MADIDI.COM Home Trips EcoLodges Reserves Links Wildlife About Us Bookstore Photos Menu Alan Perry Daniel Manzaneda (208) 866-9617 info@ madidi.com infomadidi@ gmail.com

About Us Alan Perry | Background Alan Perry - Biologist, Guide, and Webmaster Alan first travelled to Bolivia when he finished his university biology studies. After two years as a freelance biologist, he landed in Rurrenebaque, a lively jungle town on the Rio Beni and gateway to Madidi National Park and Pilon Lajas Biosphere Reserve. He was immediately hooked on its intense setting, rich biodiversity and flourishing indigenous cultures. In 1993 he founded an alliance of international and Bolivian biologists known as Tropical Research and Exploration (TREX) and coordinated its first five years of work in biological exploration, ecotourism and student training. Since 1998, his efforts have focused on creating MADIDI.COM in an effort to pull together and promote indigenous ecotourism efforts in the Madidi region. He shares his time between Idaho and Bolivia, sometimes guiding raft trips on Idaho's Salmon River and sea kayak trips on Mexico's Sea of Cortez. He speaks fluent Spanish and is Wilderness First Responder certified. He dabbles in music (campfire style), yoga, running, travel, reading, rivers, mountains, and building log homes. Click to view his resume. top of page Background Between 1992 and 1997, a team of international and Bolivian biologists called TREX (Tropical Research and Exploration) explored and documented the flora and fauna of Madidi National Park and Pilon Lajas Reserve. In conjunctiton with conservation organizations and park officials, they worked to protect Madidi's rich biodiversity, develop ecotourism and train students. With the financial support of foundations, conservation organizations and embassies, and traveling with native guides, they visited the remote, little known corners of these premier reserves in search of high biodiversity areas and populations of endangered species. The team worked with local idigenous guides and developed long-lasting friendships. Fieldwork and campfire discussions frequently revolved around ecotourism, which was felt to be the most realistic ways to protect tropical rainforests and provide sustainable income to its caretaker - the local residents. Over the last years, the communities of Asuncion del Quiquibey and San Jose de Uchupiamonas have created rustic and comfortable lodges from where they guide you through the surrounding nature and introduce you to their communities. top of page Home | Trips | EcoLodges | Reserves | Links | Wildlife | About Us | Bookstore | Photos | Expanded Menu Alan Perry | Daniel Manzaneda (208) 866-9617 | info@madidi.com | infomadidi@gmail.com