Madidi National Park

Madidi National Park is a large protected area in northwestern Bolivia that spans Andean foothills and lowland Amazon rainforest, protecting exceptional biological diversity. The park links highland and lowland ecosystems over a broad altitudinal range.

The park offers rainforest and river expeditions, canopy and wildlife viewing, and opportunities to see a wide variety of birds, mammals and plant life across different habitats. Typical itineraries include riverboat travel, jungle lodges and guided walks along trails and floodplain environments.

Madidi was established as a protected area in the 1990s to conserve a contiguous corridor of Andean and Amazon ecosystems and to support indigenous and local communities. Since its creation the park has been a focus for biodiversity research and ecotourism.

Madidi lies in Bolivia’s northwestern Amazon and Andean foothills in the departments that include parts of La Paz and Beni. The nearest common access point for visitors is the town of Rurrenabaque to the south of the park; the landscape ranges from lowland rivers to montane foothills.

• Access: Most commercial visits start from the town of Rurrenabaque, which serves as the main gateway to the park’s lowland and river-based itineraries.
• Seasonality: Travel is seasonally affected - river access and boat travel are easier in the wet season; plan logistics based on river levels.

Madidi is accessed from Rurrenabaque (Beni Department); regular light flights connect Rurrenabaque to La Paz. From Rurrenabaque, travel into Madidi is by boat and river lodge transfers-multi-day excursions are the norm.

• Book multi-day trips with reputable lodges or conservation-focused operators-Madidi's jungle logistics require local expertise.
• Vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis are strongly advised; bring insect repellent and mosquito nets.
• Be prepared for humidity, river travel, and variable walking conditions-pack quick-dry clothing and waterproof bags.