When it comes to South American nature experiences, the Bolivian Amazon is a well-kept secret, remote, wild, and full of life. Over 60% of Bolivia is covered by the Amazon rainforest, including the Madidi National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. And from Rurrenabaque, the gateway to the Bolivian Amazon, there are two different ways to discover this green heart of South America: the Pampas and the Jungle.
Understanding these two options is key for planning unforgettable itineraries for your clients looking for nature, wildlife, and cultural immersion in Bolivia.
The Pampas: Wildlife at Every Turn
Just a few hours from Rurrenabaque, the Pampas are wetlands in the Beni region. These wetlands give you a glimpse of the jungle and are ideal for travelers who want to see animals up close and easily.
- Highlights and key activities:
Boat tour: Navigate into the Yacuma River through open landscapes and spot howler monkeys, birds, caimans, capybaras, turtles, pink dolphins, and even anacondas. - Pink River Dolphin Swimming: Swim alongside the Amazon’s pink river dolphins. These gentle creatures may approach you, offering a unique wildlife encounter in the rainforest.
- Alligator Spotting: Embark on a thrilling night walk through the jungle. Under moonlight or flashlight, alligators become visible in a breathtaking nocturnal experience.
The Pampas is ideal for families with teens, wildlife photographers, and nature lovers who want high reward with low physical demand.
The Jungle: Deep Immersion in Nature and Culture
Heading into the lush, thick forests of the Madidi National Park, travelers step into another world. The jungle is denser, more intimate, and filled with learning opportunities, from medicinal plants to cultural wisdom shared by the Tacana or Quechua indigenous communities.
Highlights and key activities:
- Guided jungle treks by day through a rich rainforest ecosystem to spot deer, peccaries, capybaras, monkeys, and vibrant exotic birds, guided by local wildlife experts.
- Nocturnal Walk: Explore the jungle at night and find armadillos, serpents, insects, tapirs, night monkeys, and birds.
- Learn ancestral wisdom from local guides and communities.
- Stay in community-run eco-lodges.
This option suits adventurous travelers who enjoy hiking, cultural immersion, and slow travel.
Tips & Recommendations to visit the Bolivian Amazon
- How to get there? Take a 40-minute flight from La Paz to Rurrenabaque; it is an easy and comfortable option. Also, travelers can take a bus ride from 18–20 hours, which is the cheapest option, but is only recommended during the dry season.
- The best time to travel is from May to October, during the dry season, as it offers suitable conditions for spotting wildlife and navigating through the rivers.
- The tours to the Bolivian Amazon are suitable for families and adventurous travelers between 12 and 65 years old in good physical condition. Additionally, it is a rustic site that requires more physical activity, and it is not recommended for young children or those with mobility issues.
- Packing essentials: Light clothes, insect repellent, flashlight, hiking shoes, and rain gear.
Lastly, whether your clients opt for the Pampas or the Jungle, both options are incredible on their own, but they offer distinct perspectives. The Pampas offer more relaxed activities and more opportunities to spot stunning wildlife. On the other hand, the Jungle is immersive, educational, and soul-stirring. It is also recommended to combine both for a 5- to 6-day experience, offering clients a complete view of the Bolivian Amazon’s diversity.
Ready to craft eco-conscious itineraries in the Bolivian Amazon? Contact us to design immersive and low-impact journeys through this pristine environment for your clients.
Published in June 2025
