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 JOCHI – Chalalan Ecolodge

3 Days / 2 Nights

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:

Our guides explains the trip in the office. Then we walk to the dock in the river Beni (200 m approx.) to start boat ride with outboard motor to lodge. The boat trip takes about 5½ hours of sailing by rivers Beni and Tuichi, it is an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery as the Bala canyon, the initial folding of the Andes and the rainforest. On the trip, you may observe riverine birds and mammals. During the trip, we have a short stop and serve some refreshments. From the port of lodge, there is a 25-minute walk along the trail Jaguar to the lake Chalalan, where the cabins are. In the lodge, you are welcomed with a cold refreshment and you are guided to your cabin. After that, lunch is served.

Lunch.

In the afternoon, we will have a short walk in one of our themed trails, where the local guide will make the interpretation of the rainforest and the traditional use of biodiversity.

Dinner.

After dinner, we will start a short walk to observe the nocturnal life, especially the variety of insects and amphibians.

Note 1: The departures from Rurrenabaque can only be made before noon, because you cannot sail after sunset.

Note 2: If the departure is done after midmorning, snack will be offered on the trip, instead of lunch.

2nd Day:

Buffet breakfast.

You will have a guided hike of 3 to 4 hours by Tapacaré path (or other similar), where the local guide will deepen the interpretation of rainforest and ecological processes.

Lunch.

In the afternoon, after a short break for a nap, you go for a walk to a high advantage point from where you can see the beautiful scenery of Lake Chalalan and extensive primary rainforest of Madidi National Park. Then you return to the lodge by canoe along the lake Chalalan. Guides will explain about the history of the community, the Chalalan project and the creation of Madidi Park.

Dinner.

Night canoe ride, special activity for the impressive brightness of the eyes of alligators and other animals.

Note 3: occasionally, we offer a traditional night (Quechua – Tacana) where traditional food is served and our local guides explain about the customs, practices and rituals of the Uchupiamonas Indians, where you can enjoy a traditional local drink, enjoy local music and dance with people our community of San José de Uchupiamonas.

3rd Day:

Buffet breakfast.

After breakfast you have a final 2 km walk to the port and return to Rurrenabaque. The return trip lasts approximately 3 ½ hours.

Depending on the flight itinerary of visitors, you may have an additional hike on one of our trails or take the opportunity to swim in the lake and even lunch at the lodge. After you arrive in Rurrenabaque, you take the transfer to the airport if you have flight back to La Paz (transfer included).

Tour includes: 2 nights accommodation, full board on the tour, transfer in/out in Rurrenabaque, native guide who speaks English.
Tour does not include: Entrance ticket to Madidi Park, alcoholic beverages.
Note: It is also possible to have a programme of 4D/3N, 5D/4N.

Price per person: 394 USD (minimum 1 person – shared tour).

For tours that start within 48 hours please send us an e-mail