Bolivia: The Chaco, Valle Zone, and Central Andes

With high mountains and plains dominating the west, the Amazonian Basin in the north, the Pantanal wetlands in the far-east, and the Chaco in the south, the large country of Bolivia contains more diverse biomes than any other on the bird continent, making it also the birdiest landlocked country in the world. A native woodland type—the Chiquitania—and isolated interior dry valleys add to the diversity, even harboring some endemics and many other species not seen so easily anywhere else.

The stereotype of Bolivian political instability is long outdated, but the country is still mentioned only infrequently in the mainstream media and tourism literature, keeping it off most birders’ radar. Those who have been there, however, rave about Bolivia’s unparalleled biological diversity, long list of exciting birds, relative ease of travel, and friendly people. With a low population density, Bolivia offers roadside birding as good as it gets. Our eight tours here in recent years have amassed a total of over 900 species, and while no tour of moderate length can sample all the habitats, we visit a surprising variety, taking in some of Bolivia’s most famous sights along the way.