Jukumari Lodge is also excellent for many other highland and cloud forest birds:
Overview
Jucumari Lodge — also written Jukumari Lodge — is one of the most exciting birdwatching destinations near La Paz and one of Bolivia’s best-kept birding secrets. Set within the Yungas cloud forest, this peaceful lodge offers a rare combination of endemic birds, mountain scenery, forest trails, waterfalls, hummingbird feeders and important habitat for the Andean Bear, known locally as the jucumari.
It is one of the best birding hotspots in the La Paz region and an excellent stop on a wider Bolivia birding route. For serious birdwatchers, the lodge is especially important because up to six Bolivian endemic bird species can be found in the surrounding area. For nature lovers, it is also a beautiful place for hiking, photography, cloud forest landscapes and a quiet escape from the city.
Nick’s Adventures Bolivia no longer offers Jucumari Lodge as a day tour. We now offer overnight and multi-day tours only, because this destination is much better experienced with enough time on the ground. Staying overnight gives visitors better chances for early morning birding, afternoon activity, relaxed hiking and a more complete lodge experience.
Jukumari Lodge is one of the few birding-focused lodges in Bolivia. It remains far less known than many famous birding destinations in South America — part of what makes it special. The area feels wild, peaceful and authentic, with dramatic Andean scenery, cloud forest, elfin forest, rivers, waterfalls and excellent birding close to La Paz.
The tour can be designed as a specialist birdwatching trip, or as a more general nature, hiking and landscape tour. For birders, Nick’s Adventures Bolivia arranges expert bilingual birdwatching guides who know the local habitats, bird calls, endemic species and best birding areas around the lodge.
andear bear habitat
Jucumari Lodge is located in an important habitat for the Andean Bear (Spectacled Bear), South America’s only bear species. The area has been studied by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) through conservation and camera-trap research, and visits help support conservation-based tourism. Although bear sightings are rare and never guaranteed, exploring this habitat is a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts.
Beyond birdwatching, the lodge offers beautiful Yungas cloud forests, mountain landscapes, rivers, waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails. Hikes are generally moderate, making the area ideal for travelers interested in wildlife, photography, and nature. Due to its high-Andean setting, visitors should expect cool temperatures, variable weather, and possible altitude effects.
For wildlife lovers, the chance to walk through real Andean Bear habitat adds another layer to the experience, even when the main focus of the tour is birdwatching. As with all wildlife encounters, sightings are possible but not guaranteed.
target species
One of the main reasons Jucumari Lodge is so important is the possibility of finding several Bolivian endemic birds in one area. Sightings depend on bird activity, weather, season and time in the field — as with all real birding, nothing is guaranteed, but the concentration of endemics here is exceptional for the La Paz region.
A spectacular Bolivian endemic hummingbird and one of the top target birds at Jukumari Lodge — often a major highlight for visiting birders and photographers.
A sought-after endemic species found in humid Andean forest habitat — an important bird for anyone focused on Bolivia’s endemics.
A Bolivian endemic furnariid associated with high-Andean and cloud forest vegetation — another important target for specialist birders.
A range-restricted Bolivian endemic and an important species for birders visiting the La Paz Yungas and cloud forest habitats.
A beautiful and highly desirable endemic hummingbird — one of the special species that makes this region so interesting for serious birdwatchers.
A secretive Bolivian endemic antpitta and one of the most exciting possible target birds in the area. Like all antpittas, sightings depend on activity, weather and patience.
other important species
Jukumari Lodge is also excellent for many other highland and cloud forest birds:
bolivia’s first antpitta feeding station
Jukumari Lodge has Bolivia’s first known antpitta feeding station, which can improve the chances of observing secretive forest-floor birds such as the Rufous-faced Antpitta. The lodge’s hummingbird feeders are also excellent for photography and close views of high-Andean hummingbirds.
beyond birding
Jukumari Lodge is not only about birds. The landscape is spectacular, with Yungas cloud forest, elfin forest, mountain views, rivers, waterfalls and peaceful forest trails.
