|
Day 1: La Paz – Rurrenabaque – Pampas
Early flight La Paz - Rurrenabaque (50 minutes). Our
staff will be waiting to transfer you from Rurrenabaque 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 Ecolodges.
Departure around 9 a.m. after a 3 ½ hours on a dirt road (depending
on the state of the road), we arrive, via the village of Santa Rosa, at Caracoles
Lodge, on the banks of the Yacuma river. In the afternoon, excursion in a motorboat
to observe animal life from the riverbanks: we will be able to observe numerous
animal among which many different species of birds (toucans, parrots, king
fisher, herons and other wading birds) freshwater turtles, caimans, monkeys.
Return to the Lodge at the end afternoon, dinner then evening stroll to observe
wildlife nocturnal habits.
Day 2: Pampas
In the morning, we follow a local foot trail to search for the famous anaconda that can reach a length of up to 5 meters and live to be a hundred years. During this hike, we can also see some capibaras (the biggest rodent in the world), tapirs (if we have a lot of luck) 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 bath in the Yacuma river in company of the Bufeos (pink dolphins) populating the almost totality of all the waterways of the great Amazonian basin.
Day 3: Pampas – Rurrenabaque
Return in 4WD to Rurrenabaque. Along the way, we stop on the riverbanks and with light fishing rods attempt to catch some piranhas or bentons, small carnivorous fish 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.
Day 4: Rurrenabaque – Madidi – Chalalan
Continental breakfast at hotel. Transfer from Hotel
to the river Beni to take boat to Chalalán.
Boat trip to the Chalalán Ecolodge (5 ½ 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 5: Chalalan – Madidi
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 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. Theme: medicinal and tropical plants, hardwood
trees, bird watching, insect watching. Optional Activities: An afternoon of
handicrafts, trips on the lagoon by canoe or showing of videos about the community
and the Madidi National Park. Traditional “dunucuabi” dinner
of catfish wrapped in leaves or fish á la “tacuara”. (we
require catfish)
Optional activity: Traditional Quechua – Tacana night
with music and dances from the San José de Uchupiamonas community.
Day 6: Chalalan – Rurrenabaque – La Paz
Early breakfast in 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 airport and return to the city of La Paz.
NB: The times can be changed as guests wish or because of
the weather, flight or boat delays, etc.
COST PAMPAS & JUNGLE TOUR PROGRAMME 6d/5n
(2n Pampas +1n Rurre + 2n Chalalán Ecolodge)
In Shared Rooms with Shared Bathroom
COST 2 - 30PAX – 510 $US per person
In Double or Matrimonial Rooms with Private Bath
COST 2 - 30 PAX - 615$US per person