Bolivia: Madidi – Amazon Wildlife & Chalalan Lodge – 10 Days

A 10-day photo safari in Madidi National Park based out of Chalalan Eco-Lodge

Bolivia’s Madidi National Park is known for having one of the most biologically diversity protected areas in the world. It shares boundaries (but not contiguous) with a few protected areas in Peru like Tambopata-Candamo Reserve and Bahuaja-Sonene National Park and nearby Manu Biosphere reserve. Madidi is one of the largest protected areas in the world and the territory encompasses the glacier-covered Andes of the Apolobamba range towards Pelechuco, the dry hills near Apolo, and extensive savannas and deep impenetrable jungle towards the Pando region of Bolivia.

The variety of eco-systems and flora and fauna you will see on this trip are incomparable and you will have countless opportunities to photograph birds and mammals on this trip as well as reptiles and insects. Please keep in mind that shooting in the jungle requires fast lenses, higher ISO’s and tripods to assure keeper photos. The location of the Chalalan Lodge and adjacent wetlands and small rivers have an abundant variety of birds (macaws, hawks, toucans, ibis, herons, etc.), mammals (monkeys, ant eater, jaguar, fox, etc. ) and reptiles (lizards, turtles, snakes, caiman, etc.) and countless insects of all shapes and sizes. We will begin our journey in La Paz and fly the next day to the frontier town of Rurrenabaque to spend one night in preparation for our early morning departure to Chalalan Lodge which is up the Tuichi River. The March 2000 issue of National Geographic featured Madidi National Park and was shot by Joel Sartore and is a great example of what this park is all about.

Departure begins from Rurrenabaque via a motorized boat on the Beni and Tuichi Rivers for approximately five hours. The lodge is owned and administered by the natives of the village of San Jose de Uchupiamonas (located 8-10 hours via motorized boat up the Tuichi River from Rurrenabaque) but the lodge is at the five-hour mark from Rurrenabaque. Generations of the Quechua-Tacana people living in this region make them the obvious choice as naturalist guides that will take us along trails to find birds, mammals and reptiles to photograph and to share their knowledge of their home with you. Day hikes twice a day and nocturnal wildlife hikes will give us plenty of opportunities to see a great variety of wildlife. The animals are protected (no hunting) so they are not super-wary of people and they are predictable and seen in many places we will visit. If you like insects, bring your macro lens as there is an endless variety of insects that can keep you busy. Chalalan is the perfect getaway for those that are in love with the neo-tropics and also for those just venturing into world of the Amazon for the first time offering great accommodations, food and excellent bi-lingual guides that will lead us to the animals.

Within just 10 days you will get an in-depth view of the wonders of the Bolivian Upper Amazon Basin that includes a successful eco-lodge project owned, run and in prosperity for the people of the region. Your money goes directly to the people that work here not some multi-national corporation and the results are tangible and for real. It’s a magical location in the heart of the Bolivian Amazon! The gateway city is La Paz so you will begin and end your trip there, which is a world-away from the Amazon and a unique city in its own right.

Prices are in US $ and include all services as per the itinerary. International airfare is NOT included in this tour price. Please contact us with any questions.

Included are: all airport transfers, accommodations, domestic r/t airfare within Bolivia, meals as noted (B,L,D) , bi-lingual guides, private vehicles, our years of experience and local knowledge.

DATES for 2012

June 8-17, 2012

Please note: We can run this trip at any time, so please let us know your date preferences and we will create a custom departure date for you and your group.

- ITINERARY -

Day 0 / Thu / June 7: Depart Miami, FL to La Paz, Bolivia

The American Airlines flight departs Miami late in the evening and arrives at 6 AM the next day at the city of El Alto (the airport is at 13,200’ asl) and you will drop into the canyon where La Paz actually sits – where you will sleep at around 11,500’ asl.

