pampas tour dolphins

Jabiru Tour

3 days pampas del yacuma.

Pink river dolphins, caimans and lots of birds. This tour takes you sailing across the Yacuma River with the highest chances to see lots of wildlife in their natural environment.

From 375 USD (Per person for 2 people)

Pampas del Yacuma

Pampas is a municipal protected area in the Beni department of Bolivia. It's famous for being the easiest place in Bolivia to spot wildlife. 

Strong swimmers

They are the largest living rodents in the world.

PINK RIVER DOLPHIN

Bufeo rosado

Endemic to Bolivia, it's one of the most iconic animals living in the Pampas.

Serere bird

It can fly, climb trees and swim. This is one of the easiest birds to find in Pampas.

BLUE-THROATED MACAW

Blue beard macaw

An endemic specie of Bolivia. Available to find in surrounding areas of Pampas.

But that's not all.

This area is mostly covered by over flooded rivers so most of the activities go on boats.

One of the best attractions of Pampas is the Pink River Dolphin ( Inia geoffrensis boliviensis ) an endemic Bolivian species that tends to be friendly to humans.

A set of activities to blend with nature in Pampas del Yacuma.

Specialized adventures, sportfishing | birdwatching | private expeditions.

Visiting the Amazon Rainforest on a Pampas Tour, Bolivia

Pretty much all travellers to South America have a trip to the Amazon Rainforest on their list of must-do things. It’s understandable too, according to the WWF , the Amazon is the most biologically diverse place in the world.

Although it is possible to visit the rainforest from different countries all over South America, Bolivia is a fantastic choice because of its reasonably priced trips.

Read more: (opens in new tab)

• Packing List for the Amazon Rainforest
• A Guide to Misahuallí, Ecuador
• Tips for Surviving the Jungle

Types of Amazon Rainforest tour

Pampas tours explore the waterways of the rainforest via boat and offer the opportunity to see a whole myriad of wildlife. Although visitors can visit Madidi National Park on a jungle tour from Bolivia’s Amazonian hub Rurrenabaque, this is not as popular as the pampas tours that are offered. There are a couple of reasons for this, the first being that jungle tours tend to be more expensive and the second being that owing to dense foliage, visitors are worried they will not see as much wildlife as they would on the pampas.  

A pampas tour can be an unforgettable experience if it is done right. Sadly, it isn’t as easy as booking on a trip and turning up though. As with any kind of activity involving animals, it is important to do your research beforehand to avoid supporting cruel practices.  

For travellers feeling overwhelmed who don’t know where to start planning their Amazon Rainforest tour, never fear! This guide is going to get you clued up on everything you need to know in order to visit the Bolivian Amazon on a pampas tour.  If you’re struggling with the fear factor of visiting the Amazon, then read this  survival guide first to settle your mind (or prepare you for the worst). 

Welcome to Rurrenabaque, Bolivia

In Bolivia, pretty much all of the pampas tours run out of the small town of Rurrenabaque, located in the northern part of the country. In all honesty, there is little to do in this sleepy jungle town so unless you are intending to visit either the jungle or the pampas, it is probably not worth the journey.

How do I get to Rurrenabaque?

There are two options for travellers looking to reach Rurrenabaque.  

The first is to travel by bus but beware, this is not for the faint of heart! Whilst it is insanely cheap at just 90 bolivianos a journey ($13US), the route can take between 12 and 36 hours! It is a dangerous trip and accidents happen regularly. Although I don’t want to scare anyone reading this, it is important that you know people can and do die making this journey.  

The second and safest option is to fly. Direct flights can be arranged from La Paz and only take around 40 minutes. Although not as cheap as the bus, they are reasonably priced, costing around $90US each way.

Top tip: For some strange reason, it can actually be cheaper to book flights through a travel agent in La Paz rather than reserving them independently online.  

How do I book a pampas tour?

It is possible to arrange your pampas tour in La Paz. Most agencies will offer a package deal which will include the tour itself as well as flights and airport pick-up by your tour company. This is the best option for travellers on a tight time schedule.  

However, if you have the time to look, you are likely to find a cheaper tour in the town of Rurrenabaque. Competition is fierce and you will see some operators offering 3-day pampas tours at rock bottom prices. Approach these agencies with caution.  

Although it is often ignored, pampas tour providers do have a government set minimum to charge for trips. This was introduced with the intention of preventing unethical companies from damaging the local ecosystem through cutting corners.  

You should be prepared to pay around $180US for a 3-day tour from a reputable provider. These prices do not include the additional 150 bolivianos ($20US) entrance fee into the park.

Ethical companies that come highly recommended include Dolphin Travel, Mashaquipe and Bala Tours.

Choosing a pampas tour in Rurrenabaque

There are tons of companies offerings trips into the pampas and it can be difficult to know how to pick a good tour provider. These are my top tips for choosing a great and ethical pampas tour:

• Do not go with any agency that feeds or touches the animals

Unfortunately, this is all too common on pampas tours. In order to please tourists, some guides will draw monkeys and other wildlife onto the boats with food. Do not underestimate how harmful this can be for wild animals. It takes away their independence and encourages them to become reliant on humans. This will reduce their hunting skills and their ability to survive in the wild.  

• Be wary about very cheap prices

Cheap prices will mean cut corners. You may find that the guides are not getting paid a fair wage or that the food is substandard on these kinds of tours. During my time in Rurrenabaque, I heard of people getting food poisoning on cheap tours because the agencies couldn’t be bothered to buy in filtered water. A saving of $60US isn’t really worth a week in the hospital, is it?

• Look up reviews on Tripadvisor and ask in Facebook Community groups

When it comes to choosing a pampas tour, one of the best tools that you have in your armoury is to ask your fellow travellers about their experience. When gathering opinions, be sure to ask about the quality of the accommodation, food and whether the animal experience was ethical.  

• Ask questions

If you have any concerns, make sure to ask someone at the company before you book. Layout your expectations and make it clear that you will not be purchasing tour if there is anything you are unhappy about. If responsible travel is a high priority to you, make this very clear from the outset.  

What to expect from your pampas tour

Most pampas tours offer either a 2-day or 3-day trip. Considering the price difference between the two, it is worth opting for a 3-day tour.  

The vast majority of the trip will take place on a motorised canoe. Here you will tour the pampas with a guide to look for capybaras, caiman, pink dolphins and more. Most 3-day tours will include:  

• Shared accommodation in a jungle lodge

Accommodation is usually basic and will include a mosquito net. However, the nets are not always in the best of conditions and you are advised to use repellent at night all the same.  

• Meals at the lodge

Vegetarian options are usually available for no extra charge but be sure to check with your tour company prior to departure.  

• Transport to and from Rurrenabaque

This will usually be in a 4×4. Unfortunately, much like the rest of Bolivia, the roads are in need of maintenance here!  

• Drinking water

Make sure that this is filtered as it is very easy to get ill otherwise.  

Although you would expect these to be English speaking by default, this is not the case with all companies. Make sure to clarify this before you book.  

• A night boat trip to look for caimans

Don’t forget to bring your head torch!

Fun Fact:  You can actually tell species of caiman apart from the difference in their eye colour!

• A short hike to search for anaconda

Be aware that spotting an anaconda is unlikely as many of the trip providers go to the same spot and as a result, far fewer anacondas frequent these areas now.  

• The opportunity to go piranha fishing

This was one of the trip highlights for me. If you have a successful fishing trip, your chefs may even cook up your catch for the evening meal!  

• Swimming with the pink river dolphins

Although these animals aren’t the easiest to see in the murky brown water, they are truly beautiful. Before swimming, make sure you are not wearing any insect repellent or suncream as this is not good for the health of the dolphins. Any responsible provider will insist on this prior to you departing for the swimming experience.  

What should I bring on my pampas tour?

Packing for a pampas tour can be challenging owing to the humidity of the climate. Visitors should bear in mind that mosquitos are rife in the region and bite prevention should be a priority. For my 3-day pampas trip, this is what made it into my bag:

• Sweat-wicking leggings (full length)
• Light cotton trousers
• 2 quick-dry t-shirts
• Long-sleeved t-shirt
• Walking boots
• DEET insect repellent
• Solid shampoo
• Solid conditioner
• Microfibre towel
• Cash for extras (Beware that there are very few places to withdraw money in Rurrenabaque)
• Rain jacket
• Anti diarrhoea tablets

The main thing to remember is that you will want to stay covered to avoid mosquito bites. However, because of the temperature, you will need your clothes to be as cool as possible. The pampas offers very little in the way of shade from the sun so you will absolutely need to bring sun protection.

Recommended places to stay in Rurrenabaque

This post contains affiliate links. If you use them, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

Best budget option: Hotel Oriental

This backpacker favourite is located in the centre of Rurrenabaque, close to all of the tour agencies and restaurants. The whole place is very clean and there is a garden complete with hammocks for chilling out in.

A good breakfast is included in the price and they offer a range of cheap private rooms, starting at just $14USD for a single room.  

Great mid-range choice: Pampa & Selva

Another centrally located hotel, Pampa & Selva makes for a convenient base from which to explore Rurrenabaque. The showers are hot (which isn’t always easy to come by here) and the beds are comfortable.  

Guests rate the WiFi particularly well which is great for those who want to stay connected. The staff are hugely knowledgeable about the local area and can recommend a good agency for the pampas tour. Again, breakfast is included in the price. A single room with a private bathroom starts at $21USD.  

Treat yourself: Hotel Maya de la Amazonia

Although the decor is somewhat lacking (imagine your gran owned a guesthouse), the rooms at Hotel Maya de la Amazonia are spacious and comfortable. All rooms come with a TV, desk and a private bathroom. To make things even better, they also boast a big swimming pool outside which is exactly what you need to cool off in sweaty Rurrenabaque!  

Hotel Maya de la Amazonia offer free tea and coffee all day and a hearty breakfast is included in the room price. A single room starts at $42USD per night, including air conditioning.  

Have you done an Amazon Rainforest tour before?

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Pampas tour - Dolphins Travel

• South America    
• Bolivia    
• Beni Department    
• Rurrenabaque    
• Rurrenabaque - Things to Do    
• Dolphins Travel

You won’t regret it. We had the best time on the 2N/3D pampas tour. Firstly a huge shoutout to the... read more

I did the 3D/2N Pampas tour and I am so glad I went with Dolphins Travel. The guide Oscar was... read more

Pampas tour

We had a group of 7 friends, 6 guys and 1 girl. Nirvado was our guide and he was superb throughout. Unbelievably energetic and chirpy all the time. We swam with river dolphins, fished for catfish and piranha, searched for snakes and found a cobra and small anaconda. Nirvado is great to listen to as he was born in the jungle and has an unbelievable eye for spotting wildlife. We are travelling South American and this is certainly a highlight!

We booked the tour with my friends the day before right at the office in the town. Next morning we were ready to go and everything went really smoothly. We jumped into a 4x4 car and the adventure had begun. We got the best tour guide, funny Nivardo. He knows very good English and knows a lot about wild life. He talked about his life in a jungle where he was actually raised. It was all very interesting. In the end we had a lot of fun all together at night, playing cards. The tour by itself was very nicely organised. First day we went by the river by both and were watching the animals around. We saw monkeys, 100 capibaras, lot of birds, dolphins, turtles and caymans. After dinner we went to see the sunrise view. Next day was about to find snakes. Anacondas and cobras. We were not lucky, just found a little baby anaconda but the all walking through the pampas and searching was good experience anyway. Later the day we went for fishing, piranhas and catfish. The chef in the end cooked for us what we caught. The last day we went for swimming with the dolphins. Not really lucky again, because they were not in a group together so it wasn't really safe to swim in the water but we swam a bit around anyway. This day we were especially lucky because we saw also Tuckan and it's really rare to see. The lodge was beautiful and clean. We had some frogs and bats in the room but it at least made whole the stay more authentic. The mosquito net protected us well. Another things that we loved was the food. The chef, named Fatima, cooked us amazing meals. We were overfed everyday. We were really lucky to chose this company. We would gladly do the tour again!

