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"This National Park is a large, well-protected area encompassing more than 3.8 million acres of wilderness."
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Visiting Flor de Oro and its surroundings - REFERENCE PROGRAM
FIVE DAYS PROGRAM
DAY 1
Morning: Santa Cruz - Flor de Oro by airplane.
The flight will take up to 2 hours. Flor de Oro is located right on the banks of the Iténiz river in the extreme north-central section of the park. Therefore, en route to the park, you will fly over hundreds of kilometers of pristine rainforest, as well as the magnificent Caparú Plateau with its red cliffs and two very impressive waterfalls named Ahfeld and Arco Iris. When we arrive in Flor de Oro where we will meet with the staff and check into our rooms.
Lunch in Flor de Oro
Afternoon: South trail (Cerrado & riverside forest to first bay)
The flight from Santa Cruz to Flor de Oro already gave a stunning introduction to the grandeur of Noel Kempff National Park as it took us over hundreds of kilometres of virgin forest. From the air we have already seen the great diversity of pristine habitats that makes the Park a world-class tourist destination and be in high gear to get out into the field.
Our first taste of the tropics will be the South trail which takes us from the lodge and along the river to the first bay. Apart from the many bird species, this trail will give us the chance to spot monkeys and, with luck, Giant Otters and Pink River Dolphins. In the bay we can count the caiman and see if there are any of the very large and endangered Black Caiman sunning themselves on the banks. We return at sunset, the time oropendolas pass in flocks and pairs of Scarlet and Blue-and-yellow Macaws fly over in pairs to their roosts.
DAY 2
Morning: North Trail (High and flooded forest, Cerrado on return)
We get well and truly into tropical forest on our first morning out. As the early mist swirls over the river we will hear tinamous and ant birds, guans and trogons calling as we go into the area of high forest north of Flor de Oro. Almost anything from a herd of peccaries to a Giant Anteater, a glimpse of an Ocelot or a meeting with a riotous family of Coatis may liven up our walk, and wild flowers, animal tracks, fruits and insects will abound as we make our way round the trail. We pass by a large riverine lake before coming out onto the savannah for our round trip return to Flor de Oro for lunch.
Lunch in flor de Oro
Afternoon: Woodland round Flor de Oro (Cerrado, parkland and palm savanna)
After lunch we go into a different world, the Cerrado round the Flor de Oro lodge. The grasslands, dotted with termite mounds and tiny wooded islands, are home to a great variety of birds, flowers and mammals.
DAY 3
Morning: Flor de Oro - Las Torres (Cerrado, Campo rupestre)
Full Day: (05.30 -13.00) Flor de Oro - Las Torres (Cerrado, Campo rupestre)
A full-day trip upriver to the guard camp of Las Torres gives us the chance to get into some unusual habitats of inundated Mauritiella savannah and Campo Rupestre, where our sightings may include spectacular hummingbirds, parrots and puffbirds. Later, hardy group members can see who can make it to the top of the unique rock formation which gives the camp its name, while others content themselves with finding the many flowering orchids that grow in hidden crevices along the path. For the really keen-eyed, we hope the Common Potoo still has her nest nice and low down for photographers at the start of the path.
Packed lunch Las Torres
Afternoon: (- 18.00) Itenez River - Várzea forest - return Flor de Oro
Várzea forest habitats along the edge of the river are very diverse and, if we are fortunate as we go back down, we will find ant wrens and the unforgettable Red-billed Scythebill in mixed flocks, while overhead we may see King Vulture, along with macaws and birds of prey. One recent group breathlessly reported a disdainful Harpy Eagle on a dead branch that refused to move no matter how close the driver moved the launch, exhausting binocular arms and camera films alike and making for a unique experience, just one of the many offered by the abundant wildlife of the Park.
DAY 4
Morning: River Trip Bajias (Várzea forest, aquatic, and river-edge vegetation)
An early morning start is in order to catch the forest at its most active and we will be looking out -and listening- from the boat for howler monkeys as they greet the day and move into their favorite fruiting trees, as well as getting really close to any dolphins that happen by. The river is also a great vantage point for seeing turtles and waterbirds and, turning into the entrance of the first bay, we will have wildlife all around us as we slowly make our way up to the large tree at the end of the bay in which a host of birds nest and roost.
Lunch in Flor de Oro
Afternoon: Free time - visitor centre, North or Sout trail if requested.
With all the time we spend outside, we should not forget the facilities offered in Flor de Oro. One afternoon we will make time to look round the Visitor Centre, which has displays on the history and geology of the area as well as outstanding photos of the area's flora and fauna. And we may well be tempted back towards the forest on the North trail if the weather clears up before dusk, giving us a great chance to see nightjars over the river and hear the night's first owls calling from the trees.
DAY 5
Morning: Explore Cerrado round Flor de Oro to Isla de Las Orquídeas
On our last morning we will do the round of the wooded patches in the Cerrado of Flor de Oro out to the so-called Island of Orchids. Along the way we will take in Toco Toucan, woodcreepers, and seedeaters, before making our way back to camp for a last meal and the impressive transfer flight back to Santa Cruz.
Lunch in Flor de Oro
Afternoon: Flor de Oro - Santa Cruz
Tour includes:
- Transfer hotel – airport
- Flight in small private airplane to Flor de Oro
- Experienced Spanish speaking local guide in Flor de Oro
- Excursions
- Transport in small motor boat in Flor de Oro
- Overnight stay in cabins
- Great meals
What we recommend to take with you:
- Backpack
- comfortable walking shoes
- Insect repellent
- Sun block
- Hat against the sun
- Binoculars
- Trousers and shirt with long sleeves
- Warm sweater
- Bathing clothes
Please take a look at the Noel Kempff pack list (Word doc.).
Back to general information on Noel Kempff Mercado National Park
Back to general information on Noel Kempff Mercado National Park - Flor de Oro
If you are interested in visiting Flor de Oro, you also might be interested in the visiting the Selvablue Ecolodge .
This tour can be done all year round.
Keep in mind that the program may change due to special circumstances like bad weather conditions.
