Madidi National Park

Madidi National Park is in the northwest of the La Paz Department of Bolivia.

Madidi was established as part of the Bolivian national parks system in 1995. It is a huge park that covers an area of 1,895,800 hectares.

From snow-capped peaks in the Apolobamba range of the Andes to tropical lowland basins in the Amazon. The landscape includes an incredible range of ecosystems, from high altitude grasslands to clouds forests, lowland tropical forests to pristine lowland savannas. Madidi is part of a vast wilderness that includes neighboring protected areas in Bolivia and southeastern Peru.

Madidi is one of the most biologically diverse protected areas on the planet. The park is home to over 1,000 bird species, representing a whopping 11% of the world’s 9,000 bird species. Madidi contains large populations of Latin America’s most charismatic wildlife species: jaguar, spectacled bear, maned wolf, vicuña, giant otter, Andean condor and military macaw, among others. The newly discovered monkey species lives in Madidi and nowhere else.

Due to an elevation gradient ranging from alpine peaks over 5,700 m (18,700 ft) down to tropical lowlands at 180 m (590 ft), the climate varies dramatically across the park:

• Lowland rainforest and savannas: Warm and humid with an average annual temperature of around 26°C (79°F). Daytime highs frequently reach above 30°C (86°F).
• Highlands and Andes: Temperate in the cloud forests to cold, alpine conditions near the Apolobamba mountain range.

• Wet season (November to April): Characterized by heavy rainfall, high humidity, and swollen rivers. Trails can become muddy and harder to navigate, and boat transport may face occasional delays due to river levels.
• Dry season (May to October): The most popular time to visit. Days are generally drier and clearer, river levels drop, and wildlife viewing along riverbanks is often easier. Nights can get surprisingly cool when southern polar winds (surazos) reach the lowlands, occasionally dropping temperatures down to 10–15°C (50–59°F).

The Madidi National Park can be reached from Rurrenabaque.

Be careful to choose a good tour and a good guide. Don't be the next to become disappointed. There are many tour operators and travel agencies with a wide range of tours and prices. And of course you can find really good quality. Quality and price are connected. But first of all you have to spend time on investigation. Ask for proper information and testimonials.

More information on tours in article Rurrenabaque.

The entrance fee is mostly not included in the prices of the tour operators and was 125 Bs in June 2011.

There is essentially no road infrastructure inside the park; travel within Madidi is entirely by water or on foot. Because of the dense jungle and protected status, independent travel is strictly regulated, and almost all movement is arranged through guided tours or local eco-lodges.

• By motorized boat: Long motorized dugout canoes (often equipped with outboard motors and basic canopies) are the primary mode of transportation between Rurrenabaque and the park's lodges and camps. Journeys follow the Beni and Tuichi rivers, taking anywhere from 40 minutes (for lodges closest to the entrance, like San Miguel del Bala) to 3–6 hours (for deeper sites, such as Chalalán or Berraco del Madidi). During the dry season, travel times upstream can increase slightly due to lower water levels and exposed gravel bars.
• On foot: Once at your lodge or campsite, exploring the interior is done along established thematic trails. A certified local indigenous guide is required for nearly all treks, both for safety (navigating wildlife, insect hazards, and dense jungle) and ecological interpretation.
• By canoe: Hand-paddled wooden canoes are used for quiet exploration of oxbow lakes and lagoons (such as Lake Chalalán), offering optimal opportunities for birdwatching and spotting caimans without the noise of an outboard motor.

Madidi is recognized as one of the most biologically diverse protected areas on Earth, encompassing environments that range from glaciated Andean peaks and cloud forests down to lowland Amazonian rainforest and pampas.

• Wildlife viewing: The park shelters over 270 mammal species, including jaguars, pumas, ocelots, giant otters, tapirs, and spectacled bears. Primate sightings are frequent along riverbanks and forest trails, including howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, capuchins, and the endemic Madidi titi monkey (Plecturocebus aureipalatii).
• Birdlife: With more than 1,250 recorded species—over 14% of the world's total bird species—the park is a premier birdwatching destination. Notable species include colorful macaws (frequently seen nesting in sandstone cliffs), toucans, harpy eagles, hoatzins, and Andean cock-of-the-rock at higher elevations.
• Reptiles and amphibians: Black and spectacled caimans, anacondas, river turtles, and poison dart frogs are commonly spotted, particularly on nocturnal boat trips and guided night walks.
• Plant diversity: Over 8,000 vascular plant species thrive here, from colossal Amazonian hardwoods like Brazil nut and mahogany trees to thousands of orchid and bromeliad varieties in the montane cloud forests.