Had an amazing trip to the pampas! We saw pink dolphins, capybara families, thousands of caiman, an anaconda, a cobra, kingfishers and loads of amazing birds. The guide was great and they are more ethical than the other agencies around. Also there's comfy beds, delicious vegetarian food and good seats on the boats. Would definitely recommend

I recently went on a 3D/2N Pampas tour with Dolphin and they were everything you could ask for, great accomodation, excellent food (and there was plenty), fun, knowledgeable and genuine guide in Nivardo, definitely try and get a tour with him. I would go again.

We went on a 3-day Pampas + 1-day jungle tour. Definitely recommend this company bc eco-friendly, the food was amazing (Im a vegetarian and this is the best veggie-food i’ve ever had in a tour in SA). Ask if you can have Nivardo as your guide, bc he was amazing! Tells stories about his life in the jungle and really teaches you a lot (plus super funny guy).

I have just returned from a 3 day Pampas Tour with Dolphin Tours. There were much cheaper companies but I picked Dolphin due to their reputation for being eco-friendly. The company was professional and the staff extremely knowledgeable. The boat was in very good condition and our guide Nivardo was absolutely fantastic! He was raised in the jungle & was full of incredible stories from his childhood which turned out to be true. He had the scars as well as some pictures to prove it! The Ecolodge itself was amazing. Large rooms with good bathrooms & mosquito nets. The dining area was well equipped & spacious. The cook Fatima was great- the vegetarian options were great & there was always so much food! All the staff seemed intent on making our stay as welcoming as possible. Unlike other companies- they genuinely seemed to care about the environment & the animals. We saw other good companies with overloaded boats (the maximum number of tourists should be 6!!) & having spoken with friends who paid less- they inform me that the money was definitely saved from the very basic/minimalistic accommodation. I would encourage everyone to use Dolphin Tours & to ask specifically for Nivardo!

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Pampas with Dolphin tours - River Yacuma

• South America    
• Bolivia    
• Beni Department    
• Rurrenabaque    
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• River Yacuma

Pampas with Dolphin tours

It is very difficult to try to find a responsible and eco-friendly tour organization in Rurrenabaque. The story they told us at the agency came true! The trip with Dolphin tours was good because: *A good guide, new al the names of animals in English and explained why it is not good to feed the animals and why not to use sunscreen and deet before swimming with the dolphins. *Food was very good and sufficient. *Enough drinkingwater. *Lodge is nice located in a quiet area. On your trip you don’t see many other boats of different companies. *The bar of the lodge is also a viewpoint for good sunset. BUT.....: The official minimum price by law in Rurre for jungle or pampas a 3 day tour is 900 Bs. The companies that offer the trip for less are mostly the irresponsible and un-ecofriendly ones! You can go with companies like Flecha tours, Fluvial tours for as less as 600 Bs (sometimes even cheaper from La Paz) but they are not ecofriendly, and touch and feed animals (cause death and illness because of deet and sunscreen). These companies are popular with Israelis. Also when companies are not fully booked you can end up with another company (so not the story where you paid for). So ask this before booking. At the time we were there people from Donato tours, Indigenous tours, Incaland tours and Fluvial were put at another tour than what they booked.

I went with indigena tours for a 3 day 2 night tour and it was a very good experience guide was knowledgable and spoke very good English, as well (and most importantly) as being as environmentally sensitive as possible. How ever when we went to swim with to dolphins we encountered a tour guide from flècha tours who handled the dolphins by holding onto their fins and pulling their tail out of the water and holding it out while it struggled to escape. His customers then followed his behavior. When questioned his excuse was that dolphins are intelligent. I advise all people to avoid the companies that do not have a certificate of environmental sustainability and set regulations of how their tour guides and customers behave in the bush.

We did a Pampas trip with Bala tours in the fall of 2011. We picked the company as they had a good reputation. The lodging was fine. Even though you have a separate room, it is really not separate as the walls do not go higher than 2 meters. There are no locks, so bring something to keep your valuables in. We had locks for our backpacks that we also could use on our door - which worked ok. The area can be dry and dusty - which makes the floors hard to keep clean. Or, that is mu assumption since the floors made your feet black (and consequently also your bedsheets. Bathrooms were in a separate house. Clean bathroom and showers, but no hot water, but you don't really miss it in the nice heat. We came at the beginning of the wet season, and there was a few mosquitos. The mosquito net over the bed was effective - and sitting in the dining room at night was also bug free. The hammocks were excellent for siesta. We saw plenty of animals. However, we did miss having a guide who could speak fluent English. We paid twice the price of what the other companies generally charge. We expected a knowledgable guide who spoke well English. We got a guy who spoke no more English than we had taught ourselves Spanish by one month of travelling. The food was varied and good, and we had enough water - though had to request more as only one big bottle was left in our room per day. As far as animals: We saw caiman, monkeys, the top of the pink dolphins, numerous birds, caught catfish and piranah, and saw about a half foot of an anaconda going into hiding. We did miss having a guide who cold have shared more about the wild life and the local culture. We highly recommend going on a pampas tour - however, shop around for tour agencies, and make sure your contract has everything in it. If something is not up to standard, make sure you complain right away. We wish we had tried to pay as we go - as we were not happy with what we got for the price we paid. Other we met on our flights picked agencies charging only half, and they were much more content with their experience compared to what we were with ours.

OK guys - we have written this as four travellers the day after a Pampas tour with Dolphins Tours. May we say firstly that this is less a critique of Dolphin Tours and more to do with the general state of the Pampas tours of Rurrenabaque. Firstly we were alarmed by the lack of safety and security advice about staying in the Pampas and Amazonia. At no point were we briefed about our conduct with the animals and a good example of this was when we swam with the pink dolphins, where we observed travellers from Fluvial Tours putting their hands over the dolphins' blowholes: the equivalent of suffocating them. At no point did their guide intervene, merely watching them do it. In addition our friends at Fluvial had told us that they were allowed to feed the Squirrel monkeys (thus de-skillling the monkeys in foraging and hunting) and that they were also permitted to smash a wasps' nest with a stick – both of these incidents were started and encouraged by the guide. Abhorrent. The guides must take control and set the standard of behaviour. At Dolphin, we were never given a schedule or for that fact, told about what we would need in terms of attire and equipment - at one point we were told we were going to see the sunset... we ended up at a bar and football game (which was great) but had no money as the guide did not tell us to bring cash - a silly oversight, which we remedied by a bar tab. Most alarmingly, on the day that we were looking for the Anaconda snake, we found ourselves being left alone on a small island: the guide simply told us to look for it ourselves as he walked off a did something else. As you can imagine we were concerned that we had no experience of snakes and other fauna and flora of the jungle. Ridiculous and dangerous and most frightening when you are shouting at the top of your voice for a guide who does not show up until an hour later. This is totally unacceptable as the welfare of the tourists should be firmly at the centre of the guide and the company he represents. There seems to be little or no regulation of the tours and their standards. The welfare of both the tourists and animals is totally disregarded by these companies whose guides appear to be freelance (certainly at Dolphins Tours) as so the quality is not consistent. We also suspected by the poor quality of the driving (crashing into bird nests, churning up fresh fauna and taking unnecessary shortcuts) that our driver may have still been a little intoxicated from the night before. We urge each traveller to take the lead and demand the highest possible standards on their tours, especially when it comes to the safety and welfare of animals and each other. We are in a position of strength to use our buying power to negotiate the standards that this incredible area deserves and not allow these companies to destroy and harm the creature and their habitat. I am sure there are some responsible companies here but Fluvial are a Lonely Planet recommendation and I am sure they would retract this, were they to see what we saw. The nature deserves to better. Please guys read this and take control. PS – this was written by 4 people who are laid back and relaxed about most things; mosquito bites, bed-bugs and uninteresting food are not things that get us upset about tours: it happens – we do however draw the line at personal safety and animal/habitat welfare, as we believe travellers have a tremendous responsibility to have as little an impact on the environment as possible. The pampas are gorgeous and a once in a lifetime opportunity (for many) but the tour ethos here deserves only 1 star. We welcome other travellers' insights into what they saw not just on their tour but in general.

We did a 2 day Jungle trip and a 3 day Pampa Trip with Donato Tours. Both were very good. In the jungle accomodation was basic but sufficient. Don't expect too much, you're in the middle of the jungle! Our guide showed us a lot of plants and animals (mostly insects) in the jungle and we tried a lot of fruit. Bring shoes that can get wet, we waded through knee deep water quite a lot but it was definitely worth it. And don't forget moskito repellent, especially in the pampas. In the pampas accomodation was a little better but still basic but nice. The moskitos were a pain in the a... so bring long clothing and good repellent. We saw a lot of animals and enjoyed our stay there very much. If you have the time try to do Jungle and Pampas, both places are definitively worth a visit.

We just returned from a four day, three night trip to Madidi with Mashaquipe and had an excellent time!! Mashaquipe was recommended to us by our travel agent in La Paz, and despite being more expensive than some of the other trips, we chose this group because of their eco rating and indigenous involvement. We had been warned prior to the trip that the accommodation and food were very basic, and we were pleasantly surprised by the level of comfort and decent food at the Mashaquipe base site (prepared by the always enthusiastic and super friendly chef Elly). The cabins were very simple, but had a comfy bed and insect screens on the windows and mosquito nets and we had a bug and animal free sleep on both nights we were in the cabins (although I was slightly nervous the first night and kept waking up imagining there was a snake in the room). There are bathrooms and showers on site (with only cold water but with toilet paper!). The campsites were also very basic, but mosquito nets were provided which were effective. We had selected the vegetarian option for our meals and had plentiful fruit and vegetables with pasta, rice, plaintain, potatoes etc... always made with a smile. The groups were fairly small - there were only four of us, plus our guide Luis for three days, and there were only the two of us on the third night/fourth day. Luis was great - he spoke good English, was really knowledgeable about the native plants and animals and really made an effort to look after us. My boyfriend had a stomach bug for four days prior to joining the tour, and Luis made a tea with the bark of a local tree which cured the bug! Impressive. We also saw howler monkeys, an anteater, (many) pigs, a snake, a cayman, parrots, and loads of other birds and insects... and a jaguar paw print. Luis gave us the option on several days to take different walks, stay overnight in the cabins or jungle etc, which was great for a tailored experience. We had a great time and would really recommend Mashaquipe and Luis!

• South America
• Everything You Need To Know...

Everything you Need to Know About a Bolivian Amazon Pampas Tour

Bolivia’s pampas attracts hordes of budget travelers every year, each arrival as eager as the next to experience the fascinating wildlife on display. And it’s little wonder. Cut-throat competition keeps rates incredibly low, while the wildlife itself is among the most diverse in the Amazon. Here’s everything you need to know about a trip to the pampas.

Where to go.

The sweltering jungle town of Rurrenabaque serves as the hub for tours into the pampas and lies about four hours away. Tourist infrastructure in Rurre is relatively well developed, featuring a solid selection of lodgings as well as plenty of gringo-friendly restaurants and bars. For more information, check out our Rurrenabaque guide .

How to get there

Amaszonas run two daily flights in each direction – one in the morning and one in the afternoon – with prices starting at US$72 each way. TAM is much less frequent, offering just a few flights per week.

Several bus companies ply the long mountainous road between the two destinations, most leaving in the early morning from La Paz’ Villa Fatima terminal. The fare costs just US$10, but expect to be miserably uncomfortable and utterly terrified throughout. It’s a bumpy and treacherous ride, despite a newly paved highway which has reduced travel times significantly to around 12 hours or so. Worst of all there is no cama (lie-flat) service. You have been warned.

Booking a tour

Pretty much everyone does the same three-day, two-night pampas tour which can be booked in either La Paz or Rurrenabeque. Expect to pay around 1,000 BOB (US$150) for the all-inclusive tour and try to book locally for the best rate. Tour companies pool travelers together so they’re all essentially the same, aside from a few luxury operators who charge significantly more.

