Tsimane Heli-Fishing - Bolivia

Pluma Lodge-Based Program

Nestled at the confluence of the Pluma, Secure, and Itirizama Rivers, Tsimane Pluma Lodge offers anglers access to some of Bolivia’s most pristine golden dorado waters. From this comfortable jungle base, the heli-fishing program opens the door to remote, untouched tributaries in the Moseten Mountain chain. Each day, anglers explore new waters by helicopter, dugout canoe, and on foot, guided by seasoned professionals who specialize in targeting trophy golden dorado, pacu, and yatorana in wild, crystal-clear rivers.

Quick Facts - Tsimane Heli-Fishing

2027 Rate: Full Heli $18,550 | Hybrid $15,250
Location: Pluma Lodge, Bolivia
Species: Golden Dorado, Pacu, Yatorana...
Season: July - October
Group Size: 12 anglers (Full Heli program)
Lodge: Private cabins, Starlink Wi-Fi, open bar
Helicopters: Daily flights to remote rivers (Robinson R44 Raven II)
Travel: Fly to Santa Cruz | Charter + dugout canoe to lodge
Yellow Fever vaccination is required.

See Rates & Dates

Tsimane Lodge Heli-fishing for golden dorado in Bolivia

Aerial View of Untouched River and Jungle

Tsimane Heli-Fishing

The Heli-Fishing program caters to 12 anglers per week. Each helicopter carries two anglers, one guide, and the pilot.
Heli-Fishing Season: July through October.
Helicopter: The Lodge operates two Robinson R44 Raven II helicopters.
Pilots: Crew members have an average of 6,000 flight hours in single and twin-engine helicopters in the oil and mining industries, jungle operations, and several other missions related to helicopter operations. Most of the crewmembers’ experience is in the jungle environment, including riverside landings, and they are familiar with brownouts and other conditions related to this kind of unique environment.
Guides: Professional English-speaking guides. You'll explore new waters each day. The guides will take lunch and beverages for the fishing day. At about 5:00 p.m., you'll return to the lodge. Guides will use satellite communication to ensure permanent contact with the helicopter pilots and the Lodge.
Fishing Equipment: Equipment is not included in the package. Pluma Lodge has a small fly shop with lines, fluorocarbon, wire, and an assortment of flies.
A Fishing License is not required due to the Native Community Fee.
Native Community Fee: The package requires a $1,250 Native Community Fee, which helps support the conservancy program and local community. The fee is payable in cash upon arrival at the Lodge.

Sample Itinerary for Pluma Heli-Full Program:

Day 0: Upon your arrival in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, a lodge representative will meet you at the Viru Viru International Airport and drive you to a Santa Cruz five-star hotel for the first night. The single-occupancy hotel night is arranged by the outfitter and included in the package. Breakfast is included.
Day 1: After breakfast at the hotel, the host will pick the group up in the morning (time to be confirmed the night before) and drive you to El Trompillo Airport. You'll take a 70-minute charter flight to the Oromomo village airstrip, where the Lodge team will greet you. You'll take an 80-minute dugout canoe ride to the Lodge. Guides will help prepare tackle and give a brief orientation about the fishing week.
Day 2 - 7: The helicopter will take you to the remote and untouched headwaters of many Tsimane rivers and creeks over the next six days. Daily flights vary from five to 35 minutes, depending on the location.
Day 8: After breakfast at the Lodge, you'll take a dugout canoe ride to Oromomo village and the charter plane back to Santa Cruz. In Santa Cruz, the host will pick you up and bring you to the five-star hotel. Your final single-occupancy hotel night is included in the package.
Day 9: The host will pick you up from the hotel and drive you to the airport for your flight home.

