MADIDI NATIONAL PARK – BOLIVIAN AMAZON
(P5) BIWA PROGRAM
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
Day 1: Rurrenabaque – Madidi National Park
08:30: Departure by motorboat from Rurrenabaque to Madidi National Park. Our boats are equipped with comfortable seats, life jackets, rain ponchos and a roof. The trip up the Beni and Tuichi rivers takes 3 hours and is a great opportunity to see the flora, fauna and impressive landscape of the Bolivian Amazon, such as the Bala Canyon.
13:00: Arrival at Madidi Jungle Ecolodge and accommodation in traditional-style cabins.
14:00: Lunch and time to relax in the hammocks.
15:00: A 3-hour guided hike along the Tareche Trail. It offers the opportunity to observe a variety of bird species, principally macaws and parrots, and to appreciate the surrounding tropical rainforest. You may also see different species of mammals such as the white-lipped peccary, the brown capuchin monkey and the red howler monkey. After hiking along the Aguapolo river bank, we return to the ecolodge.
19:30: Dinner and time to rest and relax.
Day 2: Madidi National Park
07:30: Breakfast at the ecolodge. After, we will set out on a 3 to 4-hour guided walk by the Mapajo and Almendrillo Trails. Along these trails, you will appreciate the Giant Kapok Tree, Almendrillo Tree and the Strangler Fig Tree. Your guide will provide an in-depth explanation of the diverse species of plants used for medicinal purposes. It is a great opportunity to learn about the Amazon ecosystems, whilst observing the pristine environment and different species of wildlife. Return to the ecolodge along the Matapalo and Dati Trails.
12:30: Lunch and opportunity to relax in the hammocks.
15:00: A short boat trip upstream along the Tuichi river will take us to the Serere Trail for a short hike along the riverside to the floodplain. Here you may see yellow squirrel monkeys and hoatzin birds, the most ancient bird species in South America (related to the dinosaur). Arriving at the Piraña lagoon, you can try to fish for piranha. After this (optional) activity you will continue the hike reaching a new salt lick. Return to the river and take the boat back to the ecolodge.
19:30: Dinner at the ecolodge. After dinner, you have the opportunity to take a night hike into the jungle to observe the nocturnal wildlife. During this walk you will be able to see many species of insect, amphibian and reptile, such us tarantulas and frogs. You can listen to the jungle symphony produced by the uncountable varieties of wildlife.
Day 3: Madidi National Park
07:00: Breakfast at the ecolodge. After, we will leave on a 4-hour guided walk along the Bechu, Madidi and Siringuero trails, considered the longest hike. This route is a great opportunity to observe the white lipped peccary, brown capuchin monkey, red howler monkey, black spider monkey, saddleback tamarin monkey, guans and toucans. Return to the lodge.
13:00: Lunch and opportunity to relax in the hammocks.
15:30: We go on a short boat trip upstream along the Tuichi river to the Pavacullpana Trail. This will lead to a platform, from where you will see the largest salt lick in the area, locally known as “Cullpana”. It is a strategic point in the rainforest where various animals gather to take in important mineral salts and take a bath. On the return, we will take a short hike to the river Tuichi and then return by boat to the ecolodge.
19:30: Dinner. You will sample the traditional dish of “Dunucuabi” (catfish wrapped in leaves). After dinner, guides can optionally share stories about their ancestral history and the local Uchupiamonas and Tacana cultures.
Day 3: (alternative option) Lake Santa Rosa – Madidi National Park
Full day trip to Santa Rosa Lake. A 2-hour boat trip upstream along the river Tuichi, followed by a short walk to the spectacular Santa Rosa Lake. The lake is a natural paradise where you can enjoy canoeing, fishing for piranhas and wildlife viewing in the deepest Amazon. We will have lunch on the shores of the lake. After resting, we will go on a short hike to visit citrus fruit and coffee plantations. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to see yellow squirrel monkeys, brown capuchin monkeys and titi monkeys (lucachi). The boat trip is a great opportunity to see the capybaras, caimans, tapirs, and to spot the famous jaguar.
Please note that this activity has an extra cost of USD.30/person (minimum 2 people) to cover boat transport costs.
Day 4: Madidi National Park - Bolivian Amazon
07:30: Breakfast at the ecolodge.
08:00: After breakfast, you can learn how to make traditional handicrafts, such as rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Assisted by your guide, and using seeds found in the rainforest, you will create your own souvenir to remember your time in the jungle. This activity is optional and can be substituted by others offered in Madidi Jungle.
12:30: Lunch at the lodge and free time.
15:00: We will go on a short boat trip upstream along the River Tuichi, followed by a short hike. You will learn about the secondary forest and the characteristics of the floodplain. Back at the river, you can have a go at tubing, an exciting ride in rubber inner tubes along both fast-paced rapids and calmer waters. It´s a unique adventure through inspiring landscape. We provide life jackets for your safety. Tubing is optional and can be substituted by a return boat trip to the ecolodge. It is offered depending on weather and river conditions.
19:30: Dinner at the ecolodge and time to relax, chat or play board games.
Day 5: Madidi National Park – Rurrenabaque
07:30: Breakfast at the ecolodge.
08:00: A 3-hour guided hike along the Wabu Trail, where you will visit another salt lick on the shores of the Aguapolo river. You can look and listen for different animals, and recognize important plants and trees using the knowledge you learnt with your guide during the previous days. Return to the ecolodge along the Tuichi Trail.
12:30: Lunch at the ecolodge. When lunch is over you will have some extra free time to spend before returning to Rurrenabaque.
13:30: Return to Rurrenabaque. Optional: On the way, you will optionally visit Caquiahuara to observe the red and green macaws and other species of parrot. Bird sighting can be done anytime of year, however, it is more frequent from May to December. The return trip takes only 2 hours.
15:30: Arrival in Rurrenabaque. Transfer to your hotel, bus station or airport.
N.B.: Please note this program is flexible, we are happy to discuss any special requirements with you.