What to bring

Throughout the pampas, the sun blazes during the day and the mosquitos come out in force at night. To prevent yourself from being eaten alive or burnt to a crisp, pack lightweight long-sleeve trousers and shirts, as well as plenty of suncream and repellent. You’ll need some cash, at least 150 BOB (US$23) to pay the national park entry fee and a bit more for snacks and drinks.

What to expect

You won’t be going deep into the jungle, but rather a vast wetland on the edge of the rainforest. This is ideal, however, as wildlife love this lush terrain and can be easily spotted due to the distinct lack of trees.

Wildlife safaris are almost entirely undertaken in dugout canoes which feature an onboard hawk-eyed guide who is capable of spotting even the most elusive of animals along the way. Gawking at animals aside, the tour includes a piranha fishing excursion (which are cooked up for lunch) and a swim with friendly pink river dolphins. The only land-based activity is a marshlands hike to search for anaconda who are virtually impossible to actually find.

Onsite accommodation is rustic, consisting of little more than a simple wooden shack that sees several backpackers crammed into a room. Despite best efforts to keep the creepy crawlies out, insects still manage to find their way inside, so always check your bed for venomous looking critters before retiring for the night.

Responsible travel

Don’t handle the wildlife or allow your guide to do so. Unbeknownst to many, physical interaction with humans is extremely stressful for wildlife and can literally cause them to die from shock. Similarly, feeding the animals makes them become dependant on humans which has disastrous long-term consequences. Sorry to be a party pooper.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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Tour details

• What to bring

Rurrenabaque Pampas Tour

Explore the pampas of the Bolivian Amazon on the banks of the Yacuma River

Breakfast included and access to rest areas for Howlanders travelers during waiting periods between arrival and tour start. See frequently asked questions.

During 3 days we will visit the Pampas del Yacuma, one of the treasures of the Bolivian Amazon. We will enjoy unique landscapes and ecosystems. We will stay in an Eco lodge that is part of a rural tourism project run by a native community. In the Rurrenabaque Pampas Tour , we will navigate through its rivers, walk through the jungle, have the opportunity to experience the sounds of nature, see birds, monkeys, caimans and even pink dolphins. Getting to know one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world is an unforgettable experience.

Do you want to know what awaits you? Keep on reading!

• Transfer to and from the airport
• Food (with vegetarian option)
• Mineral water
• Experienced bilingual guide (Spanish / English)
• Private room with bathroom
• Transportation
• Tour activities

Not included

• Breakfast on the first day
• Access to Pampas (150 Bolivian pesos/person)

Important information

👩‍👩‍👦‍👦 Small group: 6 travelers

The Rurrenabaque Pampas Tour is done only in small groups of 6 travelers with 1 guide. For boat transfers, you will be able to board up to 8 people.

Cancellation policy

You will receive a 80% refund of your booking if you cancel at least 15 days before the tour start date. After this time, or in case you do not show up, no refunds will be given.

Tour itinerary

Day 1 santa rosa - wildlife and sunset - alligators.

Pick up and trip to the Yacuma Ecolodge

At 8:00 in the morning, our guide will start picking us up and the rest of the group to take us to Santa Rosa . During the trip do not stop looking out the window, we have just started, but we will be able to see the fauna of the jungle.

Around 12:00 PM, we will get on the boat and sail for 20 minutes until we arrive at the Yacuma Ecolodge . We will settle into our rooms and have lunch together.

Hiking through the Amazon.

In the afternoon we will take a walk through the areas near the lodge, where we can see the local fauna: toucans, capuchin monkeys, anteaters, etc. To end the afternoon we will enjoy the impressive sunset. 

There is no better way to end the day than, after dinner, taking a boat trip to observe Alligators . From a distance the light of our guide's flashlight will reflect in their eyes.

DAY 2 Yacuma River - Pink dolphins

Navigation on the Yacuma River

Today is a day by boat. We will take a river boat and navigate the Yacuma River to observe the wildlife that inhabits the river bank. Keep an eye out for animals such as capybaras, caimans, lizards, turtles, dolphins, birds, and monkeys. I bet the pink dolphins have caught your attention, during the afternoon we will go out to see and swim near the dolphins.

DAY 3 Dawn in the Jungle - In search of the Anaconda - Rurrenabaque

The sunrise of the Pampas of Yacuma

To make the most of the day, we will wake up at 5:30 AM. to see all the birds and monkeys at dawn, in one of their most active moments. We will return to the lodge for breakfast and leave again for a walk through the Pampa in search of the impressive anaconda.

Return to Rurrenabaque

We will return to the lodge for lunch together, but our Pampas Tour in Bolivia must come to an end. We will pick up our luggage and around 2:00 PM we will start our return to Rurrenabaque, arriving at 4:30 PM.

What to bring to Rurrenabaque Pampas Tour

• Insect repellent
• Long-sleeved shirts and long pants (to avoid insect bites)
• Shirts and Shorts (for the time in the lodge)
• Footwear for trekking(if possible waterproof)
• Personal hygiene products and medication
• Photo camera
• Refillable bottle

Where does the tour Rurrenabaque Pampas Tour start

⭐ The tour includes pick-up at the airport or the city of Rurrenabaque upon arrival and transfer to the lodge. As well as transfer back from the lodge to the same points at the end of the tour.

✈ The fastest and most comfortable way to get to Rurrenabaque is by plane from the city of La Paz. The flight takes 25 minutes and is operated by Ecojet Airlines on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 8:30 am. 

🚌 If the flight schedules do not fit into your travel itinerary, you can also reach Rurrenabaque from La Paz by bus. The overland trip takes approximately 12-15 hours (440 km). We recommend the Flota Yungueña bus company for comfort and safety, although you will need to go to their office to purchase a ticket. These buses leave daily from 03:00 PM.

Questions & Answers

Are there vegetarian or vegan options at meals, is it safe to do an amazon rainforest tour, how difficult is the tour, what happens if i arrive hours before the tour starts or my return bus leaves hours after the tour ends, rurrenabaque pampas tour tour reviews with howlanders, other tours that might interest you from bolivia.

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Pampas & Jungle Tours Rurrenabaque

Pampas tours - bolivia jungle tours.

Bolivia Pampas & Jungle Tours Guide 2018 – Everything you need to plan & arrange your Bolivian Amazon Tour

Or click on the following sections to see tours by starting place

RURRENABAQUE PAMPAS & JUNGLE TOURS

Save money by booking your Pampas & Jungle Tours and flight tickets together in these convenient all-in-one bundles

Our selection of Pampas Tour& Madidi Jungle Tour options with Flights included offers the cheapest possible way to book these combinations anywhere.

* Direct Price is total price to book the same options direct with the operator & airline.We can offer it cheaper than booking direct!

We offer our Pampas Tours for the same price as booking direct with very best operators in Rurrenabaque

Book with us for fast responses in fluent English or Spanish, confirmed spaces on tours, detailed quality information about your booking, highly secure Credit Card Payments & support via Cel/WhatsApp.

We offer our Madidi Jungle Tour options for the same price as booking direct with the best operators in Rurrenabaque.

A popular option is to visit both the Pampas & the Jungle and these combination tours are the best way to combine both these options

Book with us for Fast responses in fluent English or Spanish, confirmed spaces on tours, detailed quality information about your booking, highly secure Credit Card Payments & support via Cel/WhatsApp.

Chalalan is an award winning ecolodge offering premium Amazon Rainforest tour experiences.

We are an official agent for Amaszonas - our flight prices are exactly the same

FLIGHTS TO / FROM RURRENABAQUE

A visit to the Bolivian Amazon is a highlight for many traveler’s that visit the country.

A large percentage of Bolivia is jungle or pampas wetlands and these tropical rainforests are home to an incredible amount of wildlife.

Rurrenabaque is the starting point for most Bolivian Amazon trips and offers a variety of tours from the most popular 3 Day Pampas Tours, multi day Madidi National Park Jungle tours or combination tours including both.

The town is easily accessible by several daily flights from La Paz and being a small town is a nice place to relax for a few days offering a completely different vibe to highlands.

We have a variety of different tour options for both the pampas and the jungle , ranging from the best budget options through to the world famous Chalalan Ecolodge.

We are also official agents for selling Amazonas Flight tickets (same price as the airline and issued using the airlines own system) and arrange hotel booking for a few recommended places in Rurrenabaque.

Not only can you can book everything you need in one place through us we also have some incredible value discounted tour + flights bundles that are the cheapest possible way to get these combinations anywhere!

Read through our guide below  and compare Pampas versus the Jungle tours to see which you would most like to do.Of course many people choose to do both as they offer different experiences.

• 1. Pampas Tours
• 2. Jungle Tours - Madidi National Park
• 3. Combo Pampas & Jungle Tours
• 4. Getting to Rurrenabaque
• 5. Wildlife in the Pampas & Jungle
• 6. Rurrenabaque Town
• 7. Malaria, Yellow Fever & Dengue
• 8. What To Take On Amazon Tours

Last Updated 3rd August 2018

PAMPAS TOURS

The most popular Amazon tour options in Bolivia are the 3 Day Pampas Tours and this is because it is the best place to easily spot wildlife.

The Pampas are open tropical wetlands which are home such animals as pink river dolphins, alligators, caiman, anacondas, turtles, capybaras, piranhas, monkeys, lots of birds and many others.

You can see more info on the animals you might see in the Wildlife Pampas & Jungle Section

Because it is not as dense as the jungle rainforest the animals are much easier to see and as you explore the river, canals and lagoons in a motor-powered canoe you are often able to get very close to them without startling them.

It is a great way to see wildlife in its natural habitat and get some amazing photos.

Most pampas tours are 3 days in duration which is the ideal length as any longer you would need to report some same activities and in 2 days you would spend over half the time jus traveling.

The first day you travel by road from Rurrenabaque to the town of Santa Rosa where, after lunch, you will board the boat and start the river trip towards your lodge.

The wildlife spotting starts here though, and you often see dolphins right by the boat port. Along the way your guide will be using his well-trained eyes to spot animals of interest and point them out to you, often stopping the boat to allow you to get a better look.

To time it takes to the lodge depends on which operator you are with as each has their own lodge in different areas but is commonly around 1 or 2 hours. After arriving you are shown to your room and given refreshments.

The lodges you stay in are rustic but adequate and will include bed & sheets/pillows, mosquito nets, electric lighting and probably a few sockets for charging things. Bathrooms are usually separate and shared although there are private bathroom options with some operators.

There will be a dining area and usually places with hammocks to relax. The buildings are usually of wooden construction, raised off the floor and have mosquito screens (no glass windows).

The activities during the tour usually include swimming with dolphins, piranha fishing, night time alligator & caiman spotting, looking for anacondas and more exploration by boat to spot animals.

Whilst there are no guarantees with wildlife most visitors get to see dolphins, monkeys, turtles, alligators, caimans, capybaras and lots of birds. It is common that someone catches a piranha during the fishing activity but not always and you will certainly need luck to find an anaconda although during dry season your chances are better.

It is not uncommon to see a sloth on the drive to Santa Rosa on the first morning as they hang about in the trees along the road.

So if you want to see lots of wildlife the Pampas Tours are the best option and because they are so popular there are daily group departures for most tour options.

You can see all the tour options by browsing  ALL TOURS

JUNGLE TOURS - MADIDI NATIONAL PARK

Jungle Tours in Rurrenabaque offer a different experience to the pampas and most take place inside the world famous Madidi National Park.

These tours take you into the thick, dense tropical rainforest that most people imagine when they think of the Amazon jungle.

Madidi jungle is considered the most bio diverse environment on the planet and at 18958km2 is one of the largest national parks in the world.

Every year there are new species discovered in the Madidi and a 3 year survey started in 2015 that recently concluded managed to identify 1362 new species in that period alone! Check out this New York Times article  all about the study.

There was even a new species of monkey identified in 2004 called the Madidi Titi.

It is said to contain over 1100 species of bird which is about 11% of the species in the world.

The area is also home to 46 indigenous communities from six different tribes who live within the national park, many of who use traditional techniques to survive in the rainforest.

