Amboro Tours

Noel Kempff Mercado National Park - North Side

Piso Firme - North Side - Ahlfeld and Arcoiris Waterfalls

• Itinerary of 3 Days 2 Nights
• Itinerary of 4 Days 3 Nights
  
• Itinerary of 5 Days 4 Nights

From the city of Santa Cruz

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1st Day

At 8:00 a.m., we will pick you up from your Hotel or residence to take you to a runway for small aircrafts or to an airport. Before boarding the plane we go through the police anti-narcotics´ check. Only after this we can board the single-engine airplane, to start our trip to a community on the border of Paragua river. It is recommended to use the toilette before boarding the airplane.

Initiating the 3-hour flight, we will have the opportunity to appreciate the City of Santa Cruz from the air, and after flying the first 30 minutes towards the Northeast, we will be able to appreciate the devastation caused by agriculture, mainly for soy and sunflower plantations. After 40 more minutes of flight, we will be above the city of Concepción, which is part of the Jesuitical Missions of the Chiquitania. We will continue our flight for 30 more minutes and will begin to see that the exuberant green mantle becomes denser, and after approximately 60 minutes, we will be above the virgin forest of the Park.

After about 3 hous of flght we Arrive to our destiny, a population of approximately 500 Inhabitants.

After meeting the rest of the team that will make the excursions possible, we must start boarding the motor boat with all our belongings. This boat must be waiting for us to start the trip to Ahlfeld Camp Site trip in Noel Kempff National park

The coordination of the things and or the managing of people in these remote places is a little hard. So some failure or delay may occur.

This is because all the previous contact or communication about this trip was done

through radio USB and some times it does not work very clear.

And the Amboro Tours´ Coordinator once he/she arrives at the place with visitors, has only a few minutes to personally verify that everything is as it was supposed to be . But this is a risk that it needs to be taken in order to carry out this trip.

The travel time can vary from 7 to 12 hours depending on the level of river water and in especially the Rio Paragua and Pauserna.

The boat is small and usually has no roof, but with some seats and an outboard motor which can vary from 25 to 40 hp.

During this trip is likely sightings of different species of birds and some mammals such as capybaras, pink dolfins and others.

During the tour if time permits we will stop briefly in the community of Bellavista which located 1 ½ hour approximately from Piso Firme

Bellavista has a population of about 35 inhabitants and it is located within the park on Itenez river already in Noel Kempff Park

In Bellavista there are trails in the forest where the visitor can walk. Although in the rainy season some trails are flooded.

After the visit to Bellavista, we continue our journey down the river Itenez up to the mouth of Pauserna river. Here we will stop at the park ranger control site.

Pauserna river is much narrower than the Itenez river so the sighting of birds and mammals is easier and more likely.

Among the birds you can see are different species of king fisher. About mammals is the giant river otter. Also is likely to see the Jaguar on the shores of the river, making our trip an unforgettable experience.

Arrival to Ahlfeld camp site which would be the base for our our hikes

Depending on what was agreed earlier in Amboro Tours´ office will stay overnight in cabins or in tents around the cabin.

There is the possibility of a short leisurely walk at night to try to see more animals.

2^nd Day

After breakfast, we will set out on a different path parallel to the Pauserna River towards the top part of the Ahlfeld Falls. Here is where the falls begin to from. This view for some is the most impressive even though the view is not as extensive as the one from under Ahlfeld Falls. CAUTION: do not get too close to the edges since the rocks are very SLIPPERY. This first part of the walk is 40 minutes, and we will stop to enjoy the place and surroundings for 30 minutes.

Following, we will keep on getting further away from the campsite on the same path and walking through different types of forests. The path will go slightly uphill towards the Arcoiris (Rainbow) fall. There are parts where the path turns narrow with a rocky wall on one side and an edge that falls several meters down to the Pauserna River... We must walk very carefully. We will keep going upward on the path through the jungle whose vegetation keeps changing until at the top we reach the Caparú Plateau where the forest’s vegetation becomes low.

