The Bolivian Amazon: Experience an Unusual Adventure Full of Emotions!

The Bolivian Amazon represents a large part of the Bolivian territory. The Amazon itself is a natural region in South America that spans 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 tropical forest and its lush vegetation is nevertheless a "must-see," worlds apart from the Andes mountain range 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 discovering the Bolivian Amazon
The park covers an area of 18,957 km2 and represents one of the world's most significant genetic resources on the planet.
Indeed, no less than 3,235 species of fauna and flora live here! These species coexist with over 30 indigenous communities (Quechua, Chamas, Maropas, Chimanes, and Tacana Indians).
At the heart of Madidi National Park, the community project Chalalan, funded by NGO Conservation International, 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. Profits are used to protect the ecosystem and maintain Uchupiamonas traditions. This project is a fine example of alternative and ecological development in collaboration with local populations and indigenous peoples.

So then, what are the selva and pampa?

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

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

The pampa, on the other hand, is more like bushland 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 here, the largest rodent in the world found only in the Amazon. Impressive, right?

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 anymore, it's in the Amazon you must go! Staying in the Bolivian Amazon means being in the company of native Bolivian guides, experiencing 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 exotic activity ideas to do in this region:

• Swim with dolphins. And yes, as mentioned earlier, the pampa is home to pink dolphins! So why not swim with them? And no risk that anything happens to you. Indeed, dolphins keep piranhas and caimans away... You can enjoy a swim without fear of being eaten!
• Fishing for piranhas. Will you manage to fish for piranhas? These voracious animals will gulp down your bait in no time... But if you manage to catch one (or several!) and taste it, you'll realize their flesh is very fine and flavorful.
• Observe animals. In both pampa and selva you will be able to see lots of animals, some from really close up! Discover typical fauna of the Bolivian Amazon. Lizards, parakeets, monkeys, wild pigs, caimans, dolphins and piranhas... This exoticism will surely amaze you!
• Listen to forest sounds during a night walk. With your headlamp on, follow your guide and discover the Amazon from a new angle. At night, nocturnal animals awaken and you can hear the forest come alive. Stay alert and attentive! Beautiful surprises await you...
• Discover the medicinal virtues 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 virtues! This is your chance to learn more about their medical use.
• Enjoy a refreshing bath at sunset. What better after a long day than to relax in front of a beautiful sunset? You can even swim in the river if you feel like it!

Things to bring:

And because we wouldn't want you to forget anything, we've prepared a small list of things to bring:

• sunscreen;
• mosquito repellent (stick or spray for clothes and body);
• light breathable clothing covering your entire body;
• a raincoat;
• 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:

Finally, some last recommendations ensure you have a great trouble-free stay:

• be vaccinated against yellow fever (valid for 10 years);
• antimalarial treatment: this treatment is taken before and/or during and after travel;
• on-site drink plenty of water.

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