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Our upper Amazon tour visits the world’s most bio-diverse protected area on the planet – Madidi National Park. Although the park encompasses 13 ecological life zones, from the snow-capped peaks in the Apolobamba range of the Andes to the tropical lowland Amazon basin, we will only be visiting the lower amazon basin. The park includes high altitude puna grasslands and cloud forests, tropical forests and lowland savannas and dense tropical jungle which border on eastern Peru.
We begin in La Paz, Bolivia and take a flight from the Altiplano to the Amazon. Our flight departs from El Alto international airport, the highest commercial airport in the world. The one-hour flight lands in the jungle town of Rurrenabaque, located on the Beni River in the Department of the Beni in northern Bolivia. Upon arrival we head to the port and load our luggage onto a long, motorized boat fitted with a canopy to protect us from the sun and rain, after all, this is the tropical jungle, it rains plenty. An hour and a half of travel takes us up the mighty Beni River until we join the Tuichi River, a much smaller but considered a swift whitewater river that drains the heart of Madidi National Park. En-route we often see lots of bird species, reptiles, monkeys, and aquatic mammals near the shore. We travel up the Tuichi River for another 3 ½ hours, keeping a keen eye out for animals. A picnic lunch will be served as we head up the river. If we are lucky, we could spot a jaguar on the beach, sauntering along, looking for prey or just sunning himself.
Once we arrive at the riverside port of Chalalan Lodge, we begin a 40-minute walk to the lodge on an established river stone trail through the jungle while our luggage is taken to the lodge. Upon arrival we get a cold drink and a warm welcome and we get cabins assigned to us. After a brief rest, and possibly a cool shower, we can head out on a dugout canoe to see animals on the edges of the lagoon or hike in the forest; all the time accompanied by native bi-lingual guides from the village of San Jose de Uchupiamonas, the owners of Chalalan Eco-Lodge.
We settle into a daily rhythm of an early morning alarm by howler monkeys (if they are in the area), breakfast, a canoe paddle or hike, lunch, rest, hike, or swim in the lake after dinner. If you are keen, bring a flashlight/headlamp for a nocturnal jungle walk, when most animals tend to be active. This is the best way to experience the jungle, taking time to listen, see and hear the tropical rainforest flow through its daily routine. There are countless jungle sounds from birds, monkeys, and other animals as they forage for food and seek social contact. Walking calmly and being prepared will give you opportunities to see and photograph animals, landscapes and give you peaceful moments you will cherish forever.
Researched and designed, on-the-ground, by expert landscape photographer and Bolivian author, Sergio Ballivian. This tour explores a lush, species rich, mysterious wilderness crisscrossed by jungle rivers and covered by multi-level jungle canopy. Sergio has tracked the faintest lights to the glimmering sun-soaked river shores in his photography book Madidi: An Uncertain Future. Before arrival in Bolivia, we will guide you in optimizing clothing and equipment for the jungle and choosing the proper camera gear for the jungle when we send a pre-departure packet.
Highlights:
Madidi National Park was established in 1995 and has an area of 7,320 sq miles / 18,958 square kms. which is equal to an area larger than Vermont and New Hampshire combined. Although the areas along the Bolivia-Peru border are not contiguous, the nearby protected areas of Apolobamba (Bolivia), Manuripi-Heath and the Manu Biosphere Reserve (both in Peru), join Madidi to become one of the largest neo-tropical protected areas in the world.
The park encompasses 13 ecological life zones, from the snow-capped peaks in the Apolobamba range of the Andes to the tropical rainforests of the lowland Amazon basin, including parts of the Bolivian Yungas and dry Bolivian mountain forests eco-regions. We will only be visiting the lower amazon region by flying into Rurrenabaque and traveling on the Beni and Tuichi Rivers. There is no good road access from the highlands of the Apolobamba, via Apolo to the lower Tuichi River, where the lodges are located.
The parks range of elevations span from 180m to 5,750m and contains up to 8,000 documented vascular plants (10% of the world's known plant species) found from the lowland rainforest to the cloud forest and the high Andean peaks. It has an extremely high diversity of other wildlife too, with over 200 mammal species including jaguars, giant anteaters, possums, peccary, 5 species of monkeys, tapir, the rare Andean spectacled bear and many more. The diversity of fish species tops over 330 known to science. Over 1,100 bird species live in the park, considered one of the highest diversities in any protected area around the world. Many are rare, unique birds and endemic to the region. There are tens of hundreds of insects, including butterflies, ants, bees, and moths. The list of reptiles and amphibians climbs over 300.
