattle, a home or hut within the ANMI, and one or two brick homes in either a small town, in a larger city that is a few kilometres from the park, or in Santa Cruz.
Itineraries
La Chonta Tours
1 Days 0 Nights North side
La Chonta Tours
At 8H00 A.M. we pass by your hotel to pick you up and commence the tour travelling in a vehicle to a small town near to Amboro National Park. At this place we usually we meet the guide and switch to a 4WD car.
This trip is on a paved road with direction northwest from the city of Santa Cruz.The first part of driving is of approximately 100 or 120 km. It depends on which part in the north side of the park we are driving to. Once on the highway although we drive through several small towns we do not stop until we get to the small town near Amboro N park.
During the about 100 km of driving we go through Warnes just 23 kilometres from Santa Cruz. This town is known for the number of industries within its limits including Viru Viru, the most important airport of Bolivia.
The next population on our way is Montero. It is the biggest city near to Santa Cruz.On the sides of the highway we can see sugar plantation. Montero has the largest Sugar Industry in Bolivia.
Sometimes, on the way the vehicle that is transporting us needs to stop to refill gas. In Bolivia the gas is a lot cheaper than the gasoline or diesel, but the tank has no much capacity. In that case everyone needs to get off the vehicle for this operation. It is good opportunity to use the toilets
Once back on the highway Far on the left side horizon, we can we can appreciate the mountains of Amboro National park a nature reserve of over half a million hectares, Amazon jungle, which act as a magnet to attract rain.
When we arrive to the village near Amboro National park the guide.will be waiting for us the rest of the team that will make this trip possible.
The Amboro tours on the North side can go to five main entry points. These are; Mataracu, La Chonta, Macuñucu,Saguayo and Ichilo.
Some official entry points are more complicated than others. But all are located at about the same distance from the city of Santa Cruz. The closer would be Saguayo and La Chonta the farther is Ichilo.
When the trips o tours are only for one day the entrance to Amboro park usually has to be La Chonta, Because it is a bit closer than the others.
From the meeting point with the rest of the team, we will begin the another part of this trip in a 4WD vehicle on a dirt or asphalt road. This second part of the trip last about 40 minutes or 1 1/2 hours depending on how far is possible to get in the car and which entry point we are driving to.
In dry season starting in March or April through November the 4×4 vehicle gets all the way to the Red Line. During the raining season it could change.
Usually the first river to cross is Surutu. Which is the border of the park.
During the raining season, we may have to cross the river walking and continue on a cart o riding a horse.
The Red Line is a path opened with machetes, in parts it is visible to the naked eye. The red line or “Linea Roja”, separates the communities from the central part of the park. After this line is prohibited human settlements and / or any activity or means that harm the nature.
After crossing the river we start going through the communities of Amboro park to reach the “Red Line” (Second border).
This park is where hundreds of streams and rivers start.
During this tour we will be assisted by a guide who will explain about the lush vegetation and wildlife of the park. Visitor questions about this environment are welcome
The tours to Amboro National park sometimes does not include visits to waterfalls, but during the trekking is possible to live a great experience in the Amazon with a real rain forest that contains a immense variety of living beings.
To experience this very special environment we need to be with the utmost silence and peace of mind possible so we can have our main´s senses alerts such as the Sound, Smell and Sight.
Despite the one-day trip to the Amboro park is short, taking into account the time needed to arrive and leave the park. In a one day you can get a good overview of what this natural reserve
After this wonderful and unforgettable visit to Amboro National Park, we walk back to where we left the vehicle. and then continue to the city of Santa Cruz.
End of our services. Thanks.
La Chonta Tours
Please Read The Terms and Conditions of our Services.
We have created this Amboro park tours and we are the only original source of this Itinerary. Amboró Tours also offers longer tours to this destination.
Likewise, remember that this tour can become an adventure where mishaps can happen, which is why it is necessary to have an exploring and adventurous spirit.
Adverse climatology conditions or social unrest can change the original itinerary.