We walk for approximately 30 more minutes on the plateau until we get to the point where we get a magnificent view of Arcoiris Falls. It is here where we stop for refreshments and sandwiches meanwhile we match the immense Walter fall which creates the evaporation of liquids, part of the natural cycle which must be watched, appreciated and meditated upon. Now, depending on the rain season, some streams become rivers which turn into other impressive waterfalls; smaller but yet closer and accessible to the visitor who may swim and get massaged by the fall of the water.

Total walking time (one way) from the Ahlfeld campsite to the Arco iris Falls observation point is approximately 3 hours.

Sometimes Arcoiris Falls may be visited from below. This is less frequent though. This visit depends largely on the CONDITIONS of the Pauserna River and available time. The Pauserna River must be crossed swimming with much caution with the animals of the place as well as caution with the “tenant” residing on the bottom part of the Arcoiris Falls who is the Anaconda “Iris”!!!!!!! She has been spotted on several occasions from the top of the plateau (with binoculars) basking in the sun on the rocks

Return to the Ahlfeld Campsite to rest and have dinner.

Over night in Ahlfeld camp site

3rd Day

After an early breakfast we must get our belongings ready to leave the place. But before we cross Pauserna river by boat to start our walk through a path parallel to the Pauserna River.

The path is covered by a very relaxing canopy forest. This walk is approximately 30 minutes and goes towards a natural pool formed by the Ahlfeld Falls.

Here we will have a special and spectacular view of these famous waterfalls. We will also be able to take pictures from different angles. We will be able to enjoy these falls and take a swim but NOT to get close to the falls.

We must take notice and respect all existing signs and indications of caution. We must be aware of the presence of Sting Rays in the water as well as the presence of other animals which are not very probable but surely possible.

Time Available here 30 minutes.

The motor boat will be waiting for us to start our trip back to Piso Firme. This trip is going to be some how more faster that the way up because is going down Paserna and Itenez rivers

We must get to Piso Firme with enough time to fly back to Santa Cruz w and to arrive to the city still with day light. Although in one or two times we have to use the international airport to land at night in the small plane.

End of our services. Thanks.

Please Read The Terms and Conditions of our Services

Amboró Tours is the only original source of this Itinerary

Amboró Tours also offers longer tours to this destination.

Adverse climatologic conditions or social unrest can change the original itinerary.

Remember that this itinerary can vary or not be fulfilled in its totality by climate factors or the conditions of the roads and of the rivers or water streams.

Likewise, remember that this tour can become an adventure where mishaps can happen, which is why it is necessary to have an exploring and adventurous spirit.

Be prepared to protect yourself against the sun (sun lotion, sunglasses, hat or cap, long-sleeved shirt, long trousers and others) and rain (impermeable clothes).

Remember that nothing should be removed from the park (plants or seeds)

“Take only photographs and leave only footprints”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Noel Kempff Mercado National Park - North Side

Piso Firme - North Side - Ahlfeld and Arcoiris Waterfalls

• Itinerary of 4 Days 3 Nights
  

From the city of Santa Cruz

4 Days 3 Nights
1st Day

At 8:00 a.m., we will pick you up from your Hotel or residence to take you to a runway for small aircrafts or to an airport. Before boarding the plane we go through the police anti-narcotics´ check. Only after this we can board the single-engine airplane, to start our trip to a community on the border of Paragua river. It is recommended to use the toilette before boarding the airplane.

Initiating the 3-hour flight, we will have the opportunity to appreciate the City of Santa Cruz from the air, and after flying the first 30 minutes towards the Northeast, we will be able to appreciate the devastation caused by agriculture, mainly for soy and sunflower plantations. After 40 more minutes of flight, we will be above the city of Concepción, which is part of the Jesuitical Missions of the Chiquitania. We will continue our flight for 30 more minutes and will begin to see that the exuberant green mantle becomes denser, and after approximately 60 minutes, we will be above the virgin forest of the Park.

After about 3 hous of flght we Arrive to our destiny, a population of approximately 500 Inhabitants.