Many native people live in the area; from the Quechua-speaking people in the vicinity of the Apolobamba range and the Tacana and Ese Eja on the Tuichi and Beni Rivers, to the Tsimané and Mosetén deeper in the northern regions and a very rarely contacted rainforest tribe in northwestern Bolivia, the self-isolating Toromona.
Our upper Amazon tour visits the world’s most bio-diverse protected area on the planet – Madidi National Park. Although the park encompasses 13 ecological life zones, from the snow-capped peaks in the Apolobamba range of the Andes to the tropical lowland Amazon basin, we will only be visiting the lower amazon basin. The park includes high altitude puna grasslands and cloud forests, tropical forests and lowland savannas and dense tropical jungle which border on eastern Peru.
We begin in La Paz, Bolivia and take a flight from the Altiplano to the Amazon. Our flight departs from El Alto international airport, the highest commercial airport in the world. The one-hour flight lands in the jungle town of Rurrenabaque, located on the Beni River in the Department of the Beni in northern Bolivia. Upon arrival we head to the port and load our luggage onto a long, motorized boat fitted with a canopy to protect us from the sun and rain, after all, this is the tropical jungle, it rains plenty. An hour and a half of travel takes us up the mighty Beni River until we join the Tuichi River, a much smaller but considered a swift whitewater river that drains the heart of Madidi National Park. En-route we often see lots of bird species, reptiles, monkeys, and aquatic mammals near the shore. We travel up the Tuichi River for another 3 ½ hours, keeping a keen eye out for animals. A picnic lunch will be served as we head up the river. If we are lucky, we could spot a jaguar on the beach, sauntering along, looking for prey or just sunning himself.
Once we arrive at the riverside port of Chalalan Lodge, we begin a 40-minute walk to the lodge on an established river stone trail through the jungle while our luggage is taken to the lodge. Upon arrival we get a cold drink and a warm welcome and we get cabins assigned to us. After a brief rest, and possibly a cool shower, we can head out on a dugout canoe to see animals on the edges of the lagoon or hike in the forest; all the time accompanied by native bi-lingual guides from the village of San Jose de Uchupiamonas, the owners of Chalalan Eco-Lodge.
We settle into a daily rhythm of an early morning alarm by howler monkeys (if they are in the area), breakfast, a canoe paddle or hike, lunch, rest, hike, or swim in the lake after dinner. If you are keen, bring a flashlight/headlamp for a nocturnal jungle hike, when most animals tend to be active. This is the best way to experience the jungle, taking time to listen, see and hear the tropical rainforest flow through its daily routine. There are countless jungle sounds from birds, monkeys, and other animals as they forage for food and seek social contact. Walking calmly and being prepared will give you opportunities to see and photograph animals, landscapes and give you peaceful moments you will cherish forever.
Researched and designed, on-the-ground, by expert landscape photographer and Bolivian author, Sergio Ballivian. This tour explores a lush, species rich, mysterious wilderness crisscrossed by jungle rivers and covered by multi-level jungle canopy. Sergio has tracked the faintest lights to the glimmering sun-soaked river shores in his photography book Madidi: An Uncertain Future. Before arrival in Bolivia, we will guide you in optimizing clothing and equipment for the jungle and choosing the proper camera gear for the jungle when we send a pre-departure packet.
We can run this trip at any time, so please let us know your date preferences and we will create a custom departure date for you and your group
You can check current group & dates using the CHECK AVAILABILITY button above.
Typically, flights to Bolivia depart late in the evening from North American cities (Miami, Houston, Los Angeles) and arrive in La Paz very early the next morning. Depending on your airline, you would arrive at different times on day 1 in La Paz. Please send us your flight schedule and we will arrange to pick you up on the day of arrival.
*International airfare is NOT included in this itinerary.
*For airline tickets, please contact our ticketing agent GEO Travel 210-225-7903.
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival in La Paz, Bolivia (first day of tour)
Arrival at El Alto International Airport, Immigration & Customs
Depending on your international flight schedule you will arrive very early in the morning (between 2-6 AM) at El Alto International Airport. The airport is located in the city of El Alto which is on the edge of the Altiplano at 13,200 ft/4023 m above La Paz (downtown La Paz is at 12,000 ft). You are now at high altitude; so, you need to be aware of the effects of altitude on your body; you may feel light-headed and short of breath, but that's normal. Once we drop down 3,000 ft/900 m in elevation to your hotel (10,200 ft/3,100 m), you should feel much better.
Upon arrival, you go through Bolivian Immigration for your tourist visa (issued upon arrival) then Customs (Aduana). Your guide will be waiting for you at the general passenger meeting point, just look for the sign from Passport Republic. We will take your luggage to our private vehicle for transport to the hotel. We'll have bottled water in the vehicle for you, which helps with the acclimatization process.
