Arapaima Lodge
Bolivia
Accommodation
Jungle Lodge
Season
July – October
Species
Arapaima, Redtail Catfish, Payara
Fishing Style
Fly Fishing & Spinning
Arapaima Lodge 🇧🇴
Arapaima Lodge is a small fishing lodge in northeastern Bolivia, set in a remote jungle region known for arapaima, redtail catfish and a variety of other Amazon species. The boutique lodge accommodates a very limited number of anglers in four double rooms with private bathrooms and operates guided fishing from purpose-built boats. Its size and location make it a great option for fly fisherman and lure anglers seeking a fishing adventure in a isolated part of the Bolivian Amazon.
Fishing at Arapaima Lodge is centered on arapaima in the rivers and lagoons of northeastern Bolivia. Anglers can target them with either conventional tackle or fly gear, casting large lures and flies into likely holding areas. Arapaima are wary and often surface briefly to breathe, so fishing requires careful observation, accurate casting, and patience. The boats are flat-bottomed platforms designed for stability, with two anglers and one local guide in each boat. When approaching fish, guides may switch off the outboard and move by paddle to reduce disturbance.
Although arapaima are the main species, the surrounding waters hold a broad range of Amazon fish. Depending on conditions and location, anglers may also encounter peacock bass, payara, redtail catfish, surubim, pacu, tambaqui, corvina, and other river species. This allows guides to vary the fishing during the week, moving between lagoons, channels, and river sections and adjusting techniques to the available species.
The lodge consists of four private, air-conditioned chalets, each furnished with twin beds and an en-suite bathroom. With space for a maximum of eight anglers, the property remains small and informal throughout the week. Rooms are cleaned daily, and laundry service is available, which is particularly useful given the heat, humidity, and limited baggage allowance on the charter flight. A shared communal area provides space for meals, drinks, and relaxing between fishing sessions.
Meals are prepared at the lodge by an in-house chef and served throughout the stay. Packages include meals and beverages, including soft drinks, beer, and wine, although inclusions should be confirmed for the specific itinerary booked. Starlink internet provides connectivity at the lodge, allowing guests to keep in touch despite the remote location, but service may be less consistent than at a conventional hotel. Overall, the accommodation is straightforward and comfortable, with the practical services needed for a week of fishing in the Bolivian jungle.
Travel to Arapaima Lodge begins in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, where anglers normally spend a night before continuing to the lodge. The following morning, the group transfers to the airport for an approximately two-hour charter flight, followed by a short boat ride to the property. The return journey follows the same route, with most itineraries including another night in Santa Cruz before the onward international flight. The charter aircraft has a luggage allowance of 15 kg, or 33 lb, per person, and anglers should use soft-sided bags rather than hard cases.Â
Rates Per Angler:
Starting from $3,900.00 per person
What’s Included:
- Airport transfers in Santa Cruz
- One hotel night in Santa Cruz before the lodge stay and one night after
- Round-trip charter flights between Santa Cruz and the lodge airstrip
- Boat transfer between the airstrip and lodge
- Lodge accommodation
- All meals at the lodge
- Soft drinks, beer, and wine
- Starlink internet access
- Daily laundry service
- Six days of guided fishing, consisting of five full days and two half days
- Boat and guide shared between two anglers
What’s Not Included:
- International or domestic flights to and from Santa Cruz
- Visas and entry fees
- Travel insurance
- Extra hotel nights in Santa Cruz
- Meals and drinks away from the lodge
- Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Rods, reels, lures, flies, and other fishing equipment
- Personal expenses
- Medical costs, vaccinations, or medications
Day 1: Arrive in Santa Cruz
Arrive at Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Transfer to a nearby hotel for the night.
Day 2: Travel to Arapaima Lodge
Transfer to the airport for the approximately two-hour charter flight into northeastern Bolivia. On arrival, continue to the lodge by boat, settle into your room, and fish for the remainder of the afternoon.
Days 3–7: Full Fishing Days
Spend five full days fishing the surrounding rivers, channels, and lagoons. Two anglers share each boat with a local guide, with arapaima as the primary target and opportunities to fish for peacock bass, payara, catfish, and other Amazon species. Breakfast and dinner are served at the lodge, with lunch either taken on the water or at the lodge depending on the day’s fishing plan.
Day 8: Final Fishing and Return to Santa Cruz
Fish for a final half day before returning to the airstrip. 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 the onward journey home.Â
Do I need to bring my own fishing equipment?
Anglers should plan to bring their own rods, reels, lines, lures, flies, and terminal tackle. A detailed equipment list provided after booking. Rental equipment is also available.
How should I prepare for the heat, sun, and insects?
Expect warm, humid conditions and prolonged exposure to the sun while fishing. Pack lightweight long-sleeved shirts, quick-drying trousers, a wide-brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen, and insect repellent. A light rain jacket and waterproof storage for electronics are also useful. Anglers with allergies or sensitivities should bring their usual medication and tell the lodge in advance.
What should I pack for the charter flight?
The charter aircraft has a limited baggage allowance, so pack in a soft-sided duffel rather than a hard suitcase. Keep clothing lightweight and bring only what is necessary. Fishing rods should be packed in travel-friendly cases. Carry medication, documents, valuables, and essential fishing items in your hand luggage in case checked baggage is delayed.
What happens if the charter flight is delayed?
Flights into remote jungle areas can be affected by weather, airstrip conditions, or operational changes. Travelers should avoid booking tight international connections and should keep the planned hotel nights in Santa Cruz at both ends of the trip. Flexible or changeable international tickets are useful, and essential medication, documents, and one change of clothes should be kept accessible rather than packed deep inside checked luggage.
What travel insurance should I arrange?
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended due to the lodge’s remote location and reliance on charter flights. The policy should cover emergency medical treatment, medical evacuation and repatriation, trip cancellation or interruption, charter delays, and lost or damaged fishing equipment.Â
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