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Swissdsign
Oh my god it was dreamful and we would have stayed for weeks there in the jungle if possible! It was the most adventurous tour ever and we saw so many animals. You literally sleep between trees and in the morning can hear the monkeys and birds wakening you smoothly up. The sleep was the most resting we have ever had. We could do so many different activities and could alter the program or do the activities our guide recommended and had planned for us. If the weather was bad you could do some artwork or reflect/investigate in books and with the guide's help the animals you had seen.It was always clean and the service was excellent. The cook would prepare delicious foods and in an abundance, like fresh fish from the river prepared in bamboo! Always three courses!Our guide Leo was a professional and a really kind and interesting personality. He fought to make the place a reserve to protect the nature and animals and hat to tell many interesting stories! Best guide for this kind of activity as he has lived in the region and knows the ways of the jungle!You have to go there and stay as long as possible in this paradise!!!
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2agpleanail
I went on the 5 day trip. The experience of nature was as described in other reviews. Its a beautiful place. Despite being ever hopeful of seeing the jaguar we had to be happy with the paw prints. We passed by other lodges on the way to Berraco del Madidi and we were told that they were much larger. The maximum number of visitors is 8 and this is what I think gives this camp its greatest advantage even more so than being the camp furthest up the river. The longer river trip also gives more opportunity to see wildlife sun as otter, capybara and caiman on the river bank. The facilities are excellent, the bathrooms are spotless and the white tiles shows up any wildlife lurking. Berraco means boar's head so that explains all the skulls that greet you on entering. The food was very plentiful and excellent for vegetarians. Every day had highlights but the day when we spent the morning watching 3 types of monkeys and then rafting down the river on William's raft made from balsa was the best. I would highly recommend an early morning walk to the clay lick. It is hard to decide on the operator to go with but I would recommend Berraco.
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TravelinBubba
We were a group of 4 guys who spent 6 days in the eco-camp. It is owned an operated by one of the a local Indian village.The trip from the Rurrenabaque to the camp is 5-6 hours by motorized canoe going upstream most of the way, but the canoe is substantial- around 50 feet and is around 100-120 kilometers. The boat is covered and, because we left around 9am we did stop on the river bank for a biology break and lunch.The camp is basic: an open but covered structure for meals, and nylon tents with mosquito netting on a raised wooden platform for sleeping. There is a western style bathroom and shower with cold running water. No lighting at night, so you need a flashlight. Everything is well maintained.The meals were simple but plentiful. You are pretty much off the grid. They do have a diesel generator that they run for a couple of hours in the evening for recharging cameras, etc.The guides are great, especially our main guide, Gilder. Each day we took several hikes. If you do not bring your own boots make sure to ask them for some, as the trails are minimal and the guide does a lot of hacking and you will be walking in mud and through some rugged terrain. Typically you will take a 2 1/2-3 hour hike in the morning and be back for lunch, and a mid-afternoon hike back in time for dinner. Night hikes are also available, but our group opted to see the jungle at "night" by taking a 4:30am early morning trip.You will see lots of jungle creatures: ants, spiders, snakes, etc. Also many variety of birds. But be advised that unless you go well into the dry season (probably late July-September) when the animals move to the river as the jungle dries up, you will see limited wildlife. It is the jungle after all, and most animals camouflage themselves.But we did see some red howler monkeys, herds of wild jungle pigs and jaguar tracks. Riding on the river we also saw some water pigs and caymen. Overall the trip was great and exactly as advertised. I would highly recommend.
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646DavidB
Berraco is a small family-owned outfit that operates in an area of Madidi in which they have lived for generations. The camp you stay in is hours farther into the park than any other place you can stay. Your guides are the family members and owners of the business.You begin with a 6-hour fast boat ride upriver from Rurrenabaque, spectacular scenery all the way. The boat ride itself is a highlight. The camp consists of several well-constructed palapa-style, raised floor shelters with tents underneath. One of our nights was spent in a torrential all-night downpour, and not a drop got into my tent. Raised mattresses, sheets and blankets make the camping more comfortable than you might expect. I believe there are three such shelters, so it is never going to be crowded. There is a separate structure with outdoor sinks, sheltered showers and flush toilets. Another, larger structure shelters the kitchen and dining area.You go for the jungle trekking. The diversity of plants and animals is stunning. And very beautiful. Clans of howler monkeys and spider monkeys traversing the canopy overhead, shrieking territorial claims at each other. Spectacularly-colored macaws, parakeets and many other birds. Capybarra, wild pig, caymans and the elusive jaguar. Of the latter, we saw very fresh print in several locations, but never quite saw the animal. The fact that you have a decent chance of siting one here is itself amazing, considering how rare they have become. Towering trees of many colors and shapes. The guides know every plant and their uses and dangers. Don't touch this one. This one is ok. Their knowledge is encyclopedic.You will learn their way of fishing. Or, more precisely, you will try it. You'll walk your legs off seeing wonders every step of the way. The food is quite good, but simple. The cooking and maintenance staff warm and friendly. The guides are naturally quiet and unassuming, but ask them as many questions as you can think of. You will be rewarded not only with knowledge about the jungle you are seeing, but about their way of life, its history and how it is changing now. And how the world looks to them.I don't think you can do better if you want to see Madidi.
