Barba Azul Nature Reserve
The Barba Azul Reserve’s mosaic of palm islands stretches across 27,180 acres (11,000 hectares) and are home to a wealth of endangered and endemic wildlife – including the Jaguar, Puma, Maned Wolf, Ocelot, Giant Anteater, Black Howler Monkey, and Crowned Eagle. Just to name a few of the impressive species that find sanctuary here.
This is a truly a bird watchers’ haven, a home for 303 bird species, with as many as 179 birds seen in a single day. Hoards of charismatic Blue-throated Macaw are seen at the reserve, giving you the rare opportunity to spend time in the wild with a Critically Endangered species found nowhere else on Earth. The tall grasses of the reserve protect rare savanna species, like the Cock-tailed Tyrant, Tachurí Coludo, as well as abundant populations of the Near Threatened Orinoco Goose and Greater Rhea.
Barba Azul Nature Reserve has 4 rustic cabins overlooking the stunning river Omi with a high abundance of marsh and water birds and the natural wake-up call from Black Howler Monkeys. The 4 cabins accommodate up to 8 visitors. There is also a field station with 4 shared bedrooms with 2 shared bathrooms that accommodates up to 8 visitors. Although mainly used by Armonía staff and visiting researchers and students working at Barba Azul, it can be used for large groups.
The best time to visit Barba Azul is in the dry season from May until the end of September to see the Macaws in high numbers. Outside this season the Macaws will migrate to their breeding grounds though a wide variety of other wildlife is abundant.
“Being in the reserve was like entering another world. We rode through waist high grasses where the endangered Pampa Deer and Giant Anteater still have a home. Above our heads Blue-throated Macaws screeched on their morning commute to feed on palm nuts. In the swamps colossal Jabiru Storks stabbed snakes and Orinoco Geese jostled for grazing rights.”
Activities
Horseback Riding
Bird Watching
Boat Trips
Wildlife
Visiting Barba Azul Nature Reserve, where the Beni Savanna meets the Amazon basin, is the perfect wildlife and bird watching holiday in Bolivia
Rooms
Rustic Cabin
Twin Beds and Private Bathroom.
USD 150 per person per night, with 3-night minimum stay
The price includes lodging, meals, boat trips, horse riding, and complete access to the reserve.
Gallery
GETTING THERE
Barba Azul Nature Reserve is located in the heart of the Beni Department in Bolivia and encompasses 11,000 ha (27,180 acres). Barba Azul sustains a large variety of savanna, cerrado, gallery forest, palm forest island, marsh and river habitat.
Barba Azul Nature Reserve is best reached by plane, which is available through local air charters. Flights can be arranged from Trinidad or Rurrenabaque and prices range around 1,400 USD return flight for a 5 person charter with a maximum of 500 kilo capacity. Flights from Trinidad take approximately 45 minutes.
It is also possible to fly from Santa Ana de Yacuma to Barba Azul Nature Reserve for a 600 USD return flight for a 5 person charter with a maximum of 500 kilo capacity.
