Barba Azul Nature Reserve
I want to visit Barba Azul for 2 nights/3 days. How much does that cost?
The minimum stay for a visit to Barba Azul Nature Reserve is 3 nights/4 days. We are unable to accommodate shorter visits due to the Reserve’s remote location. The minimum stay is a consideration both in terms of providing quality service (it is no small feat to get supplies to the Reserve!) and ensuring that visitors have a fair chance to see what the Reserve has to offer. For a better idea of what you might see, watch this Barba Azul Nature Reserve Spot.
What is the discount for Bolivian tourists?
Due to the remote location of Barba Azul Nature Reserve, the price is fixed for all visitors to the Reserve. Discounted packages for nationals are not available for Barba Azul Nature Reserve (though please contact us about visiting the Red-fronted Macaw Reserve, where we do have a group discount for national tourists!).
How do I get to Barba Azul Nature Reserve?
It is recommended to charter a small plane either from Trinidad or Santa Ana de Yacuma. Armonia does not coordinate these flights but can provide contact information for the pilots. At times, extra seats will be available on flights where our staff are traveling to and from the Reserve. In cases where the visitor’s itinerary is flexible, it may be possible to purchase empty seats. Please contact us to see if this might work for you.
In the dry season (July-Oct) it may be possible to reach the Reserve in 4×4 vehicles (70 km from Santa Ana de Yacuma), but planning a trip over land is always risky due to weather, as an unexpected rain event quickly makes roads impassable. In case of traveling by land, it is necessary to hire a guide from Santa Ana who can lead you to the Reserve.
I want to visit Barba Azul and then go to another destination. Can you send me an itinerary including both?
Armonia is a non-profit organization that incorporates tourism to help provide sustainability for conservation programs. However, we are not a tour agency. Due to legal considerations, we are only able to arrange for reservations at Barba Azul Nature Reserve and Red-fronted Macaw Reserve. We are not able to arrange for transportation or other tourist services. Please contact Bird Bolivia for itineraries including other birding destinations, or if you need help arranging for the logistics of arriving at our Reserves.
Can I get a refund if it rains while I am there, or if I don’t get to see the Blue-throated Macaw?
We cannot control the weather and tourist visits require detailed advanced planning, prohibiting changes in reservations at the last minute due according to the weather forecast. While we highly recommend visiting during the dry season to minimize weather-related limitations to activities, there is no guarantee of warm, dry, sunny days. Cold fronts can arrive with little advance notice. Please be prepared for hot/sunny or cold/rainy, or any weather in between. Rain boots are essential year-round on the Reserve.
All proceeds from tourism support conservation activities at the Reserve. While we sincerely hope each visitor has the chance to see the beautiful Blue-throated Macaw, wildlife is never completely predictable and we cannot guarantee its appearance on-demand. Please understand that even if you were not successful in seeing the Blue-throated Macaw during your visit, the income generated from your visit is important for ensuring the survival and well-being of the species.
To learn more about the activities supported by tourist dollars, visit the Barba Azul Nature Reserve Conservation Program Page.
Can’t find the answer to your question?
See our complete information page.
Laney Rickman Reserve
I want to see the Blue-throated Macaw on a day tour from Trinidad. How can I do that?
Laney Rickman Reserve is no longer open to tourists. The Blue-throated Macaw is Critically Endangered with a population of around 450 individuals. The Laney Rickman Reserve is a sensitive area that is highly important for the reproductive success of the species. In order to provide the best conditions for nesting, we are now managing the Reserve strictly under conservation protocols. Please plan a visit to the Barba Azul Nature Reserve in order to see Blue-throated Macaws.
Red-fronted Macaw Reserve
Are there discounts for national tourists?
Please contact us for current pricing; discounts are available for groups of 5-14 people where all members are Bolivian citizens or permanent residents. This applies to the Red-fronted Macaw Reserve only. The discounted prices are not available to smaller groups, so please join with friends and enjoy the Reserve together!
What is the recommended stay at the Red-fronted Macaw Reserve?
The Red-fronted Macaw Reserve has three hiking trails: one especially for observing the macaws from below and above, one that goes to the remains of an Omereque fortress, and one that goes through the agricultural areas of the community. Each trail offers distinct bird species and landscapes. Visitors should plan on a half day for each trail; therefore a 2-night stay is recommended in order to be able to explore all three.
For a better idea of what you may see, please watch the Red-fronted Macaw Reserve Spot.
I want to visit the Red-fronted Macaw Reserve and then go to another destination. Can you send me an itinerary including both?
Armonia is a non-profit organization that incorporates tourism to help provide sustainability for conservation programs. However, we are not a tour agency. Due to legal considerations, we are only able to arrange for reservations at Barba Azul Nature Reserve and Red-fronted Macaw Reserve. We are not able to arrange for transportation or other tourist services. Please contact Bird Bolivia for itineraries including other birding destinations, or if you need help arranging for the logistics of arriving at our Reserves.
Can I visit the Reserve without staying overnight?
Day visits can be arranged by directly contacting the local community members in charge of Reserve administration (Cel: 67621347).
Can I camp at the Red-fronted Macaw Reserve?
As a community tourism initiative, the Red-fronted Macaw Reserve offers lodging for up to 14 guests. Visitor fees include 3 meals per night’s stay, plus the services of a local guide and access to the Reserve’s three distinct trails. Camping is not allowed in the Reserve.
Can’t find the answer to your question?
See our complete Red-fronted Macaw Reserve information page.