Amboro Park tours – Itineraries – North Side
1st Day
At 8H00 A.M. we pass by your hotel to pick you up and commence this two days one night Tour, travelling in a vehicle to a small town near to Amboro National Park. This trip is on a paved road with direction northwest from the city of Santa Cruz.
The first part of driving is of approximately 100 or 120 km. It depends on which part in the north side of the park we are driving to. Once on the highway although we drive through several small towns we do not stop until we get to the small town near Amboro N park.
During the about 100 km of driving we go through Warnes just 23 kilometres from Santa Cruz. This town is known for the number of industries within its limits including Viru Viru, the most important airport of Bolivia
The next population on our way is Montero. It is the biggest city near to Santa Cruz.On the sides of the highway we can see sugar plantation. Montero has the largest Sugar Industry in Bolivia.
Continuing our route we reach Portachuelo a small town known to be inhabited by mostly native people of the region. and its good looking women. Also this population is known to produced exquisite pork sausages and local bread
Sometimes, on the way the vehicle that is transporting us needs to stop to refill gas. In Bolivia the gas is a lot cheaper than the gasoline or diesel, but the tank has no much capacity. In that case everyone needs to get off the vehicle for this operation. It is good opportunity to use the toilets
Once back on the highway far on the left side horizon, we can can appreciate the mountains of our destination, Amboro National park, a nature reserve of Amazon-jungle with over half a million hectares, which act as a magnet to attract rains.
After about 2 hours in the car we should arrive to the village near Amboro National park. In this town we usually switch vehicles and meet the rest of the team, the local guide and the driver. Amboro park on the North side has five main entry points. These are; Mataracu, La Chonta, Macuñucu,Saguayo and Ichilo.
According to the previous arrangements, the weather conditions and the time available we will continue. What the visitor are looking to see and experience is always the most important and we will try to please them.
At this point is also possible to use the toilet, before we continue in a 4WD vehicle on a dirt / asphalt road. The driving on this second part of the trip may last about 40 or 20 minutes to the main river which is the border of the communities of Amboro N park.
The part of the park where the communities are is called ANMI Area Natural de Manejo Integrado)
During the raining season, we may have to cross the river walking and continue on a cart o riding a horse.
In dry season starting in March or April through November the 4WD vehicle crosses the rivers and we can drive through the communities for about 11 or 18 km (It depends on the entry point), to reach the second border of Amboro N park.
After crossing the river we start going through the communities of Amboro park to reach the “Red Line” (Second border).
The Red Line is a path opened with machetes, in parts it is visible to the naked eye. The red line or “Linea Roja”, separates the communities from the central part of the park. After this line is prohibited human settlements and / or any activity or means that harm the nature.
The exact point where the vehicle/cart/horses arrives will depend on road conditions at the time of the trip, which may vary due the season or to weather and other last minute factors. The 4WD or the cart sometimes does not cross all the rivers on the way to the cabins or to the camping site. In this case we have to cross the others rivers walking or in a canoe
When this happens we also may have to walk about 2 or 6 km to get to the camping site or to the cabins in the jungle
Once in the cabins or camping site, we may have our first lunch.
The cabins have two options one is with the bathroom inside, and the other with the bathroom outside.
These cabins are very rustic with the showers and toilets outside
From the cabins or camping site , there are usually, paths (without signs), in the forest where it is possible to trek a long the trails in a great circuit that includes, more than one wonder, for people that can appreciate this environment.
Some trails generally go to view points, rivers, natural pools or streams and other beautiful spots in this Bolivian Amazon. It is usually possible to swim in these places.
On the first day the trekking in the trails into the jungle, may last 3 or 4 hours. This will depend on your physical conditions, the weather and the time available.
During all the tour we will be assisted by a guide who will explain about the lush vegetation and wildlife of the park. Visitor´s questions about this environment are welcome.
Despite the two-days trip to Amboro park is still short, taking into account the time needed to arrive and leave, it is possible to get an overview of what this natural reserve is.
