Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The village of San José is another three hours upstream by boat, and if you wish to visit
it from Chalalán, though you'll need to arrange it in advance, it's especially rewarding
during the week-long fiesta for the local patron saint around May 1.
Rates include transfers to and from the airport (if you're coming from La Paz), one
night in Rurre, three great meals per day, a well-trained English-speaking guide, excur-
sions, canoe trips on the lake, plus local taxes and a community levy. The booking office (
892-2419; www.chalalan.com ; Comercio near Campero) is in Rurrenabaque.
LODGE
Sadiri $$$
( 6770-9087, in Santa Cruz 3-356-3636; full board including transfer & return to Rur-
renabaque per person per day US$150) The newest kid on the community project block is
wonderful Sadiri, a set of six luxury cabins in dense foothill rainforest in the Serranía
Sadiri. The indigenous San José de Uchupiamonas community rejected the advances of
the courting oil companies and with the assistance of local conservationists opted instead
for a sustainable tourist project aimed at bringing long-term benefits to the area. With
community members staffing the lodge and the best-trained wildlife guides in the Rur-
renabaque area, this innovative lodge caters as much for serious bird-watchers and eco-
travelers as it does to those who just revel in the beauty of natural areas.
What sets Sadiri apart from the other Madidi lodges is its highland location (between
500m and 950m), resulting in a much cooler temperature than the sweaty lowlands. This
means that there is a whole new set of animals and birds to enjoy, including mixed flocks
filled with dozens of species of glittering tanagers, each one like a feathered jewel. Bird
Bolivia ( Click here ) organizes recommended trips.
Traditional home-cooked meals are served on a terrace flanked with hummingbird feed-
ers and looking out over Madidi with some of the most awe-inspiring views of the nation-
al park that you could ever imagine. Bookings are by phone only.
LODGE
San Miguel del Bala $$$
( 892-2394; www.sanmigueldelbala.com ; Comercio near Vaca Diez, Rurrenabaque;
per person per day B$450) A glorious community ecolodge in its own patch of paradise
right on Madidi's doorstep, 40 minutes upstream by boat from Rurre. This Tacana com-
munity consists of around 230 inhabitants who'll be happy to show you their traditional
agricultural methods, weaving and wood-carving.
Accommodations are in cabins with mahogany wood floors, separate bathrooms and
beds covered by silky mosquito nets. There are several guided walks, including a visit to
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