Trip at a Glance
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Trip Duration: 10 Days -
Trip difficulty Easy
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Trip Starts at: La Paz
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Trip Ends at: La Paz
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Best time to travel: April-October
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Accommodations: 4-Night Lodge, 4-Night Hotel
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Highlights: Madidi, Rurrenabaque, La Paz
Overview
Explore the spectacular Madidi National Park in Bilivia, the most diverse park in South America and the world, with about 1,000 species of bird, the highest number of birds’ species in the world. Over 4,739 species of plants, 1,370 species of vertebrates this park is a paradise for nature lovers.
Itinerary
Arrive at La Paz
Transfer to our hotel. We will have a short briefing and rest of the day to acclimate.
La Paz
City tour and tour to the Moon Valley (B)
Tihuanaco
After breakfast, we will board our bus for a trip to the ancient site of Tihuanaco, a ceremonial center some 1,500 years old. (B)
La Paz – Rurrenabaque – Pampas
Early flight from La Paz to Rurrenabaque (50 minutes). Our staff will be waiting at the Rurrenabaque airport to transfer you, by bus, to the Chalalán office, where you will fill in the forms to enter the Madidi National Park and receive information about your trip to the Ecolodge. We depart around 9 am. After an approximate 3½ hours drive on a dirt road, we arrive, via the village of Santa Rosa, at Caracoles Lodge, on the banks of the Yacuma River. In the afternoon, we will take an excursion by motorboat to observe animal life on the riverbanks. We will be able to observe numerous animals among including many different species of birds, (toucans, parrots, king fisher, herons and other wading birds), freshwater turtles, caimans, and monkeys. We return to the Lodge at the end of the afternoon, enjoy dinner and then an evening stroll to observe nocturnal wildlife patterns. (B, L, D)
Pampas
In the morning, we follow a local trail to search for the famous anaconda that can reach a length of up to 5 meters and live up to a hundred years. During this hike, we may also see some capybaras (the biggest rodent in the world), tapirs (if we are very lucky) and discover medicinal plants, still in use by the local inhabitants. In the afternoon, we can leave for another canoe or motorboat excursion. Upon return to lodge, we can safely swim in the Yacuma River with the bufeos (pink dolphins). They are found in almost all of the rivers in the great Amazonian basin. (B, L, D)
Pampas – Rurrenabaque
We return by 4WD to Rurrenabaque. Along the way, there is a stop by the riverbank where with light fishing rods, we attempt to catch piranhas or bentons, small carnivorous fish that find themselves prisoners of the small lagoons left after the rainy season. Transfer to the hotel. You will stay in a hotel in the centre and have the rest of the day to relax in Rurrenabaque. (B, L, D)
Rurrenabaque – Chalalán Ecolodge
Continental breakfast at the hotel. Transfer from the hotel to the river Beni to take a boat to Chalalán. Boat trip to the Chalalán Ecolodge (5 ½ hours) up the rivers Beni and Tuíchi. Our boats are equipped with a roof, comfy seats, life jackets, raincoats and a first-aid kit. We will eat a packed lunch midway. We arrive at the port of Chalalán and take a 25-minute walk to the Ecolodge. The staff will help you with your luggage. Settle in at your cabin or room and join the Welcome Lunch in the Ecolodge. Time to rest or swim in the lagoon. Short walk along the Paraba path to the viewing point where you can see the beautiful landscape across the lagoon, mountains and Madidi rainforest. Return by canoe along the rivers leading to the Chalalán lagoon to watch birds and monkeys. Themes: hardwood trees and wildlife. Dinner in the Ecolodge dining room.