• Lake Chalalán: A scenic oxbow lagoon nestled deep in the primary rainforest, famous for its tranquil waters, abundant birdlife, and the community-run Chalalán Ecolodge. Paddling across the lake offers excellent chances to view caimans and hoatzins.
• Beni and Tuichi Rivers: The park's main water highways. The boat transit itself provides dramatic canyon scenery, such as the Bala Gorge, as well as views of capybaras, tapirs, and aquatic birds feeding on river beaches.
• Indigenous communities: Several indigenous groups inhabit the reserve, including the Tacana, Ese Ejja, and Tsimané. Visiting community-managed ecotourism projects (such as San José de Uchupiamonas or San Miguel del Bala) offers insight into traditional forest medicine, hunting techniques, and local cultural heritage.

Activities in Madidi center on wildlife observation, jungle trekking, and community-based ecotourism led by local indigenous guides:

• Day and night jungle treks: Hike guided trails through primary rainforest and foothill cloud forests. Day hikes focus on medicinal plants, massive canopy trees, and spotting primates, while night walks with flashlights reveal tarantulas, tree frogs, glowing bioluminescent fungi, and nocturnal insects.
• Canoeing and boat safaris: Take motorized excursions along the Beni and Tuichi rivers or paddle quiet oxbow lagoons like Lake Chalalán. River safaris provide the best vantage points for observing capybaras, sunbathing caimans, river turtles, and shoreline birds like kingfishers and jabiru storks.
• Birdwatching: Madidi is a bucket-list destination for ornithologists, hosting over 1,200 recorded bird species. Dedicated birding walks at dawn and dusk offer opportunities to spot rare toucans, macaws, hummingbirds, and endemic cloud forest species.
• Sport fishing (catch and release): Several operators arrange guided catch-and-release fishing along the Tuichi River, where anglers target fierce native game fish, notably the golden dorado (Salminus brasiliensis).
• Indigenous cultural workshops: Many community lodges offer interactive cultural activities, such as traditional archery, palm-weaving demonstrations, cane-sugar processing with wooden mills, and guided explanations of ancestral hunting rituals.
• Pampas tours: Although technically outside the national park borders in the adjacent wetlands of Santa Rosa del Yacuma, many travelers combine a Madidi jungle tour with a 2- to 3-day boat excursion through the open wetland pampas to see pink river dolphins, squirrel monkeys, and anacondas.

There are no shops, commercial services, or ATMs within the park boundaries. Everything you need during your stay must be arranged and purchased in advance in Rurrenabaque or San Buenaventura.

• Cash: Bring plenty of cash in Bolivian bolivianos (Bs). Cards are not accepted inside the park or at the park ranger checkpoints, and the few ATMs in Rurrenabaque are notoriously unreliable or frequently run out of money. It is strongly advised to withdraw all the cash you anticipate needing while still in La Paz.
• Park entrance fee: The SERNAP protected area entrance fee is **Bs 200** for foreign tourists (Bs 50 for Bolivian nationals), payable in cash at the ranger checkpoint upon entering. Most package tours do not include this fee in their upfront price—always confirm with your operator beforehand.
• Supplies: Stock up on essentials in Rurrenabaque before boarding your boat. Key items include insect repellent (with high DEET concentration), sun protection, a headlamp/flashlight with spare batteries, quick-drying clothing, and personal medications.
• Local handicrafts: Some indigenous communities (such as San José de Uchupiamonas or San Miguel) and community ecolodges sell handmade souvenirs produced by local artisans. These typically include woven bags, bark-cloth crafts, and jewelry crafted from native rainforest seeds like chonta and huayruro.

