Expert English-Speaking Guides at Tsimane Pluma Lodge
Each group of two anglers is paired with a professional English-speaking guide, supported by local boatmen. Guides provide hands-on instruction in golden dorado and jungle river fishing, including casting, knot tying, and water reading. Patient, skilled, and safety-focused, they ensure an unforgettable fly-fishing experience for all skill levels.

Fly Fishing

Fishing at the lodge is strictly fly fishing—spinning and bait-fishing methods are not allowed.

Golden Dorado: The star attraction, golden dorado are celebrated for their explosive strikes, powerful runs, and thrilling aerial acrobatics on the fly.

Pacu: Often called the “freshwater permit,” pacu are strong, wary fish that feed on fruits and nuts, providing a challenging and technical sight-fishing experience.

Yatorana: Also known as “jungle trout,” these smaller but aggressive fish offer fast-paced action on lighter tackle.

Sabalo: Abundant schooling fish that, while not the primary target, play a key role in the river’s ecosystem and attract predatory dorado.

Other Species: Larger catfish species, such as Surubí or Paleta, can occasionally be encountered in deeper pools, adding variety to your fishing adventure.

Pluma Lodge is nestled deep in the Bolivian rainforest on a forested bluff above the Pluma River, offering rustic yet comfortable accommodations designed to enhance your fly-fishing adventure.

Guest Rooms & Comfort:

• Private single-occupancy wood cabins with bathrooms, hot showers, and electricity.

• Rooms feature queen-size or spring-box beds, ceiling fans, and daily housekeeping for a comfortable stay.

• Satellite or Starlink Wi-Fi and a satellite phone provide basic connectivity in this remote location.

Lodge Facilities:

• Communal dining room and lounge/bar offer a welcoming space to relax and socialize after a day on the water.

• Complimentary laundry service keeps anglers fresh during weeklong stays.

• On-site fly shop stocks essential gear, and a massage room provides post-fishing relaxation.

Season Dates:

• The lodge-based fishing season runs from late May through October.

• The heli-fishing program is available from July through October.

• Peak conditions are typically from June to September, with mid-season offering the clearest water and ideal sight-fishing opportunities.

Why This Timing Matters:
These months coincide with the dry season in Bolivia’s Amazon basin, lowering rivers into clear, shallow freestone streams perfect for targeting golden dorado and other jungle species with fly fishing.

2026 Rates
Fishing Programs & Rates at Tsimane Pluma Lodge

Standard Lodge-Based Program

• Season: Late May through October

• Shared Guide: 2 anglers per guide – $8,000 + $670 NCF = $8,670 per person

• Private Guide: 1 angler per guide – $12,540 + $670 NCF = $13,210 per person

Heli-Fishing Programs

• Season: July through October

Heli-Hybrid Program

• 3 days heli-fishing + 3 days standard lodge program

• $13,000 + $1,250 NCF = $14,250 per person

Heli-Full Program

• Daily heli-fishing

• $16,000 + $1,250 NCF = $17,250 per person

Non-Angler Companion

• $5,000 + $670 NCF = $5,670 per person

• Note: Helicopter flights not included for non-anglers.

Rods:

• 8‑weight or 9‑weight single-hand rods are standard for golden dorado fishing on the Tsimane rivers. Many anglers bring two rods, one rigged with a floating line and another with a clear-tip or intermediate line for different conditions.

• An 8‑weight rod works well for most situations, while a 9‑weight is ideal for casting large streamers and handling big fish in stronger currents.

• Bringing extra rods or spares is recommended to adapt to changing conditions or avoid downtime if a rod breaks.

Reels:

• Use high-quality, large-arbor saltwater-style reels with smooth, strong drag systems to handle the explosive runs of dorado and other jungle species.

• Reels should carry ample backing (30‑lb typical) to accommodate long runs from trophy fish.

Lines & Leaders:

• Weight-forward floating lines are recommended for most surface and near-surface fishing, while clear-tip or intermediate lines are useful for deeper pools or fast currents.

• Pair heavy fluorocarbon leaders (40 lb) with wire bite tippet (40 lb) to protect against sharp teeth and powerful jaws of dorado and other jungle predators.

For the standard lodge-based program, Pluma Lodge offers 6 single-occupancy rooms, accommodating up to 6 anglers per week.

When combining the heli-fishing program with expanded accommodations, the lodge can host up to 8 anglers in single rooms.

This intimate guest capacity ensures personalized service, high guide-to-angler ratios, and an exclusive fly-fishing experience on the pristine Pluma, Secure, and Itirizama Rivers deep in the Bolivian jungle.

Boats & Fishing at Tsimane Pluma Lodge

Traditional Chiman canoes and skiffs are used to transport gear and access certain river sections, but most fishing is done wading or from the riverbank, sight-fishing for golden dorado, pacu, and yatorana. Boats support logistics, while walking rivers is the core experience.

How to Get to Tsimane Pluma Lodge

1. Fly into Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Most guests begin their journey at Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) near Santa Cruz de la Sierra, which is served by flights from the U.S., Europe, and other international destinations.

2. Transfer to a Hotel in Santa Cruz
A lodge representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to a nearby hotel for your first overnight stay—usually a comfortable 5-star property included in most packages—to rest and prepare for the journey into the jungle.

3. Domestic Charter Flight to the Jungle
The following morning, you’ll be transferred to a local airstrip for a 1.5-hour charter flight into the heart of the Bolivian rainforest, landing near the Oromomo native community. Small charter aircraft are used for this remote transfer.

4. Jungle Transfer to Pluma Lodge
Upon arrival, lodge staff transport you by dugout canoe and/or 4×4 vehicle through the rainforest to reach Pluma Lodge, located deep in Bolivia’s Amazon basin.

5. Return Journey
At the end of your trip, the process is reversed: a canoe/4×4 transfer back to the airstrip, charter flight to Santa Cruz, and an overnight stay at the hotel before your international departure.

🧳 Important Travel Notes

• Luggage limits: Charter flights typically allow 25 kg (55 lbs) per passenger; heavier luggage can be stored at your Santa Cruz hotel.

• Passport requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your return date.

• Remote access: Pluma Lodge and its rivers are accessible only by charter flight and local transfers—there is no direct road access from major cities.

The Package Includes:

• Airport reception in Santa Cruz
• Two nights (first and last night) at Los Tajibos Hotel
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Ground transfers in Santa Cruz
• All domestic charter flights inside Bolivia
• 6 days of guided fishing
• 7 nights at the Lodge, one angler per room
• All meals at the Lodge
• All beverages at the Lodge, soft drinks, beer, wine, and spirits
• Daily laundry service
• Wi-Fi access at the Lodge

Packages Do Not Include:

• International airfare to and from Santa Cruz, Bolivia
• Massages - $35 for 30-minutes
• Gratuities to guides and staff
• $25 departure tax
• Fishing tackle and flies
• Excess baggage charges
• Transportation not included in the itinerary
• Optional side trips
• Satellite calls - $5 per minute.
• Items or accommodations not explicitly listed
• Global Rescue membership
• Travel insurance
• Any items not coverage under inclusions.