Jungle Tours to Madidi start from Rurrenabaque and after a boat ride up the Beni River you take a short walk to your jungle lodge that will be used as the base for excursions into the jungle areas around.

Most people take jungle tours of 2 or 3 days but there are options for 4, 5, 6 or even more days that enable you to trek deeper into the jungle and camp. These longer options can provide a better change of finding the more elusive animals like the jaguar that will often keep their distance from the areas inhabited by humans.

During a typical tour you will embark on a series of short hikes with your guide returning to the lodge for rests and meals after each. These hikes are not difficult, but the hot and humid atmosphere of the jungle can be quite tiring in itself.

Although you will try to find jungle animals such as wild pigs, monkeys and others but being thick and dense it is harder to spot them than in the pampas, but you usually get to see something.

You will also be exploring and learning about the rainforest environment, its medicinal plants, strange trees, finding weird and wonderful insects & arachnids such as the tarantula. Your guide might explain traditional hunting techniques or show you jungle fruits that can be eaten or used to make handicrafts.

A popular activity during the jungle trips is to go to where the wonderfully brightly colored macaws nest and observe them. The macaws nest in cliff faces and from this viewpoint you have a wonderful panorama of the surrounding jungle.

At night time the sounds of the jungle really come alive and it is then that the sheer quantity of living creatures that inhabit the jungle become most apparent. Taking a walk in the jungle at night time you get to experience a whole different side of the rainforest and for many this is an unforgettable experience.

The jungle tours offer an alternative experience to the Pampas tours and it completely depends on what your own interests are, the amount of time you have and your budget as to which you choose to.

Most people that take a jungle tour also do a pampas tours to ensure they have the complete amazon experience and a popular way to do this is with a tours that combines both.

You can see all options by browsing ALL TOURS

COMBO PAMPAS & JUNGLE TOURS

It is possible to book separate pampas and jungle tours but that will require that you spend a night in Rurrenabaque in between.

The pampas area is located about 2.5 -3 hours drive north east from Rurrenabaque and the Jungle lodges are accessed by boat boarded directly in Rurre and are located in a more south to south-west direction, so a return to Rurrenabaque is unavoidable.

If you book a combination Pampas and Jungle Tour then you will be transferred straight to the Jungle lodge after you return from you Pampas tour meaning you do not have to have a night in a hotel separately.

Combo Jungle & Pampas Tours are usually 5 Days which consist of  3 days in the Pampas followed by 2 days jungle tour. There are also 4 day combo tours that include 2 day pampas tour and 2 day jungle tour and a 6 day option with 3 days in each.

GETTING TO RURRENABAQUE

To get to Rurrenabaque you can either take a flight or go by road. Most people choose to take a plane as the prospect of an 18 hour or longer bus journey on what is the continuation for the “Worlds Most Dangerous Road” is usually not a popular idea.

Whilst it is possible to fly to Rurrenabaque on an early flight and start a tour the same day it is better if you can get there the day before as flights can be delayed sometimes.

For the flights returning to La Paz it is possible with some tours to get a flight back on the last day (last flights are usually around 5.30-6.00pm) but we advise people to allow time for possible delays especially if you have an international flight to catch same or next day. During rainy season it is not uncommon for people booked on the last flight of the day to have to wait until the following morning for a departure if backlogs occur.

FLIGHTS TO RURRENABAQUE

The airline Amaszonas fly from La Paz to Rurrenabaque from 2 to 6 times a day depending on the season and day of the week (weekends flights are less frequent) and the flight time is about 45 minutes.

See Details for Rurrenabaque Flights

*We sell flights at the same price as Amazonas and issue the tickets using the same system.

The airline TAM is the only other airline that schedules flights to Rurrenabaque but have in general not been running flights for some time now so we cannot offer this.

BY LAND / BUS TO RURRENABAQUE

For those looking to save money or simply wanting the experience of traveling by road to Rurrenabaque buses from La Paz depart from the Minasa Bus terminal near to the District of Villa Fatima in La Paz each morning around 11am (times change slightly sometimes so check)

The scheduled time for the journey is about 18 hours but it can often take longer and in rainy season there can be significant delays due to landslides and destroyed sections of road meaning trips of 40 hours plus are not unheard of.

If it also possible to rent 4x4s to drive you down to Rurrenabaque and it takes about 12 -14 hours usually but this is not a cheap option and not often done any more.

WILDLIFE IN THE PAMPAS AND JUNGLE

As Madidi National Park is known as the most ecologically diverse place on earth & the pampas protected area is teeming with mammals, birds, amphibians, fish and more we cannot attempt to list every kind of wildlife you might encounter in the region.

So you will find below a list of the most common or popular creatures that you might see during the Pampas or Jungle tours plus some interesting ones that you are less likely to see unless you are very lucky!

Please note though some are easier to see than others and being wildlife there are no guarantees you can spot them during a tour.

PAMPAS WILDLIFE

Click on an animal name to see more info

Pink River Dolphins - the slow-moving water of the Yacuma river is the preferred habitat of the rare freshwater pink river dolphin known locally as the Bufeo. It is a subspecies of the Amazon River Dolphin and is considered an endangered species. They are protected by Bolivian law and were declared a national treasure in 2012.

These inquisitive creatures sometimes interact with swimmers during the tours, playfully nibbling their feet and poking them with their noses. The quieter and smaller the group the better the chances they will approach.

There are a variety of types of monkey in the Pampas area including squirrel monkeys, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, Beni and Olalla titi monkeys, and capuchin monkeys. 

Of these you will almost certainly see squirrel monkeys during a pampas tours as they are extremely inquisitive and have unfortunately become accustomed to receiving food from tourists. The braver monkeys of a group will often even climb aboard the boat to try to get snacks. You shouldn’t give the monkeys food as they can become dependent on it and especially not snacks and processed food as it can be very bad for them.

Spider monkeys & capuchin monkeys are quite often seen in the pampas also but howler monkeys are a little less common but still possible.

The Beni and Olalla titi monkeys are endangered species and are seldom seen during tours.

Caiman (Caimaninae) are a subfamily of the alligator family (Alligatoridae) and there are a variety of types of which the Spectacled Caiman and the smaller Black Caiman are the most common to be seen in the Pampas area.

Black Caiman are the largest species of caiman and can grow up to lengths of 5 meters and weigh more than 400kg.They are the largest predator in the whole amazon.

Spectacled Caiman are smaller growing to a maximum size of about 2.5 meters and around 60kg. They are also referred to as White Caiman or Common Caiman.

Caiman are considered very aggressive and apart from humans have few natural predators they need to be aware of. Jaguars and anacondas have been known to prey on young caiman.

There are only two kinds of Alligator proper and that is the American Alligator and the Chinese Alligator neither of which live in South America. There are no crocodiles in Bolivia.

What are often referred to as alligators in the Pampas are in fact older adult Black Caiman as they are similar in size to the American Alligator when fully mature.

The green anaconda, sometimes called the common anaconda, is the largest snake in the world by body mass. It is a constrictor that often lies submerged in water awaiting its prey.

It can grow to be over 5 meters long but there are numerous myths of anacondas reaching much longer lengths giving birth to the mythical name “giant anaconda” but this has never been proven.

The numbers of anacondas in the Pampas region have fallen drastically in the last decades partly due to the effects of tourism and also due to local development.

You need a bit of luck to find one during a tour as you search through the swamp lands to try to find one lying in the water, but your chances are better in the dry season when there is less water for them to lie in.

Capybaras are the largest rodents in the world and live in herds on the banks of rivers and lagoons.

Being the size of a large dog people are often surprised to find out they are rodents but luckily they have the cuteness of their close relative the guinea pig so people don’t have the same repulsion of them as they do of rats and mice!

Some people even keep capybaras as pets in the US and they are actually very friendly when domesticated.

Native to South America and usually growing up to a maximum of 30cm in length the Piranha is well known around the world.

One look at one in real life and most people decide they are pure evil in fish form. Razor sharp rows of teeth set in incredibly sharp jaws add to the myth that they can kill and strip a person of flesh in minutes.

Whilst most of these stories are exaggerated and piranhas rarely attack humans there was a famous case in Bolivia in 2012 when a drunken 18 year old fell in a river in Rosario de Yata and was eaten alive by Piranhas, so the stories are not entirely without basis.

During Pampas tours you fish for Piranhas using small chunks of meat or fish and can experience how fast they bite firsthand. Be careful with them if you catch one!

As you travel along the river during your Pampas tour you will see lots of turtles sunning themselves in rows on logs near the river banks. Often as the boat gets closer they will dive into the water as the noise of the engine startles them.

These turtles are Yellow-Spotted river turtles and if you look closer you will see some yellow markings on the heads of the turtles that give it its name. The colors are brighter in the younger turtles than the older ones.

Seen hanging around lazily in the high branches of trees the 3 toed sloth might seem like it never moves but it can in fact change trees a couple of times per day.

The reasons they are so slow moving is due to a very slow metabolism so moving very little conserves energy but also as a protection against some of their natural predators like big cats that hunt by sight and detection of movement.

3 toed sloths are in fact quite good swimmers, but this is rarely witnessed.

The pampas area is home to many species of birds including herons, kingfishers,storks, hoactzins, macaws, chuvi and great black hawks.

You never know what you will see exactly but you will certainly see a number of different birds during your tour.

JUNGLE WILDLIFE

The jungle tours are the best place to go and see Macaws as there is a well-known nesting cliff that you can visit where it is easy to see these beautiful parrots.

They are at their noisiest early morning or late afternoon

These hairy black pigs roam in packs in the rainforest and seem to appear from no where very suddenly. They are hunted by the indigenous people in the region and often kept as “pets” in the village until such time they are needed for a feast.

They are not dangerous and will likely run away startled if they see you but you should not approach them if they have young with them as the mother can become protective.

Yet another animal on the endangered list the Tapir which is the largest Amazonian mammal.

You might hear it referred to as a “jungle cow” by some guides but its long bendy snout means it is very dissimilar to a cow.

It might look sluggish but it can run and swim pretty quickly  which is its main defense as it is a peaceful herbivore and feeds mostly on roots and leaves.

There are in fact different kinds, thought to number of 900 types, of tarantula spider in different parts of the world.

They live in burrows with an entry hole on the surface so a common tactic that your guide might use to entice one out is to move a small stick near the entrance to fool it into thinking there is potential prey nearby.

The tarantulas in the Bolivian jungle are covered in thick black hair which can cause irritation to the skin of touched and of course have a painful venomous bite.

Giant Anteaters, also called Ant Bears, live in jungles and in grassy plains and ,not surprisingly, live on a diet of ants and termites.

The have a long tongue that is very sticky that they use to access crevices and holes to harvest the ants.

It is not common to see them during a tour though but it has been known, more so on the longer jungle tour options.

The Giant Armadillo is another animal that likes to feast on ants and termites, but also worms and other insects, and it is yet another one of the animals in Madidi that is on the endangered list.

Often growing up to 30kg in weight the giant armadillo is the largest of the armadillo species.

It is nocturnal, lying dormant in a burrow during the day, and coming out to feed at night. Chances of spotting one on a tour are not very high but during your night walks it could be possible if you are lucky or the guide knows where one might be.

The majestic Jaguar is the largest cat species in South America and mostly lives in the tropical jungles and marshlands areas but also inhabits the grassy lowland plains.

It is an elusive animal and has for a long time been under threat due to cattle farmers seeing it as a menace or settlements seeing it as a danger.

In the last few years though the threat to jaguars has increased dramatically as the influence of China grows in Bolivia with the arrival of many Chinese business and immigrants, and with them an sharp increase in the illegal trade of rare animal parts.

Ocelots are much smaller and have a distinctive intricate pattern of dots and stripes in colors of black, white and orange. Its fur was once highly sort after but it now illegal which has gone a long way to ensure it is not an endangered species.

Pumas are often considered more of a mountain cat but can in fact live in a variety of environments including the jungle. They are mostly solitary but recent evidence suggests that they do in fact socialize with other pumas at certain times.

