CHALALAN ECOLODGE JOCHI 3D/2N

Chalalán Ecolodge was built by the community of San José de Uchupiamonas (of the Quechua Tacana indigenous culture. Its main purpose is the sustainable ecological use of the natural resources of the Madidi National Park to contribute to the social, economic, and cultural development of the community.

This hostel is built in traditional Tacana style with bark from the palm tree and Jatata leaves. It is located in the heart of this park on the banks of the wonderful Chalalán Lake, to which it owes its name.

The administrative and operational staff of the Chalalán Ecolodge are all indigenous to San José de Uchupiamonas. Chalalán has professionally trained personnel in the provision of ecotourism services, capable of satisfying the needs and expectations of the most demanding eco-tourists.

Their staff has been trained in: business management, administration, accounting, marketing, sales, customer service, food and beverage preparation, tourist guidance, natural history, environmental interpretation, English, first aid, rescue, mapping, and navigation.

OVERVIEW

DAY 1:

We start with the flight from La Paz to Rurrenabaque that will last approximately 45 minutes, our staff will wait for you at the airport and transport you to our Chalalán office.
We will make an outboard boat trip of approximately 5.5 hrs.
Lunch, then there will be a walk where the local guide will explain the biodiversity.
After dinner we will continue with a boat tour to observe the caimans.

DAY 2:

After the buffet breakfast, we will take a 3 to 4 hour walk.
After lunch, we will walk to the top to see the extensive jungle.
After dinner, there will be an opportunity to take a night walk to see amphibians, insects, etc.

DAY 3:

Buffet breakfast, and a 2 km. walk to the port and return to Rurrenabaque.

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Itinerary
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Include
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Recommendations

Itinerary

DAY 1: LA PAZ – RURRENABAQUE – CHALALAN ECOLODGE

Flight from La Paz to Rurrenabaque–approximately 45 minutes (cost not included). From the plane, you will have the opportunity to appreciate the impressive panoramic view of the Cordillera Real of the Andes and the transition to the Amazon. At the airport, your transfer awaits, which transports you to the Chalalan offices in Rurrenabaque (unless private transfer is requested, the cost is included).

An explanation of the trip is provided in Chalalán’s office. Then you walk to the jetty (200m approx.) to start the trip by boat with an outboard motor to the lodge. The trip takes approximately 5½ hours of navigation along the Beni and Tuichi Rivers. It is an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful landscapes such as the Bala Canyon, the folds of the beginning of the Andes mountain range, and the rainforest. During the trip, it is possible to observe riparian birds and mammals. Along the way, we make a stop and serve a snack. From the lodge’s dock, we start a 25-minute walk following the Jaguar Trail until we reach Chalalán Lake where the cabins are located. The hostel welcomes you, checks you in, and accommodates you in your respective cabins.
Lunch.
In the afternoon, we will have a short walk on one of our themed trails, where the local guide will explain about the tropical forest and the traditional use of the biodiversity.
Dinner.
Night canoe ride– special activity to observe the impressive gleam of the eyes of caimans and other animals.
Note 1: Departures from Rurrenabaque can only be made up until noon, since it is not possible to sail after sunset.
Note 2: If departure is after mid-morning, a snack will be offered on the trip, instead of lunch.

DAY 2: CHALALÁN ECOLODGE –MADIDI NATIONAL PARK

Buffet breakfast.
Then we will have a guided walk of 3 to 4 hours along the Tapacaré Trail or similar, where the local guide will deepen the interpretation of the rainforest and ecological processes. Return to the lodge.
Lunch.
In the afternoon, after a short break, a walk is made to an elevated viewpoint from where you can see the Madidi National Park and the extensive rainforest and return by canoe to paddle through the Chalalan Lagoon. The guide will be able to explain about the history of the community, the Chalalan project, and the creation of the Madidi park.
Dinner.
After dinner, we will start a short walk to observe the nightlife, especially the variety of insects and amphibians.
Note 3: Occasionally a traditional night (Quechua – Tacana) is offered where our local guides explain about the customs and rituals of the Uchupiamonas indigenous people, where you can taste a traditional local drink, delight in local music, and dance with the people from our community of San José de Uchupiamonas.

DAY 3: CHALALÁN ECOLODGE – RURRENABAQUE

Breakfast buffet. 2 km walk to the port and return to Rurrenabaque. The return trip takes approximately 3 ½ hours.
Depending on the flight schedule of the visitors, it is possible to have an additional walk on one of our trails or take the opportunity to swim in the lake and even have lunch at the lodge.
Arrival in Rurrenabaque and transfer to the airport for passengers who have a return flight to La Paz (transfer included).

Include

INCLUDED

Transfer in/out (Aeropuerto – Rurrenabaque – Aeropuerto).
Boat transport: comfortable transport (motorized boat) from Rurrenabaque to the Ecolodge (In / Out).
Comfortable cabins: Lodging in traditional Uchupiamonas cabins, comfortable and safe
Quality food: Complete food during your stay at the Ecolodge.
Bottled water: Natural bottled water during Chalalan activities.
Native guides: Bilingual native guide service (English – Spanish)
Guided activities: Different guided activities in the Chalalán area – Madidi National Park
Reconfirmation of air tickets: Service of reconfirmation of air tickets and other facilities.
Taxes: Legal taxes

NOT INCLUDED

Air tickets: La Paz – Rurrenabaque – La Paz.
Hotel in Rurrenabaque
Entrance to the Madidi National Park cost: Bs. 125 Foreigners and Bs. 55.- Nationals (per pax)
Other drinks: Jugs of natural juices and bottled mineral water outside meal times, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages.
Food in Rurrenabaque: Food during your stay in Rurrenabaque.
Other services: Other services that are not considered in the package.