Jungle and Pampas

MADIDI NATIONAL PARK

This park was created in 1995, in the northwest of Bolivia. It protects a full array of ecosystems, from the high Andes to the Amazon basin, a vast wilderness of 4,500,000 acres (1.8 million hectares) that encompasses unparalleled biological diversity, ranging from the snow peaks from the Cordillera Real, puna grasslands, Andean valleys, cloud forest to dry tropical forest, humid lowland rainforest to savannah with wild rivers and lakes. The scenery in this region has been shaped by ancient geological and glacial processes resulting in spectacular landscapes.

This park is home to more than 1000 species of birds, 44% of all New World species of mammals and an estimated 38% of New World amphibians, several thousands of plant species. It is also a critical global hotspot for biodiversity conservation.

Our clients will get to visit the heart of Madidi National Park, travelling the Tuichi River until the Chalalán Ecolodge.

CHALALÁN ECOLODGE IN THE JUNGLE

One of the many communities we support as tour operators is the village of San José de Uchupiamonas, a Quechua-Tacana ethnic group. This community owns and runs the Chalalán Ecolodge, built using the philosophy of minimum impact using local materials and traditional techniques. The design also includes the treatment of all wastewaters and the use of solar energy. This ecolodge was featured in the special anniversary edition of Traveler (National Geographic Society), Nov 2004, and has become one of the best attractions inside Madidi. See our packages of 4 or 5 days starting from La Paz, also ask for our combined tours including the Madidi rainforest and the Bolivian savannahs

The lodge is built next to a beautiful lagoon located in the center of the park. It is one of the most diverse reserves of flora and fauna.

All the roads from Chalalan go into the jungle. Besides the lagoon the shelter is surrounded by a forest where mammals and birds can be seen.

Walks both in the day and at night allow the observation of the wildlife in the area.

NEOTROPICAL SAVANNAHS (BOLIVIAN PAMPAS)

At less than 3-hours by 4WD, near the lowland villages of Reyes and Santa Rosa, is the Bolivian savannah or also called Pampas. This is an expanded landscape that covers over 20% of Bolivia, and is a mosaic of several habitats including meandering rivers, riverine forests, oxbow lakes, wetlands and characteristic low and open grassy vegetation with palm trees and forest islands. This area, located at less than 656 ft (200 m), has a very high diversity and abundance of fauna. Besides birds, there is a charismatic megafauna present, such as capybaras, pink dolphins, monkeys (including black howler, squirrel and brown capuchin monkeys), anacondas, caimans and rheas. Because of very open nature of the vegetation and wetlands, the fauna is extremely easy to find and observe, making this an excellent area for wildlife observation, photography and birdwatching. The Bolivian Pampas could be combined with Madidi National Park, and is becoming another favorite option for nature lovers and birders. Ask for details.

CARACOLES LODGE

The lodge, built aside the Yacuma River offers the best staying and experience for travelers to the Bolivian Pampas. This is the only of its kind in the Yacuma River and has rooms and shared bathrooms. Programs of 3-days starting in Rurrenabaque are available.