Chalalán Ecolodge

Welcome to Rurrenabaque! If your flight arrives before 12:00 p.m., you’ll be transferred to the Chalalán office for a short briefing and a chance to freshen up before a short walk to the port. From there, we board a motorized boat and begin a breathtaking 5.3-hour journey along the Beni and Tuichi Rivers.

On the way, you’ll marvel at the majestic Bala Canyon, surrounded by lush Amazonian forest. Soon after, we enter the world’s most biodiverse reserve: Madidi National Park. Your local guide will point out wildlife along the riverbanks—such as caimans, monkeys, and a dazzling variety of birds including macaws, toucans, parrots, and more. With luck, you may even spot a tapir or a jaguar!

A short stop at a beach in the heart of Madidi offers a chance for a snack and rest before continuing. Upon arrival at the Chalalán port, a 25-minute walk through pristine forest leads you to the lodge nestled beside the beautiful Chalalán Lake. After a warm welcome and check-in, we enjoy a hearty lunch.

Later, we embark on an interpretive forest hike guided by a local expert who will explain the ecological significance and traditional uses of Amazonian plants and trees. The walk ends by the lake, where we return paddling in a canoe—perfect for spotting monkeys and colorful birds and capturing the beauty of the landscape. After a refreshing dip in the lake, dinner is served, followed by an optional night walk to discover the sounds and nocturnal life of the rainforest—including frogs, owls, and the glowing eyes of caimans near the lake shore.

Note: If your flight arrives in the afternoon, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Rurrenabaque for an overnight stay.

Wake up to the sounds of the forest—the morning calls of howler monkeys and tropical birds echoing across the lake. After an early breakfast, we embark on a guided 3 to 4-hour trek along the Tapacaré Trail or a similar route.

This deep jungle walk offers opportunities to encounter wildlife while learning about the rainforest’s rich biodiversity and traditional ecological knowledge. Your guide will share insights into the ecosystem and show you medicinal plants and animal habitats.

We return to the lodge for lunch and an afternoon siesta, followed by a scenic walk to a panoramic lookout point. From this high vantage, enjoy unforgettable views of the Chalalán Lake and the vast, unbroken rainforest canopy of Madidi National Park.

After breakfast, we take a short morning hike to search for wildlife and plants we may have missed earlier. Then, we return to the lodge for an early lunch before heading back to the river.

The return boat journey downriver takes approximately 3 hours, offering another chance to enjoy the stunning Amazon scenery. Upon arrival in Rurrenabaque, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, concluding your Amazon adventure.