Frequently Asked Questions
What currency is used in Bolivia and how should I travel with money?
The official currency in Bolivia is the Boliviano, also referred to as “plata” or “peso”. There are ATM’s in all major city centers although they can often be out of service, so it’s recommended that you travel with a back-up source of cash as well as an additional credit card for use in La Paz. It’s best to have cash available in small notes available when traveling outside cities as not many people will be able to change larger notes.
There 2 ATMs in Rurrenabaque and no currency-changers. The ATM is out of order regularly, so we recommend that you bring all of the Bolivianos you'll need during your stay. There are many ATM’s in the El Alto La Paz airport.
How are tips handled?
In general, 10% is an appropriate tip for services in Bolivia. This benchmark can be higher in areas with more tourism or lower in more rural areas.
What health concerns should I be aware of before departing to Bolivia?
We recommend that you travel with all required medications, as some excursions may take you off the beaten track, and far from medical assistance. While we always have a first aid kit to hand, they may not be equipped to meet all medical emergencies. It is advisable to use Insect repellant to avoid bites. Prior to departure, consult your local doctor or the Centers for Disease Control in the USA for the most up-to-date recommendations regarding vaccinations and health related precautions. Plan ahead for immunizations since they may need to be administered several weeks prior to departure. The USA’s Centers for Disease Control website wwwn.cdc.gov/travel provides up to date recommendations about medical requirements for travelers. Ensure that you have adequate health insurance for the unlikely event of an emergency.
Is there a chance I may contract malaria or other insect-related illnesses?
Like any tropical country, there is a risk of contracting malaria or dengue. The EcoCamp is not located in a mosquito infested area but plan on using repellent because as it reduces the risk of infection. We recommend that you visit a travel clinic prior to your visit to get the most up to date advice.
How safe is the EcoCamp and tours?
Each tour group is assigned a private guide, cook and boat driver, in addition to the permanent staff at the EcoCamp. All of our guides have received first aid, rescue and survival training. We carry a first-aid kit with us at all times. Guests are required to wear life jackets on the boat and rafts and all of our facilities are equipped with fire extinguishers. We have well rehearsed emergency protocols in place in the event of an incident. Berraco del Madidi is planning to offer optional trip insurance in the near future.
Is the Berraco del Madidi EcoCamp handicap accessible?
We are sorry but the EcoCamp is not currently wheelchair accessible.
Can I drink the tap water in Bolivia?
Tap water is generally not ‘agreeable’ with most travelers so it’s advisable to opt for bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Ensure ice is made with filtered water before drinking beverages served with it.
Are children and the elderly able to attend Berraco del Madidi tours?
We don’t recommend bringing children under the age of 3 but have no other age restrictions. We are happy to work with you to plan a trip that meets your level of ability and fitness. We have extensive experience in hosting families with children. Our top-of-the-line safety equipment ensures the protection and health of our youngest and oldest guests alike.
Do you cater to special dietary needs?
Menus are designed to accommodate a variety of dietary needs, including vegetarian. Visitors with special dietary needs should inform Berraco del Madidi at least a week prior to their arrival. Every effort will be made to cater to your needs, however this may be subject to the availability of products in the region.
What is included in the daily rate/service?
Transportation to the EcoCamp, accommodation, meals, activities and a private guide are all included in the price. There are exceptions to the daily rate for small groups wishing to visit the local indigenous community during their trip. You can find details about these exceptions under Rates. The one-time entrance fee to Madidi National Park is not included in the price and is currently $30 USD per person due on the morning of departure. Guests are welcome to bring alcoholic beverages as they are not sold at the EcoCamp.
Where is Berraco del Madidi?
The EcoCamp is located in the heart of Madidi National Park in Bolivia’s northwest Beni province. The EcoCamp is 6 hours upriver on the Tuichi from Rurrenabaque and 3 hours downriver from the indigenous community of San Jose de Uchupiamonas.
How do I get to Berraco del Madidi?
There are daily Amaszonas flights from La Paz to Rurrenabaque. In Rurrenabaque, the office is located on the corner of Comercio and Vaca Diez, just across the road from the Amaszonas office. We meet in the office at 7:30am on the morning of your departure. The EcoCamp is located 6 hours north by boat on the Beni and Tuichi Rivers. We lunch on the river banks before arriving at the camp in the afternoon.
What makes Berraco del Madidi different from other tour operators?
What can I hope to see at the Berraco del Madidi EcoCamp?