There are no independent restaurants, cafes, or grocery stores inside the park. All dining logistics depend entirely on your accommodation or tour arrangements:

• Eco-lodges: Full-board meal plans are standard and included in the lodging package. Lodges like Chalalán, San Miguel del Bala, and Madidi Jungle provide set multi-course meals prepared by local staff, typically featuring a blend of traditional Bolivian cuisine (fresh river fish such as surubí or pacu, rice, yucca, and plantains) and international fare. Dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) can generally be accommodated if communicated to your operator well in advance of departure from Rurrenabaque.
• Camping and budget tours: Tours that involve tent camping or basic rustic shelters typically bring along a dedicated camp cook who prepares meals over gas stoves or open fires. Meals are hearty but simpler, relying on non-perishables, rice, eggs, pasta, and tinned goods.
• Snacks and self-catering: High-energy trail snacks—such as nuts, dried fruit, granola bars, and chocolate—should be bought in Rurrenabaque before departing, as you will not find any provisions for sale once you enter the park.

• Safe drinking water: Never drink untreated tap, stream, or river water in the park, as it carries high risks of bacterial infections and waterborne parasites. Most established eco-lodges (such as Chalalán and San Miguel del Bala) provide boiled, filtered, or purified water in communal dining areas where guests can refill their bottles. If you are camping or taking a budget excursion, bring a reliable water purification method—such as a hollow-fiber water filter, UV purifier (SteriPEN), or chlorine dioxide purification tablets.
• Hydration: The lowland rainforest is hot and intensely humid. Bring a durable, reusable water bottle or hydration bladder, and carry at least 1.5 to 2 liters with you on any trail excursion. Consider packing electrolyte powder or hydration tablets to replenish salts lost from heavy sweating.
• Beverages and alcohol: Most eco-lodges offer hot tea, local coffee, and fruit juices with meals. Some lodges keep a modest selection of bottled beer, wine, or soft drinks available for purchase in the common lodge area (cash only). If you want specific spirits or canned beverages for an expedition or budget camp, you will need to purchase them beforehand in Rurrenabaque.

Most visitors stay in community-owned or privately operated eco-lodges situated along the Beni and Tuichi rivers. Packages typically include boat transit from Rurrenabaque, guided excursions, and full board. Electricity is usually solar-powered and limited to specific hours, while rooms are fitted with essential mosquito nets.

• Chalalán Ecolodge (Albergue Ecológico Chalalán) (Located on the shores of Lake Chalalán, deep in the park; roughly 5½ hours upstream by motorized canoe along the Beni and Tuichi rivers from Rurrenabaque, followed by a 25-minute trail walk.), info@chalalan.com. The pioneer of community ecotourism in Bolivia, wholly owned and operated by the indigenous Quechua-Tacana people of San José de Uchupiamonas. Offers traditional Tacana-style wooden cabins with private or shared baths, solar electricity, a dining hall serving local and international meals, and an extensive network of interpretation trails around the lagoon. Renowned for expert wildlife tracking and birdwatching. 
• San Miguel del Bala Eco-Lodge (On the banks of the Beni River, about 40 minutes upstream by motorized boat from Rurrenabaque.). Owned and operated by the Tacana community of San Miguel. Features 7 comfortable private cabins and an 8-bed dormitory, an on-site cultural interpretation center, and trails leading to canyon viewpoints and natural swimming holes. Because of its proximity to Rurrenabaque, it is the most easily accessible lodge in the area and well suited for shorter itineraries. 
• Madidi Jungle Ecolodge (Located along the Tuichi River inside the national park, roughly 3½ hours upstream from Rurrenabaque.). A 100% indigenous-run community initiative operated by families from San José de Uchupiamonas. Offers traditional Amazonian-style cabins with private bathrooms and verandas overlooking the primary forest, accommodating small groups for a low-impact, intimate jungle experience. 
• Berraco del Madidi, Calle Comercio esq. Vaca Díez (booking office in Rurrenabaque) (Situated deep along the Tuichi River, accessible via a 6-hour boat ride from Rurrenabaque.), ☏ +591 3892-2966. A remote rainforest eco-camp operated in partnership with the local indigenous community, specializing in tailored, multi-day deep-jungle adventures for small groups (maximum 8 guests). 

