good for you

Set on the banks of the lovely Chalalan lagoon at the doorstep of Madidi National Park one of the richest protected areas of the planet, Chalalan Ecolodge is entirely owned by the San José de Uchupiamonas community of the Bolivian Amazon.

The park - known by scientists as a "Biodiversity Hotspot" - hosts some 45,000 different plant species and over 1,000 tropical bird species.

Up to 28 guests stay in simple, comfortable cabins from which a variety of hikes and walks lets you discover the Amazon for yourself, with its countless species of birds and plants and its central place in the rich culture of the communities that make it their home.

Packages from 3 to 5 nights provide a range of activities and hikes designed to help you get the most out of the jungle while allowing plenty of time to relax.

good for the bolivian amazon

Chalalan represents a pioneering effort in Bolivian eco-tourism – entirely managed by the indigenous Quechua-Tacana people, the lodge is made up of low-impact wood and palm cabins, uses solar power and recycles all waste. 100% of the profits stay in the community, helping demonstrate to others in the region that long-term economic development can be best achieved by protecting the forest, not merely exploiting it.

Rooms

Food

Rates include all meals at Chalalan, where the traditional Bolivian food – simple, plentiful and nutritious – is served in the central dining hall. Vegetarian options are provided and guests with allergies are asked to let the lodge know in advance of any specific dietary needs they have.

Features & Facilities

The ecoldoge's amazing guides will lead you though a range of activities, from day and night hikes through to local handicraft workshops. All of Chalalan's guides are from the local San José de Uchupiamonas community and have been professionally trained in environmental education, natural interpretation of the forest and natural history. They have their ancestors' knowledge of medicinal plants, hardwood trees, edible fruits and beliefs about the plants and animals. All of the guides speak English, Spanish and their native language, Quechua. There is a maximum of six guests per guide.

On forest hikes, you're guaranted to see 3 to 5 kinds of monkeys: Callicebus moloch, Alouatta seniculus, Cebus apella, Ateles paniscus and Aotus sp., as well as many species of birds. During the walks through the jungle you can see tapirs, wild boars, deer, badgers, sloths, armadillos, jochis (agouti paca) and, if you're lucky, catch a glimpse of a jaguar or leopard. There are many amphibians and reptiles around, including snakes and crocodiles. There is also an extraordinary variety of insects, many of which have still not been registered by scientists. Madidi is home to over 4 thousand trees.

As well as the variety of tours available, guests can enjoy a refreshing dip in the lake from the lodge's jetty, or take an evening canoe ride where you might spot black alligators.

All activities are provided by the lodge and included in the rates.

Local Info & Activities

madidi national park

The Madidi National Park is home to some of the greatest riches of Bolivia and is also one of the world's priorities for conservation, as it hosts one of the most extraordinary reservoirs of genetic material on the planet.

• The park is characterized by its exceptional wealth of biological riches and variety of ecosystems. Madidi is home to over 4,739 species of plants, 1,370 species of vertebrates and 867 tropical birds and endemic plants making it a priority for conservation.
• This protected area has the highest number of bird species in the world – researchers believe further studies will register over 1,100 species.
• The Madidi National Park features snow-capped mountains, glaciers, high Andean lagoons, deep valleys and canyons, cliffs, torrid rivers and waterfalls all adding up to make up some of the most stunning scenery you will ever see.
• There are numerous Inca and Mollo archaeological sites and pre-Columbian paths in the upper regions of the Park, which is also home to many different ethnic groups both in the low lands and highlands.

The Park varies between 6,000 and 200 metres above sea level from the Apolobamba mountain range to the Amazon plains of River Heath. Montane Moist to Perhumid Evergreen Forest, Seasonally Moist Lowland Tropical Forest, Palm Savannas, Puna and Dry Inter-Andean Valleys.

Sustainability

The lodge and the land it's built on are 100% owned by the indigenous community of San José de Uchupiamonas. The project, which opened in 1992, was the result of the community's efforts for economic alternatives to prevent its young people migrating in search of a better life, and to save their corner of the jungle from common destructive practices such as oil exploitation, roads through the territory, mining, and unauthorised settlements.

Locals operate and staff the lodge, and employment is rotative among community members, who receive company support for their health, education and transportation needs. A share of the profits reverts to all of the 70-odd families in the community.

The training of local guides from the community has helped keep their Quechua-Tacana traditions and stories alive, building pride in the community. It has also helped community members learn and improve their skills in English, rainforest interpretation, environmental education, natural history, tourism, international cuisine and first aid.

Solar cells are used for heating the hotel's water and powering the lights, while all waste, including sewage, is carefully and naturally recycled and treated.

