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The Yungas
The Bolivian Amazon is actually better known as the Yungas. This is where the Andean mountains meet the Amazon and steep low lying hills are covered in the jungle canopy. The main area of interest is the Madidi National Parklocated 4 hours by motorised canoe up the Beni River. Here you will find; caiman crocodile, anacondas, pink dolphins, capybaras, monkeys, giant ant-eaters, toucans, and many other bird species.
Madidi is part of one of the largest protected areas in the world, covering nearly 19,000 square kilometres. The park's terrain ranges from the glacier-covered peaks of the high Andes Mountains to the tropical rainforests of the Amazon Basin, and is one of the planet's most biologically diverse regions.
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, with around 1,000 bird species, representing 11% of the world’s 9,000 bird species and around 6000 plant species. Mammals include ten species of monkeys, including the spider monkey and the titi monkey, which is a newer species discovered in Madidi. The park also contains jaguars, puma both of which are highly elusive.
The gateway to the Bolivian Amazon is the small town of Rurrenabaque located about 400 km northeast of La Paz and situated on the banks of the Beni River. You have to spend a night here en-route to the Madidi national park as the journey is too far in one day from La Paz. Whilst in Rurrenabaque we would recommend watching the sunset over the Yungas from a small hill overlooking the town. WHEN TO TRAVEL
The best time to visit the Bolivian Amazon is in the dry season from April through October, when most wildlife is attracted to the river for water, the walking trails are less muddy and there are fewer mosquitoes. Expect some rain if traveling there between November through March, which is the rainy season and the area is subject to flooding during the rainy season, which can make getting around difficult.
Recommended lodges in this area:
The Yungas
The Chalalan Lodge is an eco-lodge independently run by the indigenous Quechua-Tacana community of San Jose de Uchupiamonas and is located deep inside the Madidi National Park.
The Yungas
The Korean-run Hotel Safari is Rurrenabaque's most upscale accommodation option - and realistically it is the only place to stay! Located on the banks of the Rio Beni
La Paz
Centrally located in the heart of La Paz, this European-style hotel is now probably the best hotel in town. All the rooms are large and in good condition
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