Bolivia
Golden dorado packraft tour
5-day backpacking, nomadic fishing trip in the river at the foothills of the Bolivian Andes. The majority of the 19-kilometer section is wadeable, but we cross the deep pools in the canyons by paddling. The fish typically range from 2 to 10 kg.
golden dorado
Bolivia
camp
wading
5
July-Oct
Many anglers dream of catching the golden dorado, which you can stalk from the riverbank by wading, either fly fishing or spinning. However, this trip is for adventure anglers; you have to earn your catch. You won't reach from point A to B in a comfortable boat but by backpacking, walking on rocks, and occasionally hopping into the packraft (inflatable kayak) provided by us.
The tour capacity is two anglers.
You don't have to be a professional fly or spin angler to catch a trophy golden dorado!
Day 1: Arrival at Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz, transfer to accommodation
Day 2: Early morning departure to the river. After a 6-8 hour drive, a one-hour hike to the river
Day 3: Fishing
Day 4: Fishing
Day 5: Fishing
Day 6: Fishing
Day 7: Fishing until 6 PM (till dusk), followed by a one-hour hike to the pickup point, and return to the accommodation at night
Day 8: Rest and free time in Santa Cruz
Day 9: Transfer to Viru Viru International Airport.
The location only allows for tent accommodation, so participants will be accommodated in single-person trekking tents equipped with inflatable mattresses, pillows, and sleeping bags. The tents are set up and taken down by the guides. Nights can be chilly in July and August, so warm base layers are absolutely necessary.
Tent parameters: bedroom length 210 cm, width 60 cm at the head & 70 at the hips, 50 cm at the feet, height 95 cm.
Two main meals per day and filtered drinking water are provided.
Meals are prepared on-site in camp; please inform us in advance if you have any special dietary requirements during the tour!
The difficulty level of the tour is C, meaning it is physically demanding. It is recommended for hikers who exercise regularly (a few times a week). This trip has a low comfort level.
Fish can only be photographed above the water, and single hooks are mandatory (the BKK Lone Diablo is highly recommended). The use of lip grips and any other devices that may injure the fish is prohibited. Golden dorados must be released back into the water after photographing.
You may be asked for proof of yellow fever vaccination upon entering the country, as it is mandatory.
There is no coverage at the tour location, so phones will not work.
While mosquitoes are few, there are many small flies present that do not transmit diseases but can deliver painful bites and potentially cause allergic reactions. It is strongly recommended to cover all exposed skin.
The guides are from the local community and speak only Spanish; an English-speaking guide can be requested.
8-10 weight fly rods are recommended. Flies such as mice, poppers, sliders, and streamers between 12-18 cm are suggested.
For spinning, 30-40 gram rods are recommended, with PE 1 braided line and a 0.70 mm mono or fluoro leader.
For 2 people: 3500 USD per person
For 1 person: 5000 USD
Includes:
guide(s), two main meals plus filtered water, tour equipment (packraft, paddle, tent, mattress, sleeping bag, pillow), transfers to accommodation in Santa Cruz, as well as to and from Viru Viru International Airport, accomodation in Santa Cruz and transfer to the fishing location.
Garmin SAR 100 Insurance Plans for days spent fishing. This is not a travel insurance. These plans help to cover resource costs related to a Garmin Response coordinated search and rescue for a covered person.
Insurance contract: https://subscriptions.garmin.com/legal/insurance/sar
FAQ about SAR Insurance Plans: https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=avYgK25GBO4TyEkzrdVuu6
Does not include:
Tips for the guide(s)
Travel insurance
Fish species: Golden Dorado
Season: July to October
Capacity: 2 anglers
Which airport should I arrive at?
Viru Viru International Airport, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia
When do I need to pay for the fishing trip?
50% at the time of booking, and the remaining 50% at least 3 months before the start of the trip. Refunds are not available.
Which month should I go?
June-August is cooler, and the nights can be cold, but the chances of a good catch are very high. September-October features warm nights, and the days are quite warm, sometimes hot, with excellent fish activity due to the warming water. Heavy rain and thunderstorms can occur in any month.
What equipment should I bring?
8-10 weight fly rods are recommended. Flies such as mice, poppers, sliders, and streamers between 12-18 cm, in color combinations of black-red, black-lemon, purple, blue, and green, are suggested. For spinning, 30-40 gram rods, PE 1 braided line, and a 0.70 mm mono or fluoro leader are recommended.
Will I need wading gear?
Yes, and studded felt-soled shoes are strongly recommended.
What kind of spots will we be fishing in?
Fishing will be done from the bank or by wading in the water, with the terrain being suitable for fly fishing almost everywhere.
What fish can be caught?
Golden dorado, yatorana, and occasionally pacu.
How many fish can be caught per day?
3-8 fish.
Who are the guides?
The guides are experienced campesinos from the local community and speak only Spanish.
Is fishing equipment provided?
Flies are available at the accommodation, but guests must provide all other equipment themselves.
What is a typical day like?
Wake up in the morning followed by breakfast.
- change of clothes for airplane and land travel
- 3 sets of light change of clothes for fishing (long pants, long-sleeve shirt or t-shirt, lightweight quick-dry hiking shoes), mask and gloves, preferably with insect and UV protection
- sleepwear (base layer)
- personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
- if you are vegetarian or have a special diet, please notify in advance or bring your own food to prepare
- identification documents
- personal medications (in a separate waterproof box or bag)
- swim trunks
- light water bottle, max 1L
- cap (e.g., baseball cap)
- natural sunscreen, without chemicals. Insect repellent. (It is recommended to start taking thiamine - vitamin B1 - a week before the trip)
- headlamp (for reliability, Petzl headlamps with 2 pc of Core battery are recommended)
- power bank (to charge the mobile phone, action cameras ect.)
- 100% waterproof backpack
- medium-sized microfiber towel (recommended to have microfiber due to weight and volume)
- waterproof poncho or raincoat
- tetanus shot recommended
- neck strap phone case
What you can't miss in your fishing gear:
headlight, single hooks, flyfishing line, leaders
What not to bring:
- alcoholic beverages
- no unnecessary weights
- treble hooks
- lip grip
- landing net