Arapaima Odyssey
Bolivia
Key Details
Accommodation
Jungle Lodge
Season
June – September
Species
Arapaima, Peacock Bass, Payara, Redtail Catfish
Style
Spinning, Bait, Fly-Fishing
Bolivia has quietly become one of the most reliable trophy arapaima destinations in the Amazon, with healthy populations of truly giant fish in its remote jungle waters.
BUCKET LIST Arapaima.
Why We Go ➜
- Targeted trophy arapaima fishery: The waters here hold healthy populations of arapaima, giving anglers a realistic shot at metre-plus fish. Fishing is structured around finding rolling fish in lagoons and backwaters, then presenting baits or lures with precision.
- Remote Amazon location in Bolivia: The fishery sits deep in the jungle, far from crowds and heavy pressure. This isolation helps maintain strong fish stocks and creates a true expedition feel from the moment you arrive.
- Comfortable jungle lodge base: After long days on the water, anglers return to a well-run lodge with private rooms, hot showers, good meals and WiFi. It keeps you comfortable while still immersed in a wild Amazon setting.
- Specialist guides and tailored approach: Local guides focus specifically on arapaima, understanding their rolling patterns, breathing cycles and preferred zones. Two anglers per boat allows focused, methodical fishing rather than rushed rotations.
9 Day Adventure
$4,700 per angler
- Airport transfers in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
- Round-trip charter flights to and from the lodge.
- Five full days guided Arapaima fishing.
- Eight nights accommodation, including six at lodge.
- All meals and beverages at the lodge.
Fishing in this area is centered on targeting arapaima in nearby lagoons and jungle waters where these fish are known to hold. Days are planned around active fishing time, with guides allocating water based on recent fish activity and conditions. Anglers fish two per boat, which allows a controlled, focused approach and enough space to handle heavy tackle and large fish. The boats themselves are designed by anglers for this fishery, supporting stable positioning and effective presentations when fish surface .
The program includes five dedicated fishing days, giving anglers repeated opportunities to locate and work fish across different areas . Fishing typically involves patiently searching for rolling arapaima, then presenting baits or lures in the zone where fish have surfaced. Success depends on timing, accuracy and coordination between angler and guide, as arapaima are powerful fish that demand strong gear and careful fish handling. The overall style of fishing is purposeful and technique-driven, aimed at consistent shots at trophy arapaima.
Accommodation at Arapaima Lodge is designed to keep anglers comfortable while staying immersed in the jungle environment. The lodge is small and angler-focused, with just four double rooms, each with air-conditioning and a private bathroom. This limited capacity keeps the atmosphere quiet and personal, with a clear focus on the fishing program and individual attention for guests .
Despite its remote setting in the Bolivian jungle, the lodge offers solid comforts. Guests have access to reliable service, first-class hospitality and WiFi, which is not always a given in such isolated locations . The overall feel is that of a comfortable jungle base built for multi-day fishing stays, where anglers can rest and recharge properly between long days on the water.
Arapaima Lodge is located in the northeast of Bolivia, in a remote part of the Amazon basin characterized by jungle waterways, lagoons and floodplain systems that are ideal habitat for arapaima. The setting is far from towns and heavy boat traffic, which helps maintain healthy fish populations and a true wilderness atmosphere.
Getting there is straightforward but involves a few steps typical of remote Amazon destinations. On Day 1, anglers arrive via Viru Viru International Airport (VVI), transfer to a hotel and overnight. On Day 2, a charter flight of about two hours reaches the lodge airstrip, followed by a short boat ride to the lodge and a half day of fishing on arrival.
Day 1 – Arrival in Bolivia
Arrive in Santa Cruz de la Sierra via Viru Viru International Airport (VVI). Meet the transfer team and move to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 2 – Transfer to the Lodge
Return to the airport and board a charter flight to the lodge airstrip, approximately 2 hours. On arrival, take a short boat ride to the lodge. After settling in, head out for a half day of fishing.
Days 3–7 – Full Fishing Days
Five full days dedicated to fishing. Each day focuses on targeting arapaima in nearby lagoons and jungle waters, fishing two anglers per boat with a guide.
Day 8 – Final Fishing and Return
Fish a final half day in the morning. Later, take the charter flight back to Santa Cruz and transfer to a hotel for the night.
Day 9 – Departure
Transfer to Viru Viru International Airport for your onward international flight home.
Rates per angler:
$4,700 per angler (double occupancy)
What’s Included:
- Airport transfers in Santa Cruz de la Sierra (arrival, return, and departure).
- One hotel night in Santa Cruz before and after the lodge stay.
- Round-trip charter flights to and from the lodge airstrip.
- All meals and beverages at the lodge including soft drinks, wine and beer.
- Starlink internet connection at the lodge.
- Daily laundry service.
- Five days of guided fishing with two anglers per guide and boat.
What’s Not Included:
- International or domestic flights to/from Santa Cruz (VVI).
- Visas and travel insurance.
- Extra hotel nights or meals and drinks outside the lodge.
- Gratuities for guides and lodge staff.
- Fishing gear including rods, reels, lures and jigs (spinning rod/reel rental available for a fee).
GALLERY
Plan Your Trip:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need a visa to visit Bolivia?
Many nationalities can enter visa-free for short stays, but some require a tourist visa in advance. We will inform you based on your nationality.
Where do I fly into to reach the lodge?
International arrivals route via Santa Cruz de la Sierra, flying into Viru Viru International Airport (VVI). From there, the trip includes coordinated transfers and a charter flight to the lodge area.
What health precautions should I consider for the Amazon?
For travel to Bolivia, there are no universally mandatory vaccines for entry in most cases. Good insect repellent, sun protection and basic medications are also worth bringing.