Exploring Bolivia's Rainforest: A Travel Guide

Bolivia is home to part of the Amazon Rainforest, which is the world's largest tropical rainforest. The Bolivian Amazon is a great option for those looking to explore the rainforest on a budget, as it is cheaper and less crowded than the Brazilian Amazon, while still offering a biologically diverse experience. The town of Rurrenabaque is the starting point for trips into the Bolivian Amazon, with the option of a short flight or a long bus ride from La Paz. There are two ways to visit the Amazon from here: the Pampas, which is the cheapest option with the most wildlife, and the Madidi National Park, which offers a more classic Amazon experience. The best time to visit the Bolivian Amazon is during the dry season, from May to October, to avoid the heavy rains and higher levels of humidity that occur during the rainy season.

Travel to Rurrenabaque, the gateway to the Bolivian Amazon

Rurrenabaque, or 'Rurre' as it's known to locals, is a small town in the north of Bolivia, situated on the banks of the Beni River. It is the gateway to the Bolivian Amazon, and the starting point for tours of the nearby Madidi National Park.

Getting to Rurrenabaque

You can reach Rurrenabaque by plane or bus from La Paz. There are also buses from Santa Cruz, although this route involves a change at Trinidad.

By Plane

The flight from La Paz to Rurrenabaque takes around 40 minutes. Ecojet is the only airline that flies this route, with flights scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. A one-way ticket costs between 500 and 700 Bolivianos.

By Bus

The bus from La Paz to Rurrenabaque takes between 12 and 20 hours, usually overnight. The road is long and winding, with numerous twists and turns, but it is considered safe. Buses depart daily between 4 and 7 pm, and a ticket costs around 150 Bolivianos one way.

Where to Stay in Rurrenabaque

There are several accommodation options in Rurrenabaque, including hotels and hostels.

Hotels

• Hotel Oriental: A centrally-located hotel with a large garden and hammocks. A double room costs 150 Bolivianos, including breakfast and free wifi.
• Casa de Campo Bed & Breakfast: Set in tropical gardens, with spacious and comfortable rooms.

Hostels

• Hostel El Lobo: This hostel has rooms with balcony-style windows overlooking the pool and the Beni River. It has free wifi and a poolside bar. A bed in an eight-person dorm costs around 40 Bolivianos.
• El Curichal: A backpacker hostel with a great outdoor space for meeting other travellers. A dorm bed costs 40 Bolivianos.
• Perezoso Hostel: A clean and spacious hostel with a fully equipped kitchen and cheap dorms. A bed in a four-person dorm costs 35 Bolivianos per night.

Things to do in Rurrenabaque

There are plenty of things to do in and around Rurrenabaque, including tours of the nearby Pampas and Madidi National Park.

Pampas Tour

A three-day, two-night tour of the Pampas involves a bumpy, four-hour jeep ride to the banks of the Yacuma River, followed by a boat trip to your lodge in the Amazon basin. Activities include piranha fishing, swimming with pink river dolphins, and searching for anacondas.

Madidi National Park Tour

A 'Jungle' Tour of Madidi National Park will take you into the Amazon rainforest, where you can learn about the plants and resources used by the Bolivian people, and spot wildlife and insects.

Other Activities

• Moto Taxi Ride: For an exhilarating ride around Rurrenabaque, hail one of the town's many moto taxis.
• Zip-lining: Soar over the rainforest on one of ten zip lines at Wizard's Mountain Jungle Lodge.
• Hiking: There are several hiking trails around Rurrenabaque, including the popular Mirador de la Cruz trail and the off-the-beaten-track Hanging Bridges trail.
• Nightlife: Head to Luna Lounge for drinks, music, free wifi, and a good atmosphere.
• Day Trip to El Chorro Waterfall: Take a boat one kilometre upstream from Rurrenabaque to reach El Chorro waterfall and pool.
• Market: Practice your Spanish and haggle for souvenirs at Rurrenabaque's Sunday market.

When to Visit Rurrenabaque

The best time to visit Rurrenabaque is during the dry season, from May/June to October. During this time, there is more wildlife and fewer mosquitoes. The wet season, from December to March/April, brings higher humidity, more mosquitoes, and heavier rainfall.

Take a short flight or long bus ride from La Paz

To get to the rainforest in Bolivia, you'll need to head to the town of Rurrenabaque, often referred to as the gateway to the Bolivian Amazon. There are two ways to get there from La Paz: a short flight or a long bus ride.

Taking a Flight from La Paz to Rurrenabaque

A flight from La Paz to Rurrenabaque is a quick option, taking around 40 minutes. Ecojet is the only airline that flies into Rurrenabaque, with flights scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The one-way flight will cost between 500 and 700 Bolivianos, which is relatively expensive for such a short flight. However, it is a convenient option if you are short on time.

Taking a Bus from La Paz to Rurrenabaque

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can take a bus from La Paz to Rurrenabaque. The bus ride is significantly longer, typically ranging from 12 to 18 hours, and is usually an overnight journey. The road conditions can be challenging, with numerous twists and turns, but improvements have been made to enhance safety. Buses depart daily between 4 and 7 pm, and you can choose from various bus companies.

One recommended option is "Flota Yunguena," which offers a full cama bus service, allowing your seats to recline fully. This premium option costs 150 Bolivianos one way. However, they don't operate daily, so you may need to opt for a regular bus instead.