Day 1 / Fri / June 8: Arrival in La Paz, Bolivia – City Tour

Arrive in La Paz at 6:00 AM. The altitude at El Alto International Airport is 13,200’ above sea level. It is common to feel light-headed, have shortness of breath and slight nausea at this altitude. There is oxygen and a doctor at the airport if needed. Upon arrival you will go through the immigration desk then pick-up your bags and continue through the customs section. We will meet you at the general passenger meeting point, take your bags and board our private vehicle and head down into La Paz. We suggest you have a basic photo kit easily accessible so you can take photos along the way. Along the route there are a few panoramic viewpoints where we will stop to see the grand canyon where La Paz sits. You will have plenty of time to make images before heading into the heart of La Paz. The hotel is located one of the lowest parts of the city in the warmer and more modern location (approximately around 10,500’) where you will check in and rest, relax or sleep for the rest of the morning. We recommend you have lunch at the hotel. We will pick you up at 2 PM to take a city tour so you can have a real close-up look at this fascinating city deep in the heart of the Andes. We will visit the heart of the business sector downtown, the open air markets in the Indian quarter and the colonial neighborhoods with great views of the city. We will return to the hotel about 4 hours later so you can rest and continue your acclimatization. Dinner is on your own tonight and we recommend a light dinner at the hotel. Avoid alcohol and caffeine tonight. Overnight at Hotel Oberland (3*) in the Valley of the Moon (Mallasa) neighborhood.

Day 2 / Sat / June 9: La Paz – Rurrenabaque

We will depart early in the morning to the airport for the flight to Rurrenabaque. The flight is a little over an hour from the Andes to the Amazon. Upon arrival in Rurrenabaque we will transfer to the hotel to check in and relax. We will have lunch together and talk about the upcoming trip so you can prepare. The afternoon is a good time to check out the equipment and go around the nearby areas to shoot the local flora and fauna. There will be time for you to explore this colorful town on the banks of the mighty Beni River. At the appropiate time we will have dinner together. Overnight in Rurrenabaque at Hotel Safari (3*). (B,L,D)

Day 3 / Sun / June 10:Rurrenabaque – Chalalan

After breakfast our journey will begin with early morning departure via motorized boat up the Beni and then onto the Tuichi River. Along the way we will have ample opportunities to view the typical Amazon basin made up of rainforest, rivers and savannas – home to thousands of bird species and other animals. Further up-river the scenery will change and the landscape will show its hidden secrets as we go through Bullet Canyon and get further into the rainforest. After approximately five hours we will arrive at the Tuichi river port for Chalalan. A short half-hour hike through the rainforest with a local guide will introduce you to the natural ecosystems that are living and struggling to survive in the tropical forest and bring you to Chalalan lodge – situtaed next to Chalalan Lagoon. Lunch upon arrival. Afterwards you’ll have the option of taking a siesta or just relaxing in the hammocks. Later in the afternoon we can go on a canoe trip on Chalalan Lagoon to take advantage of the late afternoon light for some great photo ops of monkeys foraging for food before nightfall. Dinner and an optional night hike to see nocturnal animals. Overnight at Chalalan Lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 4 / Mon / June 11: Chalalan – Lagoon Overlook – Chalalan

We depart early via canoe to the other side of the lake in order to climb the hill to see the vastness of Madidi National Park before it gets too hot. The paddle is tranquil and is a great time to shoot birds and animals when they are active. Once across we work our way up to the overlook that gives you stunning views of the lagoon as well as the never-ending seas of trees undulating all the way to the horizon and then the last traces of the Andes mountains. This is a great place to see pigs and birds from the platform and get canopy-level photos of other birds and animals. We’ll work our way back to the lodge on foot in time for lunch. Afterwards we will head into the forest once again in search of animals and insects to photograph. We return for dinner at the lodge. There is a night hike to photograph nocturnal animals so come prepared with a flash. Overnight in Chalalan Lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 5 / Tue /June 12: Chalalan – Eslabon River – Chalalan

