A tarantula that we saw on a night hike, sitting on some motacu.

I haven’t been able to update the blog for the past several weeks due to the lack of reliable Internet in Bolivia, or rather the expense of reliable Internet when it is available. But I’m finally on my way to Argentina and I’m excited to update everyone about my time in Bolivia!

In late April I spent four days at the Mashaquipe Ecolodge in Madidi National Park, just outside Rurrenabaque. While it was nearly three times the cost of some of the budget jungle tours, I felt that the expense was justified mainly due to the ethics and responsibility of the tour company, but also the small group sizes (just four per guide!) and the better quality of service all around.

In short, I had an incredible time at Mashaquipe. I saw squirrel monkeys, toucans, tarantulas, jungle pigs and chickens. I got licked by a butterfly and I caught an Amazonian salmon. I heard the songs of countless birds, which my guide could imitate flawlessly. And I didn’t even get that many bug bites!

The accommodations were excellent at the ecolodge and the food some of the best I’ve had in Bolivia. I’d absolutely recommend Mashaquipe to anyone going to Madidi!