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Written by: -
Fern Thomas
Miami Beach, FL
Dates: - Dec 1998
Email: - fmthomas@yahoo.com
Comments: - The Chalalan Ecolodge opened in July 1998 in Madidi
National Park. It is a collaborative ecotourism initiative jointly implemented by the
people of San Jose de Uchupiamonas and Conservation International. The project was
launched in 1992 by a visionary group of entrepreneurs from San Jose de Uchupiamonas, a
village of 50 families located 25 km uup the Tuichi River from Chalalan Lake. These young
men and women sought employment opportunity through nature tourism as well as income
generative alternaives to logging. The project ahs a strong value as a model in
conservation enterprise development, village ownership, and economically viable
alternative to biodiversity destruction. The projct is one component of a broader program
in sustainable development, ecotourism, and capacity building wththe village. Underlying
project execution is the belief that future management of Madidi National Park and
protection of flora and fauna in this rich ecosystem, depend upon the economic well-being
of local people. For more information check out their web site.
Note: There are no banking facilities in Rurrenabaque and the shops charge a 5% commission
on travellers checks.
Exchange Rate: - Bs6.51=US$1
Rating: - 8
Weather: - Rainy season, but we only had rain 2 out 5 days
Terrain: - Jungle
During the wet season some of the companies have cancelled Pampas trips. Others recommend
only 2 days rather than the standard 3 day trip due to the mosquitoes. Also, animal
sitings in the Pampas are lower during rainy season due to the highter waters. NOTE: There
is no malaria in this area, so we are told.
Hotels: - Chalalan Ecolodge on the Rio Tiuchi
Centro de Informacion Rurrenabaque, Beni - Bolivia
Tel/Fax (591) 892-2419
Email: chalalan@cibol.rds.org.bo
Website: http://www.ecotour.org/template/ecotour/destin/dstbrow1.cfm
Contact in La Paz: Yazmin Caballero, Conservacion Internacional, 291 Macario Pinilla, La
Paz (591)2434058
This is a great jungle alternative. The lodge has cabins for 2 to 6 people facing the
lake. Comfortable beds, with mosquito nets, toilets and showers, excellent meals, 25 km of
trails in pristine rain forest, a lake with canoe excursions, guides and bilingual
volunteer translators. Guides have grown up in the jungle and have been trained by
Conservation International. They are very good. We saw a large number of birds, animals
and of course, flora and fauna. They have programs of 3, 4 or 5 days. Prices vary
depending on the number in the group. We paid US$118 for four days with a group of 6, but
prices will be going up in 1999. See more below and check out the web site. This is a
great way to appreciate the jungle and meet some local jungle villagers.
Hostal Oriental on the Plaza in Rurrenabaque
matrimonial with fan and private bath US$10 (less w/o bath)
garden, hammocks, laundry facilities, clean
electricity in the town goes off at midnight until 6 or 7 am.
Camillas Snacks
Excellent burgers/cheap!
Route: - La Paz to Rurrenabaque
TAM Airlines
Bs 240 each way
4 flights a week, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Essentials: - Sunscreen, Long pants and long sleeve shirts, Bathing suit, Tevas and hiking boots, and of course plenty of DEET
Interests: - Birding
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