Enjoy a tour in one of the world’s most biodiverse protected areas
About Madidi National Park
Madidi National Park, in the north of the La Paz department, is one of the world’s most biodiverse protected areas. Its more than 18 000 km² encompass a variety of ecoregions ranging from Andean peaks to Amazonian humid forest.
Although the cataloguing of flora and fauna is far from complete, the park is home to eleven percent of the planet’s bird species, over nine hundred species of mammals, amphibians, reptiles and fish, as well as almost five thousand varieties of plants, mosses, ferns and fungi. For this reason, Madidi is one of the most visited destinations in Bolivia and a reference point for environmentalists, biologists and nature specialists worldwide.
Rurrenabaque, a beautiful tourist city in the Beni department, is the gateway to Madidi National Park. By navigating the Beni and Tuichi rivers, visitors can explore San Buenaventura and the Bala Canyon, reaching several community‑based tourism projects inside the park.
Tumupasa, San Jóse de Uchupiamonas, San Miguel are some of the Tacana‑ethnic communities where exceptional sustainable‑tourism initiatives have been developed in full harmony with nature and the preservation of local cultural values.
Location: La Paz Department, Franz Tamayo and Iturralde provinces
Nearest major city: La Paz, 410 km
Altitude: between 5 000 m and 180 m a.s.l.
Temperature: 20 °C
Itinerary
Day 2
Rurrenabaque ➔ Chalalán Ecolodge
- Start the journey on an outboard motorboat bound for the ecolodge. The boat ride takes about 5 hours ½, navigating the Beni and Tuichi rivers. It’s an opportunity to enjoy and appreciate beautiful scenery such as the Bala Canyon, tropical rainforest landscapes, with the chance to spot some animals and birds along the way until reaching the Chalalán port. (Mid‑trip we serve a boxed lunch or snack).
- From the main dock we begin a 25‑minute hike along the Jaguar trail to reach Chalalán Lake, where the ecolodge is located. Reception, welcome, and check‑in to the rooms.
- A welcome lunch will be provided.
- In the afternoon, after lunch, we’ll take a short walk on one of our thematic trails, during which the local guide will interpret the humid tropical forest and its traditional uses.
- Return by canoe to observe some monkey and bird species.
- Dinner will be served featuring a variety of local dishes.
- After dinner, we’ll take a short night walk to observe nocturnal wildlife, especially a variety of insects.
Day 3
Chalalán Ecolodge ➔ Madidi National Park
- Breakfast at the ecolodge with native fruits from the area.
- Then, we’ll have a guided 3‑ to 4‑hour hike on the Tapacaré trail or a similar route, where the local guide will deepen the interpretation of the rainforest and its ecological processes.
- Return to the lodge for lunch.
- In the afternoon, after a short rest (siesta), visit the viewpoint from which you can admire the beautiful scenery of Chalalán Lake and the extensive primary tropical forest of Madidi National Park. Talk about the community’s history, the Chalalán project, and the creation of Madidi Park.
- Dinner will be ready for the return; typical regional buffet‑style food.
- Before ending the day, a canoe ride will be offered – a special activity to watch the impressive glow of caiman eyes and other wildlife.
- Traditional night (Quechua‑Tacana) where our local guides will explain the customs, uses, and rituals of the Uchupiamonas indigenous people, letting you taste a traditional local drink, enjoy local music, and dance with the community of San José de Uchupiamonas.
Day 4
Madidi National Park ➔ Rurrenabaque ➔ La Paz
- Breakfast at the ecolodge with native fruits from the area.
- Very early, we’ll have a short walk on one of our trails, giving you a final chance to spot some animals and birds.
- Return to the lodge and have lunch.
- After lunch, we’ll walk to the Chalalán dock to board the motorboat back to Rurrenabaque. During the trip, stay alert to observe wildlife. The return journey takes about 3 hours.
- Arrival in Rurrenabaque and transfer to the airport for passengers with a return flight to La Paz.
General tour description and important notes
Availability:
✅ Tours are available every day of the week. Access to the various attractions may be limited during the rainy season, and flights to Rurrenabaque can experience delays and cancellations. The rainy season runs from December to March.
Requirements:
🪪 You may be asked to present identification, such as a passport.
What to bring?
🎒 Backpack, waterproof bag for keeping belongings dry on boat trips, wide‑brimmed hat, long‑sleeve shirt/pants (light fabric), hiking boots/hybrid sandals, swimsuit, rain jacket, insect repellent, toiletries (including any necessary medication), sunscreen, sunglasses, binoculars, camera, flashlight and batteries.
How to get to Rurrenabaque?
Daily flights are offered by Ecojet; the flight from La Paz to Rurrenabaque lasts about 1 hour.
Important details:
⛰️ The boat ride from Rurrenabaque to Chalalán takes roughly 3 hours, though travel time can vary with the season. We will keep you informed of all timings according to your travel dates.
Health information:
⚠️ This tour does not include activities that require excessive physical effort.
Ecolodge information:
🏕️ Chalalán Ecolodge is the best option to experience the wonderful nature of Madidi National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
🛖 The ecolodge offers shared and private cabins and has trained guides providing high‑quality service.
⛺ The ecolodge is fully managed by the Quechua‑Tacana indigenous community of San José de Uchupiamonas.
💡 Our recommendation:
Optional activities
➔ Specialized guides for bird‑watching within Madidi National Park.
➔ Specialized equipment for sport fishing.
Optional visits
➔ From Rurrenabaque you can also access the Municipal Reserve of the Pampas of Santa Rosa del Yacuma, where you can do piranha fishing and swim in the river alongside the pink dolphins or bucephalos (Inia geoffrensis) endemic to the Amazon.
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Madidi National Park Tours - Rurrenabaque
4 days 3 nights