Private vehicle transport to your hotel
We drive from the airport to the lowest elevation in the city of La Paz which sits at 10,200 ft/3,100 m. We'll be heading down a winding mountain road with breathtaking views of the valley below. We head to Hotel Mitru Sur (5*) or similar hotel, located in Calacoto/Achumani neighborhood. You'll check in and rest until lunch time (noon) at the hotel.
The best way to acclimatize to altitude, is to move slowly, drink plenty of water and rest when you are tired. Acclimatization time is a very personal affair, some do it quickly, and others take more time. It can take a few hours or a few days. Listen to your body. We design all high-altitude itineraries with acclimatization time built in.
La Paz city tour
At 2 pm we'll begin a 4-hour city tour of this fascinating city deep in the heart of the Andes; visiting open air markets, colonial neighborhoods, the witches’ market and take in the vast canyon of La Paz from breathtaking viewpoints. We return to your hotel so you can rest before dinner.
Hotel & dinner location of your choice
After the city tour concludes you can freshen up and rest before dinner at a restaurant of your choice. We will provide a list of preferred restaurants for you to choose from and we can make your dinner reservations. We recommend a light dinner, avoid alcohol and caffeine before bedtime. During the day you may want to enjoy a Mate de Coca (coca tea), a local herbal tea that helps with acclimatization, but refrain from it at night. Anise and chamomile teas help with digestion as well.
Keep drinking water, it’s very important for acclimatization.
Hotel: Hotel Mitru Sur (5*)
Meals included: L
Day 2
Fly from La Paz to Rurrenabaque (Beni Dept.) to Chalalan Lodge
We depart early in the morning to the airport for the flight to Rurrenabaque. The flight is a little over an hour from the Andes to the Amazon. Upon arrival in Rurrenabaque we will transfer to the offices of Chalalan Eco-Lodge to sort out paperwork, gear and prepare for the boat trip to Chalalan Lodge. We travel via a motorized boat with canopy up the Beni and then onto the Tuichi Rivers. Along the way we will have ample opportunities to view the typical Amazon basin made up of rainforest, rivers and savannas – home to thousands of bird species and other animals. Further up-river the scenery will change, and the landscape will show its hidden secrets as we go through Bullet Canyon and get further into the rainforest. Snacks and light lunch en route. After approximately five hours we will arrive at the Tuichi river port for Chalalan. A short half-hour hike through the rainforest with a local guide will introduce you to the natural ecosystems that are living and struggling to survive in the tropical forest and bring you to Chalalan lodge – situated next to Chalalan Lagoon. Afterwards you’ll have the option of taking a siesta or just relaxing in the hammocks. Later in the afternoon we can go on a canoe trip on Chalalan Lagoon to take advantage of the late afternoon light for some great photo ops of monkeys foraging for food before nightfall. Dinner and an optional night hike to see nocturnal animals. Overnight at Chalalan Lodge.
Hotel: Chalalan Lodge (3*)
Meals included: B,L,D
Day 3
Chalalan – Lagoon Overlook – Chalalan
We depart early via canoe to the other side of the lake in order to climb the hill to see the vastness of Madidi National Park before it gets too hot. The paddle is tranquil and is a great time to shoot birds and animals when they are active. Once across we work our way up to the overlook that gives you stunning views of the lagoon as well as the never-ending seas of trees undulating all the way to the horizon and then the last traces of the Andes mountains. This is a great place to see pigs and birds from the platform and get canopy-level photos of other birds and animals. We’ll work our way back to the lodge on foot in time for lunch. Afterwards we will head into the forest once again in search of animals and insects to photograph. We return for dinner at the lodge. There is a night hike to photograph nocturnal animals so come prepared with a flash. Overnight in Chalalan Lodge.
Hotel: Chalalan Lodge (3*)
Meals included: B,L,D
Day 4
Chalalan – Eslabon River – Chalalan
After breakfast, we depart on a day hike on the Paraba Trail bordering Laguna Chalalan as we go through the rainforest where we can view macaws and other species in the canopy high above our heads. Further on we cross the Rayamayo creek after going through various sections of forest with trees that adapt to their geographical location – much of it based on the availability of sunlight within the forest. We join the Marimono trail slowly working our way back to the lodge for lunch. Afterwards we head to another part of the forest to search for animals and insects and whatever else we may run across. There are very good possibilities of seeing monkeys and wild pigs nearby. We will cross the lagoon via dugout canoe to the lodge. After dinner there’s an optional night hike or a paddle on the lagoon to photograph nocturnal animals. Overnight in Chalalan Lodge.