It is difficult to see a Jaguar, Ocelot or Puma during a jungle tour and even though your chances are better on the longer tours that go deeper into the jungle, it still requires a lot of luck.

RURRENABAQUE TOWN

The town of Rurrenabaque sits on the banks of the Beni River and is located about 250 miles (410km) from La Paz. It is part of the department of Beni and the municipality of Rurrenabaque of which it is the capital.

It has a small airport about 20 mins drive from the center and it mostly services flights to / from La Paz , although there are also sometimes scheduled flights to / from Santa Cruz.

Sitting at an altitude of about 300 meters it’s climate is sunny, hot and humid, usually averaging temperatures of around 30C up to about 35C.

It is a small town with a population of around 20,000 people but has plenty of facilities for tourists as it receives many visitors per year as it is the starting point or both Pampas and Jungle Tours.

The center of the two is made up of a few principal streets and a sleepy main plaza. You will find various hotels, hostels, agencies and tourist cafes dotted around as well as useful places like the Amaszonas office, a laundry, some banks and a small market all within easy walking distance of each other.

The bus station is just a few more blocks out of town and is also walkable.

Map of Rurrenabaque

“Rurre” as it is commonly referred to was put on the tourist map when an Israeli traveller called Yossi Ghinsberg was rescued by the locals from nearby San José de Uchupiamonas after an adventurous excursion went wrong in 1981.

He spent weeks lost in the jungle before being found and later returned to help them start the now world famous ecolodge Chalalan . His story attracted travellers to the area and the tourism industry in the town started to grow.

Yossi Ghinsberg turned his story into a book and in 2017 it was made into a film called Jungle staring Daniel Radcliffe .

MALARIA, YELLOW FEVER & DENGUE

Visitors to both the Jungle and Pampas should take care to protect themselves from mosquito bites and other insects both for their own comfort but also due to the possibility of contracting insect borne diseases.

Most tours and hotels supply mosquito nets in their accommodations, so you will just need to bring suitable clothing and insect repellent.

Whilst insect repellent is available in the pharmacies (drugstores) in Rurrenabaque it might not be possible to by good quality options and products such as high potency DEET based creams and sprays are not easy to get. You will a little more success in La Paz as there are some DEET products of up to 29% strength available, but you would be best to bring something from your home country for the best effectiveness.

N.B - DEET is extremely harmful to animals so whilst you should not be handling animals during your tour anyway be especially careful if you are wearing DEET. For example, if your group is successful in finding an anaconda do NOT under any circumstances touch the anaconda if you have DEET on your skin as snakes partly breathe through their skin and they are easily poisoned by the slightest contamination.

Whilst in theory malaria is a possibility the risk in Rurrenabaque, the pampas and the areas in the jungle visited by tourists is minimal. There has not be a recorded case of malaria being contracted in well over a decade. If you do want to take malarial medications then you should bring them with you as there will be limited types available.

YELLOW FEVER

Yellow fever is a potential risk in the area and you should have your yellow fever vaccination before traveling. It is in fact a requirement to enter Bolivia (even if it is not always enforced). Yellow fever tends to occur in outbreaks that are well publicized so it is quite easy to find out if there is a current risk when you are in the country.

DENGUE FEVER

Dengue fever is also a potential risk and, like yellow fever, outbreaks are usually reported and publicized when it is considered an issue. There tends to be a higher risk during rainy season when there is more stagnant water lying around making ideal breeding conditions for the mosquitoes.

WHAT TO TAKE ON AMAZON TOURS

Whilst Rurrenabaque is not a large town you can buy basics there no problem so no need to worry about running out of toothpaste, soap, ibuprofen etc. It is worth noting though that some things, due to the logistics of getting them there, are little bit more expensive.

Here are some things you should think about bringing with you:

• Cash – there are a couple of ATMs in Rurre and they regular run out of cash and often do not work with foreign cards. Bring all the case you need with you for your trip – cards are not commonly accepted in restaurants and shops for payment.
• Insect repellent & insect bite cream.
• Any medications that you need / want. You can get things in Rurre but supplies are limited so best not to risk it for things that are essential.
• A torch – jungle and pampas camps might use generator power, so useful for those late night trips to the bathroom if the lights are out. Also needed for the jungle night walks.
• Good Quality Sun cream – you can get some in Rurre but again it might cost more and not be the kind you want.

It is hot and humid so you will likely want to be wearing shorts and tshirt most of the time but you will also need some lightweight long sleeve shirts and long trousers to protect for the early morning and evenings when the mosquitoes come out to bite. Synthetic materials that are quick drying are the way to go. Cotton does not dry easily and leave you feeling damp and permanently sweaty.

Hopefully our guide and info has inspired you visit Rurrenabaque and take one of the incredible Pampas or Jungle tours or one of the popular combo options.

Remember to check out our popular bundle options* with flights and tours as these are much cheaper than booking direct with the airline and operators themselves!

Last Updated 22nd August 2018

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Pampas Tour (Dolphins) + Flights La Paz-Rurre-La Paz

Incredible value 3 Day Pampas Tour with flights La Paz - Rurrenabaque and Rurrenabaque - La Paz The 3 Day Pampas Tours is with Dolphins Travel - and the return flights are with Ecojet airlines. Pampas and see all the wonderful wildlife it has to offer.

Pampas Tour (Mashaquipe) + Flights La Paz-Rurre-La Paz

Incredible value 3 Day Pampas Tour with flights La Paz - Rurrenabaque and Rurrenabaque - La Paz at a discounted price.  The 3 Day Pampas Tours is with Mashaquipe Tours who are well known as being one of the best Rurrenabaque operator and are our most popular Pampas tour company.This is the cheapest possible way to book flights and mashaquipe pampas tours anywhere!

Regular Price: $480.00

Special Price $470.00

5 Day Pampas & Jungle Combo Tour (Mashaquipe) + Flights La Paz-Rurre-La Paz

Save money by booking this 5 Day Jungle & Pampas Combo Tour with flights La Paz - Rurrenabaque and Rurrenabaque - La Paz at a discounted price. This 5 day tour is our most popular Jungle & Pampas combo and is run by the operator Mashaquipe Tours who are well known as being one of the best operators in  Rurrenabaque.This is the cheapest possible way to book flights and mashaquipe jungle & pampas combo tours anywhere!

Regular Price: $600.00

Special Price $590.50

4 Day Pampas & Jungle Combo Tour (Mashaquipe) + Flights La Paz-Rurre-La Paz

Save money by booking this 4 Day Jungle & Pampas Combo Tour with flights La Paz - Rurrenabaque and Rurrenabaque - La Paz at a discounted price. This 4 day tour is a popular optionfor Jungle & Pampas combo and is run by the operator Mashaquipe Tours who are well known as being one of the best operators in  Rurrenabaque.This is the cheapest possible way to book flights and mashaquipe jungle & pampas combo tours anywhere!

Regular Price: $540.00

Special Price $520.00

Pampas Tours 3 Days

3 Day Pampas Tour with Indígena Tours perfect for the budget backpacker at the best price available. Join one of the tours leaving daily and get to see lots of wildlife such as Pink River Dolphins, caiman, anaconda, monkeys and more.

Indigena Tours are the only Green Action Eco Certified budget pampas tours operator in Rurrenabaque.

3-Day Jungle Tour (Mashaquipe Ecolodge)

This is our 3 day jungle tour operated by Mashaquipe (Madidi Nature & Culture Program). Visit Madidi National Park on a certified eco-tour and see the wonders of the Amazon rainforest. We work with "green action" certified operator Mashaquipe to offer quality eco-tours in Madidi. Upgrade to private cabins available.

6-Day Jungle & Pampas Tour (Mashaquipe Ecolodge)

This is our jungle & pampas 6 day combo tour operated by Mashaquipe (Jaguar and Anaconda Program). Visit the fascinating Madidi National park Jungle and the animal rich pampas on a certified eco-tour and see the wonders of the Amazon rainforest. We work with "green action" certified operator Mashaquipe to offer quality eco-tours in Madidi and in the Yacuma pampas. Accommodation in dorms or private cabins with shared bathroom in the jungle and private bathroom in the pampas.

3-Day Pampas Tour (Mashaquipe Ecolodge)

This is our 3 day pampas option operated by Mashaquipe. Visit the animal rich pampas on a certified eco-tour and see the wonders of the Amazon rainforest. We work with "green action" certified operator Mashaquipe to offer quality eco-tours in the Yacuma pampas. Upgrade to private single/double/triple rooms available.

3-Day Jungle Tour (Bala Tours Ecolodge)

This is our 3 day jungle tour operated by Bala Tours. The Ecolodge "El Tucuaral" is located in the world famous Madidi National Park near to Rurrenabaque and is owned and operated by our partner Bala Tours. This tour provides quality English-speaking guides, accommodations and services at a good value price - highly recommended.

3-Day Jungle Tour (Madidi Jungle Ecolodge)

This is our 3 day jungle tour operated by Madidi Jungle Ecolodge (Tareche Program). We have chosen to work with the operator Madidi Jungle Ecolodge for these tours as they offer a high quality service. This  is  a  new venture   of   Community   Ecotourism  totally  created and managed   by   indigenous families from  San   Jose de   Uchupiamonas.  English-speaking guide for the tour. 

4-Day Jungle & Pampas Tour (Mashaquipe Ecolodge)

This is our jungle & pampas 4 day combo tour operated by Mashaquipe (Macaws & Caimans Program). Visit the fascinating Madidi National Park and the animal-rich pampas on a certified eco-tour and see the wonders of the Amazon rainforest. We work with "green action" certified operator Mashaquipe to offer quality eco-tours in Madidi and in the Santa Rosa del Yacuma pampas. Upgrade to private cabins with shared bathroom in the jungle and private bathroom in the pampas available.

4-Day Jungle Tour (Bala Tours Ecolodge)

This is our 4 day jungle tour operated by Bala Tours. The Ecolodge "El Tucuaral" is located in the world famous Madidi National Park near to Rurrenabaque and is owned and operated by our partner Bala Tours. This tour provides quality English-speaking guides, accommodations and services at a good value price - highly recommended.

4-Day Pampas Tour (Bala Tours Ecolodge)

This is our 4 day pampas tour operated by Bala Tours.  Carocoles Lodge is located in the wildlife rich Pampas area near to Rurrenabaque. This tour provides quality English speaking guides, accommodations and services at a good value price. Run by our partner agency Bala Tours this is a good value recommended option. Includes horseriding.

4-Day Jungle Tour (Madidi Jungle Ecolodge)

This is our 4 day jungle tour operated by Madidi Jungle Ecolodge (Wabu Program). We have chosen to work with the operator Madidi Jungle Ecolodge for these tours as they offer a high quality service. Madidi Jungle Ecolodge is a new venture of Community Ecotourism totally created and managed by indigenous families from San Jose de Uchupiamonas. English-speaking guide for the tour. 

4-Day Jungle Tour (Mashaquipe Ecolodge)

This is our 4 day jungle tour operated by Mashaquipe (Madidi Magical Tour). Visit Madidi National Park on a certified eco-tour and see the wonders of the Amazon rainforest. We work with "green action" certified operator Mashaquipe to offer quality eco-tours in Madidi. Upgrade to private cabins available.

5-Day Jungle & Pampas Tour (Mashaquipe Ecolodge)

This is our jungle & pampas 5 day combo tour operated by Mashaquipe (Wabu & Dolphin Program). Visit the fascinating Madidi National Park and the animal-rich pampas on a certified eco-tour and see the wonders of the Amazon rainforest. We work with "green action" certified operator Mashaquipe to offer quality eco-tours in Madidi and in the Santa Rosa del Yacuma pampas. Upgrade to private cabins with shared bathroom in the jungle and private bathroom in the pampas available.

3-Day Pampas Tour (Bala Tours Ecolodge)

This is our 3 day pampas tour operated by Bala Tours.  Carocoles Lodge is located in the wildlife rich Pampas area near to Rurrenabaque. This tour provides quality English speaking guides, accommodations and services at a good value price. Run by our partner agency Bala Tours this is a good value recommended option.

