River Amazon Bolivia

In brief: Paddling the Rio Tuichi in the Madidi National Park. Bolivian Amazon.

Billed by National Geographic magazine as one of the most biologically diverse areas on the planet. This river trip presents a unique insight into pristine Amazonian rainforest and is a fantastic opportunity to see this most beautiful of National Parks and to get a chance to see its many wildlife attractions.

There are no other rivers this size and this remote in Bolivia. During the trip you will have the opportunity to see diverse flora and fauna such as jaguars, giant anteaters and anacondas. This is a very special and unique expedition that few will ever do. .

This jungle trip starts with a transfer to the goldmining town of Apolo, where we will enter into the Madidi National Park. After a transfer to the Rio Tuichi you will have the opportunity to spend 10 days paddling down the river. Highlights include wild camping on the river beaches or in the forest itself, fishing for Pirahnas and entering an environment that few other humans will get the chance to see. Adventure in the truest sense of the word.


Raft Information

This style of raft is not your typical inflatable raft. It is a sturdy raft made out of truck tubes. Normally 8 to 10 tubes per raft, depending on the size of the group. They are held together with slender tree trunks, which are tied together with rope, which is called a 'balsa de goma'. Equipment is tied to the raft and the luggage is used as seats. A class 4 white water is no problem for this style of raft.

This style was first used by the local people living in the Amazon. It was original used to transport wood cut down in the forest.

Another style of raft used to float down the river is the balsa log raft. This is a more traditional style but much slower as some of the larger rapids cannot be rafted because of large rocks in the river.

Itinerary

Day 1: Airport (4,000m) - La Paz (3,600m)

Transfer to Hotel (4 stars)
Group meeting and dinner (D)

Day 2: La Paz (3,600m) - Apolo (1,500m)

We will leave La Paz and head up to El Alto and across the dry Altiplano (4,000m), heading towards Lake Titikaka (3,810m). Later we drop through the yungas passing lush forests and white rivers. Before arriving in the town of Apolo we enter a large section of open dry wood land. We will spend the night in the gold mining town of Apolo. 7 - 8 hours of driving (BLD) Hostel.

Day 3: Apolo - Asariamas, Rio Tuichi (1,300m)

This day will be spent on a 4WD road that will take us from Apolo to the Asariamas along the Rio Tuichi. Once we arrive at the river, we will construct the 'balsa de goma' a sturdy craft made of inner truck tubes and slender tree trunks, which will be our vessel for the next days as we float down the river. We will set up camp along the river. 4 hours driving (BLD) camping.

Day 4 - 13: Rafting down the Rio Tuichi - Rurrenabaque (400m)

We will flow downriver through the pristine, untouched and wildlife rich rainforest, with side hikes into the jungle and to swimming pools. We will fish for dinner and camp on the beaches along the river. During the 10 days on the river we will have the opportunity to visit Challana and Santa Rosa before joining the Rio Beni near to Rurrenabaque. 6 - 7 hours on the raft a day (BLD) every day, camping along the river Hotel in Rurrenabaque on arrival.

Day 14: Rurrenabaque - La Paz

In the morning we can take a walk around town, before we take our flight back to La Paz. Transfer to hotel. 1 hour flight (BLD)

Day 15: La Paz - Airport Transfer to airport

Day 16: La Paz - Arrive in the UK