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Multi-Country
AREAS
Amazon and Manu
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Bolivia Packages
Madidi
National Park
Chalalan Tour
4 Days / 3 Nights
Madidi National
Park
Bolivia created Madidi National Park in 1995 in order to protect a full
array of ecosystems from the high Andes to the Amazon basin. Spread
over a vast wilderness of 1.8 million hectares in the northwest region,
the landscapes range from cloud forest to dry tropical forest, humid
lowland rainforest to savannah, and wild rivers to lakes. Ancient geological
and glacial processes have shaped these landscapes, endowing the park
with such exotic scenery you must see to believe!
Madidi is a planetary treasure of flora and fauna. The sheer numbers
of species is gigantic: 1,000 kinds of birds, 44% of mammals native
to the Western Hemisphere, and 38% of amphibians, which inhabit both
North and South America live here. Exciting new discoveries include
a colorful titi monkey and a night roaming tree toad. Large Latin American
mammals, like the jaguar, speckled bear, manned wolf, vicuña
and giant otter dwell in the park. Madidi is particularly rich in native
plant species, which do not grow anywhere else. One rare blue orchid
has only been found five times. Potential plant species in the reserve
is estimated at 5,000.
Our clients can experience Madidi National Park at Chalalan Ecolodge
in the heart of the park, the new Tacuaral Lodge, a great small lodge
conveniently located, on the River Tuichi, or San Miguel del Bala Lodge
near the fabulous Bala Gorge out side Madidi. All destinations are reached
by motorized canoe travel on Madidi Park's wild, scenic Tuichi River.
Chalalan Ecolodge
One of the many communities we support as operators is the village of
San Jose de Uchupiamonas, a Quechua-Tacana ethnic group. Since 1998
America Tours has been part of Chalalan´s success since we have
been selling 60% of their sales year by year and since 1998 we participated
on training women and men. The community of San Jose de Uchupiamonas
owns and runs the Chalalan Ecolodge. The Ecolodge has been 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.
The San Jose community hopes that by participating in responsible tourism,
it can be successful in the preservation of thousands of hectares of
pristine rainforest that belong to them and were inherited from their
ancestors. Therefore, their operations were developed under standards
that respect local culture, traditions and the amazing natural surroundings.
Day 1 - La Paz
/ Rurrenabaque
Most people prefer to fly, so a 45-minute flight to Rurrenabaque takes
you over the Andean Cordillera. Welcome and transfer to hotel. In afternoon
explore this colorful town on the Beni River.
Day 2 - Rurrenabaque / Chalalan / Madidi National Park
Early in the morning, travel upriver on the Beni in a dugout canoe,
passing through the spectacular Bala Gorge. The wild and scenic Tuichi
River is our gateway to Madidi National Park, and our access to the
Chalalan Ecolodge. The river trip to Chalalan takes about 5 hrs followed
by an easy 30-minute hike from the river's edge to the lodge. The lodge
is nestled in the rainforest on the shores of Lake Chalalan.
Later guests will have the opportunity to explore the forest trails,
including a stop at El Mirador (lookout point), which offers incredible
views of Lake Chalalan and the central mountain ranges of the national
park. After dinner, take an optional night walk or canoe trip in the
lake to look for wildlife such as black caimans, frogs and nocturnal
birds. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Chalalan / Madidi National Park
After breakfast our early morning trek takes us through primary rainforest
featuring old-growth trees on our way to the Rayamayo and Eslabon Rivers.
You will observe wild macaws, parrots, guans, and other birds from beneath
the tall canopies, as well as brown capuchin and squirrel monkeys. With
luck you might see black spider-monkeys, or cross a tapir or herds of
white-lipped peccaries. Our local guides will share their extensive
knowledge of plants, natural history, and wildlife behavior on this
half-day trek w/ box lunch. You return to the lodge in the early afternoon,
stopping off at El Mirador (lookout point), which offers spectacular
views of Lake Chalalan and the central mountain ranges of Madidi National
Park. Learn about and participate in making traditional Tacana handicrafts,
such as chonta seed. Dinner tonight is a delicious feast, featuring
"dumoquavi", a traditional dish of river catfish wrapped in
leaves, a great last evening in Chalalan! (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Chalalan / Rurrenabaque / La Paz
After breakfast walk to Tuichi River, board return boat to Rurrenabaque,
down river 3 hrs. Transfer Rurrenabaque airport, flight to La Paz. (B)
*** End Of Our Services ***
| Departures
2010: We have daily departures and also fixed departure dates,
as below: Jul 20 to Jul 23; Aug 14 to Aug 17; Aug 28 to Aug 31; Sep 11 to Sep 14; Sep 25 to Sep 28; Oct 9 to Oct 12; Oct 23 to Oct 26; Nov 6 to Nov 9; Nov 20 to Nov 23 |
|
2010
Rates per person: Option
2 Hostel: 3 stars in Rurrenabaque: High Season
(April to December) NOTE: Additional cost is airline ticket: La Paz- Rurrenabaque- La Paz, (Bs. 1´050.00 aprox. US$ 150.00) in Amaszonas, or (Bs. 960.00 aprox. US$ 130.00) in TAM. We now offer daily flights. This price is subject to increase. |
|
Tour includes:
1 night accommodation in Rurrenabaque, airport transfers in Rurrenabaque,
Chalalan Ecolodge 3d/2n, meals and accommodation in Chalalan,
boat transport to Chalalan and local bilingual guide. |