After meeting the rest of the team that will make the excursions possible, we must start boarding the motor boat with all our belongings. This boat must be waiting for us to start the trip to Ahlfeld Camp Site trip in Noel Kempff National park

The coordination of the things and or the managing of people in these remote places is a little hard. So some failure or delay may occur.

This is because all the previous contact or communication about this trip was done

through radio USB and some times it does not work very clear.

And the Amboro Tours´ Coordinator once he/she arrives at the place with visitors, has only a few minutes to personally verify that everything is as it was supposed to be . But this is a risk that it needs to be taken in order to carry out this trip.

The travel time can vary from 7 to 12 hours depending on the level of river water and in especially the Rio Paragua and Pauserna.

The boat is small and usually has no roof, but with some seats and an outboard motor which can vary from 25 to 40 hp.

During this trip is likely sightings of different species of birds and some mammals such as capybaras, pink dolfins and others.

During the tour if time permits we will stop briefly in the community of Bellavista which located 1 ½ hour approximately from Piso Firme.

Bellavista has a population of about 35 inhabitants and it is located within the park on Itenez river already in Noel Kempff Park

In Bellavista there are trails in the forest where the visitor can walk. Although in the rainy season some trails are flooded.

After the visit to Bellavista, we continue our journey down the river Itenez up to the mouth of Pauserna river. Here we will stop at the park ranger control site.

Pauserna river is much narrower than the Itenez river so the sighting of birds and mammals is easier and more likely.

Among the birds you can see are different species of king fisher. About mammals is the giant river otter. Also is likely to see the Jaguar on the shores of the river, making our trip an unforgettable experience.

Arrival to Ahlfeld camp site which would be the base for our our hikes

Depending on what was agreed earlier in Amboro Tours´ office will stay overnight in cabins or in tents around the cabin.

There is the possibility of a short leisurely walk at night to try to see more animals.

2^nd Day

After breakfast, we will set out on a different path parallel to the Pauserna River towards the top part of the Ahlfeld Falls. Here is where the falls begin to from. This view for some is the most impressive even though the view is not as extensive as the one from under Ahlfeld Falls. CAUTION: do not get too close to the edges since the rocks are very SLIPPERY. This first part of the walk is 40 minutes, and we will stop to enjoy the place and surroundings for 30 minutes.

Following, we will keep on getting further away from the campsite on the same path and walking through different types of forests. The path will go slightly uphill towards the Arcoiris (Rainbow) fall. There are parts where the path turns narrow with a rocky wall on one side and an edge that falls several meters down to the Pauserna River... We must walk very carefully. We will keep going upward on the path through the jungle whose vegetation keeps changing until at the top we reach the Caparú Plateau where the forest’s vegetation becomes low.

We walk for approximately 30 more minutes on the plateau until we get to the point where we get a magnificent view of Arcoiris Falls. It is here where we stop for refreshments and sandwiches meanwhile we match the immense Walter fall which creates the evaporation of liquids, part of the natural cycle which must be watched, appreciated and meditated upon. Now, depending on the rain season, some streams become rivers which turn into other impressive waterfalls; smaller but yet closer and accessible to the visitor who may swim and get massaged by the fall of the water.

Total walking time (one way) from the Ahlfeld campsite to the Arco iris Falls observation point is approximately 3 hours.

Sometimes Arcoiris Falls may be visited from below. This is less frequent though. This visit depends largely on the CONDITIONS of the Pauserna River and available time. The Pauserna River must be crossed swimming with much caution with the animals of the place as well as caution with the “tenant” residing on the bottom part of the Arcoiris Falls who is the Anaconda “Iris”!!!!!!! She has been spotted on several occasions from the top of the plateau (with binoculars) basking in the sun on the rocks

Return to the Ahlfeld Campsite to rest and have dinner.

Over night in Ahlfeld camp site

3rd Day

After an early breakfast we must get our belongings ready to leave the place. But before we cross Pauserna river by boat to start our walk through a path parallel to the Pauserna River.

The path is covered by a very relaxing canopy forest. This walk is approximately 30 minutes and goes towards a natural pool formed by the Ahlfeld Falls.

