Madidi National Park Tours - Rurrenabaque

Duration: 4 days 3 nights

Difficulty: medium

Madidi National Park, located upper North of the department of La Paz, si one of the protected areas beholding the largest biodiversity in the world. In over 18000 square kilometers, it is constituted by a variety of ecoregions, from andean peaks to amazon rainforest. Although cataloging of flora and fauna is yet to be finished, it's a fact that eleven percent of the planet inhabit this place, and over nine hundred mammal, amphibian, reptile and fish species, also almost five thousand varieties on plants, moss, ferns and fungus.

Thus, Madidi is one of the most visited destinations in Bolivia and a reference for environmentalists, biologists, nature specialists throughout the planet.

Rurrenabaque, a beautiful touristic city in the Departament of Beni, is the entrance to Madidi National Park. Navigating the Beni and Tuichi rivers the visitor will be able to get to San Buenaventura and Cañon del Bala and to reach various enterprises of communitary tourism inside the Park. Tumpasa, San José de Uchupiamonas and San Miguel are some of the communities that belong to Tacana ethnic group and where there have been developed excepcional initiatives on sustainble tourism in full harmony with nature and the preservation of the local cultural values.

Location: Department of La Paz, Franz Tamayo e Iturralde

Nearest capital city: La Paz, 410 kms.

Altitude: between 5.000 to 180 m.s.l

Temperature: 20 °C annual average

INCLUDED:

  • Local shared boat
  • Guides touristiques locaux
  • Meals according to itinerary
  • Accommodation at shelters

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Transportation to/from Rurrenabaque
  • Entrance tickets
  • Travel insurance
ITINERARY

The Chalalán Ecolodge is the best option to experience the amazing nature of the Madidi Park, one of the most biodiverse regions in the planet. There are shared and privad cabins at the Ecolodge and very well qualified guides.

The Ecolodge is fully managed by the indigenous Quechua-Tacana community of San José de Uchupiamonas.

50-minute flight to the town of Rurrenabaque, rest of the day at leisure.

We start the trip by motorboat towards the Ecolodge. The trip takes 5 and ½ hours approximately, navigating the Beni and Tuichi rivers, the trip is an opportunity to enjoy and appreciate beautiful landscapes such as the Bala Canyon, landscapes of the tropical jungle, with the possibility of observing some animals and birds during the trip until arriving at the port of Chalalan (Half way along the route we serve a box lunch or snack). From the main port we start a 25 minute walk following the Jaguar trail until we reach Lake Chalalan where the Ecolodge is located. 

In the afternoon, we will have a hike along one of our trails, where the local guide will interpret the humid tropical forest and its traditional uses for the local Quechua-Tacana community. Return by boat to observe some species of monkeys and birds.

After dinner we will enjoy a short walk to observe the nocturnal life of animals, especially variety of insects.

After breakfast, we will have a short trek of 3 to 4 hours along the Tapacaré path, where the local guide will deepen the interpretation of the rain forest and the ecological processes. 

In the afternoon, after a short rest (siesta), you will visit the viewpoint from where you can see the beautiful landscape of Lake Chalalan and the extensive primary tropical forest of Madidi National Park. Talk about the history of the community, the Chalalan project and the creation of the Madidi park.

Dinner will be ful of typical food, and later we will enjoy a special activity to observe the impressive shine of the eyes of alligators and other animals.

Very early we will have our lst hike along one of our trails where you will have your last chance to observe some animals and birds. It is time to walk to the port of Chalalán to board the motor boat back to Rurrenabaque. During the trip it is recommended to be always attentive on the way to observe some animals. The return trip down the river takes only 3 hours.
Arrival to Rurrenabaque and transfer to the airport.

  • Birdwatching within the Madidi Park
  • Equipment for sport fishing
  • From Rurrenabaque, we can also access to the Pampas of Santa Rosa del Yacuma Reserve. In the "Pampas" it is possible to make piraña sport fishing and swim with pink dolphins or "Bufeos" (Inia geoffrensis) endemic of the amazon.

There are daily departures from La Paz to Rurrenabaque with Amaszonas airline. The flight to Rurrenabaque takes 45 minutes.

Late Bolivia - Tour Operator • Copyright © 2018