Independent camping is not permitted freely inside the park. However, several tour operators in Rurrenabaque arrange organized backcountry camping treks. In these cases, operators supply tents, mosquito netting, and camp cooks, setting up temporary camps on elevated riverbanks or designated clearings along the Tuichi River.

Multi-day survival treks and deep-interior foot expeditions into the foothills and cloud forests must be coordinated through licensed tour operators with certified indigenous guides and park ranger authorization. Facilities do not exist in the backcountry; all food, filtration equipment, shelter, and waste must be packed in and packed out.

Madidi is an extreme, remote wilderness environment with virtually no cell phone coverage and emergency medical facilities located hours—or days—away in Rurrenabaque or La Paz.

• Never trek without a certified guide: Off-trail navigation is perilous due to dense vegetation, deceptive animal trails, and rapid disorientation. Certified local guides know the terrain, trail conditions, and wildlife behavior.
• Wildlife encounters: While apex predators like jaguars, pumas, and black caimans rarely confront humans unprovoked, venomous snakes (such as the fer-de-lance / bothrops and bushmaster), stingrays, electric eels, and spiders (like the wandering spider) pose genuine risks. Always watch where you place your hands and feet, check the inside of your boots every morning before putting them on, and carry a headlamp on all night excursions.
• Insects and biting pests: Mosquitoes, sandflies (chitra), bullet ants, and botflies are common. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting long sleeves, long trousers tucked into tall socks, and sturdy hiking boots. Apply high-concentration DEET or picaridin repellent regularly.
• River travel: Water transit on motorized dugout canoes along the Beni and Tuichi rivers exposes travelers to strong currents, submerged logs, and hidden sandbars. Always wear a properly fastened life jacket (PFD) provided by the boat operator, keep non-waterproof electronics inside dry bags, and refrain from swimming in rivers unless your guide explicitly verifies a pool is safe from caimans, piranhas, and stingrays.

• Vaccinations: A Yellow fever vaccination certificate is often required or strongly recommended for travel to the Bolivian Amazon lowlands. Up-to-date routine vaccines (Tetanus, Hepatitis A, and Typhoid) are essential.
• Mosquito-borne illnesses: The risk of malaria varies across the department, but dengue fever and leishmaniasis are prevalent. Discuss appropriate antimalarial prophylaxis with a travel medicine physician well before your trip.
• Waterborne illness: Do not consume unboiled or untreated tap or river water. Stick strictly to purified, filtered, or boiled water provided by lodges, or carry self-contained purification gear (hollow-fiber filter, UV purifier, or chlorine dioxide tablets).
• Heat and dehydration: High ambient temperatures combined with extreme tropical humidity dramatically increase the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Carry a minimum of 2 liters of drinking water on any day hike, use hydration salts or electrolyte tablets, and wear broad-brimmed hats and high-SPF sunscreen.
• Medical supplies: Bring an extensive personal first-aid kit containing broad-spectrum antibiotics, oral rehydration salts, antihistamines, antiseptic ointment, blister treatments, and any personal prescription medications in sufficient quantities to outlast travel delays.

• Rurrenabaque – The essential gateway hub just across the Beni River, where nearly all jungle and pampas tours are organized, and where you can catch flights or buses back toward the highlands.
• San Buenaventura – Madidi's administrative gateway on the opposite bank of the Beni River from Rurrenabaque, housing the SERNAP park headquarters and visitor center.
• The Pampas (Santa Rosa del Yacuma) – Often combined with a Madidi trek, these sprawling savanna wetlands northeast of Rurrenabaque provide boat safaris to see pink river dolphins, anacondas, capybaras, and caimans in open waters.
• Pilón Lajas Biosphere Reserve and Communal Lands – Madidi’s neighboring protected area directly across the Beni River, protecting rich montane forests, foothill rivers, and Mosetén indigenous territories.
• Apolobamba Integrated Management Natural Area – Located immediately south and contiguous with Madidi, offering high-Andean trekking, rugged glaciated peaks, and traditional Kallawaya herbal healing culture.
• Coroico – A relaxed hill town in the Bolivian Yungas, popular as a tranquil stopover on the overland road route connecting the lowlands with La Paz.