MADIDI NATIONAL PARK

The National Park and integrated management area is in the northeast of the Province of La Paz. It covers an area of 1,895,750 hectares and was created in 1995 to protect the flora and fauna endemic to the region. It is located in the region of greatest biological richness in Bolivia. Its conservation is supported not only at the continental level but globally as well since it constitutes one of the most extraordinary natural reserves of genetic resources on the planet. This park has a varied climate with cold in the mountainous ridges to warm in the lowlands, it is within the areas of Puna (high Andean plateau), the humid forest of Yungas and the Madeira rainforest. It is estimated that there are 5000 to 6000 species of plants, 156 species of mammals and 1100 species of birds.

              PROGRAMME 4D/3N CHALALAN ECOLODGE

Chalalán Ecolodge was built by the community of San José de Uchupiamonas (Quechua - Tacana indigenous culture), its main purpose is the ecological sustainable use of natural resources of Madidi National Park to contribute to the social, economic and cultural life of the community.
This shelter is built in traditional Tacana style with palm bark and Jatata leaves. It is located in the heart of this park on the banks of the beautiful Chalalán lagoon, where it gets its name from.

1st Day:
This day begins with the flight from La Paz to Rurrenabaque (50 minutes). In Rurrenabaque we transfer you by bus (airport- Chalalán office), where we fill out forms for admission to Madidi Park and also receive information about the trip to the lodge; then we head to a tourist-class hotel where we have the afternoon off.

2nd Day:
This day begins at 06:45 with a continental breakfast at the hotel, after 30 minutes we are heading towards the Beni River to board a boat bound for Chalalán. After 2 hours of travel on the Beni and Tuichi Rivers we stop on the Tuichi River bank for a snack for 30 minutes, then continue with the trip on the river, arriving at the port of Chalalán at 12:30. We go for a small 25 minute walk in the direction of the shelter, then we get installed in the cabins with the help of staff from the hostel.
At 13:30 we have lunch for 1 hour then have free time to appreciate this magnificent place. Around 15:30 we go for a short walk on the Macaw path up to a lookout point, where we can see the beautiful scenery of the lagoon, mountains and impressive tropical forests of Madidi. Then we head back in a canoe on the shores of the Chalalán lagoon where we can observe birds and monkeys. At 19:30 we have dinner in the dining room of the lodge and around 20:30 we go for a walk to observe insects, reptiles, birds and nocturnal monkeys.
(Optional: night canoe ride on Chalalán lagoon.)

3rd Day:
The day begins at 07:00 with a breakfast buffet in the dining room of the shelter. After 30 minutes we go for a walk throughout the morning, through a system of theme trails, where we observe and learn about the forest and wildlife. At 12:00 we get back and we have lunch at the lodge. About 13:30 we rest for 1 hour and at 14:30 we undertake a short walk on one of the thematic paths where, depending on the choice we made, we see medicinal and exotic plants for construction , birds or insects. After 2 hours we have optional activities such as a handicrafts afternoon, canoe rides on the lake or a video presentation about the community and Madidi Park.
At 19:30 we have a traditional dinner called "Dunucuabui", river fish wrapped in leaves or Tucuara fish. After 1 hour we have a traditional Quechua – Tacana evening with music and dances unique to the community of San Jose de Uchupiamonas.

:4th Day:
We start this day at 07:00 in the morning with a breakfast buffet, and after 30 minutes we head to the port. At 08:00 we take the boat back to Rurrenabaque arriving there at 11:00 then make the transfer out to the airport and return to La Paz.
Tour includes : Airfare La Paz-Rurrenabaque- La Paz (optional by bus), 3 nights accommodation, full board on the tour, transfer in Rurrenabaque, native guide who speaks English.
Tour does not include: Entrance ticket to Madidi Park (10 $ us), airport taxes, meals on the first day.
Note: The times listed in the programs can be modified at the suggestion of passengers, weather conditions, changes in flight schedules or other reasons.
* It is also possible to have a programme of 5D/4N, 6D/5N.