Outside of Brazil, where’s the best place to experience the Amazon? Two-thirds of the Amazon lie within Brazil, but eight other countries and territories have shares of the rainforest region: Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Guyana, French Guiana and Suriname. While all have their selling points, Bolivia offers some of the most memorable, accessible and good-value Amazonian experiences. Located in the north west, the 7,320 sq-mile Madidi National Park is one of the world’s most biodiverse protected areas, home to more than 8,800 species, including pink dolphins, anacondas, jaguars and capybaras.
The park’s gateway is the town of Rurrenabaque, a 40-minute flight from La Paz. From here, boats travel down the Beni River to secluded eco-lodges such as Chalalán, which was founded by a Quechua-Tacana community. It offers immersive tours involving…