Although it is clear that Amboro Tours do not guarantee at any time, the observation of any trace or the sighting of any animal, the possibilities exist. If we are “lucky” we may see more than one specie of monkey or even a jaguar.
To experience this very special environment we need to be with the utmost silence and peace of mind possible so we can have our main´s senses alerts such as the Sound, Smell and Sight.
At night before or after dinner we will also have the opportunity (optional) for a short expedition to try observe some wildlife activity. Please remind this to the guide.
In case of absence of sanitary facilities, ask the guide to dig a hole for you. Overnight in the park
2nd Day
If you used any tent you must undo it. Making sure to pick up all the tent´s sticks.
The idea is to start the day early and enjoy the sounds of the jungle and the fresh air of the Amazonian .In the early hours of the morning is when there is more activity of birds and animals
Breakfast time is to be accorded the night before with the guide. After or before breakfast there is the option of a 4 or 5 hour long hike, having lunch on the way.
Where there are no hiking trails sometimes we use the streams. The type of hikes are usually within the red line. And almost always vary depending on the entry point we have chosen to enter . As this is a standard itinerary we do not specify with precision the trails.The view points of Amboro National park are also a plus in these tours
As mentioned before. In two-day trips is not guaranteed the observation of any animal, because they usually have no interest in been seen by humans.
Except for occasions when some animals are in heat, or in a bad mood as it is shown sometimes by the spider monkeys. And also in the November is easy to tarantulas walking on the open path
Two days is not a long time in this place for a visitor that appreciate it or do not have trouble getting so close in contact with nature, which may also involve, ticks, mosquitoes and other insects. This depends on the place you go and the time of the year.
The encounter with the vehicle to take us back is usually the scheduled for 14H or15:00 hours. The guide will let you know the time.
We walk out to where we left the vehicle to return on same way we came and then continue to the city of Santa Cruz.
End of our services. Thanks.
Please Read The Terms and Conditions of our Services
Likewise, remember that this tour can become an adventure where mishaps can happen, which is why it is necessary to have an exploring and adventurous spirit.
we have created this Amboro park tours and we are the only original source of this Itinerary
Amboró Tours also offers longer tours to this destination.
Adverse climatology conditions or social unrest can change the original itinerary.
From The City of Santa Cruz (3 Days 2 Night)
1st Day
At 8H00 A.M. we pass by your hotel to pick you up and commence this version of our Amboro Park Tours, travelling in a vehicle to a small town near to Amboro National Park. This trip is on a paved road with direction northwest from the city of Santa Cruz.
The first part of driving is of approximately 100 or 120 km. It depends on which part in the north side of the park we are driving to. Once on the highway although we drive through several small towns we do not stop until we get to the small town near Amboro N park.
During the about 100 km of driving we go through Warnes just 23 kilometres from Santa Cruz. This town is known for the number of industries within its limits including Viru Viru, the most important airport of Bolivia
The next population on our way is Montero. It is the biggest city near to Santa Cruz.On the sides of the highway we can see sugar plantation. Montero has the largest Sugar Industry in Bolivia.
Continuing our route we reach Portachuelo a small town known to be inhabited by mostly native people of the region. and its good looking women. Also this population is known to produced exquisite pork sausages and local bread
Sometimes, on the way the vehicle that is transporting us needs to stop to refill gas. In Bolivia the gas is a lot cheaper than the gasoline or diesel, but the tank has no much capacity. In that case everyone needs to get off the vehicle for this operation. It is good opportunity to use the toilets
Once back on the highway far on the left side horizon, we can can appreciate the mountains of our destination, Amboro National park, a nature reserve of Amazon-jungle with over half a million hectares, which act as a magnet to attract rains.
After about 2 hours in the car we should arrive to the village near Amboro National park. In this town we usually switch vehicles and meet the rest of the team, the local guide and the driver. Amboro park on the North side has five main entry points. These are; Mataracu, La Chonta, Macuñucu,Saguayo and Ichilo.
