We spend 3 to 4 hours in the cloud forest ¨Las Yungas¨, alternating between easy walking and nature interpretation along specially designed trails, magic for the nature-lover and birdwatcher in particular. The trails wander beneath the canopy of myrtaceae, laurels, bolivian cedars, bolivian pines, polylepis, and weinmannias, going on to lookouts on the ridge of the La Mina mountain range, where great parts of the Amboró National Park lie at your feet. Not only will we pause in the misty atmosphere of the tree fern forest, where the magical mosses and bromeliads flourish, or search for birds with our binoculars; we will also seek to understand the evolutionary forces and ecological processes within this unique ecosystem and discover the value of its many medicinal plants. Photo oppertunities abound (200-400 ISO).

From the Inter-andean valleys, the trip up the hillside road takes 1½ hour by car. Return trip also takes 1½ hour. According to time of year and road conditions we will go up by way of Mairana, Las Lauras, or Los Alisos. Snack and packed lunch in the forest. As the hike covers areas between 2,100 and 2,250 meters above sea level, anti-malaria medication is not necessary, but do bring a rain jacket or poncho.

An alternative for the more adventurous group is the climb from Las Lauras up El Cerro La Mina (2450 meters), which rewards its visitors with the best vistas around. This option adds an extra hour to the itinerary (no extra charge).