Only local guides are employed at the lodge.

Getting There

The Chalalán Ecolodge is located in the Amazon Basin in the north of the department of La Paz, in the heart of the Madidi National Park, in the Tuíchi valley on the shores of the Chalalán Lagoon, in the middle of pristine forest. It lies at around 90km from Rurrenabaque upstream along the rivers Beni and Tuíchi travelling by boat for 5½ hours passing through the Bala Canyon.

Flights from La Paz - Rurrenabaque (50 minutes). Lodge staff will be waiting to transfer you from Rurenabaque airport to the Chalalán office by bus where you will fill in the forms to enter the Madidi National Park and receive information about your trip to the Ecolodge. You will stay in a hotel in the centre and have the rest of the day to relax in Rurrenabaque. You will begin your stay at Chalalan the next day, after breakfasting at the Rurrenabaque hotel.

insider tips

There are two seasons in the region: the rainy season from November to March and the dry season from April to October. However, the weather does not depend on dates and there may be weeks of sun during the rainy season and rain in the dry season.

The temperature is comfortable year round - 70 to 90°F, 20 to 32°C except for during June and July when the winds from the south come in from the Arctic and the temperature can drop to 45 to 50°F, 7 to 10°C. This wind is locally known as the "surazo"

As in most tropical regions there is a risk of malaria although there have been no cases in Chalalán. Mosquitoes are not common in the area and the use of the mosquito nets provided for each bed reduces the risk of bites and catching diseases such as yellow fever common in the area. It's a good idea to wear light, long-sleeve shirts and pants and apply repellent frequently.

Guests with disabilities can be accommodated – let Chalalan know the specifics a month in advance.

Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.

Rates & Bookings

A range of all inclusive packages and programs are offered to guests - these include all guided tours and activities in the amazon. Prices vary according to amount of people in a group and the program duration. See prices below.

chalalan tour - option 1

Accommodation in private cabin with double bed & private bathroom.

4 day 3 nights

2- 5 guests

USD 310 per person

6- 24 guests

USD 255 per person

5 day 4 nights

2- 5 guests

USD 425 per person

6- 24 guests

USD 350 per person

6 days 5 nights

2 - 5 guests

USD 540 per person

6 - 24 guests

USD 445 per person

chalalan tour - option 2

Accommodation in room with twin/triple beds with shared bathroom.

4 days 3 nights

2- 5 guests

USD 280 per person

6- 24 guests

USD 225 per person

5 days 4 nights

2- 5 guests

USD 380 per person

6- 24 guests

USD 305 per person

6 days 5 nights

2 - 5 guests

USD 480 per person

6 - 24 guests

USD 385 per person

the packages include:

• All meals at Chalalán Ecolodge
• Daily program of guided activities including all amazon hikes (night & day), nature walks, animal and bird tours, flora and fauna tours, canoeing trips on the lagoon, handicrafts classes, traditional music and dances in evening.
• Transfers to and from airport in Rurrenabaque
• One night accommodation in tourist class hotel in Rurrenabaque
• Boat transfer from Rurrenabaque to the Chalalán Ecolodge and back
• Accommodation in traditional cabins in the Ecolodge
• Bilingual local guide service (Spanish - English)
• Different guided activities in Chalalán
• Local and national taxes

the packages do not include:

• Airfare La Paz - Rurrenabaque - La Paz. (Approximately USD 128)
• Airport taxes
• Entrance fee to Madidi National Park. (Bs. 80)
• Meals at Rurrenabaque.

terms and conditions:

• The tariffs are based on a minimum of 2 guests, 1 guest travelling alone will be required to pay an additional 100% for the package chosen.
• Children between the ages of 4 and 12 pay 50% of the price of the package chosen.
• Children below the age of 3 pay 25% of the price of the package chosen.
• Children below the age of 12 stay in the same cabin as their parents.
• The time schedule of the first day is subject to the arrival of guests'' flights.
• The Chalalan boats leave at 07:30am from Rurrenabaque.

booking & cancellation policies

• Full payment of accommodation is required in order to secure a booking.
• If booking is cancelled up until 30 days before date of arrival, 10% of total cost of booking is charged as a cancellation fee.
• If the booking is cancelled 30-15 days before arrival date then 35% of total cost of booking is charged as a cancellation fee.
• If a booking is cancelled 15-7 days before arrival date then 60% of total cost of booking will be charged as a cancellation fee.
• If a cancellation is made between 7 and 1 day prior to arrival date, an 85% cancellation fee is taken.
• If there is a ''no-show'', a cancellation fee of 100% of total cost of booking will be forfeited.

Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.