Here we will have a special and spectacular view of these famous waterfalls. We will also be able to take pictures from different angles. We will be able to enjoy these falls and take a swim but NOT to get close to the falls.

We must take notice and respect all existing signs and indications of caution. We must be aware of the presence of Sting Rays in the water as well as the presence of other animals which are not very probable but surely possible.

Time Available here 60 minutes

The motor boat will be waiting for us to start our trip back to Piso Firme. This trip is going to be some how more faster that the way up because is going down Paserna and Itenez rivers

We will try to have lunch in the community of Bellavista.

After lunch, we may rest for a short while and then we may get know more about the the community, while the afternoon cool down to continue our trip to Piso Firme

Dinner and overnight at Piso Firme

4to Dia

After breakfast we will have a short walk through the village in order to get to get to know more about the people of this community.

Before lunch we board the plane to start flying to the city of Santa Cruz.

Once in the city some one from Amboro Tours will take you to your place.

End of our services.Thanks

Please Read The Terms and Conditions of our Services

Amboró Tours is the only original source of this Itinerary

Amboró Tours also offers longer tours to this destination.

Adverse climatologic conditions or social unrest can change the original itinerary.

Remember that this itinerary can vary or not be fulfilled in its totality by climate factors or the conditions of the roads and of the rivers or water streams.

Likewise, remember that this tour can become an adventure where mishaps can happen, which is why it is necessary to have an exploring and adventurous spirit.

Be prepared to protect yourself against the sun (sun lotion, sunglasses, hat or cap, long-sleeved shirt, long trousers and others) and rain (impermeable clothes).

Remember that nothing should be removed from the park (plants or seeds)

“Take only photographs and leave only footprints”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Noel Kempff Mercado National Park - North Side

Piso Firme - North Side - Ahlfeld and Arcoiris Waterfalls

• Itinerary of 5 Days 4 Nights
  

From the city of Santa Cruz

5 Days 4 Nights
1st Day
At 8:00 a.m., we will pick you up from your Hotel or residence to take you to a runway for small aircrafts; we will board a single-engine airplane there, which will take you to a community located on the Paraguá River, adjacent to Noel Kempff M. Park. It is recommended to use the toilette before boarding the airplane.

Initiating the 3-hour flight, we will have the opportunity to appreciate the City of Santa Cruz from the air, and after flying the first 30 minutes towards the Northeast, we will be able to appreciate the devastation caused by agriculture, mainly for soy and sunflower plantations. After 40 more minutes of flight, we will be above the city of Concepción, which is part of the Jesuitical Missions of the Chiquitania. We will continue our flight for 30 more minutes and will begin to see that the exuberant green mantle becomes denser, and after approximately 60 minutes, we will be above the virgin forest of the Park.

Arrival to our destiny, a population of approximately 500 Inhabitants. Accommodation in one of the basic lodgings in this town, or if the passenger prefers to and if the adjustments have been decided previously, we can initiate trip that same day. In that case our first destination would be to the small village of Bellavista, which is located at 1½ hours by motorboat on our route. This small community has approximately 35 inhabitants and is already located within the Noel Kempff Park on the Itenez River. In Bellavista, there are tracks where it is possible to hike, although some of these may be flooded during the rainy season. Spending the night in the population of Bellavista will ease our motorboat 10 hours approximately trip to Ahlfeld camp site.

Dinner and overnight in BellaVista.