While the bus ride is lengthy, it offers a unique experience as you travel through the breathtaking landscapes of the Bolivian Andes. You'll have the opportunity to witness the transition from arid mountain landscapes to lush tropical rainforests. The journey also takes you through small rural communities and picturesque villages, providing an authentic glimpse of life in Bolivia.

Tips for Choosing Between Flight and Bus

• The flight option is ideal if you want a quick and convenient journey, especially if you're short on time.
• The bus ride is more budget-friendly but requires a longer travel time. It can be a great choice if you want to experience the diverse landscapes of Bolivia and don't mind a longer journey.
• Consider your preference for comfort and speed versus cost and the scenic route.
• Keep in mind that Rurrenabaque doesn't have a reliable ATM, so ensure you bring enough cash for your trip.

Choose between the Pampas or Jungle tours

There are two ways to visit the Amazon Rainforest in Bolivia: the Pampas tour and the Jungle tour. Both tours offer a unique experience, but they differ in various aspects, including activities, wildlife, and accommodation.

Pampas Tour

The Pampas tour takes place in the wetlands on the edge of the Amazon. This tour is perfect for those who want to see a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, birds, caimans, alligators, capybaras, turtles, and the famous pink river dolphins. The vegetation in the wetlands is less dense than in the jungle, making it easier to spot animals. The boat tour through the winding rivers and flooded fields is a peaceful way to observe the wildlife in their natural habitat.

The Pampas tour also offers activities such as piranha fishing and swimming with the pink river dolphins. This tour is generally more comfortable and less physically demanding than the Jungle tour. Basic camping accommodations are provided, and mosquito repellent is a must-have.

Prices for the Pampas tour range from $200 to $300 for a three-day tour, excluding the park entrance fee of around $20.

Jungle Tour

The Jungle tour takes you deep into the Amazon rainforest, specifically Madidi National Park. This tour is ideal for those seeking a classic jungle experience and a focus on exploration. The dense forest and towering trees make wildlife spotting more challenging, but you may still encounter tarantulas, frogs, butterflies, snakes, deer, peccaries, monkeys, and capybaras.

The Jungle tour is more physically demanding, with 3-4 hour treks through the jungle. Accommodations are in jungle lodges, and mosquito nets are essential for a good night's sleep.

Jungle tours cost between $220 and $300 for a three-day tour, excluding the park entrance fee of around $18.

Both the Pampas and Jungle tours offer a unique and immersive experience in the Bolivian Amazon. If you're an animal lover who wants to spot a variety of wildlife, the Pampas tour is the better option. However, if you're seeking a more adventurous and physically demanding journey with a focus on exploration and jungle views, the Jungle tour is the way to go.

Whichever tour you choose, booking with a reputable and ethical operator is essential to ensure the protection of the wildlife and the environment.

Visit Madidi National Park for a true jungle experience

Madidi National Park is located in the upper Amazon river basin in the northeastern part of Bolivia. The park was established in 1995 and covers a total land area of 18,958 square kilometres (approximately 11,779 square miles). Madidi is recognised as one of the most biologically diverse national parks in the world, with a variety of ecosystems ranging from the Andean Mountains to the rainforests of the Tuichi River.

The park is home to a vast array of plant and animal life, including over 20,000 species of plants, 272 species of mammals, 1,254 species of birds, 496 species of fish, 213 species of amphibians, 204 species of reptiles, and 120,000 species of insects. Some of the most notable wildlife in the park includes jaguars, cougars, tapirs, capybaras, red deer, manatees, giant river otters, and pink river dolphins. The park is also inhabited by 46 indigenous communities from six different tribes, many of whom still practice ancient Amazonian traditions.

To visit Madidi National Park, most tours depart from the town of Rurrenabaque, which can be accessed by a short flight or a longer bus ride from La Paz. Once in Rurrenabaque, it is a three-hour boat ride to the park. There are several reputable tour companies that offer short or long tours of the park, as well as overnight stays at ecolodges. It is important to choose a reputable and ethical company that respects the animals and the local communities.

The best time to visit Madidi National Park is during the dry season, from April or May to October, when there is more wildlife attracted to the rivers and fewer mosquitoes. However, even during the dry season, the jungle can be hot, humid, and rainy. It is important to come prepared with the right clothing, insect repellent, and any necessary vaccinations or anti-malarial medication.

A trip to Madidi National Park offers a true jungle experience, with the opportunity to spot incredible wildlife, explore breathtaking natural landscapes, and immerse yourself in the local culture. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth.

Go in the dry season, from May to October, for optimal trekking

The dry season in Bolivia, from May to October, is the best time to visit the rainforest if you're interested in trekking. During these months, the weather is dry and warm in the lowlands, and while it's still humid in the jungle, there is less rainfall, making it optimal for trekking.

The dry season is also the high season for tourism in Bolivia, so prices may be higher and attractions busier. However, the dry season offers the best weather conditions for trekking and exploring the rainforest. The water levels in the rivers are also ideal during this period, making it easy to navigate through the wetlands by boat.

While the dry season is generally the best time to visit the Bolivian rainforest, it's important to manage your expectations. It can still be hot and humid, and mosquitoes are prevalent. Occasional rain showers can also occur, as it is the rainforest after all.

If you're considering a trek in the Bolivian rainforest, it's recommended to start your journey in the small town of Rurrenabaque, which serves as the gateway to the Bolivian Amazon. You can book tours in Rurrenabaque, and it's generally cheaper to do so than booking in advance in La Paz.

Frequently asked questions