In the heart of Bolivia’s pristine Madidi National Park lies Chalalan Ecolodge. Chalalan is the result of 6 years of hard work by the nearby indigenous community of San Jose Uchupiamonas and the commitment of two foreign aid organizations who were willing to break with tradition to support the community’s initiative. The result is comfortable accommodation surrounded by 4.5 million acres of protected wilderness. Quechua guides lead visitors on excursions to search out macaws, tapirs, monkeys and caimans, and they teach guests how rainforest plants and trees are used for medicine, tools, and food. What makes this place truly unique is the opportunity to meet the people and learn about a culture that has called this wild place home for centuries.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive La Paz. Overnight.
Day 2: Fly Rurrenabaque.
An early morning flight brings you to the frontier town of Rurrenabaque, where you’ll be met by Chalalan staff and transferred to your hotel. The day is yours to explore this jungle town and relax.
Days 3-5: Chalalan EcoLodge (2B,3L,3D)
Early this morning you'll board a dugout canoe for the five hour trip to Chalalan. You’ll follow the famous Beni River and pass through the spectacular Bala Gorge before heading up the smaller Tiuchi River and entering Madidi National Park.
Established in 1995, Madidi protects some of the wildest and most pristine rainforest on earth, and the big animals such as herds of peccary, howler monkeys, giant otters, sloths and jaguar still thrive in this park. Each day at Chalalan is filled with discovery as you head out on excursions with your Quechua guide. With luck you might even run across a 300 pound tapir using your trail as a highway through the forest!
A walk to one of the lookout points in the area offers magnificent views of the rainforest canopy and Chalalan Lake below. Back at the lodge, you’ll learn about traditional crafts, farming techniques and food. Evenings are filled with stories about the community’s history, customs, and beliefs.
There’s also plenty of time for hanging in your hammock, swimming in the lake, browsing the many guidebooks and wandering several self-guided trails near the lodge. A stay at Chalalan offers a rare and welcoming glimpse into tribal society and the fascinating world of a thriving rainforest ecosystem.
Day 6: Fly La Paz (B)
An early morning departure brings you quickly (just 3 hours this time!) back to Rurrenabaque. Here you'll catch your flight back to La Paz. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Explore the famous Witches Market or take an optional trip to the Tiahuanaco Ruins.
Day 7: Return Home
Accommodations: 3 nights rainforest lodge, 2 nights comfortable hotel, 1 night frontier hotel. Please note that Chalalan Lodge does not have electricity or hot water.
Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.
Transportation: 2 local flights, dugout canoe
The emphasis is on wildlife, natural history, and indigenous culture. This is for the adventurous Bolivia traveler looking to journey deep into the Amazon jungle. Travelers must be prepared for hot, humid and sometimes rainy weather. Rooms at the lodge use shared bathrooms.
Weekly departures: Any day of the week.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Single Supplement: US$255
Note: Flight La Paz-Rurrenabaque-La Paz is not included. Please add US$145 (flight cost subject to change).
Personal Budgeting: Allow US$100 Bolivian visa, US$45 for meals not included, US$25 international departure tax
Arrival/Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each, 2 or more people US$25/person
Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Share US$40, Single US$65
Prices are based on a 3% cash discoun
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Bolivia
Rainforest
National Parks
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