The Bolivian Amazon: experience something unique and full of emotions!

The Bolivian Amazon represents a large part of Bolivian territory. The Amazon itself is a natural region of South America that extends over 9 countries: Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. Its landscapes are therefore very diverse! Often forgotten during a trip to Bolivia, the rainforest and its lush vegetation are nevertheless a “must-see,” a world away from the Andes and the high plateaus. By taking the time to venture into this part of the country, you will discover incredible ecosystems!

Madidi National Park

Framed by the glacier-covered peaks of the Andes and the humid tropical forests of the Tuichi River, Madidi National Park is located in the upper basin of the Amazon River. Accessible from the small town of Rurrenabaque, it is a beautiful gateway to discover the Bolivian Amazon. The park covers an area of 18,957 km2 and represents one of the largest genetic resources on the planet. In fact, no less than 3,235 species of fauna and flora live here! These species coexist with more than 30 indigenous communities (the Quechua, Chamas, Maropas, Chimanes, and Tacana Indians). At the heart of Madidi National Park, the community project Chalalan, funded by the NGO Conservación Internacional, involves local communities. This ecolodge is managed by the San Jose de Uchupiamonas community and is accessible only by crossing the park by canoe, via the Tuichi River. The profits are used to protect the ecosystem as well as to maintain Uchupiamonas traditions. This project is a great example of alternative and ecological development in collaboration with local populations and indigenous peoples.

So, the selva, the pampa... what are they?

The Bolivian Amazon is divided into two regions: the Selva and the Pampa, which can be explored together during the Amazonian forest and pampa tour

The selva is the Amazon rainforest as we tend to imagine it. It is the jungle, a very hot and humid environment where insects are omnipresent. It is generally in this environment that survival mode stays take place. You go with the minimum and manage to find your food, protect yourself from insects and the sun with what you find in nature... In short, you go on an adventure! You can also take a more classic excursion there, discovering the fauna and flora.

The pampa is more like the bush and swamps. The environment is drier and less hot. Here, you can see animals much more easily! Caimans, turtles, birds, yellow monkeys... You can even see pink dolphins and capybaras, the largest rodent in the world, which can only be found in the Amazon. Impressive, isn't it?

What to do in the Bolivian Amazon?

If you want to be isolated from the world, immersed in a natural environment and connected with nature, then don't hesitate any longer, it's in the Amazon that you need to go! Staying in the Bolivian Amazon means being in the company of native Bolivian guides, living an authentic and memorable experience, discovering indigenous rituals, or listening to stories, tales and legends that only locals know and share with you.

Here are some ideas for exotic activities to do in this region:

• Swim with dolphins. Yes, as mentioned earlier, the pampa is home to pink dolphins! So why not swim with them? And there is no risk of anything happening to you. In fact, dolphins keep piranhas and caimans away... You will be able to enjoy a swim without fear of being eaten!
• Fish for piranhas. Will you manage to catch piranhas? These voracious animals will swallow your bait in the blink of an eye... But if you manage to catch one (or several!) and taste it, you will realize that their flesh is very fine and very tasty.
• Observe the animals. In the pampa as in the selva, you will be able to see lots of animals, some of them really up close! Discover the typical fauna of the Bolivian Amazon. Lizards, parakeets, monkeys, wild pigs, caimans, dolphins, and piranhas... This exoticism will surely amaze you!
• Listen to the sounds of the forest during a night walk. With your headlamp, follow your guide and discover the Amazon from a new angle. At night, nocturnal animals wake up and you can hear the forest come alive. Stay alert and pay attention! Beautiful surprises await you...
• Discover the medicinal properties of many varieties of plants and trees. Here you are in the middle of the Amazon, completely disoriented and surrounded by countless diverse plants. Many have medicinal properties! This is your chance to learn more about their medical uses.
• Enjoy a nice refreshing bath at sunset. What better after a long day than to relax in front of a magnificent sunset? You can even swim in the river if you feel like it!

Things to bring

And because we don't want you to forget anything, we've put together a small list of things to bring:

• sunscreen;
• mosquito repellent (stick or spray for clothes and body);
• light and breathable clothing covering your whole body;
• a rain jacket;
• a hat or cap;
• sunglasses;
• a swimsuit;
• good comfortable walking shoes;
• a small backpack (waterproof if possible);
• a flashlight;
• an external battery if you want to be sure you can charge your electronic devices.

Recommendations

To finish, a few last recommendations to make sure you have a great trip without any problems:

• be vaccinated against yellow fever (valid for 10 years);
• a treatment against malaria: this treatment is taken before and/or during and after the trip;
• on site, drink plenty of water.

And there you go, you are all set to go! Thanks to the local agency Terra Bolivia for all these valuable tips.