After breakfast, we depart on a day hike on the Paraba Trail bordering Laguna Chalalan as we go through the rainforest where we can view macaws and other species in the canopy high above our heads. Further on we cross the Rayamayo creek after going through various sections of forest with trees that adapt to their geographical location – much of it based on the availability of sunlight within the forest. We join the Marimono trail slowly working our way back to the lodge for lunch. Afterwards we head to another part of the forest to search for animals and insects and whatever else we may run across. There are very good possibilities of seeing monkeys and wild pigs nearby. We will cross the lagoon via dugout canoe to the lodge. After dinner there’s an optional night hike or a paddle on the lagoon to photograph nocturnal animals. Overnight in Chalalan Lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 6 / Wed / June 13: Chalalan – Rayamayo – Chalalan

After breakfast we go on an early morning hike on the Silbador trail until we arrive at Rayamayo River to view birds as they begin their daily activities. We continue looking for birds, monkeys and other animals as we work our way along the Mutun and Anta trails that will take us back to the lodge where we will have lunch. Canoe trips on the lagoon are always available for you to go shooting on your own. All you have to do is ask for a boat and off you go. Dinner at the lodge. Optional night hike for those interested in nocturnal animals photography. Overnight in Chalalan Lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 7 / Thu / June 14:Chalalan – Tuichi River – Chalalan

It’s always a good idea to head out early in the morning as birds and animals get active as soon as there is light, which around these tropical latitudes means around 6 AM. The howler monkeys are the alarm clocks of the jungle so you don’t need one to wake up. You can just lie in your bed and enjoy the soothing sound of mother nature. An early morning walk to the port is a great opportunity for some fabulous photography and peaceful moments. We will be taking different trails to look for wildlife, insects and whatever catches our fancy. Lunch at the lodge. We will head in a different direction for the afternoon which is specially good on the lagoon as the sun fills in the dark shadows with warm sweet light, great for making images of monkeys, which they are usually around! Dinner at the lodge. Night shooting for those that are interested. Overnight in Chalalan Lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 8 / Fri / June 15: Chalalan – Rurrenabaque

After breakfast we will have time for a morning tour of another part of the forest to see wildlife and get to learn more about the rainforest. We will have lunch at the lodge then head to the river and board the boat back to Rurrenabaque. The approximate travel time will be about 3 ½ hours to Rurrenabaque – depending on water levels. As we head downriver you’ll have time to reflect on all the wonderful things that you saw in Chalalan. Keep a sharp eye out on the banks and in the river as we have seen a few jaguars, peccary, tapir, caiman, deer and countless birds on shore and crossing from one side of the Tuichi to another. The scenery unfolds once again as we come to the confluence of the Tuichi and Beni rivers and finish in Rurrenabaque. There is time to explore the frontier town of Rurrenabaque as there is lots of activity at the main port where all kinds of interesting happenings come and go on one of Bolivia’s biggest river, the Beni. Sunset at river’s edge can be expecially good if the conditions are right. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at Hotel Safari. (3*). (B,L,D)

Day 9 / Sat /June 16: Rurrenabaque – La Paz

After breakfast we head to the airport for the morning flight to La Paz. We should arrive in La Paz in one hour, which is usually calmer in the morning than in the afternoons. Upon arrival we will be transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy on your own or we can finish up with a session in photography and see what you captured in Madidi. It’s likely the altitude will affect you a bit so listen to your body and rest. Drink plenty of water and stay away from alcohol and caffeine in the afternoon and evening. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at Hotel El Rey Palace (4*). (B,D)

Day 10 / Sun /June 17: La Paz – Home

We will pick you up at your hotel at 4 AM for the 45-minute drive to the airport. The American Airlines flights depart at 7 AM and you will have plenty of time to check-in before your flight.

End of our services.

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions feel free to contact us directly via phone at 303-545-5728 (Office), 303-808-7713 (mobile) or via e-mail at phototours@sergiophototours.com