Night hike to see insects, tarantulas, amphibians, mice, and nocturnal birds and monkeys. Also available if you would prefer is a canoe trip to see amphibians, nocturnal birds and alligators, which are easily seen because of their glowing eyes. (B, L, D)
Chalalán Ecolodge (Madidi NP)
Breakfast in the Ecolodge dining room. Walk through the jungle along the themed paths to see and learn about the forest and the wildlife. Themes: natural interpretation of the forest, natural history, ecological processes, medicinal plants and hardwood trees, animal behavior and bird watching. Return to the Ecolodge. Lunch in the Ecolodge dining room. Time to rest or swim in the lagoon. Short walk along one of the paths. Themes: medicinal and tropical plants, hardwood trees, bird watching and insect watching. Optional Activities: An afternoon of handicrafts, trips on the lagoon by canoe or videos about the community and the Madidi National Park. Traditional “dunucuabi” dinner of catfish wrapped in leaves or fish á la “tacuara”. (B, L, D)
Optional activity: Traditional Quechua – Tacana night with music and dances from the San José de Uchupiamonas community.
Chalalán Ecolodge – Rurrenabaque – La Paz
Early breakfast in the Ecolodge dining room. Short walk to the river Tuíchi to take the boat back to Rurrenabaque. Trip to Rurrenabaque (3h). Arrive at Rurrenabaque. Transfer to the airport and return to the city of La Paz. (B)
La Paz – Home.
Transfer to the Airport for a flight home. (B)
Gears List
- A small daypack
- A bag that can be locked to leave unnecessary belongings
- Clothes
- 2-3 pairs of cotton pants
- 2-3 long-sleeve cotton shirts
- Sunhat or baseball cap
- T-shirt
- Pair of shorts
- Light jacket
- Swimwear
- Cotton socks
- Raincoat
- Footwear
- Hiking boots
- Sandals
- Sunglasses with neck cord
- Torch with spare batteries
- Camera with a waterproof cover
- Sun block (factor 30 or 45 recommended)
- Insect repellent
Cost Includes
- All ground transportations
- 5 nights hotel accommodations
- 4 nights Jungle lodge accommodations
- Meals as in Itinerary: 9 – breakfast, 5 – lunch, 5- dinner
- Different guided activities (Jungle & Pampas)
- Bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
- Bottled water and natural juices
- Travel Insurance
Cost Excluded
- International Airfare
- Bolivian tourist visa and fees
- Airfare tickets La Paz – Rurrenabaque – La Paz (USD 150)
- Airport and municipal taxes
- Meal not in itinerary
- Drinks
- Entrance fee to Madidi NP (USD 13.5) Entrance fee to Pampas Reserve
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- Gratuities
Gallery
Featured Hotels
We at Earthbound Adventures carefully choose hotels that are safe, clean and ideally located, we stay in charming locally owned 3 stars hotels with great and friendly service. We go to great length to make sure the hotel are up to our high standard, we personally visited each and every hotel on our list and we are constantly evaluating the hotels we stay in.
We are listing 4 and 5 stars hotels, if you choose to upgrade your hotel an additional fee will apply to the tours according to the hotels you choose.
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Hotel Rosario Lago Titicaca
Hotel Rosario Lago Titicaca offers a warm atmosphere, exceptional service, and convenient location in Copacabana, Bolivia. Enjoy one of South America’s premier destinations in comfort with Hotel Rosario Lago Titicaca’s distinct combination of hospitality and local charm. The hotel on Lake Titicaca has an on-site restaurant and multi-level garden patio, perfect for enjoying a sunset over the lake while sipping on Bolivia’s finest wines. Our Kota Kahuana Restaurant has an exceptional menu featuring international and local dishes with specialties in lake fish, pastas, meats, and poultry. Vegetarian options are available as well. Located halfway between La Paz, Bolivia and Cuzco, Peru, Copacabana is a beautiful lakeside town to spend a few days. Hotel Rosario Lago Titicaca offers travelers a calm and restful environment to plan the next leg of their trip and explore the destinations around Lake Titicaca.
