Highlights
- Bike downhill in the wild, beautiful Andes
- Stop in picturesque villages for traditional meals
- Hike through lush jungle
- Board a longboat and ride down a jungle river
- Camp under the stars
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | The adventure begins! | Sorata |
| Day 2 | Downhill biking to Consata | Consata |
| Day 3 | Downhill biking to Mapiri | Mapiri |
| Day 4 | The Rio Mapiri | Jungle campsite |
| Day 5 | Madidi National Park | Jungle campsite |
| Day 6 | Rurrenabaque |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: The Adventure Begins!
After a scenic drive out to Sorata at the base of Illampu and Janq'u Uma Mountains, lace up your cycling shoes and grab your mountain bike for your first downhill ride! Choose between a sealed road or a rougher, more challenging trail. Both offer stunning views and tons of fun, and both lead back to Sorata, where your cozy, relaxing hotel awaits. After your cycling adventure, head back to the hotel to rest and clean up before an informal debrief and a tasty, local dinner.
Cycling distance: 10 miles
Day 2: Bike from Sorata to Consata
On your second day in the Andes, rise early and head to a local cafe for a fresh, healthy, hearty breakfast. Then meet your driver and make your way deeper into the high Andes for another day of downhill biking! Today's trail is one of the largest in the world — dropping over 13,000 feet over the course of 10 miles. Downhill sections are interspersed with flat spots and uphill climbs, and while most of the road is smooth, you'll also have a chance to navigate a few rougher, rocky sections. A jeep will follow you down for support, so if any section gets too tough, just climb aboard and ride.
Stop at a picturesque Andean village for a tasty local lunch of avocado salad sandwiches. Then ride the rest of the mountain down into the warm, welcoming valley. Here, your next accommodations await in Consata. Grab a cold shower (the region is hot) and then a yummy vegetarian dinner with a splash of red wine.
Cycling distance: 18.5 miles
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Biking to Mapiri
Grab breakfast, climb into your 4x4, and follow the river into a jungle landscape of hanging vines and thick canopy. Ride the undulating road through thick jungle interspersed with waterfalls and fleeting glimpses of the river. Stop at a clear jungle river for a swim, a snack, and to rinse off your mud-caked bike. Then mount your bike for another ride — this time to the town of Mapiri, a gold-mining center and trading hub for the region. When you arrive, grab a (cold) shower and head into town for a fresh, local, exceptional dinner, a few beers, and a rest.
Cycling distance: 12.5 miles
Day 4: The Rio Mapiri
After three days of cycling, it's time to take to the river! A short walk will take you to the Rio Mapiri where a longboat awaits to transport you deeper into the jungle. Spend your day floating through bright green canyons, relaxing on the river, fishing, keeping an eye out for wildlife, and pausing along the way for short hikes into the jungle. Enjoy a fresh, local lunch in Guanay — an old gold boom town — before continuing on to camp where a jungle-cooked meal, cheerful campfire, and good night's rest await.
Day 5: Madidi National Park
Grab another early breakfast, break down camp, pack the boat, and then hit the trails for a hike up a pretty side canyon to a waterfall and cool jungle pool. Stop for a dip and a few photos, then head back to camp and board the boat for a second day of jungle cruising. Today's lunch is served on the boat as you pass several active gold mines and float into Madidi National Park. Come afternoon, it's time to make camp again, enjoy a delicious campfire dinner, and then toast marshmallows under the stars.
Day 6: Rurrenabaque
On your last day in the jungle, rise early once more and spend the morning hiking through wild rainforest before circling back to the river for a final boat ride to Rurrenabaque, arriving mid-afternoon. Grab your bags and wave farewell to the Bolivian wilds — it's here that your journey ends (for now).
Map