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520rhysm
We have just returned from a 5 day 4 night trip with Berraco and can honestly say it was one of the best travel experiences we have had. Firstly the guide (Gilder) and the staff at the Eco camp were amazing. They were all so friendly, accommodating, and knowledgable about the the national park it made the experience something we will never forget. The tents are set up on platforms, and there are really comfy mattresses in the tents. All the tents are very private and you can not see anyone else from your own personal camp spot. The shower and toilets were amazingly clean and even though the water is cold, it is so warm and humid in the jungle it is just what you are after when you come back from a hike. The food was plentiful and tasty, and the surroundings in which you eat are just gorgeous. We saw loads of different animals in the day and night, went fishing and also made some jewellery from seeds. Christian in the office was really efficient when replying to emails, and his English is perfect which was great considering my Spanish is limited. I was sceptical when we were asked to pay via western union, but all was fine. I would highly recommend this company for an unforgettable experience, deep with in the Madidi (the furthest you can go into the park to stay).
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hannat_auf_reisen
We stayed 4 days/3 nights with Berruca in the Madidi National Park. The tents are new and really comfortable, even towels and toilet paper was provided. Toilets and showers are cleaner than in many hostels. The food was always fresh and very tasty. The guide Gilder grew up in the jungle and knows really all plants and animals. His animal imitations are great ;) You also can see,that he and all employees do really Take care about the environment. They are a little bit more expensive than others,but a part of the money you pay will help the indigenous communities. We were not lucky and did not see a lot of mammals,but that's nature...
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SLM27
I cannot recommend this company highly enough. Our trip into the jungle was fantastic from start to finish. We did a 4 day/3 night stay and I only wish it could have been longer. We were the only 2 there and we were treated like kings! You go further into the jungle than the other camps so it feels like a true adventure. Gilder our guide was superb. His English was excellent and he told us so much information about the jungle. We saw capuchin, spider and squirrel monkeys, capybara, tortoise and loads of birds, reptiles and insects. And best of all - we were lucky enough to see a jaguar - twice! The accommodation and facilities were far better than many of the B&B's we stayed in in South America. Pedro was our chef and we ate the best food we had in all our time in Bolivia in the jungle. Delicious! Overall this was an unbelievable experience well worth every penny.
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Juanitodeparis
Great hospitality, great team, great location! No complaints apart from... Go for it! It´s wonderful !!!
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Tracy_London11
From the moment we arrived at the eco lodge we seriously considered staying longer than our planned 4 days. The ecolodge was nicer and cleaner than most hostals we've stayed at during our trip. The boat trip was pleasant and we really got the sense we were travelling into a secluded, non-touristy area. Our guide Leo, driver and cook were extremely professional and friendly. Leo organized such a varied and interesting 4 days. We were put out of our comfort zone in a good way! On the treks we saw several types of monkeys, toucans, macaws, pigs, and even the infamous jaguar! These were all seen thanks to Leo's great eyes/ears and were seen in a respectable way to the animals. Although we initially didn't plan on doing it, the camping experience was such a great way to end our trip. After devouring the catfish we caught cooked over a fire Leo led us to a caiman and we even heard a jaguar! On our last day Leo showed us how to make a ring and necklace out of seeds and shells. A great souvenir to take with us from Madidi. Lastly the food exceeded our expectations. Rosalie was like a mom and ensured we had huge, delicious meals during our visit. We hope to return one day. In the meantime we'll be telling all our friends and family to visit this great retreat. 10 stars!
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drunkenaussie1
I just came back from a 11 day Amazon tour with Berraco de Madidi and was honestly the best experiece of my life, I told them it was my dreaM to see a wild jaguar and wanted to have the best chance possible . My guide Leopolo was amazing he cared as much as me and we were walking over 15 km a day trying to have the best chance to see a jaguar, I saw a Tapir, 5 different types of monkeys , Macaws , 2 Ocelots, wild pigs 4 different types of snakes, 5 deer, 2 small otters caprovara rodents , plus loads more and caught a 13 kg Dorado and 5 kg catfish. The best and most exciting part of my trip came in the last day , we were rafting built by us to go fishing and mammal watching and stopped on a sand flat we talked for a bout a minute before walking to a small river but as i turned around i heard a noise and looked around and saw a jaguar. All the hard work was achieved , it turned out even more crazy cause 10 minutes later we heard the jaguar attack a wild pig , then 30 minutes later we started fishing on the other side of the river and heard the grunting sound of another jaguar and my guide was imitating its calls , it came approx 15 metres away from us , but we coudnt see it cause of the thick vegetation.Overall this was the best tour i have ever done , the price was good 800 dollars for 10 days and i was given 1 day free , the food was exellent, the cooks were friendly , my guide was amazing and truely cared for ther area, and the best part was that i had the guide to my self and everything i wanted to do , ie camping deep in the jungle away from lodge , make a raft fishing , treks at 3am for spotlighting was all achieved, Another thing i liked was how eco friendly the lodge was and also the staff really cared for animals and the enviroment . I have already started planning my next trip with this company in september fully recommend it to all !!!! 5 stars total !!!
