Tapacare Programme - Chalalan

Day 1
La Paz - Rurrenabaque

Flight from La Paz (El Alto International Airport) to Rurrenabaque (50 minutes). The flight is a fabulous opportunity to see the Andes Mountain Range and a panoramic view of the Amazon Rivers and forests. Our staff will be waiting at Rurrenabaque airport to transfer you, by bus, to the Chalalan office, where you will fill in the forms to enter Madidi National Park and receive information about your trip to the Eco lodge.
Accommodation in a tourist class hotel.
Afternoon free in Rurrenabaque.

Day 2
Rurrenabaque - Chalalan Ecolodge

07:00 Continental breakfast at the hotel
07:30 A guide will pick you up at the hotel to take you to the River Beni where you will get on the boat for Chalalan. Our boats are equipped with: a roof, comfy seats, life jackets, raincoats and a first-aid kit. The maximum seated capacity on the boats is 10 people.
07:45 Travel by motor boat to the Chalalan Eco lodge. The trip is a great way of seeing the Bala Canyon around the River Beni. The Madidi NP is accessed by going up the River Tuichi. On your way you'll see different animals and get a feel for the spectacular landscape of the Bolivian Amazon. We recommend you take binoculars. The trip takes around 5 and a half hours during the rainy season and 6 hours in the dry season, mainly in July, August and September.
11:00 Packed lunch midway.
13:30 Arrival at the port of Chalalan. 25 minute walk to the Eco lodge along a wide, easy, jaguar path. Welcome snack on the shores of Lake Chalalan. Our logistics staff will help you with your luggage.
 Time to settle in at your cabin or room.
14:00 Welcome lunch in the Eco lodge. After lunch relax in a hammock or swim in Lake Chalalan.
15:45 Short walk along the Paraba path to the viewing point where you can see the beautiful landscape across Lake Chalalan, the mountains and the Madidi rainforest. Your guide will explain about the plants used for building - both hardwoods and palms - and the traditional and sustainable use of natural resources. Here your guide will talk about the park, our Eco lodge and the community. You return to the lake to go on a canoe trip along the shores of Lake Chalalan where you will be able to enjoy the sunset and see monkeys, birds, insects, bats, etc. Return to the Eco lodge for a snack.
19:30 Dinner in the Eco lodge dining room.
20:30 Short night-time activity (1 to 2 hours). Night trip by canoe to see amphibians, nocturnal birds, fish-eating bats and caimans easily spotted because of their glowing eyes.

Day 3
Chalalan Eco lodge - Madidi National Park

7:00 Buffet breakfast in Eco lodge dining room. You can talk to your guide about changing the time depending on your interests. (e.g. breakfast at 5:30 am for birdwatchers.)
7:30 Morning walk along the Tapacare path or another of similar length where you can see and learn about the forest and the wildlife surrounding you. Optional themes: natural interpretation of the forest, natural history, ecological processes, medicinal plants and hardwood trees, animal behavior and bird and mammal watching. Return to the lodge, have a snack.
12:30 Lunch in the Eco lodge dining room. After lunch, relax in a hammock or swim in Lake Chalalan. You will coordinate optional activities with your guide.
16:00 Short walk along one of the theme paths to learn about medicinal plants and more about personal interests.  Return to the Eco lodge and choose from the following optional activities:  Handicrafts, canoe trip, videos about the community and the Madidi National Park.
19:30 Traditional "dunucuabi" dinner of catfish wrapped in leaves or fish a la "tacuara" inside bamboo from the Bolivian Amazon. *This traditional dinner depends on the availability of the fish and may be offered any night during your stay.
20:30 Short night walk along the Paraba or Silbador path to see amphibians, reptiles, insects, tarantulas, rodents, birds and nocturnal monkeys. This is a great chance to hear the sounds of the jungle. Upon your return to the Ecolodge you can take part in a traditional Quechua - Tacana night with music and dances from the San Jose de Uchupiamonas community. Your guide will explain the traditions of the Uchupiamonas people.

 *This activity will depend on the number of guests staying at the Eco lodge and may be offered any night during your stay.

Day 4
Chalalan Ecolodge Rurrenabaque La Paz

7:00 Buffet breakfast in Ecolodge dining room and then a short walk to the river Tuichi to take the boat back to Rurrenabaque. The return walk along the Jaguar or Wichi path can be modified to accommodate your interests. Please coordinate with your guide.
8:00 Return by boat to Rurrenabaque (only 3 hours). The time is subject to the availability of boats and flights. We recommend you are alert during the boat trip in order that you can make the most of your last chance to see the animals.
12:00 Arrive at Rurrenabaque. Transfer to airport and return to the city of La Paz

Note:
All of the walks described above are rated as easy. The activities and times may change depending on the weather, the interests of our guests or other factors.