According to the previous arrangements, the weather conditions and the time available we will continue. What the visitor are looking to see and experience is always the most important and we will try to please them.
At this point is also possible to use the toilet, before we continue in a 4WD vehicle on a dirt / asphalt road. The driving on this second part of the trip may last about 40 or 20 minutes to the main river which is the border of the communities of Amboro N park.
The part of the park where the communities are is called ANMI Area Natural de Manejo Integrado)
During the raining season, we may have to cross the river walking and continue on a cart o riding a horse.
In dry season starting in March or April through November the 4WD vehicle crosses the rivers and we can drive through the communities for about 11 or 18 km (It depends on the entry point), to reach the second border of Amboro N park.
After crossing the river we start going through the communities of Amboro park to reach the “Red Line” (Second border).
The Red Line is a path opened with machetes, in parts it is visible to the naked eye. The red line or “Linea Roja”, separates the communities from the central part of the park. After this line is prohibited human settlements and / or any activity or means that harm the nature.
The exact point where the vehicle/cart/horses arrives will depend on road conditions at the time of the trip, which may vary due the season or to weather and other last minute factors. The 4WD or the cart sometimes does not cross all the rivers on the way to the cabins or to the camping site. In this case we have to cross the others rivers walking or in a canoe
When this happens we also may have to walk about 2 or 6 km to get to the camping site or to the cabins in the jungle
Once in the cabins or camping site, we may have our first lunch.
The cabins have two options one is with the bathroom inside, and the other with the bathroom outside.
These cabins are very rustic with the showers and toilets outside
From the cabins or camping site , there are usually, paths (without signs), in the forest where it is possible to trek a long the trails in a great circuit that includes, more than one wonder, for people that can appreciate this environment.
Some trails generally go to view points, rivers, natural pools or streams and other beautiful spots in this Bolivian Amazon. It is usually possible to swim in these places.
To experience this very special environment we need to be with the utmost silence and peace of mind possible so we can have our main´s senses alerts such as the Sound, Smell and Sight.
On the first day the trekking in the trails into the jungle, may last 3 or 4 hours. This will depend on your physical conditions, the weather and the time available. During all the tour we will be assisted by a guide who will explain about the lush vegetation and wildlife of the park. Visitor´s questions about this environment are welcome.
Despite the three-days trip to Amboro park is still short, taking into account the time needed to arrive and leave, it is possible to get an overview of what this natural reserve is.
Although it is clear that Amboro Tours do not guarantee at any time, the observation of any trace or the sighting of any animal, the possibilities exist. If we are “lucky” we may see more than one specie of monkey or even a jaguar.
At night before or after dinner we will also have the opportunity (optional) for a short expedition to try observe some wildlife activity. Please remind this to the guide. In case of absence of sanitary facilities, ask the guide to dig a hole for you. Overnight in the park
2nd Day
During these Amboro Park Tours, the idea is to start the day early and enjoy the sounds of the jungle and the fresh air of the Amazonian .In the very early hours of the morning is when there is more activity of birds and animals
All the trekking should be talk the night before at dinner time. But usually during the tours of 3 days, the guide plans a long trek after the breakfast on the 2nd day, and lunch is some where deep in the jungle. Please make sure you take with you enough water a flashlight/torch, raincoat and a sweater, because the return time to the camping site or to the cabins can be late. When ever you do not feel well please tell the guide about it
3rd Day
If you used any tent we must undo it. Making sure to pick up all the tent´s sticks.
Breakfast time should be also accorded with the guide the night before.