Brad Staples at Pluma Lodge

Brad Staples with Pluma Lodge Golden Dorado

Tsimane Guide Fabi and Brad Staples

Tsimane's Pluma Lodge

Pluma Lodge is a very comfortable jungle lodge built entirely from sustainable wood from the nearby jungle. The Lodge has a new helipad, and for the Heli-Fishing program, the Lodge now has fourteen wooden cabins so each angler will have their own private room with a queen-size bed, electricity, and a private bathroom with hot water. Daily laundry service is provided. The Lodge has a small spa with a hot tub and massage room.

Meals and Beverages

Anglers at Dining Table with Wine and Dinner

Meals: Delicious international cuisine paired with great wines.
Alcohol: All-inclusive bar with liquor, spirits, and special drinks.
Communications: Free Starlink Wi-Fi is available. Satellite phone use is $5 per minute.
Weather: Although the fishing season is during Tsimane's winter, the weather here is considerably hot. During the day, temperatures can range from 68 to 95 degrees. Because Tsimane is in the mountains, it usually is not as humid or hot during the day as the Brazilian Amazon, and the nights are fresh and can sometimes be cool.

Getting to Pluma Lodge:

Visa Update: As of December 1, 2025, U.S. and Canadian citizens—and other eligible nationalities—may enter Bolivia without a tourist visa. A valid passport is required.

You’ll fly to the Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. A member of the Tsimane team will greet you and drive you to a five-star hotel. (This single-occupancy hotel night is arranged by the outfitter and included in the package.)
A Lodge representative will meet you the following morning and drive you to the domestic airport.
You'll take a 70-minute charter flight to the Oromomo Community landing strip. From here, you'll take a one-hour and 20-minute guided dugout canoe ride upriver to Pluma Lodge.
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for this adventure. Tsimane lodges are located in remote rainforest areas east of the Andes.
Request an information packet for complete details.

2026 - 2028 USD Rates

Our advice is free.
We never charge more than the Lodges we represent.

All Packages are for 9 nights / 6 days guided fishing
(7 nights at the Lodge and 2 hotel nights in Santa Cruz)
Season: July through October
(NCF = Native Community Fee)

Heli-Fishing Full Program:
6 days of Heli-Fishing
Two anglers per guide:
2026: $16,000 + $1,250 NCF
= $17,250 per person
2027: $17,300 + $1,250 NCF
= $18,550 per person
2028: $18,500 + $1,250 NCF
= $19,750 per person
One angler per guide:
2027: $25,950 + $1,250 NCF
= $27,200 per person

Heli-Fishing Hybrid Program
3-days heli-fishing and 3 days of the standard program
Two anglers per guide:
2026: $13,000 + $1,250 NCF
= $14,250 per person
2027: $14,000 + $1,250 NCF
= $15,250 per person
2028: $15,000 + $1,250 NCF
= $16,250 per person
One angler per guide:
2027: $21,000 + $1,250 NCF
= $22,250 per person

Non-Angler Companion
2026: $5,000 + $670 NCF = $5,670 per person
2027: $6,950 + $670 NCF = $7,620 per person
(No helicopter flights are included for the non-angler.)

The Fishing Packages Include:

• Ground transfers in Santa Cruz
• The first and last single-occupancy hotel nights
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Roundtrip flight between Santa Cruz and the Oromomo Community
• 6 days of guided fishing
• Helicopter flights
• 7 nights lodging, one angler per room
• All meals and open bar at the Lodge
• Starlink Wi-Fi
• Daily laundry service

The Package Does Not Include:

• Native Community Fee: $1,250 per person, due in cash upon arrival
• International airfare to Santa Cruz, Bolivia, and return
• Meals and beverages in Santa Cruz (except for the hotel breakfast)
• Massages - $35 for 30 minutes
• Gratuities to guides and Lodge staff
• Fishing equipment and flies
• Excess baggage charges
• Transportation not included in the itinerary
• Optional side trips
• Satellite phone calls - $5 per minute
• Items or accommodations not explicitly listed
• Global Rescue coverage
• Travel insurance
• Anything not listed under inclusions.