Tours Madidi National Park Chalalan Rurrenabaque

The Madidi National Park characterized by its exceptional wealth of biological riches and variety of ecosystems being home to over 4.739 species of plants, 1.370 species of vertebrates and 867 tropical birds and endemic plants, is considered the most biologically rich protected area on earth and a priority for conservation.

Last 2005 after a one-of-a-kind international auction for the right to name an entire new species of monkey, the brown-and-orange titi monkey was officially named Callicebus aureipalatii, latinized name of Golden Palace by an internet casino. This titi monkey was discovered by the the Bronx Zoo-based Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Conservationist Dr. Robert Wallace in the jungles of Madidi National Park. Besides the new monkey, inside its border live healthy populations of jaguars, giant river otters, over 1,000 bird species (representing a whopping 11% of the world's 9,000 bird species) and many varieties of rare orchids and other unique plants.

Madidi Park is considered the most biologically rich protected area on earth and a priority for conservation.

GoldenPalace.com monkey, recently discovered new species titi monkey that lives only in the Madidi National Park

The Madidi National Park is composed of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, high Andean lagoons, deep valleys and canyons, cliffs, torrid rivers and waterfalls - all in an area about the size of New Jersey, all adding up to make up some of the most stunning scenery you will ever see.

Inside of Madidi National Park, the beautiful indigenous community-owned Chalalan ecolodge is located. The Chalalan Ecolodge stands in the Tuichi valley on the shore of the magnificent Chalalán Lagoon in the middle of pristine forest. The lodge combines elegance and comfort in an ecological way by using local materials with respect for the natural surroundings, using forest materials, solar energy, and intensive protection of the lake and maintaining the traditional building styles of a local community, San José de Uchupiamonas.

It's bird population represents 11% of the world's 9,000 bird species.
This protected area has the highest number of bird species in the world and it is thought that more studies will register over 1,100 species.

Cabin in Chalalan ecolodge, Madidi National Park

REFERENCE PROGRAM

FOUR DAYS PROGRAM

DAY 1 Santa Cruz - Rurrenabaque

Flight Santa Cruz - Rurrenabaque. Our staff will be waiting to transfer you from Rurenabaque airport to the Chalalán office by bus where you will fill in the forms to enter the Madidi National Park and receive information about your trip to the Ecolodge. You will stay in a hotel in the centre and have the rest of the day to relax in Rurrenabaque, free to explore the town and get prepared for the journey.

DAY 2 Rurrenabaque - Chalalán Ecolodge

Continental breakfast at Hotel and transfer from Hotel to the river Beni to take boat to Chalalán.

Boat trip to the Chalalán Ecolodge (5½ hours) up the rivers Beni and Tuíchi. Our boats are equipped with: roof, comfy seats, life jackets, raincoats and a first-aid kit.
Packed lunch mid-way.

Arrival at the port of Chalalán. 25 minute walk to the Ecolodge. Help is given with luggage. Settle in at your cabin or room.
Welcome lunch in 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. Theme: hardwood trees and wildlife.

Dinner in the Ecolodge dining room.
Night hike to see insects, tarantulas, amphibians, mice, and nocturnal birds and monkeys or if you prefer a canoe trip to see amphibians, nocturnal birds and alligators easily seen because of their glowing eyes.

DAY 3 Chalalán Ecolodge - Madidi National Park

Buffet breakfast in Ecolodge dining room.

Walk through the jungle on the theme paths to see and learn about the forest and the wildlife. Theme: natural interpretation of the forest, natural history, ecological processes, medicinal plants and hardwood trees, animal behaviour 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. Theme: medicinal and tropical plants, hardwood trees, bird watching, insect watching.

You can work out a plan with your guide.
Optional Activities:

- An afternoon of handicrafts
- Trips on the lagoon by canoe.
- Showing of videos about the community and the Madidi National Park.

Traditional "dunucuabi" dinner of catfish wrapped in leaves or fish á la "tacuara".
Traditional Quechua - Tacana night with music and dances from the San José de Uchupiamonas community.

DAY 4 Chalalán Ecolodge - Rurrenabaque

Buffet breakfast in Ecolodge dining room.

Short walk to the river Tuíchi to take the boat back to Rurrenabaque.

Trip to Rurrenabaque (3 hours).
Arrive at Rurrenabaque. Transfer to the airport.

Keep in mind that the programs may change due to special circumstances like bad weather conditions.

There are also 5 and 6 days tours all year round. Contact us to book a trip or to get further details on the programs.

Another indigenous ecotourism option in the Pilon Lajas Biosphere Reserve in the Amazone region of departament of Beni (close to the Madidi region):

• Mapajo Ecolodge (Rich biodiversity and flourishing indigenous culture)