Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
By trufi and micro
The quickest, most comfortable way to reach Buena Vista and Samaipata
isbytrufi,collectivetaxis/minivansthatdepartwhenfull(mostpeopletravelinthemorning).
For Buena Vista (1hr 30min-2hr), catch a trufi to the town of Yapacani from Calle Izozog
La Riva, just north of the old bus terminal. To Samaipata (2hr 30min-3hr), trufis depart from
two blocks south of the old bus terminal on Av Omar Chavez and Solis de Olguín.
By taxi
MostjourneyscostBs10-15.RadiotaxicompaniesincludeElCristo( 033622828)
and Exclusivo ( 03 3572323).
INFORMATION AND TOURS
TOURIST INFORMATION
Inside the Prefectura building on the north side of Plaza 24 de Septiembre (Mon-Fri
8am-12.30pm and 2.30-8pm; 03 3368900). You can get a good free city map, and the
staff will answer simple questions in Spanish. The SERNAP office ( 03 3352325,
www.sernap.gob.bo
)
, on Calle 9 Oeste in Barrio Equipetrol, has limited information on the
country's national parks; come here first if you are planning an independent visit to Noel
Kempff Mercado.
COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM PROJECTS
The Santa-Cruz-based NGO
PROBIOMA
, 29 Calle 7 Este, Barrio Equipetrol ( 03
3431332,
probioma.org.bo
) links tourists to communities without taking a cut of the
money, unlike tour operators offering similar deals. The projects it promotes are managed
and run locally, ensuring the money goes to help the community as a whole. The surround-
ing environment is also protected as tourism provides an economic alternative to damaging
practices such as logging, or exhaustive farming techniques. One of the most successful of
these sites is
Ecoalbergue de Volcanes
on the south side of Amboró, where you can camp
or stay in one of the comfortable cabins. It is reached by an 8km trek along the Río Color-
ado from Bermejo, about 40km east of Samaipata on the Santa Cruz road. Situated to the
north of Amboró,
Villa Amboró
and
Isama
are both great centres for hiking and observing
wildlife. There is also a project in
El Chochis
. A stay at one of these sites will cost about
Bs350 ($50) a day, including food and expert guides.
TOUR AGENCIES
Many agencies run trips to Parque Nacional Amboró, the Jesuit Mission towns, Parque Na-
cional Noel Kempff Mercado and the Pantanal.
Amboro Tours
Pari 161 03 3390600,
amborotours.com
.
Well-established Bolivian set-
up with friendly staff.
Forest Tours
Cuéllar22 033372042,
forestbolivia.com
.
Professionally-run,good-value
agency specializing in Amboró trips.
