FROM THE ANDES TO THE AMAZON, 14 Days
 Code: 4WANDAMA

An exciting 4WD and dugout canoe expedition from the snow-caped mountains of the Andes down to the lush-green forest of Madidi national Park in the Amazon basin.

Dates: Upon request
Price: Upon request More information about prices (land services only)
Single Room Supplement: Upon request More information about prices
Difficulty: Moderated More information about Difficulty grading
Accommodation: 10 nights in hotels, 1 nights in hostels, 3 nights camping. 
 

Mining roads in Quimsa Cruz (J.Camarlinghi)In the northern Bolivia highlands, the Amazon basin is closely related to the Andes mountains that in this area is divided in three main ranges: Apolobamba, Cordillera Real and Quimsa Cruz.

The upper part of the eastern slopes of these mountains has a microclimate Cloud Forest that remains cloudy almost 300 days of the year, this region is also known as Yungas in Bolivia. This land-belt works as a shield where most of the humid currents that rise from the Amazonian jungle are trapped thanks to a thermal inversion zone. The rising humidity is condensed and a cold mist covers the steep mountains, eventually this humidity turns into clouds and later to snow that covers the top of the mountains. The whole area has developed a particular ecosystem of cold humid subtropical forests that house an abundance of exuberant vegetation and animals. We could say that forest and snow-capped peaks are almost touching each other. All the glaciers facing to the east, supply – through hundreds of small streams – water to the tributaries of the Amazon river that after about 8,000km (4,968mi) reach the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

In the lower Amazon basin, the Madidi National Park is probably one of the most complex ecological systems in South America and the planet. The Park host around 90% of all Bolivian bird species (approximately 1000 bird species), 44% of all New World species of mammal, and an estimated of 38 % of Neo tropical amphibians. Nowadays, several ethnic groups like the Takana, Mosetenes and Chimanes, live within the park. Several archeological sites remind the influence of the Mollo and Inca cultures in the zone.

We start this program in Lake Titicaca and drive on the highlands and then traverse the western side of Quimsa Cruz mountain range driving back north towards Cordillera Real. Crossing deep valleys and high mountain passes, we cross the mountains and descend the eastern slopes of the Yungas and further down to the very heart of the Madidi National Park. Along of the route, we will cross through innumerable ecosystems. The itinerary combines adventurous driving in secondary roads with our 4WD vehicle with exciting downstream navigation with a motorized dugout canoe.

We will spend two full days In San Miguel del Bala; a Tacana-Quechua community at the shores of Beni river and within the boundaries of Madidi National Park. There the experienced local guides will take us for several short tours to enjoy and learn about this unique jungle. After many years living as hunters and loggers, the Takana indigenous of San Miguel del Bala understood the consequences of these practices and decided to work with tourism in instead, so they followed the example of the community of San José de Chupiamonas that succeed with their lodge.

Itinerary:

D1. Arrival in La Paz. Transfer to Hotel.
D2. Visit of Tiwanaco. Transp.to Puerto Perez. Hotel.
D3. Transp.to Atoroma mine. Camp.
D4. Transp.to Pinaya. Camp.
D5. Transport to Tres Rios. Camp.
D6. Transport to Itupana-Chulumani. Hotel
D7. Transport to Coroico. Hotel
D8. Transport to Guanay. Hotel
D9. Motorboat to San Miguel del Bala. Lodge.
D10. San Miguel del Bala Lodge.
D11. San Miguel del Bala Lodge.
D12. Motorboat to Rurrenabaque. Flight back to La Paz. Hotel.
D13. Free Day. Hotel.
D14. Departure. Transfer to Airport.

 Highlights:
  • Sightseeing southern Lake Titicaca.
  • 4WD exiting route from the mountains of Quimsa Cruz mountain range and Illimani massif down to the Yungas and to the Amazon basin..
  • Visiting the main area of coca-leave production in the Yungas.
  • Organized tours in San Miguel del Bala communal touristic resort.
  • Great wild life spotting opportunities in the upper Madidi National Park.

Day 1. Arrival in La Paz. Transfer to Hotel.
Elevations
El Alto: 4,100m (13,450f)
La Paz: 3,650m (11,972ft)
Timing
Driving: 30 min
Meals
None
Arriving in La Paz, what impresses the most is the crisp clear sky of the highlands. In a normal winter day it is possible to see over a distance of 200Km (120mi). The cold and dry air feels good after so many hours of treated pressurized cabin air.

