Kansas To Bolivia: Journey To The Amazon Rainforest

The small village of Rurrenabaque is the gateway to the Bolivian Amazon. To get there, you can either take a short but expensive flight from La Paz or opt for a much longer bus ride. From Rurrenabaque, you can take a three-hour boat ride to Madidi National Park, also known as The Jungle. Alternatively, you can travel three hours by car to the north of Rurrenabaque to visit the Pampas.

Travel from Pittsburg, Kansas to La Paz, Bolivia by plane, bus or car

There are several ways to travel from Pittsburg, Kansas, to La Paz, Bolivia, by plane, bus, or car. Here is some information on each option to help you plan your trip:

Plane:

The first step of your journey will be to get from Pittsburg, Kansas, to an airport with international flights. The closest international airports to Pittsburg are in Kansas City and Tulsa. From there, you can book a flight to La Paz, with a layover in a city like Miami, Houston, or Los Angeles. According to KAYAK, the cheapest month to fly to La Paz is April, and the cheapest day to fly is usually Sunday. The duration of your flight will depend on the number of layovers and the length of each, but you can expect a total travel time of around 12-18 hours.

Bus:

Taking the bus from the United States to La Paz, Bolivia, would be a long and challenging journey, involving multiple bus companies and border crossings. You would first need to take a bus from Pittsburg, Kansas, to a city along the US-Mexico border, such as Laredo, Texas. From there, you would need to find a bus company that travels through Central America and down to Bolivia. This option would involve a significant amount of planning and time, with potential language barriers and other challenges along the way.

Car:

Driving from Pittsburg, Kansas, to La Paz, Bolivia, would be an even more ambitious undertaking than taking the bus. The distance between the two locations is over 5,000 miles, and you would be passing through multiple countries with varied terrain and road conditions. In addition to the significant cost of fuel and tolls, you would also need to ensure that your vehicle is in good condition and able to handle the varied conditions you will encounter. The journey would likely take several days, and you would need to plan for rest stops and overnight stays along the way.

In conclusion, while it is possible to travel from Pittsburg, Kansas, to La Paz, Bolivia, by plane, bus, or car, each option presents its own set of challenges and considerations. Flying is the fastest and most convenient option, but it can also be the most expensive. Taking the bus or driving would be more affordable but would require a significant amount of time and planning. It's important to carefully consider your budget, schedule, and preferences before deciding on a mode of transportation for this journey.

Take a short flight or long bus ride from La Paz to Rurrenabaque

Getting to Rurrenabaque from La Paz

Rurrenabaque is the gateway to the Bolivian Amazon. There are two ways to get there from La Paz: a short flight or a long bus ride.

Flying to Rurrenabaque from La Paz

A flight from La Paz to Rurrenabaque is the quickest way to get to the Bolivian Amazon. The flight time is around 40 to 45 minutes, and you'll be treated to scenic views of the Andean Mountains and the Amazon Rainforest. Amaszonas is the main airline operating this route, with flights costing around $75 each way. TAM, a branch of the military airline, also offers flights to Rurrenabaque for $140 return. However, flights to Rurrenabaque are frequently cancelled due to bad weather, protests, and fuel shortages, so it's important to reconfirm your ticket the day before departure.

Taking the Bus to Rurrenabaque from La Paz

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can take a bus from La Paz to Rurrenabaque. The bus ride is long and bumpy, taking anywhere between 12 to 20 hours to cover the 146-mile (235-kilometer) distance. The road is winding and unpaved, descending about 3500 meters. The bus fare is very affordable, with tickets starting at $10 for a basic bus and $15 for a full cama bus, where your seats can recline fully. Buses depart daily between 4 and 7 pm, with the latest departure at 6 pm.

Other Considerations

When planning your trip to Rurrenabaque, keep in mind that there is no reliable ATM in the town, so make sure you bring enough cash. Additionally, the best time to visit the Bolivian Amazon is during the dry season, from May to October, when there are fewer mosquitoes and optimal conditions for trekking.

Book a tour in Rurrenabaque to the Amazon

Rurrenabaque is a small frontier town in northern Bolivia, on the Beni River. It is the gateway to the Bolivian Amazon and the starting point for tours into the rainforest.

Getting to Rurrenabaque

You can get to Rurrenabaque by plane or bus from La Paz. The former is more expensive but takes just 30-40 minutes, while the latter is a 20-30 hour overnight journey.

Booking a tour

It is recommended to book your tour in person in Rurrenabaque, as online prices tend to be inflated. There are two types of Amazon tour on offer: Pampas or Jungle.

Pampas Tour

The Pampas is the wetland area on the fringes of the Amazon. Tours here are generally cheaper and you are more likely to see wildlife, including caimans, anacondas, and pink river dolphins. Tours last 3 days/2 nights and cost around $80-200 per person, plus a park entrance fee of around $20.

Jungle Tour

The Jungle tour takes you into the Amazon rainforest itself. There is less wildlife, but you will see more insects and plant life and have the opportunity to meet indigenous tribes. Jungle tours are more expensive, costing upwards of $150.

Tour Operators

Recommended tour operators include Indigena Tours, Dolphins Travel Ecolodge, and Fluvial.

