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Chalalan Ecolodge

Customer Ratings
This is a Satisfaction Rating based on our own customer feedback

  • BOL_BolivianAmazon_ChalalanEcolodge (2)
  • BOL_BolivianAmazon_ChalalanEcolodge (3)
  • BOL_BolivianAmazon_ChalalanEcolodge (1)
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Remote and authentic jungle lodge in a little-visited area of staggering biodiversity, with proceeds benefitting conservation schemes and the indigenous community.

From Rurrenabaque it’s a 5-hour trip by motorised canoe to Chalalán Ecolodge, a small, friendly and authentic place nestled deep in the little-visited and remarkably biodiverse reserve of Madidi. It was developed by Conservation International in association with the indigenous community, which benefits from the proceeds.

The lodge is surrounded by virgin forest that reverberates with birdsong and the cries of howler monkeys, especially at dawn and dusk. Accommodation is in traditional Tacana-style cabins of differing layout, most with private bathroom. All are equipped with mosquito nets, comfortable armchairs, a veranda, balcony and hammock where you can relax and read.

Despite the dense shroud of jungle vegetation all around, there’s a relatively high chance of spotting wildlife in amongst the surrounding jungle. On the guided jungle walks, birdwatching expeditions and canoe trips offered from the lodge, you're likely to see howler monkeys, toucans, macaws, hoatzins and caiman, and with luck much more besides.

What our clients say

97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.

  • Highlight: Views over Lake Titicaca from Isla del Sol

    BC, London

  • The flight with Amazonas felt v safe. The plane is brand new CRJ200 Bombardier, the staff is helpful and v efficient and the pilots seemed v highly skilled and trained. So of all companies that provides short haul national flight in Bolivia I would highly recommend using Amazonas.

    JO, Borough

  • Highlights: The trek and Bolivia in general.

    GN, Kingsbridge

  • Across the Bolivian border was the long route which involved a four hour journey over a makeshift road with many potholes. However, the scenery was spectacular and I looked on it as a bit of fun. 

    SG, Chigwell

  • Highlight: “Seeing the physical geography of Bolivia and visits especially the silver mine and the mint.” 

    KS

  • A highlight was driving through Bolivia and salt flats. The lack of tourists during the long drive was something else. We saw hardly any other people at the attractions we stopped at. At some places we were the only people. Truly magical. More people at salt flats as expected but still a really memorable and spectacular experience.


  • Bolivia - just stunning.

    PG, Northwood

  • All excellent

    Bolivia was outstanding and we are grateful to our JLA travel consultant for her description of this trip.

    BR, Hornsey

  • Most memorable experience: “So many...Bolivia was outstanding and we are grateful to our JLA travel consultant for her description of this trip.”

    BR, Hornsey

  • Amazing

    For both of us though the highlight of our trip was the journey through Bolivia, the crossing of Lake Titicaca and the visit to the Sun Island and then the 3 days we spent driving down to the Chilean border with the guide Juan Carlos and driver Rene was simply the best, it reminded us of journeys we made back in the late 60’s through Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran.

    RA, Croydon

  • Bolivia is very spectacular in terms of scenery but both food and hotels leave something to be desired. Not a problem for us but some might find it below expectations. 

    MW

  • Most Memorable Moment: Lunch on the Uyuini Salt Plains

    FA, Preston

  • Overall a fantastic itinerary.  Bolivia was an unknown for us but it exceeded our expectations in every respect thanks to a wonderful guide in Noel.

    SM, Wokingham

  • The landscape in Bolivia was more stunning than expected. Uyuni was the highlight.

    MO, Liverpool

  • It felt like the most authentic South American experience.

    CC, Carnforth

  • Best aspect was that the constant variety of wonderful experiences and sights and - due to excellent guides - information on history and local culture.

    CR, Aylesbury

  • Most memorable experience: “The time we spent in Bolivia was amazing, despite the altitude sickness! The Uyuni salt flat was so beautiful and all the lagoons and mountains we saw on the way. We also loved Iguazu falls and lake Titicaca.” 

    SC, Manchester

  • A revelation

    Bolivia was a revelation. I knew little about the country before the tour, but I fell in love with it. We visited beautiful towns and cities, the Bolivians were charming, we saw marching bands everywhere, ate great food very cheaply and stayed in an interesting range of hotels.

    DK, Coventry

  • Most Memorable Moment?: Uyuni salt flats

    RH, Warrington

  • Most Memorable Moment: Difficult to pick out one thing as it was all great! For me probably being on Lake Titicaca, the achievement of a childhood ambition!

    JS

  • Highlight: Oh PLEASE !?? How can we do that.  I think  the early Hito Cajon border of Bolivia to Sucre had to be the highlights - the Salar, etc. the views all the way, our guide must have got tired of us oohing and aaahing !

    RH, Carshalton
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Real Latin America Experts

  • Mary Anne Nelson
    Mary Anne Nelson - Travel Expert

    Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.

  • Hannah Waterhouse
    Hannah Waterhouse - Travel Expert

    Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.

  • Chris Rendell Dunn
    Chris Rendell-Dunn - Travel Expert

    Anglo-Peruvian Chris grew up in Lima and spent much of his adult life in between London and Cusco as a tour leader, before settling permanently in our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours sales team.

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    Carrie Gallagher - Travel Expert

    A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours department.

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    Paul Winrow-Giffin - Travel Expert

    After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.

  • Ben Line
    Ben Line - Travel Expert

    Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.

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