Module: Amazon
Duration: 6 days
Period: From April to November
Service: Private
This unique program allows you to discover the unmatched richness and bio-diversity of the Parque Nacional de Madidi and its surrounding areas, starting from the city of Rurrenabaque, a true base camp for excursions in the area.
Chalalan is an ecological camp established in primary Amazonian forest. It is located in the heart of the Parque Nacional de Madidi, which has the most diversified reserve of flora and fauna in the world, together with its large variety of ecosystems (Andean, sub Andean, tropical, pampa…) The warm welcome of the Uchupiamonas, the native Indians, and the excellent quality of the lodges where you will be hosted, will allow you to discover this natural wonder in the best conditions available. The Chalalan project has been financed by an NGO, Conservación Internacional. Today, this project is a success, and is fully managed by the San José de Uchupiamonas community. Revenues are used for the protection of an ecosystem coveted by multinationals that exploit the cherished timber, and for the conservation of the Uchupiamonas culture.
The banks of the Yacuma River are full of numerous animal species (black alligators, birds, turtles, pink dolphins, monkeys, anacondas) and rest assured that you will be able to watch a wide variety of animals. This is certainly the best place in the entire Amazon to observe the fauna.
This tour of the Pampa (landscapes quite different from those of the tropical forest surrounding the Chalalan lodge) takes us to the Bala camp (the best one in the area), located in the heart of a Pampa populated by a large variety of animal species.
Day 1 : LA PAZ - RURRENABAQUE
We leave the hotel by private transport, for transfer to the airport (in the morning or in the afternoon, according to the day of the week). La Paz - Rurrenabaque flight (1hr).
Reception at Rurrenabaque airport, and transfer to the hotel. End of the day in the capital of Beni : free time.
Lunch and dinner free . Hotel.
Remark : The La Paz - Rurrenabaque flight is unaccompanied.
Day 2 : RURRENABAQUE - CHALALAN
At 07.00, a motorized canoe or pirogue takes us to the heart of Madidi National Park, which shelters the largest variety of flora and fauna in the world (it contains a complete array of ecosystems: Andean, sub Andean, tropical forest, Pampa (flooded plains). After navigating the River Tuichi for 4/5 hours, we reach the ecological camp of Chalalan.
In the afternoon, after attending the presentation of the project of the San José de Uchupiamonas native community, we start the excursion: a walk on the banks of the neighboring lagoon, on the Chichilo path and the Mirador (belvedere), where from we enjoy a complete view of the site. In the evening, we take a walk to discover the animal life at first hand.
Lunch. All included. Night at the lodge.
Day 3 : CHALALAN
In the morning, we take the Silbador, Mutua and Anta paths. We discover medicinal and exotic plants. In the afternoon, we have a dip in the lagoon, then an excursion along the Wichi and Jaguar footpaths (where we can observe the birds). In the evening, traditional soirée / entertainment with our hosts.
Lunch at the camp (included). All included. Night at the lodge.
Day 4 : CHALALAN - RURRENABAQUE - BALA CAMP
We leave at 06.30 in a pirogue for Rurrenabaque. Arrival around 09.00. After more or less 2 1/2 hours on a dust track (according to road conditions), via Santa Rosa village we reach the Bala camp, on the edge of the River Yucuma. In the afternoon, excursion in a motor boat to observe the animal life on the banks of the river: to watch numerous animals, among others, several species of birds (toucans, parrots, tapacaré, kingfishers, marabous, herons and other wading birds etc), fresh water turtles, alligators, monkeys (howlers, whistlers, chichilos), etc.
Return to the camp by the end of the afternoon, dinner, then later, a stroll to discover the night activity. Lunch. All included. Night at the eco-lodge.
Day 5 : BALA CAMP
In the morning, we take a walk through the footpaths of the area to find the sicuri, the famous anaconda which may reach 12m in length and lives one hundred years. This stroll shall also allow us to observe the capihuaras (the biggest rodents in the world), tapirs or anteaters (if we are lucky), and discover medicinal plants, used even now by local inhabitants. In the afternoon, a new excursion by canoe or motorboat. Upon our return to the camp, a bath in the Yacuma River accompanied by bufeos, pink dolphins which are abundant in almost all the water currents of the large Amazonian basin. Lunch. All included. Night at the eco-lodge.
Day 6 : BALA CAMP - RURRENABAQUE - LA PAZ
Return by 4WD to Rurrenabaque. On the way, we stop on the edge of a lagoon, and with some light fishing lines, will try to catch piranhas or bentons, small carnivorous fish which can be caught near the lagoons after the rainy season.
Transfer to the airport, then La Paz - Rurrenabaque return flight in the afternoon.
Reception at the airport, and transfer to the hotel. End of the day is free.
Lunch and dinner free . Hotel Naira.
La Paz - Rurrenabaque flight is unaccompanied.
INCLUDED
- Tour guide
- Cook
- Transport (Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4)
- Hotels
- Night in the lodge
- Meals
- Equipment
- Entrance to the National Park
NOT INCLUDED
- Individual equipment
- Obligatory individual insurance
- Free meals
On request: conditions of sales / equipment list and general information about Bolivia.
Note: Hotels are given as indication under condition of availability when the tour is confirmed.
In case of non-availability, a hotel of the same category will be booked. Warning, the hotels’ ranking category does not correspond to Europe rankings.
Important: As a security measure, please bring photocopies of passport and individual insurance (obligatory, to hand over to us when you arrive).