3-Day Jungle Tour (Chalalan Ecolodge)

This is our 3-day jungle tour at the Chalalan Ecolodge (Jochi Program). Chalalan is an award-winning community-owned ecolodge. Tours start in Rurrenabaque, Bolivia (transport to Rurrenabaque is not included but available separately) and range from 3 days/ 2 nights and more. During the busy season you should book well in advance as these tours book up fast!

5-Day Jungle Tour (Madidi Jungle Ecolodge)

This is our 5 day jungle tour operated by Madidi Jungle Ecolodge (Biwa Program). We have chosen to work with the operator Madidi Jungle Ecolodge  for these tours as they offer a high quality service. This  is  a  new venture   of   Community   Ecotourism  totally  created and managed   by   indigenous families from  San   Jose de   Uchupiamonas.  English-speaking guide for the tour. 

5-Day Jungle & Pampas (Bala Tours Ecolodge)

This is our 5 day jungle and pampas combo tour operated by Bala Tours. This is a combo tour of pampas and jungle in Carocoles and El Tucuaral Lodges. This tour provides quality English-speaking guides, accommodations and services at a good value price. It is a great way to fit both the jungle and pampas into the same tour without having to stay in Rurrenabaque for a night in between.

2-Day Jungle Tour (Mashaquipe Ecolodge)

This is our 2 day jungle tour operated by Mashaquipe. Visit the fascinating Madidi National Park on a certified eco-tour and see the wonders of the Amazon rainforest. We work with the "green action" certified operator Mashaquipe to offer quality eco-tours in Madidi. Upgrade to private cabins available.

5-Day Jungle Tour (Chalalan Ecolodge)

This is our 5-day jungle tour at the Chalalan Ecolodge (Capibara Program). Chalalan is an award-winning community-owned ecolodge. Tours start in Rurrenabaque, Bolivia (transport to Rurre is not included but available separately) and range from 3 days/ 2 nights and more. During the busy season you should book well in advance as these tours book up fast!

2-Day Community Tour (San Miguel del Bala)

In this two day tour you will get to visit the Tacana community of San Miguel del Bala  and learn about their culture and traditions. You will see first hand the community lifestyle and visit the surrounding rainforest with a knowledgeble local guide. You will learn about traditional hunting techiques, forest medicines, visit a jungle waterfall and can take a jungle hike to a canyon. You will also see how this community-owned lodge benefits from the tourism project buy funding various project with the village.

3-Day Community Jungle (San Miguel del Bala)

In this three day tour you will get to visit the Tacana community of San Miguel del Bala  and learn about their culture and traditions plus also visit the world famous Madidi National Park and spend your second night in an ecolodge there. You will see first hand the community lifestyle and visit the surrounding rainforest with a knowledgeble local guide. You will learn about traditional hunting techniques, forest medicines, visit a jungle waterfall and can take a jungle hike to a canyon.

2-Day Jungle Tour (Bala Tours Ecolodge)

This is our 2 day jungle tour operated by Bala Tours. The ecolodge "El Tucuaral" is located in the world famous Madidi National Park near to Rurrenabaque and is owned and operated by our partner Bala Tours. This tour provides quality English speaking guides, accommodations and services at a good value price - highly recommended.

2-Day Jungle Tour (Madidi Jungle Ecolodge)

This is our 2 day jungle tour operated by Madidi Jungle Ecolodge (Mapajo Program). We have chosen to work with the operator Madidi Jungle Ecolodge for these tours as they offer a high quality service. This  is  a  new venture   of   Community   Ecotourism  totally  created and managed   by   indigenous families from  San   Jose de   Uchupiamonas.  English-speaking guide for the tour.

2-Day Pampas Tour (Mashaquipe Ecolodge)

This is our 2-day pampas option operated by Mashaquipe. Visit the animal rich pampas on a certified eco-tour and see the wonders of the Amazon rainforest. We work with "green action" certified operator Mashaquipe to offer quality eco-tours in the Yacuma pampas. Upgrade to private cabins with private bathrooms available.

6-Day Jungle Tour (Mashaquipe Ecolodge)

This is our 6 day jungle tour operated by Mashaquipe (Challenging the Spirits of the Forest Program). Visit Madidi National Park on a certified eco-tour and see the wonders of the Amazon rainforest. We work with "green action" certified operator Mashaquipe to offer quality eco-tours in Madidi. This tour is focused on trekking and you will spend 4 out of 5 nights camping.

1-Day Community Tour (San Miguel del Bala)

In this one day tour you will get to visit the Tacana community of San Miguel del Bala and learn about their culture and traditions. You will see first hand the community lifestyle and visit the surrounding rainforest with a knowledgeble local guide. You will also have a delicious lunch cooked by the skilled local cooks. You will be able to choose two activities of your choice.

Full Day Jungle Tour (Madidi Jungle Ecolodge)

This is our 1 day jungle tour operated by Madidi Jungle Ecolodge (Cullpana Program). We have chosen to work with the operator Madidi Jungle Ecolodge for these tours as they offer a high quality service. This  is  a  new venture   of   Community   Ecotourism  totally  created and managed   by   indigenous families from  San   José de   Uchupiamonas.  English-speaking guide for the tour.

4-Day Community Jungle (San Miguel del Bala)

In this four day tour you will get to visit the Tacana community of San Miguel del Bala and learn about their culture and traditions plus also visit the world famous Madidi National Park and spend your second night in an ecolodge there. You will see first hand the community lifestyle and visit the surrounding rainforest with a knowledgeble local guide. You will learn about traditional hunting techniques, forest medicines, visit a jungle waterfall and can take a jungle hike to a canyon. You will also see how this community owned lodge benefits from the tourism project buy funding various project with the village .

4-Day Jungle Tour (Chalalan Ecolodge)

This is our 4-day jungle tour at the Chalalan Ecolodge (Pecari Program). Chalalan is an award-winning community-owned ecolodge. Tours start in Rurrenabaque, Bolivia (transport to Rurre is not included but available separately) and range from 3 days/ 2 nights and more. During the busy season you should book well in advance as these tours book up fast!

5-Day Jungle Tour (Mashaquipe Ecolodge)

This is our 5 day jungle tour operated by Mashaquipe (Circuit of the Jungle). Visit Madidi National Park on a certified eco-tour and see the wonders of the Amazon rainforest. We work with "green action" certified operator Mashaquipe to offer quality eco-tours in Madidi. This tour is focused on trekking and you will spend 3 out of 4 nights camping.

PAMPAS TOUR

9:00 a.m. Departure from Rurrenabaque to the pampas in a 4x4 car, where we can start observing some animals, such as birds, reptiles, etc.

Arround mid dayLunch

In the afternoon walks around the ecolodge where with a bit of luck we can observe and enjoy birds such as toucans, capuchin monkeys, anteaters, as well as the impressive sunset on the savannahs.

At around 5 in the afternoon we will take a car to visit a Lagoon and be able to navigate and enjoy a sunset, while we try to fish for piranhas.

At night after dinner we will take a boat ride to observe the eyes of the alligators and other animals with the light of the lantern.

Breakfast at 7:30 a.m.

Transfer by boat through the Yacuma river, where we can observe a large number of animals such as: capybaras, alligators, lizards, turtles, dolphins, birds and monkeys.

Return to the eco lodge.

In the afternoon we will go swimming with the dolphins, this activity depends on the season

Beginning of the adventure at 5:30, to enjoy the concert of birds and howler monkeys as well as the sunrise.

After breakfast we will go for a walk through the pampas in order to look for the impressive anaconda.

Return for lunch.

Return to Rurrenabaque at 2:00 pm.

Arrival in Rurrenabaque at 4:30 pm.

Dreams Bolivia

G uías de Turísmo  

C ontacto  

T érminos y condiciones  

P olíticas de privacidad

CHUCHINI Amazon Jungle & Pampas Tour Bolivia

Amazon Jungle Tours, Pampas & Dolphin River Eco Tours Bolivia

JUNGLE TOUR BOLIVIA

Chuchini – jungle tour bolivia. explore the hidden alternative to rurrenabaque – national park bolivia madidi pampas.

JUNGLE TOUR BOLIVIA – Explore the hidden Amazon Rainforest Alternative to Rurrenabaque – Madidi Pampas : The Jungle Tour Bolivia , in Chuchini is the perfect – and still – hidden Alternative to the more famous and over exploited Bolivian Pampas/Jungle Tours in Rurrenabaque – Madidi. They are now overrun by hordes of tourists. If you like to enjoy Wildlife watching in the jungle, scenic boat trips in the Pampas and jungle hiking in the rainforest in peace & without a lot of tourists, then Chuchini is the perfect location for you.

The private and family owned Eco Reserve & Lodge CHUCHINI is close to Trinidad (Beni) Trinidad, Beni is easily reachable by bus or plane from everywhere in Bolivia. And this for an affordable price. From La Paz the best option is to go by Plane ( 52 USD) to Trinidad, the capital of the Department of Beni. Because you will not risk going down the Death Road by Bus: or be 36 hours in 3 different buses. From Cochabamba or Santa Cruz you can eighter get to Trinidad by Plane or Bus . Further information about reaching Trinidad, you will find here .

From the Airport Trinidad you reach Chuchini Eco Lodge in 40 minutes . At Chuchini Eco Lodge we offer you lot of activities and tours in the Amazon Jungle and Pampas. We have a comfortable, yet basic Eco Lodge with facilities for all ages and needs.

Main Highlight: Pink Amazon River Dolphins (Inia Boliviensis). Amazon River Boat Tour Trinidad.

Chuchini is a natural Reserve for all types of Wildlife: Here we explore the pristine Pampas and Amazonian forest areas by boat and hike treks where we look at the regions famous flora and fauna. The main highlight in this region are the Pink Amazon River Dolphins (Inia Boliviensis) , which are seen frequently during the boat trips on the River. There are also a lot of other animals like monkeys, macaws, piranhas, caimans (alligators) and a lot of birds. In Chuchini you find more than 300 different Bird species ( Bird List Chuchini ) .

The Eco Reserve Chuchini is also home to jaguars, anacondas, tapirs, pumas and many other species. Tracks are frequently seen and even the odd sighting of these incredible species is an example of how well protected this place really is.

Chuchini is the perfect – and still – hidden Alternative to the more famous and over exploited Bolivian Pampas Jungle Tour Bolivia from Rurrenabaque – Madidi, which are now overrun by hordes of tourists.

TRIP ADVISOR REVIEWS

[Trail Camera Trap 2023] Amazon Jungle Wildlife animals - Rainforest Jungle, Chuchini, Bolivia

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Pampas Tour - Madidi National Park Tour - Tours in Rurrenabaque - Bolivian Wild Life Tour Operator

Welcome to Indigina Tours, your gateway to the mesmerizing wonders of Rurrenabaque, Bolivia. As a leading local tour operator, we have been crafting unforgettable experiences for over a decade, immersing adventurers in Bolivia’s captivating culture and awe-inspiring landscapes. Embark on extraordinary Pampas Tours, Madidi National Park Tours, and Combined Jungle/Pampas adventures, curated with love and expertise. Discover the heart of Bolivian wildlife with us! 🌿🌎 Book now and embrace the untamed beauty of nature

In addition to our traditional tours, we are thrilled to introduce our new concept of “GLAMPING” (available only in Pampas Tour)! If you are seeking a unique nature experience without sacrificing comfort, GLAMPING is perfect for you.

Our exclusive cabins are specially designed for couples and families with teenage children, offering you the opportunity to enjoy nature without compromising on comfort during the Pampas Rurrenabaque Tour.

Rurrenabaque serves as the starting point for many of our exciting tours, as it is located near the famous Madidi National Park.

Madidi National Park is a natural gem and one of the most biodiverse places in the world. Home to a wide variety of unique animal and plant species, it is an impressive place to explore. We are pleased to offer tours to the Jungle of Madidi National Park through the Indigenous Tacana Community “San Miguel del Bala” and their comfortable eco-lodge. This indigenous community has developed a sustainable tourism venture, where you can learn about their customs and traditions.