The airport is located in the city of “El Alto” the highest international airport in the world from here you will be transferred to your hotel descending approximately 30 Min. into La Paz city canyon. Do not stress much about the altitude, our program has been designed to get you gradually acclimatized. At the beginning we strongly sug
gest you to take it very easy, drink plenty of water and eat lightly (get into out Acclimatization page for more information).

You will have the rest of the day free. At early evening we will have a briefing meeting and a welcome dinner.

Day 2. Visit of Tiwanaco. Transport to Puerto Perez. Hotel.
Elevations
El Alto: 4,100m (13,450f)
Pto.Perez 3,820m (12,529f)
Timing
Driving: 4-5 Hrs
Meals
B,L,D
Traveling through this land you will understand how important the shores of Lake Titicaca have been in the origin of the Andean cultures. Surrounded by desert like hills and snow caped mountains, lake Titicaca offered, and still offers, rich lands and a mild climate. Tiwanaco used to be a port, an important ceremonial center and a huge urban establishment. After an illustrative tour through the ruins and museums, we will drive back to La Paz (El Alto) and from there to the southern shores of the lake. On the way to our campsite, we will be culturally transferred to the past as we go by Aymara villages where Indians have been keeping their lifestyle for centuries. Our hotel will be located on a beautiful spot with great views of the Lake Titicaca and the peaks of “Cordillera Real”.
Day 3. Transport to Atoroma mine. Camp.
Elevations
La Paz: 3,650m (11,972ft)
Atoroma 4,900m (16,072f)
Timing
Driving: 6-7 Hrs
Walking: 1-2 Hrs
Meals
B,L,D
Firstly we drive back to “El Alto” and then head south into the central pampas of the Altiplano. En route we stop to visit the church of Calamarca with its colonial paintings of the “Warrior Angels”, later we will stop at the archeological funerary remains of the Chullpa culture. The traverse takes us far into the heart of the Quimsa Cruz mountain range. Our first camp will be set up in the Atoroma valley very close to the glaciers and mountains.

