12 BOLIVIA Amazon Chalalan Eco Lodge

28th-30th November 2006 - Madidi National Park, Bolivian Amazon

Flying with TAM (Military airline) requires 1 hour from La Paz to Rurrenabaque instead of taking the 18 hour bus journey on unpaved road.

Arriving off the boat at the Chalalan ecolodge where we spent two nights in the rainforest.

Chalalan is a project which was set up by a international group of conservationists and the local community of San Jose, to help preserve the pristine rainforest of Madidi national park which is now recognized as one of the most bio-diverse habitats in the world. After developing the lodge using ecologically sound building methods and solar powered lighting it was handed back to the local community to manage in 1995. The guides at the lodge are very knowledgeable and respectful of the forest as it is there they have lived all their lives.

A view of the lake at Chalalan ecolodge where we enjoyed a nightly swim, praying that the caimans would not wish to join us! Canoe rides on the lake provided an enjoyable way to spot wildlife in the jungle.

One of the many amazing birds in the jungle - the elegant hoatzin or paradise bird.

A caiman chilling out waiting for some prey.