Overview
Discover one of the most exciting birdwatching day trips from La Paz on a private journey through the spectacular Zongo Valley.
Beginning in the high Andes above La Paz, this full-day birding tour follows a dramatic descent from approximately 4,600 metres above sea level, passing through high-altitude lagoons, puna grasslands, Andean valleys and increasingly lush cloud-forest habitat.
The enormous change in elevation is what makes Zongo particularly interesting for birdwatchers. Instead of visiting a single habitat, we have the opportunity to search for completely different groups of birds as we descend toward the Yungas.
Possible highlights range from Giant Coots, Andean Geese and high-altitude ground-tyrants to hummingbirds, tanagers, flycatchers, spinetails and other Yungas specialties.
For visiting birdwatchers with limited time in La Paz, Zongo offers an excellent introduction to the extraordinary diversity of Bolivia’s Andean birdlife.
what’s included
what to bring
Because we travel through a very large range of elevations, temperatures can change considerably during the tour. Conditions around 4,600 metres can be cold, while lower sections of Zongo may be significantly warmer and more humid.
at a glance
We depart from your hotel in La Paz at approximately 6:00 a.m. in a private vehicle accompanied by your birdwatching guide.
Leaving the city behind, we climb into the dramatic landscapes of the high Andes before beginning our descent toward Zongo.
Our itinerary is deliberately flexible. Bird activity changes from day to day, so your guide will select the most productive stops according to weather, season and recent sightings.
Our first major birding area is around Laguna Viscachani and the surrounding high-altitude puna grasslands.
At approximately 4,600 metres, this open Andean environment supports a completely different bird community from the forests we encounter later in the day.
Possible species:
Andean Condor and other high-altitude birds may also occasionally be encountered.
After exploring the puna, we begin the spectacular descent into Zongo Valley.
As we descend, the scenery and vegetation change dramatically. The exposed puna gradually gives way to greener Andean slopes, humid valleys and cloud-forest environments.
This transition through different elevations creates excellent birdwatching opportunities, and we make numerous stops along the route wherever conditions are most productive.
Potential birds:
Many additional species can be encountered during the day, and the exact bird list will vary considerably between trips.
If we encounter an active feeding flock or an interesting species, we may remain in one area longer. On quieter days, we can continue descending and explore additional habitats — this is a birdwatching tour rather than a fixed sightseeing excursion.
Lunch and snacks are taken during the journey at a convenient location without unnecessarily interrupting the birding. During the afternoon, we begin our return journey to La Paz.
Expected arrival in La Paz is approximately 4:00–6:30 p.m., depending on bird activity, road conditions and the number of stops made during the day.
target species
The Black-hooded Sunbeam (Aglaeactis pamela) is one of Bolivia’s most distinctive hummingbirds and an important target for birdwatchers visiting the Andes around La Paz. This restricted-range Bolivian species is one of the special birds we may search for during the higher sections of the Zongo route.
The striking Inti Tanager (Heliothraupis oneilli) was formally described as a species only in 2021 and has quickly become one of the most talked-about birds of the Bolivian Yungas. It is an exceptionally interesting possible target for specialist birders, although it should be considered a difficult bird and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
The forests and slopes of the Bolivian Yungas support a fascinating collection of birds found across relatively restricted areas of the eastern Andes. Depending on elevation and conditions, we may search for species such as Yungas Tody-Tyrant, Bolivian Brushfinch, Bolivian Earthcreeper, spinetails, wrens, hummingbirds and mixed flocks of tanagers.
Bird sightings are not guaranteed. All birds encountered during this tour are completely wild — the species mentioned on this page represent possible sightings and target species recorded or searched for within the habitats visited on the route. Sightings vary according to season, weather, flowering, feeding activity, migration, elevation and many other natural factors.
our approach
This is a birdwatching tour rather than a fixed sightseeing excursion. If we encounter an active feeding flock or an interesting species, we may remain in one area longer. On quieter days, we can continue descending and explore additional habitats. This flexibility is particularly valuable for experienced birders and photographers.
good to know
All birds encountered during this tour are completely wild. The species mentioned on this page represent possible sightings and target species recorded or searched for within the habitats visited on the route. Sightings vary according to season, weather, flowering, feeding activity, migration, elevation and many other natural factors.
The first section of the tour reaches approximately 4,600 metres above sea level. We recommend that guests spend some time acclimatizing in La Paz beforehand, particularly if arriving directly from sea level.
This is not a trekking tour. Birdwatching is conducted using a combination of private vehicle access and short walks at selected locations.
why zongo
Bolivia is one of South America’s most rewarding destinations for birdwatching, and Zongo offers an exceptional opportunity to experience several of its Andean ecosystems in just one day.
From cold high-altitude lagoons surrounded by puna grasslands to the lush vegetation of the Yungas, the constantly changing landscape makes the journey as interesting as the birds themselves.
For birdwatchers staying in La Paz, this is one of our recommended full-day excursions and an excellent addition to a longer birding itinerary through Bolivia.
Our team replies within a few hours. We also speak Spanish and English.
Yes. Zongo is particularly interesting because of the enormous change in altitude and habitat that can be experienced during a single day. Starting in high-Andean puna and descending toward the Yungas provides opportunities to encounter several very different groups of birds.
Yes. Our guide can focus more heavily on particular species or bird families depending on the interests of the group, recent sightings and the time available.
Absolutely. You do not need previous birdwatching experience. The tour is also suitable for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and travellers who simply want to discover Bolivia's remarkable bird diversity.
No. The species mentioned are potential targets only. All birds are wild and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
The Black-hooded Sunbeam is one of the important Bolivian specialty birds that may be searched for during the tour. As with all species, sightings depend on conditions and bird activity.
The Inti Tanager is a very special and difficult bird. It may be targeted when current conditions, locations and recent information make this appropriate, but it should never be considered a guaranteed sighting.
The high-Andean section around Laguna Viscachani is approximately 4,600 metres above sea level.
Yes, whenever possible. We recommend spending at least some time in La Paz before undertaking activities above 4,000 metres, especially for guests arriving directly from low elevation.
Walking is generally limited to short birdwatching walks at selected locations. The tour involves considerably more birdwatching from roadside stops and accessible trails than strenuous hiking.
Return is normally between approximately 4:00 and 6:30 p.m. We intentionally keep the finishing time flexible because bird activity and road conditions can vary.
Yes. The tour can be operated throughout the year, although weather, flowering cycles, migration and bird activity vary between seasons.
