Incredible and Surreal tour of El Palmar. - I took this tour at the end of December 2022. El Palmar is an incredible place for anyone who loves nature and wildlife. The valley feels incredibly surreal. After driving past countless valleys and mountains, high up in the cool Bolivian Andes, some dry, some with Eucalyptus and Pine forests, you arrive at something entirely different. A valley covered with enormous Architectural Janchicoco palms. The tour guides speak fluent english, and were incredibly friendly, accommodating and their passion for the location and for the environment of Bolivia really came through. They were some of my favourite people I had met in Bolivia. The tour included two hikes through the valley and a climb to the top of a large rock structure, spread across 2 days. The views were breathtaking (in every sense). We stayed over night at a nearby village which was home to local native people, who are solely permitted to take advantage of the resources provided by the palms and who, in turn, help look after and preserve it. Both treks require a local guide to lead. This is by far the most authentic and least touristic trips I took in the country. As well as the palms, I also got glimpses of rare Andead Condors and those more fortunate than myself may also get to see the tiny remnant population of Andean Spectacled bear that clings on in this particular valley helped by the Janchicoco fruits.