Bolivia Holidays: Madidi National Park

Bolivia's newest national Park, Madidi, encompasses 19.000 ft glaciers in the west, rainforest in the east, pampas in the north, and cloud forest and dry forest in between. These varied habitats and their intersections nurture distinct flora and fauna, making the park one of the richest in diversity of plant and animal life in South America. Madidi contains an estimated 1000 bird species. A series of valleys in the park's midsection is so rugged no one lives there or even ventures into it. What undescribed species of fauna and flora live in this lost world is anyone's guess. Madidi's 1700 or so inhabitants live in scattered villages accessible only by rough trails or rivers.

DAY 1:
Transfer out to the military airport and flight La Paz / Rurrenabaque in the morning. We drive through the towns of Reyes and Santa Rosa, where we board a canoe to navigate the Yacuma River. We appreciate the abundant fauna of the area: monkeys, pink river dolphins, capybaras, anaconda, lizards and caimans as well as a great amount of birds. At night, we explore the rivers on small canoe ride to spot crocodiles and night wildlife. Camp on the banks of the Yacuma River. (L, D)

DAY 2:
In the morning, we hike across the Pampas, a flooded area during the rainy season and a dry sunburnt land during the dry season, with great opportunities to observe giant anacondas and other mammals. Afterwards we return to Santa Rosa and Rurrenabaque. Dinner at a typical local restaurant. (B L D)

DAY 3:
A boat journey brings us upstream the Beni River (1 hour), crossing the strait of "El Bala" and along the Tuichi River to Chalalan Ecolodge (3 hours). We enjoy a gentle walk through the jungle on the Wichi trail to the lodge along the shores of the lagoon. After lunch, we have time to rest. In the afternoon, we enjoy a presentation of Madidi National Park and the project of the community of San Jose de Uchupiamonas. We trek along the Chichilo and Mirador trails focusing on the field of construction. Dinner and night hike to discover the night wildlife. (B, L, D)

DAY4:
We trek along the Wabucuru and Marimono trails, focusing on ecological processes and wildlife. We visit some small ruins, until now not well identified. We reach the Eslabon River, an area with some hills and lots of chances to see monkeys and other mammals. After lunch, we return to Chalalan. After dinner, we enjoy some games, each of them relating to the bio diversity and associated with Chalalan. (B, L, D)

DAY 5:
We trek the Silbador, Mutua and Anta trails to see the fruit, medicinal and exotic plants. After lunch, we have time to relax or swim in the lagoon. In the afternoon, we enjoy didactic games or learn about the bibliography of the project. We hike the Wichi and Jaguar trails, focusing on the artisan plants and enjoy bird watching. After dinner, we learn about the traditional history and legends of the area. (B, L, D)

DAY 6:
After an early breakfast, we walk first to the port along the Tuichi River and then launch to Rurrenabaque (3 hours). Flight to La Paz. (B)

Rated: Easy

Tour Tariff
N° of Participants	2-3	4-5	6+
USD	$ 1156	$ 983	$ 983
EUR	€ 960	€ 816	€ 816
GBP	£ 647	£ 550	£ 550

(*) Price last updated on 06 April 2005. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a quotation request .
(**) 2 participants minimum
(***) Discount for larger groupes

Included: Lodging in camp or double room in hotel and at the lodge, meals as specified, experienced guides, transport and transfers, flight to/from Rurrenabaque

Not included: Other meals, drinks at the lodge or in Rurrenabaque, tips

Madidi National Park

"Bolivia"