The primary rainforest around the EcoCamp is rich with wildlife. Caiman, parrots, monkeys, wild pigs and piranhas are common sightes on our tours. Jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, giant anteaters and many other animals also live in our jungle so you may just get lucky and spot one on your trip!
What type of programs does Berraco del Madidi offer?
We offer a minimum stay of 3 days/2 nights but we recommend longer trips to take advantage of the sights and activities we have to offer. Each tour is customized to your interests and time frame - let us know how we can best serve you. Please take a look at our Sample Itinerary and activity descriptions under the Plan Your Trip section.
What day of the week can I start my tour with the Berraco del Madidi?
We operate 7 days a week, all year around You can start your tour any day, depending on our current availability.
How many guests are assigned to a guide?
Each group of visitors is given their own private guide, with a maximum of 6 guests per guide. If your group exceeds 6 people, two guides will attend your tour.
Can I fish at the EcoCamp?
Yes. We offer traditional fishing instruction on the Tuichi River using a wooden reel and line. Golden dorado, pacu and catfish are some of the many species of fish in Madidi. In order to maintain the sustainability of our enterprise and the jungle, all fishing activities are catch and release only.
What is the best time of year to visit Berraco del Madidi’s EcoCamp?
In Madidi National Park, there are two main seasons: a rainy season (November to April) and a dry season (May to October). However, these seasons are not subject to dates. There can be weeks of sunshine during the rainy season and there are plenty of rainy days in the dry season. You are welcome to visit any time of year.
What is the temperature like in Madidi National Park?
The temperature remains pleasant most of the time between 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit (20-32 degrees C) except in June and July, when southerly winds come up from the Antarctic and the temperatures can drop to 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 10 degrees Celsius.). This cold wind is known as surazo.
If you have other specific questions about Berraco del Madidi tours, please send them to berracoinfo@gmail.com
The official currency in Bolivia is the Boliviano, also referred to as “plata” or “peso”. There are ATM’s in all major city centers although they can often be out of service, so it’s recommended that you travel with a back-up source of cash as well as an additional credit card for use in La Paz. It’s best to have cash available in small notes available when traveling outside cities as not many people will be able to change larger notes.
There 2 ATMs in Rurrenabaque and no currency-changers. The ATM is out of order regularly, so we recommend that you bring all of the Bolivianos you'll need during your stay. There are many ATM’s in the El Alto La Paz airport.
How are tips handled?
In general, 10% is an appropriate tip for services in Bolivia. This benchmark can be higher in areas with more tourism or lower in more rural areas.
What health concerns should I be aware of before departing to Bolivia?
We recommend that you travel with all required medications, as some excursions may take you off the beaten track, and far from medical assistance. While we always have a first aid kit to hand, they may not be equipped to meet all medical emergencies. It is advisable to use Insect repellant to avoid bites. Prior to departure, consult your local doctor or the Centers for Disease Control in the USA for the most up-to-date recommendations regarding vaccinations and health related precautions. Plan ahead for immunizations since they may need to be administered several weeks prior to departure. The USA’s Centers for Disease Control website wwwn.cdc.gov/travel provides up to date recommendations about medical requirements for travelers. Ensure that you have adequate health insurance for the unlikely event of an emergency.
Is there a chance I may contract malaria or other insect-related illnesses?
Like any tropical country, there is a risk of contracting malaria or dengue. The EcoCamp is not located in a mosquito infested area but plan on using repellent because as it reduces the risk of infection. We recommend that you visit a travel clinic prior to your visit to get the most up to date advice.
How safe is the EcoCamp and tours?
Each tour group is assigned a private guide, cook and boat driver, in addition to the permanent staff at the EcoCamp. All of our guides have received first aid, rescue and survival training. We carry a first-aid kit with us at all times. Guests are required to wear life jackets on the boat and rafts and all of our facilities are equipped with fire extinguishers. We have well rehearsed emergency protocols in place in the event of an incident. Berraco del Madidi is planning to offer optional trip insurance in the near future.
Is the Berraco del Madidi EcoCamp handicap accessible?
We are sorry but the EcoCamp is not currently wheelchair accessible.
Can I drink the tap water in Bolivia?
Tap water is generally not ‘agreeable’ with most travelers so it’s advisable to opt for bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Ensure ice is made with filtered water before drinking beverages served with it.
Are children and the elderly able to attend Berraco del Madidi tours?