 
Day 4. Transport to Pinaya. Camp.
Elevations
La Paz River 1,200m (3,936f)
Pinaya 3,945m (12,939f)
Timing
Driving: 7-8 Hrs
Meals
B,L,D
After traversing Quimsa Cruz mountain range from south to north by the western slope, we descend to the canyon of the La Paz river. The depression formed between the Quimsa Cruz cordillera and the colossal Illimani has a depth of more than 5,000m (16,400ft) from the snowy summits to the riverbed. Once we reach the lowest point and we cross the river over La Paz river, we ascend the slopes of Illimani to the Village of Pinaya where we will visit an Aymara family. Here we camp for the night.
Day 5. Transport to Tres Rios. Camp.
Elevations
Pacuani pass 4,524m, (14,838f)
Tres Rios 3,815m (12,513f)
Timing
Walking: 2-3 Hrs
Driving: 5-6 Hrs
Meals
B,L,D
Early in the morning we take a short walk to the valley above Pinaya town and approach to the glaciers of Illimani. After a 3 Hrs walk we return to the vehicle which will drive us over a high pass between Illimani and Mururata mountains. From this point we will pass to the eastern side of Cordillera real with great views of the mountains and the cloud forest, we will make our camp way below the northwestern slopes of Illimani mountain.
Day 6. Transport to Chulumani. Hotel
Elevations
Chunga Mayo river 1,280m (4,198f)
Chulumani 2,000m (6,560f)
Timing
Driving: 7-8 Hrs
Meals
B,L,D
Today we begin the descent to the rainforest and Amazonian jungle. Along the way we visit the archeological ruins of “Pasto Grande”. The terracing and constructions resemble those of Machu Pichu but the site has much more surprising aspect with the enormous mountains, the lofty cliffs of the canyon and the zigzagging river. We continue to the dry valleys of “La Plazuela” and climb up into an area of fruit plantations towards Irupana first and Chulumani later. There we will spend the night in the best hotel of the town.
Day 7. Transport to Coroico. Hotel
Elevations
Coroico 1,800m (5,904f)
Timing
Driving: 4-5 Hrs
Walking: 1-2 Hrs
Meals
B,L,D
Today we cross the area of coca leaf plantations and visit villages inhabited by descendants of Africans brought here in slavery by the Spanish conquerors. The afro Bolivians constitutes an interesting ethnic culture, the result of a combination of three cultures: African, Aymara and Spanish. We spend the night in an attractive hotel in Coroico.
Day 8. Transport to Guanay. Basic hostel
Elevations
Guanay 900m (2,952f)
Timing
Driving: 5-6 Hrs
Meals
B,L,D
In the morning we have a walk dropping down through fruit plantations, coca plantations and tropical jungle towards Coroico river. There our vehicle will be waiting to take us to Caranavi town first and to the gold mining center of Guanay later. There we will stay in a basic Hotel accommodation.
Day 9. Motorboat to San Miguel del Bala. Lodge
Elevations
San Miguel del Bala 440m (1,410f)
Timing
Motor boat: 8-10 Hrs
Meals
B,L,D
We leave the vehicle behind to take a more exciting transport: dugout canoes. By this means we travel through jungle following the Beni river course, across granite canyons and traversing extensive stretches of virgin forest. There are very good chances of spotting wild animals that get to the river shores. Later in the day we will arrive to the community of San Miguel del Bala where we will spend the next three nights in their lodge.
Day 10. San Miguel del Bala. Lodge.
Elevations
San Miguel del Bala 440m (1,410f)
Timing
Walking 4-5 Hrs
Meals
B,L,D
The morning will be spent exploring the bizarre ravens sculpted by river courses in the rock where crystal clear waters will invite for a swim in natural pools. During the walk through the forest keep your senses alert if you do not want to miss the animals, with some luck you can see macaws, guans, and a variety of other birds, brown capuchin and squirrel monkeys. With a little more of luck you can spot white-lipped peccary or tapirs. After lunch our local guide will take you for a tour to learn about local natural medicine plants and share their extensive knowledge including. After dinner we will learn about the San Miguel del Bala Community, its history, stories and traditions.
Day 11. San Miguel del Bala. Lodge.
Elevations
San Miguel del Bala 440m (1,410f)
Timing
Walking 5-6 Hrs
Meals
B,L,D
Today we will take you for a longer hike passing through primary rainforest and gallery forest on our way to the Rayamayo and Eslabon Rivers. In this region there is the chance to see howler and spider monkeys, and a variety of other wildlife, as well as learn more about the ecology of the forest. Boxed lunch. Return to Chalalan in the afternoon to maybe spend some time learning how to make traditional Tacana handicrafts, for example chonta seed rings. Dinner tonight is "dumoquavi", a traditional dish (river catfish wrapped in leaves), a delicious feast and a great way to spend your last evening in Chalalan.

Today we will take our motorboat to Caquiawara where we will spot the Macaws in its environment. After lunch the guide will teach you how to search for animal footprints and recognize them. Once back at the lodge and after dinner, you will experience a night hike through the forest.
Day 12. Motorboat to Rurrenabaque. Flight back to La Paz.
Elevations
Rurrenabaque 400m (1,312f)
La Paz: 3,650m (11,972ft)
Timing
Driving: 30 min
Motor boat: 1-2 Hrs
Flight: 1 Hr
Meals
B,L
After breakfast, we will go for the last hike over “el canon” trail leading to “el salitral” as it is called the clay sources where animals look for salt. Back at the lodge you will have lunch and then take the motorboat to Rurrenabaque in time to take the last flight back to La Paz.
Day 13. Free day. Hotel.
Elevations
La Paz 3,650m (11,972f)
Timing
None
Meals
B,D
Free day in La Paz to rest and do some shopping. Later at the evening, we will have a farewell dinner and celebrate all together.
Day 14. Departure. Transfer to Airport.
Elevations
El Alto 4,100m (13,450f)
Timing
Driving: 30 Min
Meals
B
Transfer to airport.

ALTITUDE CHART

SERVICES

Included

Not included

MORE INFORMATION

Please get into our “Resources” page in our website, there you will find plenty of information about pre-departure, National Parks, suggested reading, useful links and much more.

If you would like us to make additional hotel reservations besides the accommodation that is included in your trip, please get into our Reservations page