What to Pack

• Sun cream/hat
• Mosquito repellent
• Light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing
• Swimwear
• Sturdy footwear
• Portable charger

Travel by boat from Rurrenabaque to Madidi National Park

The town of Rurrenabaque is the access point to Madidi National Park. The fastest and most comfortable way to get to Rurrenabaque from La Paz is by plane. The flight takes around 40 to 50 minutes and is operated by Ecojet Airlines. The main carrier servicing this route is Amaszonas. ECOJET offers flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Alternatively, you can take a public bus, a 12- to 20-hour ride across bumpy, unpaved, and winding roads as you descend from the mountains into the lowland jungle. The bus ride can take up to 18 hours.

Once in Rurrenabaque, you can take a boat to Madidi National Park. The departure time from Rurrenabaque to Madidi Jungle is scheduled for 8:30 am, and the return boat trip is after lunch at 1:30 pm. The boat is equipped with comfortable seating, life vests, rain ponchos, and a roof. Its maximum capacity is 6 passengers. The journey takes around 3 hours one way and 2 hours on the return trip.

Explore the Amazon via jungle treks, boat trips and wildlife spotting

Explore the Amazon via Jungle Treks, Boat Trips, and Wildlife Spotting

The Amazon is a vast and diverse ecosystem, and exploring it via jungle treks, boat trips, and wildlife spotting can offer a truly unique and immersive experience. Here are some tips and suggestions to make the most of your adventure:

Jungle Treks

Jungle treks in the Amazon can vary widely depending on the country and specific region you choose to visit. Colombia, for example, offers raw and rugged Amazon tours that can be quite challenging but rewarding. Other countries such as Brazil provide more developed and luxurious options for those who want a more comfortable experience.

When preparing for a jungle trek, it is essential to pack light and only bring the essentials, including a change of clothes, toiletries, and some basic jungle gear like a headlamp, safety whistle, and rain gear. Be prepared for challenging terrain, including fallen trees, muddy trails, and makeshift bridges. It is also crucial to take precautions against insect bites and stings, as the Amazon is home to a variety of insects and arachnids.

Boat Trips

Exploring the Amazon by boat is a great way to cover more ground and access areas that may be difficult to reach on foot. Boat trips can range from luxury river cruises that offer comfortable accommodations and guided tours to more adventurous options like kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.

The Amazon River itself is a breathtaking experience, with serpentine fingers of mist rolling amid treetops and an abundance of wildlife, including the famous pink river dolphins. Exploring the smaller tributaries and lakes can also provide a chance to spot unique species and experience the tranquility of the rainforest from a different perspective.

Wildlife Spotting

The Amazon is teeming with a diverse array of wildlife, and spotting them can be a thrilling and rewarding experience. Here are some tips to maximize your chances of spotting wildlife:

• Go with a local guide: Local guides know the forest intimately and can lead you to spots where certain animals are more likely to be found.
• Take advantage of dawn and dusk: Many Amazon creatures are most active at these times, so be prepared for early mornings or evening adventures.
• Stay quiet and move slowly: Loud noises can scare animals away, so keep your voice down and move slowly and deliberately.
• Look up and down: The rainforest has different layers, so be sure to look all around you, from the forest floor to the treetops, to spot creatures like sloths or colorful birds.
• Bring binoculars and a good camera: Some animals will be far away or well-camouflaged, so binoculars and a zoom lens can help you get a better view and capture memorable photos.
• Wear appropriate clothing: Dark, earth-toned clothes can help you blend in with the environment, making you less likely to startle the animals.
• Be patient: Wildlife spotting requires patience and perseverance. Give yourself enough time in each location to increase your chances of sightings.

Wildlife to Spot

The Amazon is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including:

• Jaguars: The biggest cats in South America, jaguars are powerful swimmers and hunters, often found near rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Their spotted coats provide excellent camouflage, so keep your eyes peeled.
• Giant river otters: These otters, found in Brazil and Peru, can grow up to 5.6 feet in length and are skilled hunters of fish, crustaceans, and even young alligators.
• Sloths: Emblematic of the Amazon, sloths are slow-moving creatures that spend most of their time in trees, munching on leaves. Their fur blends well with the treetops, so spotting them can be a challenge.
• Capybaras: As the largest rodents on Earth, capybaras are common near water bodies in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. They are vegan giants, munching on grasses and aquatic plants, and are known for their vocalizations, including barks and whistles.
• Amazonian tapirs: These relatives of horses and rhinoceroses can weigh up to 600 kilograms and reach over 8 feet in length. They are excellent swimmers and play a crucial role in seed dispersal throughout the forest.
• Macaws: With bright red, yellow, and blue feathers, macaws are showy birds that gather in large numbers at clay licks in Puerto Maldonado. They have strong beaks for cracking open shells, and their loud calls echo through the trees.
• Harpy eagles: These impressive birds rule the skies above the jungle, with powerful talons and a symbolic presence in Central and South America.
• Toucans: Known for their colorful beaks and feathers, toucans eat fruit, insects, and small animals. They play a vital role in seed dispersal, helping to maintain the health of the rainforest.
• Poison dart frogs: Found in the dense forests of Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador, these tiny but toxic frogs use their bright colors to warn away predators. They are an essential part of the ecosystem and are also used by indigenous tribes for hunting.
• Black caiman: The king of predators in the Amazon's waters, black caimans can grow up to 14 feet long and weigh over 660 pounds. Once heavily hunted for their skin, conservation efforts have led to a rebound in their population.

With its lush foliage, hidden creatures, and vast expanse, the Amazon offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for adventure and exploration. Whether you're trekking through the jungle, cruising down the river, or quietly observing the diverse wildlife, you're sure to have a memorable and enriching experience in this breathtaking natural wonderland.

Frequently asked questions