Destinations-Rurrenabaque

Chalalán Lodge is located in Madidi national Park, one of the world's most biologically diverse regions in the world. The lodge was created with responsible eco tourism in mind, using biological materials and solar energy. The lodge consists of a main building and cabañas on the shore of a huge lake. The lodge is literally surrounded by wildlife such as monkeys, caimans, turtles and an amazing variety of different birds. Chalalán has been constructed with respect for the natural surroundings, using forest materials, solar energy, and with intensive protection of the lake. The cabins are surrounded by virgin forest inhabited by an astonishing variety of birds and mammals. The lake is and ideal habitat for monkeys, caiman, turtles, hoatzin, and macaws and reverberates under a constant symphony of birdsong, shouts of howler monkeys, and barking toucans, particularly at dawn and dusk.

Early in the morning you will board a dugout canoe for the five-hour trip to Chalalán. We will follow the famous Beni River and pass through the spectacular Bala Gorge before heading up the smaller Tiuchi River and entering Madidi National park. Established in 1995, Madidi protects some of the wildest and most pristine rainforest on earth, and the big animals such as herds of peccary, sloths, howler monkeys, giant otters, and jaguars still thrive in this park. Each day at Chalalán is filled with discovery as you head out on excursions with your Quechua guide in search of macaws, toucans, squirrel monkeys and more. With luck, you might even run across a 300-pound tapir using your trail as a highway through the forest! A walk to one of the lookout points in the area offers magnificent views of the rainforest canopy and Chalán Lake below. Back at the lodge, you will learn about traditional crafts, farming techniques and food, and evenings are filled with stories about the community's history, customs, and beliefs. There is also plenty of time for hanging out in your hammock, browsing the many guidebooks, swimming in the lake and taking an amble down several self-guided trails near the lodge.