Our expert native guides will take you to discover the lush jungle, observe wildlife, visit local communities, take canoe trips, jungle hikes, and much more.

At Indigena Tours, we take pride in offering authentic experiences in the Bolivian Amazon, and our new GLAMPING concept (available only in Pampas Tour) is the perfect way to live it. Contact us now and take advantage of our exclusive promotional prices during 2023.

We are excited to help you plan the adventure of YOUR life in the Bolivian Amazon. Don’t wait any longer, and book your date today!

Our Shared Services:

Pampas tour - 3d2n.

Experience something unique; our lodge is nestled deep in the jungle, offering comfort in our GLAMPING cabins. Get ready to enjoy a photography safari and embark on an unforgettable experience.

Jungle Tour MADIDI -3D2N

We offer the enchanting experience of visiting the indigenous community of San Miguel del Bala and their welcoming ecolodge. Discover their customs and way of life, then visit Madidi Park.

Jungle/Pampas - 5D4N

We combine both experiences so you don’t miss out on anything. Take with you the best destination in the Amazon after visiting the world’s most biodiverse National Park and enjoying the natural zoo of the Pampas.

Testimonials:

+591 64149050

Busch st. between santa cruz and vaca diez streets, rurrenabaque, beni, bolivia.

Yes, in Rurrenabaque, there are financial services available. You can find Banco Unión (with an ATM) and Banco Fie (with an ATM) in the area. Additionally, you will find PRODEM, Diaconía, and Crecer as established financial institutions in the area.

Yes, Rurrenabaque has a second-level hospital and several health centers. Just a few minutes away, near the Municipality, you will find the second-level hospital of San Buenaventura, which has an oxygen generator that supplies the entire area. Rurrenabaque has implemented risk management policies, resulting in a COVID-19 mortality rate of 0.1% in relation to the total population, which is one of the lowest in the country.

Currently, our lodge offers rooms with private bathrooms but without hot water. Due to the high temperature in the area, which exceeds 30 degrees Celsius (except during winter), and the lack of a constant energy supply, hot water is not available.

For our full-day tours, it is generally recommended to bring children and elderly people. However, for tours that last two days or more (with overnight stays at the lodge), we suggest that children under 9 years old and individuals over 65 do not participate in this adventure.

The lodge has electricity only during midday (for one hour) and in the evening from 19:00 to 21:00, during which you can recharge your portable devices. However, please note that the lodge does not have Wi-Fi.

Only bottled water is included during the service. You can purchase additional beverages at our lodge (please consult with your guide).

Yes, our company has implemented biosecurity protocols that guarantee an efficient management of COVID-19 contagion risks.

CHECK LIST THINGS TO BRING (SPANISH)

We are pleased to share with you the list of items you should bring on the tours outside the urban area of Rurrenabaque (3d2n tours).

1. Half-liter water bottle for the first day. 2. Preferably wear light-colored long pants. 3. Preferably wear a light-colored long-sleeved shirt. 4. Cap/hat. 5. Sneakers or comfortable shoes and sandals for walking in the lodge. 6. Rain poncho (economical versions are sufficient, use only if necessary). 7. Swimwear. 8. Sunglasses. 9. Camera/cell phone with camera. 10. Insect repellent. 11. Sunscreen. 12. Toilet paper. 13. Travel-sized soap, personal shampoo sachets, and other personal hygiene items. 14. Flashlight with batteries. 15. Personal documents. 16. Some cash for purchasing drinks or snacks (there are places on the tour to buy these items, consult with your guide). 17. Small padlock (only if you want to secure your personal belongings or backpack). 18. Everything in a small backpack (if you have more luggage, you can leave it at our office in Rurrenabaque)

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Jungle and Pampas Combined Tour

* Check Rates and Bookings for details on pricing.

Accelerated mobile version

2021-08-10 Updated: 2021-08-10

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For groups of 7 or more passengers, please contact us for a custom quote!

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Please fill out and submit the form below. Or if you would like to speak with a Bolivia Expert, call us via Skype or Whatsapp.

Feel free to Contact Us for bespoke travel design and your best fit travel itinerary.

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• Type of Accomodation: Premium Basic
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The tour includes:

• 4 night's acommodation in Tacuaral Ecolodge and Caracoles Ecolodge in bedrooms with shared bathroom and shower.
• Car transportation
• Boat transportation
• Full board in the ecolodges
• Mineral water and juices
• Tours with native guides in English

The tour doesn't include

• Alcoholic drinks
• Madidi National Park entrance fee: Bs.125
• Pampas protected area entrance fee Bs.150
• Hotel in Rurrenabaque
• Services not mentioned in the tour

This combined experience takes the best of the traditional tours in Rurrenabaque and the Madidi National Park. Tourists will experience the jungle and its beauty, as well as the pampas and the amazing fauna. Hike on natural paths, ride boats on the Beni and Tuichi rivers. Observe wild animals such as caimans, monkeys, capybaras, pink dolphins, dears, piranhas and more, in an adventure program that gathers the best of the traditional tours of the area.

Location of the tour

The tour covers de Tuhichi River valley and Santa Rosa de Yacuma river shore, natural paths inside the Madidi National Park, the pampas and much more in the Bolivian Amazon basin.

Tour Itinerary:

Departure at 09:00 a.m. from the meeting point in Rurrenabaque town towards the port to board a boat on the Beni River.

Entrance to Madidi National Park: a true wilderness and impressive natural area in the Bolivian Amazon basin.

Boat ride of approximately three hours on the Tuichi River. The tourists will have the opportunity to watch animals and enjoy the jungle landscapes from the river.

Arrival to Tacuaral Ecolodge located on the Tuichi River bank and lodging.

After lunch a hiking activity along the natural rainforest trails for wildlife observation. Opportunity to observe capybara, monkeys, dears, wild pigs, wild peccaries and several bird species.

Return to the lodge and dinner.

After dinner the tourists will take a night walk in the jungle to discover nocturnal wild life (night birds, bats and more).

Early morning breakfast.

Boat trip towards Caquiawara: a clay cliff where macaws and parrots nest and feed.

Walk on a natural path where the guide will explain briefly about the rainforest. The tourists will continue the walk towards a view point for bird watching.

Return to the lodge and lunch.

During the afternoon there will be fishing activities in the Tuichi river or in a rainforest lagoon.

At the sunset the tourists will enjoy a short time to swim and get refreshed in the Tuichi River.

Early breakfast.

The tourists will take a boat ride towards Rurrenabaque town where they will arrive at 08:30 approximately.

Short break in Rurrenabaque town to later continue the trip, this time towards Santa Rosa de Yacuma.

After a 3 hour transfer, the group will be arriving to Caracoles Ecolodge situated on the Yacuma river shore.

Lunch at the Ecolodge.

Free time to relax in the hammocks.

In the afternoon, the tourists will take a boat trip to observe the native fauna: caimans, anacondas, turtles, capybaras, pink dolphins, different monkey and bird species.

This day starts with a morning hike of the pampas to look for anacondas, black caimans and alligators.

In the afternoon after a short break the tourists will take a piranhas fishing trip by the river. With luck and if the river waters are high, it will also be possible to swim with pink dolphins.

After dinner the tourists will take a night boat trip to observe the black caiman eyes shine in the dark.

During the morning a boat will take the tourists on a trip to observe yellow monkeys or Chichilos gathered in troops in the trees.

Return trip by jeep to Rurrenabaque town.

Arrival to Rurrenabaque town at approximately 17:00.

End of the services.

End of our services

Nearby tourist attractions:.

Madidi National Park

Rurrenabaque

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How To Prepare For The Pampas Tour in Rurrenabaque, Bolivia

I don’t really have much of a bucket list, but it’s hard to deny the call of the Amazon Rainforest. As I traveled through Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, the thought was always on my mind. Then I would think about all of the mosquitoes, humidity, and heat involved and I would come up with a reason to not do it. At the turn of the decade, I finally decided that there was no better way to kick off a new era than in the Amazon Rainforest.

I had a good group of friends and after a rager of a New Year’s Party in La Paz, we set off for Rurrenabaque. Before we even landed, I was already sold. Flying over the vast, green expanse of the Amazon had me in awe. Only the roaring rivers separated the dense, exotic, and inhospitable depths of Amazon Jungle. All I could think at the moment was why I had not chosen to do this sooner, and why I had already booked a return flight when I could easily see myself spending weeks, if not months here.

Okay, maybe just weeks, I thought to myself as I stepped off the plane and was immediately greeted with a humidity that I had not yet encountered in my South American travels. We lounged around the pool at our $7 a night jungle hostel before missioning out into the small town and gathering the necessities. Bug spray? Check. More bug spray? Check. Another can won’t hurt, right? We hit up the thrift shops, bought some 10 Bs ($1.50 USD) clothes that we wouldn’t mind getting trashed, and enjoyed our last meal before foraying into the depths of the Amazon.

It felt like the night before Christmas. Although the Christmas turned out initially to be coal as the first 3-4 hours of our Amazon journey involved a bunch of errands and a muddy, high-speed, and muy peligroso journey to Santa Rosa de Yacuma. But boy oh boy, once we got on those boats, Christmas officially started. The pampas was an adventure unlike anything I had done so far in my life, and by the end, I was thirsty for more. Or maybe I was just thirsty thanks to all the water weight I had lost from the incessant sweating.

If you are considering going to Rurrenabaque for a pampas tour in Bolivia’s incredible stretch of Amazon, then don’t even think. Just do. This is an unforgettable adventure.

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Table of Contents

What to bring on the pampas tour.

• What To Expect on the Pampas Tour
• What Tour Company To Go With
• Price of the Pampas Tour in Rurrenabaque
• Things To Know Before Going to Rurrenabaque

And before you go, make sure you have good travel insurance handy while you’re off adventuring across the world. I use  SafetyWing  to keep me covered throughout my travels for as low as $40 a month.

If you aren’t properly prepared, then you will be utterly miserable. The jungle is an inhospitable place, and even with a guide and agency taking care of most things for you, it is up to you to make sure you are personally ready to take on the jungle. Most agencies will provide the bare necessities like food and water, but it is in your hands to make sure you aren’t suffering the entire time.

What Is Already Provided For You

• Water : bring about a liter or two for the journey to your lodge, but once you’re there, water will be provided.
• Food : aside from breakfast on the first day, all meals will be provided for you.
• Waterproof Rain/Mud Boots : most travelers won’t be lugging around boots this big, so agencies will provide these for you
• Long-sleeve t-shirt : Not all agencies will provide this, but ours gave us some light-colored baggy long-sleeve button-ups to throw over our clothes as extra protection from mosquitoes and the sun.

What You Need To Bring For Yourself

• Bug Spray. Lots of it.
• Rain Poncho
• Two changes of clothes (at the minimum)
• External Battery
• Headlamp or flashlight

What To Expect On The Pampas Tour

• Depart from Rurrenabaque
• Lunch at Santa Rosa de Yacuma
• 2-3 hour boat ride to the pampas lodge

• Down time to relax
• Sunset mission to a “bar” and football field
• Night search for cayman/alligators
• Wake up for a sunrise boat trip

• Search for anacondas and cobras

• Swim with the pink river dolphins
• Dinner and down time

• Piranha fishing
• One final boat cruise

• Early lunch

• Boat ride and drive back to Rurrenabaque

Where To Stay in Rurrenabaque

What Tour Company Should You Go With?

There are at least a dozen tour operators in Rurrenabaque that offer tours to the jungle and to the Pampas. We went with Escorpion Travel but it doesn’t feel like there is too much of a difference between similarly-priced tour operators. Each one has their own lodge, it seemed like. Although some did seem nicer than others, at the end of the day, it’s just a place to sleep. All lodges will be nestled along the riverbank and have hammocks, beds with mosquito nets, and a sheltered dining area.

