Is Madidi National Park Dangerous?
I know why exactly you are searching for this weird and one of the most
isolated parks in the world. But it is good idea to visit and explore this kind
of landmarks and if you’re committing your full daring and adventurous
backpacking nature there are more chances to land destinations like Madidi
National Park. But the biggest question every visitor asks so often is whether
Madidi National Park is dangerous or not.
To these questions I can completely agree that Madidi National Park is
one of the most dangerous places on earth to visit. But besides its danger, the
number of nomadic backpackers proves that national parks can be explore with
some experienced guides. If you want to discover this hidden gem, visitors keep
in mind some ideas about how to make travel plan since it is located in the
most remote region in Bolivia. Well preparations, health precautions and some
safety measures with a valid guide can successfully accomplish his Madidi
National Park journey.
Why is it dangerous?
1. Remoteness and Limited Services
Madidi National Park isolated Bolivia's most remote region where no
great transportation is available. In fact many areas are far from towns and
even medical care. Evacuation can be slow.
2. Occasional Floodings
Most nearby rivers are witnessing seasonal flooding. Strong currents and
sudden rise in water level makes it uncomfortable for boat riders especially
during the wet season.
3. Murderous Animals
Large mammals like tapir, Peccary, anacondas and some venomous snakes
are large in number. However, large predators like jaguar and puma are
available occasionally.
4. Weird Terrain Systems and Weather
Make sure that Madidi National Park’s topography and geography are not
like other destinations, you’ll see hot, humid, slippery trails and leeches in some
parts of the park. Sometimes you’ll need to face heavy rains.
5. Lack of Communication Options
Park often located in remote regions, surely backpackers unable to find
any advanced communications systems like internet facilities or poor cell
coverage. Trails and waterways can be confusing without a guide.
What to Do in Madidi National Park
1. Wildlife Safari/ Boat Rides
Start your day at Wadidi National Park in order to take wildlife safari
rides or boat rides. While you are going through this safari your guide will
help you to find mammals, birds, river dolphins and caimans at oxbow lakes and
rivers.
2. Take Walk amidst of its Jungle
It is a very good idea to walk amidst the Wadidi jungle along with your
guide to see different flora and faunas. During the journey you’re much blessed
to spot species like frogs, insects, forest mammals and nocturnal creatures
which you’ll unable to find in the rest of the world. Make sure that some
species are dangerous, don’t make any close contact with it.
3. Enjoy Your Canopy Walks
Canopy walking is a great way to understand Bolivia’s epic bird species.
As we know, its treetop platform and canopy walks exhibited bird species like
Harpy Eagles, Red and green Macaw and Hoatzin in a very close up. Canopy walks
feature suspended bridges and wooden platforms where visitors can sit above its
forest areas and see aerial views of the rainforest and spot toucans, bird species
and some animals like monkeys.
4. Take Ethno Trip
Ethno trip in Madidi National Park is the easiest way to see local
cultures along with enjoying trekking in some remote region of the park. Trip
usually led by the local indigenous guides like Tacana or Uchupiamonas for
explaining deeper understanding about their ancestral traditions, worklifes and
some traditional cultures and activities.
5. Take some Epic Photos
Bring your cameras to get a perfect click of Madidi’s extraordinary
biodiversity. Each time while exploring its brilliant natural, lush and
beautiful landscapes, there are high chances to see local flora and fauna to
capture. Take photos of titi monkeys, jaguars and macaws or landscapes like
Bala Canyon and Beni River.
Madidi National Park Animals
Animals of Madidi National Park are some of the world’s most endangered
and rare. Out of some are the most dangerous.
1. Mammals
Howler Monkeys
Capuchin Monkeys
South American Tapir
Pampas Deer
Giant Otter
Ocelot
Jaguar
Puma
2. Bird Species
Macaws (scarlet and blue and yellow color)
Toucans
Hoatzin
Kingfishers
Herons
Antibirds
Raptors
Hummingbird Species
3. Reptiles and Amphibians
Black Caiman
Green Anacondas (very rare to see larger ones)
Tree Frogs
Poison Dart Frogs
Venomous Snakes like Bothrops, Bushmaster and Coral Snakes
4. Aquatics
Pink River Dolphins
5. Invertebrates
Butterflies
Leafcutter Ants
Large Moths
Plentiful Insects
How to Visit Madidi National Park (Conditions and Recommendations)
There are some precautions every backpacker keeps in mind before making
a plan to visit Madidi National Park. Since we discussed earlier that park is
not the friendliest place to explore solo. Read these tips to how to make your
successful Madidi trip?
1. Always go with Licenced Guide or Tour Operators
It is very important to know that you shouldn't make any hasty decisions
and choose a valid guide or tour operator from the start to the end of your
journey. They help you to travel into deep park zones and where to go and not to
go. However a local guide will explain local flora and fauna including its
importance. If you’re going with local indigenous tribal guides, probably there
are more chances to make close interactions with their local cultures and
lifestyles.
2. Choose Best Season to Visit
Going to Madidi National Park in the right season is another great idea
to escape from its uneven events and danger. Choose to travel during the Dry
Season, which starts from May to October. The dry season makes easy river
travel and hiking. Whereas the wet season witnessed more river flooding and
difficult to hike, but richer floodside wildlife.
3. Get Valid Permits or Passes
One of the common processes which is even mandatory here in Madidi
National Park. Ask your tour operators or guide more about its entry permits or
fees. There are different park entry fees and community or lodge fees exist (you can purchase at Rurrenabaque, parks entry point) please go through detailed fees structures.
4. Take Precautionary Health Conditions
Take vaccinations for yellow fewer (which is most recommended) and
malaria prophylaxis which is most advised by every previous backpacker and even
by the doctors too. Try to take vaccinations for dengue and other mosquito borne
diseases. Carry insect repellent, a good first aid kit and buy a good travel insurance plan to avoid future health uncertainties.
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