Where culture, conservation, and nature come together in a relaxing vacation
Located in southern Cochabamba department, the Red-fronted Macaw Reserve and its unique desert-like flora, fauna, and scenery provide an unforgettable experience. A few kilometers from Perereta, off of the highway between Saipina and Aiquile, the 50 ha. Reserve features sunny, dry Andean valley habitat. With support from Asociación Armonía, three local Quechua communities have become guardians of the Critically Endangered Red-fronted Macaw. It is possible to see an astounding eleven types of parrots and several bird species only found within Bolivia (the Red-fronted Macaw, the Monk Parakeet, and the Bolivian Blackbird). Three distinct hiking trails cover both valley and high outlooks through agricultural areas, river beds, and native forests. Especially known as a nature lover’s paradise, the area also boasts pre-Incan archeological remains. Many cave paintings and the Omereque culture’s best-preserved site, the Tunas Mok’o fortress, are found in the region. A glimpse of local lifestyles and agricultural practices lead to a greater understanding of how the region’s inhabitants interact with nature.
The Red-fronted Macaw Lodge is situated by one of the most important breeding cliffs for the Red-fronted Macaw. The native vegetation and feeders around the lodge provide perfect opportunities for up-close observing and photographing some of the 200 recorded bird species. The lodge houses fourteen guests in 7 cozy bedrooms and 4 bathrooms equipped with hot water. A common area includes a small library and souvenirs for purchase. The outdoor dining area brings nature up close, and menus combine local specialties and international fare.
Guests are attended by local Quechua residents with support from Asociación Armonía. Tourism services supplement and provide diversity of income sources in a region largely dedicated to agriculture. Proceeds from tourism are divided equally among the communities and invested in community projects while also providing sustainability to conservation programs.
Want to know more about the birds?
The best time to visit the Reserve is during the Red-fronted Macaw breeding season (November to early May), as the macaws are constantly present and seen flying in pairs, families, and groups. Outside of the breeding season the Red-fronted Macaw is less common, but groups are seen daily as the birds forage near the river and group for a communal roost at dusk.
In addition to being a parrot paradise, this desert habitat holds a regionally specific bird community, with such distinctive species as the White-eared Puffbird, Greater Wagtail Tyrant, White-tailed Plantcutter, Gray-crested Finch, White-fronted Woodpecker, Aplomado Falcon, Ultramarine Grosbeak, and Cliff Flycatcher.
See the Red-fronted Macaw Reserve eBird checklist for full details.
What will my visit support?
Proceeds from tourism are divided in four parts: for sustainability of the conservation program and between the three communities that run the Reserve (San Carlos, Perereta, and Amaya). Your visit supports the well-being of these indigenous communities through education and wellness programs and assures their ability to maintain conservation as a priority.
A full explanation of conservation currently in place and supported by tourism can be found on our Red-fronted Macaw program page. Your visit also helps to support every component of the conservation program, from education to reforestation.
How to arrange a visit
The ecolodge within the Reserve is run by the local indigenous communities of San Carlos, Perereta, and Amaya. The lodge can receive up to 14 guests at a time and costs US$200 per person per night, which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner and local guide service. Transportation and English-speaking guides must be arranged independently.
Due to the remote location, advance reservations are required. Please use our online reservation system or contact us by Whatsapp: +591 71391856 or email: reservations@armonia-bo.org.
Getting there and away
It is possible to reach the Reserve independently. Most of the trip is by national highway, with the last 2 km passing through a river bed and along dirt roads. In the rainy season when the river rises, it will be possible to park across the river from the lodge in a safe location and walk across the pedestrian bridge to the lodge. We will arrange for a community member to meet you upon arrival to assure a smooth connection. An alternate route, leaving the highway at Peña Colorada, adds about 30 minutes to the trip but gets you to the lodge door. Be sure that you have a suitable vehicle for tight curves and steep climbs.
From Santa Cruz, the Red-fronted Macaw Reserve is a 7-hour drive. From Cochabamba it takes 5 hours, and from Sucre it takes 4 hours. For detailed driving directions to Perereta and on how to proceed from Perereta to the ecolodge, please contact us.
Traveling by bus to the Reserve is possible but not easy. There is a bus from Santa Cruz to Perereta on Tuesdays and Fridays and another from Perereta to Santa Cruz on Thursdays and Sundays. (Make sure you check the most up-to-date bus schedule). There is also a daily micro bus to Saipina, where you would have to contract a taxi to Perereta. Another option would be to catch the daily buses that travel to Sucre from Santa Cruz, but they pass through Perereta at about 3am. You must walk 2 kilometers from Perereta to reach the ecolodge. It is possible to wave a bus down at around the same time to return. For directions on how to walk from Perereta to the ecolodge, please contact us.
Traveling with a tour
If you do not wish to travel independently to the Reserve, we can recommend a local tour agency that specializes in bird watching, wildlife and photography tours that are led by English-speaking guides.
Transportation and English-speaking guides must be arranged independently. Asociación Armonía can provide contact information for making these arrangements but does not contract or guarantee these services.
Book your Getaway
Please proceed to making an online reservation. If you have questions or doubts during the process, contact us at reservations@armonia-bo.org or by Whatsapp at +591 71391856.
Transportation and English-speaking guides must be arranged independently. Asociación Armonía can provide contact information for making these arrangements but does not contract or guarantee these services.
Reservations must be made 14 days in advance. Cancellations are possible up to two weeks in advance of the reservation; however, only 80% of the total is refundable.
Bolivian tourists and foreigners with Bolivian residency should contact us directly (reservations@armonia-bo.org or by Whatsapp at +591 71391856) to determine eligibility for national pricing instead of using the online reservation system.
All proceeds from tourism benefit the communities of San Carlos, Perereta, and Amaya, administrators of the Red-fronted Macaw Reserve, and provide sustainability for conservation efforts in favor of the Red-fronted Macaw. Thank you for contributing to the well-being of Bolivia’s people and biodiversity by choosing to visit the Reserve!