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La Casona Hotel Boutique
La Casona Hotel Boutique, located in the historic center of the city of La Paz, is a building that is an architectural legacy of colonial style, built in the seventeenth century. It is linked to the Franciscan Order, who built the Convent and the Lesser Basilica of San Francisco and it was established that during Colonial times the Franciscan Order owned the surrounding land and after years of meticulous restoration the XVII century jewel has been renovated to a boutique hotel to fortunate guests to La Paz, Bolivia. Guests have the feeling that as they walk through their stone yards, terraces, bell towers, stables and balconies, they go back on time. During the restoration of this boutique hotel, typical regional elements of the Bolivian culture were used such as aguayos cloths, quinua grains, wood, pewter, etc. La Casona is proud to show the creativity and ability of local artisans combined with the modern amenities travelers have come to expect.
http://www.lacasonahotelboutique.com -
Ritz Apart Hotel
A 5-minute walk from Parque Bolivia, this hotel offers free Wi-Fi and a central location in the heart of La Paz. Rooms are elegantly furnished and offer a seating area. All luxurious rooms of Ritz Apart Hotel are air-conditioned and include cable TV. Some rooms have balconies overlooking La Paz. Guests can relax with a massage treatment. Hotel Ritz Apart’s tour desk can offer advice on excursions. Duke’s Restaurant serves local and international dishes. The Oak Bar-Cafeteria offers drinks and refreshments. Ritz Apart Hotel is a 20-minute drive from El Alto International Airport. A car rental service is also available from the hotel.
https://www.ritzbolivia.com/ -
Hostal Colonial-Bo
In a well-kept colonial building near the main plaza, this warm, whitewashed retreat has smallish rooms with windows onto a central courtyard; all have minibars and cable TV, and some have bathtubs. It’s a longstanding favorite with mid-range travelers, but perhaps feels in need of a little face-lift. Nevertheless, it still boasts very helpful English-speaking staff and a great location.
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LP Hoteles
Build in 2008 LP is 3 stars Hotel located in Santa Cruz de la Sierra Down Town in a quiet neighborhood. The hotel offers a pleasant stay, near the city center. The hotel is decorated in a truly minimalist style. Rooms are decorated in a modern, functional style and feature a host of facilities The bathrooms are equally well-appointed Enjoy entertainment amenities including free wireless, Internet and a TV with over 50 channels. Each Room guestroom has a minibar, reading lights, and air conditioning
http://www.lphoteles.com -
Los Tajibos Hotel & Convention Center, Bolivia
At Los Tajibos Hotel & Convention Center, our knowledgeable staff and luxurious property deliver the ultimate stay in Santa Cruz, every time. From tennis and racquetball courts to lush gardens and waterfalls, we’ve thought of everything to make your visit unforgettable. Start your day with a jog in our state-of-the-art fitness center, followed by complimentary breakfast at La Terraza Restaurant – a perfect place to enjoy views of our tropical pool area. Make your way down to the poolside wet bar and settle into a hammock with your favorite drink in hand. The soothing music and beach oasis atmosphere is sure to renew your spirit. For some extra pampering, head to our world-class Viva Club & Spa for a massage, facial or pedicure. The hotel’s expert spa staff will help you determine what treatment is best for you, whether it be a hydrotherapy session or just some time in the sauna.
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Luna Salada Hotel
The hotel Luna Salada is an exclusive hotel totally built with huge salt blocks from the Salar of Uyuni. It is located at the border of the Salar and offers a beautiful view on the biggest salt desert in the world. The location of the hotel is unique and you can appreciate the sunset on the Salar while enjoying your drink at the hotel’s bar. The service is of very high quality, this is the most up-market hotel of the region. Each detail is taking care of. The hotel is 10 minutes from Colchani. It has 23 exclusive rooms, a restaurant, a lookout, a bar, a conference room, an artisanal centre and a game room. All the bedrooms are well equipped with a heating system, a private bathroom with 24-hours of hot water a day and a living room with chimney.