How Much To Pay For The Pampas Tour

The prices that I’ve heard people pay vary wildly. As is typical in South America, there is really no such thing as a set price. Haggling, group discounts, and low/high-season all play a factor into how much you will pay. If you choose to book flights along with tours, the standard rate for flights is 650 Bolivianos each way. A bus to Rurrenabaque only costs $11 US, or about 80 Bolivianos, but is very ill-advised during the rainy season. I’m usually a bus person, but opted for flights this time around. Since we booked as a group, we were able to haggle the prices down to 1,200 Bolivianos roundtrip.

For the tour itself, you’ll typically be looking at 800 Bolivianos. Our friend connected us with his tour operator and got us a deal of 750 Bolivianos before we were able to haggle it down further to 680 Bolivianos for booking it as a group of five. All in all, it added up to 1,880 Bolivianos, or about $270 USD. As far as tours in the Amazon goes, this is an incredibly cheap price, especially considering that the flights are included.

I’ve found Bolivia to be extremely cheap as a travel destination. Although no two stretches of the Amazon are the same, a similar trip in Peru or Ecuador would run you about 3 or 4 times the cost of what we paid in Bolivia.

Other Advice For The Rurrenabaque Pampas Tour

Do not touch the animals.

You can hurt the animals. The animals can hurt you. It is best to play it safe and just admire the animals from a distance without getting too close to them. You came to the Amazon to observe these incredible animals in their natural habitats, not to interfere with their lives.

Just love them from a distance like I did.

Do not feed the animals

Again, it is best not to interfere with the animals. Consistent human interaction and interference can drastically change the lives of the animals in this untouched region of the world. Monkeys will start relying on humans for food. When guides lure cayman onto the shores of your lodge with food, they will start to come more frequently and start posing a danger to travelers. Just do not interfere with the animals and how they live.

Everything you bring to the jungle, take back with you. Including trash.

One of the best parts of the pampas tour was that the nature and landscapes were truly pristine. There was hardly any trash or waste anywhere that it didn’t belong. Keep it that way. Everything that you bring to the jungle, make sure that it comes out with you. Do not litter. Seriously, don’t be that dickhead.

Listen to your guide.

Your guide will know more than you about practically everything. Trust him and don’t do anything stupid. Bolivian people love to have fun, and our guide definitely was a bit of a prankster. However, when anything became serious or threatened our safety, he made sure to let us know.

Unless he’s doing something unethical, then call him out on it.

But, like I said earlier, sometimes the guides will do things like lure caymans out of the water with meat so that you can get a closer look at them. Or sometimes they will grab the snakes so you can also hold them. I’m not a personal fan of this, so if you aren’t either, make sure to let your guide know. A lot of guides like to put on a show because they think it will make the tourists happy. While that may be true for some people, let it be known if you and your group don’t feel the same way.

A trip to the pampas is one of the best adventures you can do in South America. It is unlike anything I have ever done before and I’m certain you will feel the same.

If this post helped you out, show some love and support for the blog and help keep my adventures going by  buying me a beer ! My adventures are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated, and allows me to keep writing helpful travel guides and creating travel content to help you all travel the world on a budget.

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2 thoughts on “ how to prepare for the pampas tour in rurrenabaque, bolivia ”.

Looks scary, but it’s obvious you all had fun! 🙂

Yesss it was a great experience!

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Pampas Tour in Rurrenabaque

 The pampas tour in Rurrenbaque was an unbelievable experience, only hindered by the constant mosquito bites. The trip lasted 4 days in total, however you have three days in the jungle and then we crashed in the town for the final night, to take the early plane back the next morning.

You can very easily book the tour through your hostel or at a tour agency in town, while it cost me 2,200 Bolivianos (about £220) which seemed decent considering what I get for my money.

The plane into Rurrenbaque is hands down the smallest I’ve taken, while the health and safety was lacking in a way that seemed to add to the excitement. You land in what feels like a tropical Island and the airport is literally just a small hut. I liked the fact that the guy who flags down the plane, is also the security guard and the cleaner in the airport.

We had to be up at 4am to take the 7am flight, so we spent most of the first day trying to recover from a lack of sleep, however you are constantly doing something while on the Pampas tour.

The first step is a three hour long jeep ride, which takes its toll on you as its incredibly bumpy and there aren’t really any stops unless you absolutely have to go to the toilet.

Once you get there, you then need to take an hour boat ride to get to the place where you will be staying for the next three days. You can leave your bags at the huts as this will be your base as everything is just around the huts. There is only electricity between 6pm and 9pm, therefore you have to use this time to charge your phone and laptop etc.

The beds are decent, while you share the room with your group (our group were some of the nicest people I have ever met).

The first trip you take is a boat tour of the surrounding area, where you can spot a number of different animals, such as the snake bird, red howler monkeys and alligators.

The alligators were in large supply as they seemed to be absolutely everywhere, however we didn’t manage to spot any caimans (probably a good thing as the caimans have been known to attack humans).

Once you are back, you have a quick snack of popcorn and biscuits (nice and healthy) before taking off on the boat again to a site where you can watch the sun set. There is also a volleyball court and a bar to grab a drink or two…or three.

Once we got back, we were shattered and hit the bed as soon as we possibly could as the next day you have to get up at 7am.

On the start of the second day you venture off into the swamps to hunt for anacondas. Apparently they are very hard to find and most groups don’t actually get the chance to see one, so don’t be surprised if you miss out on one. We got very lucky as we found a two metre anaconda and managed to get some great photos with it.

I went a little bit close to the anacondas, which had the guides and the other visitors getting a bit squeamish, however you’ve got to get a good picture!

After the snake hunting, the guide asked if we would like to walk around any longer, however we decided we had got lucky and found the snake by 10am therefore we might as well head back to the hostel for a nap.

After some lunch and a few games of cards, we headed off to go piranha fishing. I managed to catch one within ten minutes, therefore I thought I might be a natural, however that happened to be the only one I caught. This was once again another lucky opportunity as nobody else I spoke to managed to catch one. This truly was a trip of luck!

All in all, I would have to put this down as one of the best days of my life, but I really can’t exaggerate how much better it would be if there were no mosquitoes, as by this point I had around 200 bites.

When you buy mosquito repellent, you are always told you need one filled with deet, however deet is quite dodgy and will burn through most things. I got a bit on my sunglasses and by midday the glasses had cracked completely so I couldn’t see through them.

Once again, we ended the evening with dinner and cards, while we also made friends with another group who reminded me of the game shithead (a card game I hadn’t played since sixth form).

On the third and final day we got the chance to swim with wild pink dolphins in their natural environment, but nobody explains how bad the water smells and how unclean it is, as you basically climb into dolphin shit.

This was the third day of luck as nobody I spoke to managed to get close to a dolphin, while the guide said nobody ever manages to touch one. As I climbed in, I swam away from the group to where I thought I spotted a dolphin. Three then came above the water and swam around me, allowing me to stroke them and hold onto their fins. Everyone came swimming over which scared off the dolphins so I once again swam over to an area where nobody was and I seemed to be constantly surrounded by dolphins.

At one point I had one on either side of me and one below me holding me up, so I grabbed the fins of the ones either side and swam with them for a few minutes. The guide said he had never seen anyone do this before and began calling me the dolphin whisperer, which really made me feel honoured and, once again, lucky as hell!

after a couple of hours swimming with the dolphins, we decided to head back as the people who didn’t climb into the shitty water were sitting on the boat sweating their asses off, so we went to grab some lunch and play some cards.

After the dolphin swimming, the tour was basically at an end, however for one final trip, we ventured off onto the boat to spot some more animals and managed to find my favourite, the sloth. I hate to talk about luck again, but spotting the sloth was an incredibly lucky find as it was the same colour as the tree it was on, therefore it camouflaged perfectly with its environment.

The only thing we didn’t manage to find was a toucan, however once we got back to town, we stayed in a hostel (called something like Ambibo) which had a pet toucan.

I have never seen one before, so was delighted to watch it hop along the side of the swimming pool. In fact, I think following this trip the toucan has become one of my favourite animals as it almost seems like a comedic character as you watch it hop around the hostel.

We booked our tour with Indigena tours and I can’t think of a complaint to make, therefore I would recommend going with them (they were the slightly more expensive one, however you get better food and accommodation).

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As if, you’re such a lucky bugger to see all that wildlife! I can’t believe you swam with pink dolphins, and a sloth, too! Amaaaaaaaaazing!

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Pampas Tour

Located close to the Amazonian town of Rurrenrabaque is the beautifully positioned Caracoles Lodge. Based deep in the Yucuma River and surrounded by Savannahs and forests this area is one of the world’s best areas to view and swim with the Pink River Dolphin which is an sensational experience, as well as the Pink River Dolphins this area hosts a huge variety of wildlife and during our tour we will be searching for the mighty Anaconda, Capybaras, Caimans, Howler Monkeys, Brazilian Porcupines and much more.. Even the occasional Jaguar, Puma, Ocelot and Tapir have been recorded here so keep your eyes peeled.

Swimming with Pink Dolphin experience

L ocated close to the Amazonian town of Rurrenrabaque is the beautifully positioned Caracoles Lodge.

Based deep in the Yucuma River and surrounded by Savannahs and forests this area is one of the world’s best areas to view and swim with the Pink River Dolphin which is an sensational experience, as well as the Pink River Dolphins this area hosts a huge variety of wildlife and during our tour we will be searching for the mighty Anaconda, Capybaras, Caimans, Howler Monkeys, Brazilian Porcupines and much more.. Even the occasional Jaguar, Puma, Ocelot and Tapir have been recorded here so keep your eyes peeled.

For birders and photographers this area is a paradise, Macaws, Southern Screamers, Toucans, Jabiru, Tiger Herons are common while interesting species such as prehistoric Hoatzin’s and Great Potoo’s can be seen by the river banks. The sunsets here are simply magical as well and photographers and nature lovers are provided with breathtaking views. Our Pampas tours inclu1de comfortable and scenic boat trips along the Yucuma River as well as Wildlife Treks, Night Tours and Piranha Fishing

3 DAYS / 2 Nights

Day 1: rurrenrabaque / pampas.

Early morning departure to the town of Santa Rosa, this trip takes around 3 hours and along the way keep your eyes peed for Sloths which are often resting in the nearby trees. From here we take a short boat trip to the Caracoles Lodge where we have Lunch and a few hours of rest and free time. In the afternoon we partake in a scenic boat ride of the Yucuma River, here we will be looking for the areas iconic wildlife which includes, Black Caiman, Anacondas, Monkeys, Capybaras, Pink Dolphins and a huge variety of birds.

Early breakfast before we head on our morning hike through the Pampas, here we will be looking for Capybaras and also the mighty Anaconda – some here have been recorded over 7 metres in length. Lunch and then another boat ride along the Yacuma River, here we go fishing for the infamous Piranha and can get close and personal swimming with the playful Pink Dolphins and this is a fantastic experience, after dinner we commence a night boat trip where we will be looking for nocturnal Night Monkeys, Brazilian Porcupines, flash lighting for Caimans and with luck a sighting of some of the regions rarer species such as Ocelots, Pumas, Tapirs and Jaguars.

DAY 3: RURRENRABAQUE / PAMPAS

Breakfast then an early morning boat ride to look for more animals with the focus being the huge troops of Squirrel Monkeys and Capuchin Monkeys which frequent the area. Lunch then we depart the lodge and return to Rurrenabaque around 5pm.

TOUR INFORMATION

Year Around, but best from June-November

TOUR SIZE 2-6, larger groups can be arranged as well

FAMILIES, BIRD WATCHER, NATURE ENTHUISISTS.

Boat navigation wildlife cruises Hiking into the jungle Wildlife and Bird watching Night spotlighting Tours

What to expect

• Our tours are in small groups so wildlife viewing is not affected
• Experienced and well trained guides
• Comfortable lodging facilities
• Excellent Food catering to all needs
• Environmental sensitivity and awareness
• Safety and Punctuality.

MADIDI NATIONAL PARK

DEEPEST LODGE IN THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

BOLIVIAN PANTANAL

ANACONDA AND WILDLIFE TOUR

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