Hiking is generally moderate, with some uphill and downhill sections depending on the route — a great fit for travelers who enjoy birding combined with natural scenery, photography and time outdoors. Because the lodge sits lower than La Paz but still within a high-Andean environment, visitors should be prepared for cool temperatures, changing weather and some altitude effects.
Destination Type
tour options
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Minimum Recommended
The best choice for travelers with limited time. Includes afternoon birding or hiking on arrival, overnight at the lodge, early morning activity, lunch on the second day and a late-afternoon return to La Paz.
Stronger Itinerary
Combines Jukumari Lodge with the famous Death Road area, giving birders access to different elevations, habitats and species while visiting one of Bolivia's most iconic mountain roads.
Fully Flexible
Jukumari Lodge can be included in a longer Bolivia birding itinerary with destinations such as Coroico, Apolo, Lake Titicaca, Madidi, Santa Cruz, Refugio Los Volcanes and Red-fronted Macaw areas.
sample programm
We depart La Paz in the morning and travel toward the Yungas cloud forest, with stops along the way depending on weather, road conditions and the focus of the tour. For birdwatchers, we search for Andean and cloud forest species as we descend through different elevations — possible birds include hummingbirds, tanagers, flowerpiercers, furnariids, brushfinches and mixed flocks. For general nature travelers, the route also offers beautiful mountain scenery and photographic opportunities.
After arriving at Jukumari Lodge, we settle in and explore the surrounding trails, feeders and forest areas. The afternoon can focus on birdwatching, photography, hiking, waterfalls or a relaxed nature walk depending on your interests. Possible targets include Black-hooded Sunbeam, Bolivian Brushfinch, Gray-bellied Flowerpiercer, Black-throated Thistletail and other cloud forest species. Overnight at Jukumari Lodge.
We start early, when bird activity is usually at its best. The morning can focus on birding around the lodge trails, hummingbird feeders, forest edge and antpitta areas. Depending on conditions, possible targets may include Bolivian Antpitta, Rufous-faced Antpitta, Hooded Mountain-Toucan, Gould’s Inca, Great Sapphirewing and mountain tanagers. For guests who are less bird-focused, the morning can also be used for hiking, photography, waterfalls and forest walks.
After lunch, we have time for a final walk or birding session before departing Jukumari Lodge in the late afternoon, returning to La Paz in the evening depending on road conditions and stops along the way.
Note: This itinerary is flexible. The route and activities can be adjusted depending on weather, road conditions, bird activity, client interests, photography goals and fitness level.
Our team replies within a few hours. We also speak Spanish and English.
Yes. Jukumari Lodge is one of the best birding lodges near La Paz and an important hotspot on Bolivia's birding routes, especially for endemic birds, hummingbirds, antpittas and cloud forest species.
Up to six Bolivian endemic birds are associated with the area: Black-hooded Sunbeam, Bolivian Brushfinch, Black-throated Thistletail, Gray-bellied Flowerpiercer, Bolivian Starfrontlet and Bolivian Antpitta.
No. Nick's Adventures Bolivia no longer offers day tours to Jukumari Lodge. We only offer overnight and multi-day tours, because the destination deserves more time and the best birding is usually early in the morning and late in the afternoon.
Yes. Jukumari Lodge can be combined with the Death Road area in a 3-day birding and nature itinerary — a great option for birders who want more habitats, more time in the Yungas and a stronger short birding route from La Paz.
Andean Bear is present in the wider area, and the forests around the lodge have been studied as bear habitat by WCS. Sightings are possible but not guaranteed.
No. The tour is excellent for serious birders, but it can also be adapted for photographers, hikers, wildlife lovers and general nature travelers.
Yes. For birding-focused tours, we arrange expert bilingual birdwatching guides who know the local habitats, endemic species, bird calls and best birding routes around Jukumari Lodge.
The dry season is generally best for hiking, road conditions and birding comfort. The rainy season can still be beautiful, but rain may affect trails, visibility and travel times.
Most Jukumari Lodge tours start and finish in La Paz. The itinerary can be adjusted depending on your hotel, flight times and whether you are combining the lodge with Death Road or a longer Bolivia birding route.