We don’t recommend bringing children under the age of 3 but have no other age restrictions. We are happy to work with you to plan a trip that meets your level of ability and fitness. We have extensive experience in hosting families with children. Our top-of-the-line safety equipment ensures the protection and health of our youngest and oldest guests alike.
Do you cater to special dietary needs?
Menus are designed to accommodate a variety of dietary needs, including vegetarian. Visitors with special dietary needs should inform Berraco del Madidi at least a week prior to their arrival. Every effort will be made to cater to your needs, however this may be subject to the availability of products in the region.
What is included in the daily rate/service?
Transportation to the EcoCamp, accommodation, meals, activities and a private guide are all included in the price. There are exceptions to the daily rate for small groups wishing to visit the local indigenous community during their trip. You can find details about these exceptions under Rates. The one-time entrance fee to Madidi National Park is not included in the price and is currently $30 USD per person due on the morning of departure. Guests are welcome to bring alcoholic beverages as they are not sold at the EcoCamp.
Where is Berraco del Madidi?
The EcoCamp is located in the heart of Madidi National Park in Bolivia’s northwest Beni province. The EcoCamp is 6 hours upriver on the Tuichi from Rurrenabaque and 3 hours downriver from the indigenous community of San Jose de Uchupiamonas.
How do I get to Berraco del Madidi?
There are daily Amaszonas flights from La Paz to Rurrenabaque. In Rurrenabaque, the office is located on the corner of Comercio and Vaca Diez, just across the road from the Amaszonas office. We meet in the office at 7:30am on the morning of your departure. The EcoCamp is located 6 hours north by boat on the Beni and Tuichi Rivers. We lunch on the river banks before arriving at the camp in the afternoon.
What makes Berraco del Madidi different from other tour operators?
- Location- Berraco del Madidi is located deeper in Madidi National Park than any other operator, offering the most pristine rainforest experience. The untouched area around the EcoCamp is densely populated with animals and contains over 40 km of hiking trails.
- Adventures- Hiking, fishing, rafting, birdwatching and community visits are some of the activities that Berraco offers to their guests. Each adventure tour is led by an experienced indigenous guide and provided with top-notch equipment.
- Customization- Each tour is customized to your interests. Berraco works within the guests’ desired activities and time frame to provide a unique and memorable trip for each group. A maximum of 8 guests reside at the EcoCamp at a time, ensuring an intimate and tranquil rainforest adventure.
- Professionalism- Berraco del Madidi tours are led by experienced local guides who prioritize the safety of our guests. Safety, punctuality and environmental responsibility are our top priorities.
What can I hope to see at the Berraco del Madidi EcoCamp?
The primary rainforest around the EcoCamp is rich with wildlife. Caiman, parrots, monkeys, wild pigs and piranhas are common sightes on our tours. Jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, giant anteaters and many other animals also live in our jungle so you may just get lucky and spot one on your trip!
What type of programs does Berraco del Madidi offer?
We offer a minimum stay of 3 days/2 nights but we recommend longer trips to take advantage of the sights and activities we have to offer. Each tour is customized to your interests and time frame - let us know how we can best serve you. Please take a look at our Sample Itinerary and activity descriptions under the Plan Your Trip section.
What day of the week can I start my tour with the Berraco del Madidi?
We operate 7 days a week, all year around You can start your tour any day, depending on our current availability.
How many guests are assigned to a guide?
Each group of visitors is given their own private guide, with a maximum of 6 guests per guide. If your group exceeds 6 people, two guides will attend your tour.
Can I fish at the EcoCamp?
Yes. We offer traditional fishing instruction on the Tuichi River using a wooden reel and line. Golden dorado, pacu and catfish are some of the many species of fish in Madidi. In order to maintain the sustainability of our enterprise and the jungle, all fishing activities are catch and release only.
What is the best time of year to visit Berraco del Madidi’s EcoCamp?
In Madidi National Park, there are two main seasons: a rainy season (November to April) and a dry season (May to October). However, these seasons are not subject to dates. There can be weeks of sunshine during the rainy season and there are plenty of rainy days in the dry season. You are welcome to visit any time of year.
What is the temperature like in Madidi National Park?
The temperature remains pleasant most of the time between 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit (20-32 degrees C) except in June and July, when southerly winds come up from the Antarctic and the temperatures can drop to 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 10 degrees Celsius.). This cold wind is known as surazo.
If you have other specific questions about Berraco del Madidi tours, please send them to berracoinfo@gmail.com