This day before breakfast a 2 hours trekking is a good idea. And then After breakfast another walk in the jungle. Where there are no hiking trails sometimes we use the streams. The hikes are usually within the red line. And almost always vary depending on the entry point we have chosen to enter. As this is a standard itinerary we do not specify with precision the trails
As mentioned before. We not guaranteed the observation of any animal, because they usually have no interest in been seen by humans. Except for occasions when some animals are in heat, or in a bad mood as it is shown sometimes by the spider monkeys. And also in the November is easy to see tarantulas walking on the open paths
Three days is a good numbers of days to visit the park. That is if you do not mind the uncomfortable of the jungle. And it should not be a problem for a visitor that appreciate the Amazonian or do not have trouble getting so close in contact with nature, which may also involve, ticks, mosquitoes and other insects. The presence of these insects depends on the place you go and the time of the year
Depending upon the entrance, there are circuits to waterfalls , natural pools in the jungle. The only way to get to these places is trekking. This impenetrable greenery seems never to end.
Where there are no hiking trails we use the streams. The type of hikes are usually within the red line. And almost always vary depending on the entry point we have chosen to enter . As this is a standard itinerary we do not specify with precision the trails.
In order to visit this place you need to be in a good physical conditions.
After this wonderful and unforgettable experience, we will walk back to the place where we left our vehicle in order to return to the city of Santa Cruz at about 19 Hours.
End of our Amboro park tours. Thanks.
Please Read The Terms and Conditions of our Services
we have created this Amboro park tours itinerary and we are the only original source of it.
Amboró Tours also offers Shorter or longer tours to this destination.
Adverse climatology conditions or social unrest can change the original itinerary.
Remember that this itinerary can vary or not be fulfilled in its entirety by climate factors and/or the conditions of the ways and rivers or water streams.
Likewise, remember that thes Amboro park tours can become an adventure where mishaps can happen, which is why it is necessary to have an exploring and adventurous spirit.
Remember that nothing should be removed from the park (plants or seeds)
What to Bring ?
La Chonta Tours
1 Day 0 Nights
- Sunscreen
- A Cap or a Hat ( No to be used under the trees or branches)
- Sun Glasses
- A Warm Sweater
- Raincoat
- Swimsuit ( You may not have time to use it in one day tours)
- Insect Repellents
- Long-sleeved shirt- Pants Light colours
- Mosquitoes are especially attracted by dark colours)
- Passport (Original) Or identifications documents valid in Bolivia
- Plastic bags to protect whatever you do not want to get wet
- Trekking Shoes or others proper Shoes.
- Bring your own medication for your personal needs
- Personal items you may need
- Extra food, cookies or sweets of your choice
2 or more days
BESIDES THE ITEMS FOR 1 DAY
- Toilet paper, Towel and others personal items
- Trekking shoes, A pair of Sandals and/or light Shoes to walk in streams or rivers
- A hand torch Hand & head lamp with enough batteries
- Enough cloth. And a pair of trousers. It should become shorts and dry fast
Recommendations
- Follow the guide’s instructions
- Do not explore on your own
- Do not touch any insect or reptile
- Protect things you want to keep dry by putting them in plastic bags.
- Do not litter. Including cigarette butts
- Be careful about SLIPPING and falling, when crossing the rivers and streams or by the natural swimming pools
- Do not jump from place to place
- Do not smoke or light Candles inside the tents.
- Do not lift any rocks or logs
- Do not litter
- In the natural places where you take a bath do not use shampoo or soap
Tropical Diseases.- To minimize the risk of malaria, or a tropical disease we
Strongly recommend the use of long sleeved shirts and pants. During both day and night, and the use of repellents.
Positive Thinking.- When travelling in Bolivia, particularly to remote areas,
keep in mind that you are travelling in sparsely populated areas where few people go.
We suggest you a positive mental approach to relax, keep an open mind
Deodorant.
- Try not to bring to the forest strong odor substances Keep In Mind: The changing weather can affect your future plans
- It is prohibited to hunt or capture any animal species or extract plants
- You have to carry your camping gear and water. And you may have to help the guide With 1 or 3 kilos. Unless you have paid for a porter.
- Likewise, remember that this tour can become an adventure where mishaps can happen, which is why it is necessary to have an exploring and adventurous spirit.