Hotel: Chalalan Lodge (3*)
Meals included: B,L,D
Day 5
Chalalan – Rayamayo – Chalalan
After breakfast we go on an early morning hike on the Silbador trail until we arrive at Rayamayo River to view birds as they begin their daily activities. We continue looking for birds, monkeys and other animals as we work our way along the Mutun and Anta trails that will take us back to the lodge where we will have lunch. Canoe trips on the lagoon are always available for you to go shooting on your own. All you have to do is ask for a boat and off you go. Dinner at the lodge. Optional night hike for those interested in nocturnal animals and photography. Overnight in Chalalan Lodge.
Hotel: Chalalan Lodge (3*)
Meals included: B,L,D
Day 6
Chalalan – Tuichi River – Chalalan
It’s always a good idea to head out early in the morning as birds and animals get active as soon as there is light, which around these tropical latitudes means around 6 AM. The howler monkeys are the alarm clocks of the jungle, so you don’t need one to wake up. You can just lie in your bed and enjoy the soothing sound of mother nature. An early morning walk to the port is a great opportunity for some fabulous photography and peaceful moments. We will be taking different trails to look for wildlife, insects and whatever catches our fancy. Lunch at the lodge. We will head in a different direction for the afternoon which is especially good on the lagoon as the sun fills in the dark shadows with warm sweet light, great for making images of monkeys, which they are usually around! Dinner at the lodge. Night shooting for those that are interested. Overnight in Chalalan Lodge.
Hotel: Chalalan Lodge (3*)
Meals included: B,L,D
Day 7
Chalalan Lodge – Rurrenabaque – La Paz
After an early breakfast we head to the river and board the boat back to Rurrenabaque. The approximate travel time will be about 3 ½ hours – depending on water levels. As we head downriver, you’ll have time to reflect on all the wonderful things that you saw in Chalalan. Keep a sharp eye out on the riverbanks as we have seen jaguars, peccary, tapir, caiman, deer and countless birds on shore and crossing from one side of the Tuichi to another. The scenery unfolds once again as we come to the confluence of the Tuichi and Beni rivers and finish in Rurrenabaque. Once we land at the port, we head to the offices of Chalalan Lodge and get our airline tickets and sort our gear for the flight back to La Paz. Lunch before we head to the airport. Our flight back to La Paz is under an hour. We recommend you have some warm clothes in your carry-on so when you arrive you have something warm to wear. Our vehicle will be waiting, and we descend quickly to our hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy on your own to rest, freshen up, re-pack your bags. We will have our final group dinner together at a local restaurant. Overnight at Hotel Mitru Sur.
Hotel: Hotel Mitru Sur (5*)
Meals included: B,L,D
*This marks the official end of the trip. We will provide a complimentary shuttle to the airport in the morning. Please coordinate with us for your scheduled departure time.
Day 8
Airport Transfer in La Paz
We will take you to the airport at an appointed time, based on your flight schedule. Drive time from hotel to the airport is 45 minutes. We need to arrive 3 hours before any international departure and 1.5 hours before any domestic departure.
Hotel: none
Meals Included: none
End of Sergio Photo Tours services
- hotels (as per the itinerary),
- most meals (B,L,D)
- bi-lingual guides
- private transport
- airport transfers,
- decades of experience and local knowledge
In order to make a reservation for a photo tour you can either fill in the form found in "BOOKING" and send it in directly from this website, you can e-mail us directly with any questions or call us. The procedure from beginning to end is roughly the following: 1. Initial contact from you to us via several methods; online form (below), e-mail, postal mail or by phone 2. We respond to your query and send you whatever information you may have asked for 3. You fill out the Trip Application Form and send in a deposit (non-refundable) for a specific tour 4. We acknowledge receipt of Trip Application Form and your deposit and send you a Receipt/Invoice for the balance due 5. We send the general Pre-Departure information packet so you can begin to make preparations (gear, visas, clothing, vaccinations, etc.) 6. You send in final payment (60 days before departure date) and required paperwork (Medical Form, Liability Release, copy of passport, Travel Arrangement Form) 7. We send you the Receipt/Invoice for all payments and any balance due (if any) and final itinerary 8. We communicate with you about any last minute requests or questions you may have 9. We meet you at the starting point of the photo tour 10. We all have a great tour and you make awesome images to cherish forever
YES! Anyone can book a single spot on any tour group at any time. These prices reflect the cost for one person, based on the total number of fully-paid people booked on a trip. If you have more people in your group and/or if the total number of people rises, the cost per person goes down. These prices are NOT based on a person or complete group bringing in a set amount of people on a tour
Final group size / price tier will be known 60 days before departure
Yes. You can check the current price tier for any group at any time. Every time we have a new booking we will update the price tier. The same goes if somebody cancels the trip.