2nd Day
After breakfast, we will head to the Ahlfeld Campsite, which is near the cascade with the same name. We will initiate a beautiful day traveling in the waters of the Itenez river for the first 3½ hours approximately, and then of the Pauserna river for other 4 hours approximately. Estimated time of 7 ½ hours by speedboat. During this trip, we will have the opportunity to observe a great variety of birds such as different kinds of Fishing Martin and diverse mammals such as Capybaras, and there is a possibility of spotting a Jaguar in the banks of the river, turning our trip an unforgettable experience, enjoying the infinity of the nature.
Arrival to the Ahlfeld Campsite and accommodation in the rustic cabin that will serve as base for our long hikes. Depending on the number of people, for some it will be necessary to sleep in tents, since the capacity of the cabin is of only 10 people.
If we arrive at this place with enough time, it will be a short hike by a track, which is parallel to the Pauserna River. This track follows the Paraguá River and is very relaxing; this hike of approximately 30 minutes leads underneath the Ahlfeld cascade whose waters form a lagoon of crystalline water. Here we will have a special view of this famous waterfall and we will even be able to photograph it from different angles.
We will enjoy this special place where it is possible to swim but NOT to come near the waterfalls; the existing signaling and indications of precaution must be respected. Keep in mind that there is a possible presence of some animals such as Stingrays in the water or even an Anaconda; although no accidents in this location because of these animals have been reported, it is our duty to inform you.

A short nocturnal safari on foot with torches is possible. Spend the night in Ahlfeld.

3rd Day
After breakfast, we will leave by a different track, although also parallel to the Pauserna River, towards the upper part of the Ahlfeld Cascade. From this point where the waterfall begins, the view is more impressive for some, although the observation angle is not as ample as from under the waterfall. PRECAUTION: do not get too close to the edge since it and other rocks around it are very SLIPPERY. This first part of the hike takes approximately 40 minutes, where we will take around 30 minutes to enjoy the location.
Later we will continue moving away from the campsite using the same track and walking through different kinds of forests; the track will become a little steep towards the Arcoiris waterfall. There are parts where this track becomes narrow, with a stone wall on one side and a fall of several meters towards the Pauserna River on the other side; we must walk very CAREFULLY. We will continue ascending by the track in the forest, which changes vegetation until we arrive to the top of the Caparu plateau, where the high forest becomes a low forest. We walk for 30 more minutes on the plateau until arriving at a point from where it is possible to have a distant but spectacular view of the Arcoiris waterfall. It is here where we will have sandwiches for lunch while we observe the immense waterfall, which creates a water spray that is part of a natural cycle worthy to appreciate and contemplate. Depending on the month in the rainy season, other streams become rivers, forming other impressive waterfalls although much smaller, but nearer and more accessible, where it is possible to swim and even to receive hydro-massages.

Total walking time going from the Ahlfeld campsite to the observation point of the Arcoiris waterfall, is approximately 3 hours.

Sometimes the Arcoiris waterfall can be visited from below, although it is done with less frequency. This visit depends on the conditions of the Pauserna River and the available time. This would imply swimming across the Pauserna river, having great precaution with the local animals, such as the Anaconda known as "Iris", inhabitant of the lower part of the Arcoiris waterfall, seen in several opportunities from above the plateau (with binoculars), sunbathing on the rocks below.

We return to the Ahlfeld Campsite to rest and dinner. Next  day we  get ready for our return  to the community from where we departed.

Over night in Ahlfeld camp site

4th Day
Exit by the same way we arrived, this trip will last 6 to 8 hours, depending on the place where we spent the night, and this depends on the adjustments and according to the specific program elaborated for this excursion. Supper and spend the night in the community of Piso Firme

5th Day
After breakfast, hike through a track in the surroundings of the community or around the community itself, knowing a little about its inhabitants and/or another activity our passengers may prefer.

Lunch and after a brief rest, we will return to Santa Cruz; where we will be received on the runway and you will be taken to your hotel or domicile.

End of our service. Thanks.

Please Read The Terms and Conditions of our Services

Amboró Tours is the only original source of this Itinerary

Amboró Tours also offers longer tours to this destination.

Adverse climatologic conditions or social unrest can change the original itinerary.

Remember that this itinerary can vary or not be fulfilled in its totality by climate factors or the conditions of the roads and of the rivers or water streams.

Likewise, remember that this tour can become an adventure where mishaps can happen, which is why it is necessary to have an exploring and adventurous spirit.

Be prepared to protect yourself against the sun (sun lotion, sunglasses, hat or cap, long-sleeved shirt, long trousers and others) and rain (impermeable clothes).

Remember that nothing should be removed from the park (plants or seeds)

“Take only photographs and leave only footprints”