| Madidi
National Park
was established in 1995 in the Northwestern section of Bolivia. It protects
a full array of ecosystems, from the high Andes to the Amazon basin, a
vast wilderness of 4,500,000 acres of unparalleled biological diversity
ranging from cloud forest to dry tropical forest, humid lowland rainforest
to savannah, and from wild rivers to lakes. This park is home to more than 1,000 species of birds, 44% of all New World species of mammals and an estimated 38% of neotropical amphibians. It is also a critical global hotspot for endemic plants. Chalalan Ecolodge You will go to this Amazonian region (400 -1600 ft. above sea level). You will visit the heart of Madidi National Park where the Tuichi River is located, with the final destination in the Chalalan Lake and Chalalan Ecolodge. The scenery in this region was shaped by ancient geological and glacial processes, resulting in spectacular views. One of the many communities that we support is the village of San José de Uchupiamonas, a Quechua-Tacana ethnic group. This community owns Chalalán Ecolodge, which was built with a "minimum impact" philosophy, using local materials and traditional techniques, as well as solar energy and treatment of all waste waters. The San Jose community hopes that by participating in responsible tourism, it can be successful in the preservation of thousands of hectares of pristine rainforest that belong to them and were inherited from their ancestors. Their operations are developed under standards that respect local culture and traditions as well as the amazing natural surroundings. |
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| Day
1: La Paz / Rurrenabaque A 55 minute flight to Rurrenabaque over the Andean Cordillera Real and the Amazon lowlands, welcome and transfer to the hotel. Free afternoon to explore this colourful town on the bank of the Beni River. |
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| Day
2: Rurrenabaque / Chalalan / Madidi National Park Early in the morning, travel up the Beni River in a dugout canoe, passing through the spectacular Bala Gorge. The wild and scenic Tuichi River is our gateway to Madidi National Park, and our access to the Chalalán Ecolodge. The river trip to Chalalán takes about 5 hours followed by an easy 30-minute hike from the river's edge to the lodge. The lodge is nestled in the rainforest on the shores of beautiful Lake Chalalán. Later, guests will have the opportunity to explore the forest trails, including a stop at the Mirador (lookout), which offers incredible views of Lake Chalalán and the central mountain ranges of the national park. After dinner, have an optional night walk or canoe trip in the lake to look for wildlife such as black caimans, frogs and nocturnal birds. (B,L,D) |
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| Day
3: Chalalan / Madidi National Park After breakfast, an early morning trek through primary rainforest showing tall and giant trees on our way to the Penene saltlick. You will observe wild macaws, parrots, guans, trumpeters, raptors, and other birds from under the tall canopies, as well as brown capuchin and squirrel monkeys. With luck you might see black spider-monkeys, or cross a tapir or herds of white-lipped peccaries. Our local guides will share their extensive knowledge of plants, natural history, and wildlife behaviour on our 5-hour trek. In the afternoon participate in, and learn about, the making of traditional Tacana handicrafts, like the "chonta" seed rings. Last evening in Chalalán! (B,L,D) |
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Day
4: Chalalan / Rurrenabaque / La Paz |
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| Departures: All year | |
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2008
Rates per person: B.
Shared Bathrooms: NOTE: An additional cost will be the airplane ticket La Paz-Rurrenabaque-La Paz $124 per person.(This price could be changed) |
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| Tour includes: 1 night accommodation in Rurrenabaque, airport transfers in Rurrenabaque, 3d/2n in Chalalan Ecolodge with accommodations and meals, local bilingual guide and boat transport to Chalalan. | |
| Not included: meals in Rurrenabaque, Airport taxes ($3.00 each way per person), entrance fee to the Madidi National Park $10 per person. | |
| What
to take: Luggage: - 1 backpack or dufflebag - small day pack Clothes: - long-sleeved shirts, preferably cotton (to protect yourself from mosquitoes and the sun) - long cotton pants, shorts - T-shirts, sweater or fleece/polartec (to be prepared for a cold front) - windbreaker/rain poncho - pair of hiking boots - pair of sneakers - pair of sandals or Tevas (river crossings, casual wear around the lodge) - swimsuit - socks - underwear - sleepwear - casual clothes for Rurrenabaque - waterproof folding sun hat with brim Others items: - binoculars, best 8x or 10x - camera film (ASA 50, 100 and 200 are recommended) - sun block - mosquito repellent (30% DEET -100% DEET could be too much for your skin) - flashlight sunglasses - pocket knife - a bandanna - plastic bags (for your camera in the boat and for dirty clothes) - a photocopy of your passport - water bottle - cigarette lighter (even if you don't smoke it will come in handy - candles, etc.) - bottle of aspirin and any other medications and vitamins you normally use |
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