Chalalan Lodge *7 Day*
Bolivian Amazon

In the heart of Bolivia’s pristine Madidi National Park lies Chalalan Eco-lodge. Chalalan is the result of 6 years of hard work by the nearby indigenous community of San Jose Uchupiamonas and the commitment of two foreign aid organizations who were willing to break with tradition to support the community’s initiative. The result is comfortable accommodation surrounded by 4.5 million acres of protected wilderness. The lodge is owned and managed entirely by the indigenous Quechuas.

With a lifetime of knowledge, the Quechua guides lead visitors on searches for macaws, tapirs, monkeys and caimans, and they teach guests how rainforest plants and trees are used for medicine, tools, and food. No worries about the language during your Bolivia travel, the indigenous guides are tri-lingual, speaking Quechua, Spanish and English! What makes this place truly unique is the opportunity to meet the people and learn about a culture that has called this wild place home for centuries.

Day 1 Arrive La Paz  

Day 2 Fly Rurrenabaque

Days 3-5 Chalalan EcoLodge (2B,3L,3D)  

Early this morning you'll board a dugout canoe for the five hour trip to Chalalan. You’ll follow the famous Beni River and pass through the spectacular Bala Gorge before heading up the smaller Tiuchi River and entering Madidi National park. Established in 1995, Madidi protects some of the wildest and most pristine rainforest on earth, and the big animals such as herds of peccary, sloths, howler monkeys, giant otters, and jaguar still thrive in this park. Each day at Chalalan is filled with discovery as you head out on excursions with your Quechua guide in search of macaws, toucans, squirrel monkeys and more. With luck you might even run across a 300 pound tapir using your trail as a highway through the forest!

A walk to one of the lookout points in the area offers magnificent views of the rainforest canopy and Chalalan Lake below. Back at the lodge, you’ll learn about traditional crafts, farming techniques and food. Evenings are filled with stories about the community’s history, customs, and beliefs. During your Bolivia travel, there’s also plenty of time for hanging in your hammock, browsing the many guidebooks, swimming in the lake and wandering several self-guided trails near the lodge. A stay at Chalalan offers a rare and welcoming glimpse into tribal society and the fascinating world of a thriving rainforest ecosystem.

Day 6 Fly La Paz (B)  

An early morning departure brings you quickly (just 3 hours this time!) back to Rurrenabaque. Here you'll catch your flight back to La Paz. The afternoon is yours in La Paz. Take an optional trip to the Tiahuanaco Ruins or explore the famous Witches Market.

Day 7 Return Home

  

US$810

Accommodations:  3 nights rainforest lodge, 2 nights comfortable hotel, 1 night frontier hotel. Please note that Chalalan Lodge does not have electricity or hot water.

Food Includes:  All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.

Transportation:  2 local flights, dugout canoe

Notes:  Flight La Paz-Rurrenabaque-La Paz is not included. Please add US$145 (flight cost subject to change).

Group & Staff:  Maximum 24; Adventure Life representative in La Paz; local guides at the lodge

Personal Budgeting:  Allow US$100 Bolivian visa, US$45 for meals not included, US$25 international departure tax

Pre & Post Tour Accommodations:  Share US$40, Single US$65

Is it for Me?  The emphasis is on wildlife, natural history, and indigenous culture. This is for the adventurous Bolivia traveler looking to journey deep into the Amazon jungle. Travelers must be prepared for hot, humid and sometimes rainy weather. Rooms at the lodge use shared bathrooms.

Prices are based on a 3% cash discount