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Rurrenabaque, Bolivia - Things to Do in Rurrenabaque

Rurrenabaque

Rurrenabaque, Bolivia - Complete Travel Guide

Rurrenabaque is a small jungle town in northern Bolivia that serves as the gateway to some of the most pristine Ecuador and pampas wetlands in South America. Located on the banks of the Beni River, this laid-back frontier town of around 20,000 people has transformed from a remote logging settlement into Bolivia's premier eco-tourism destination, offering visitors unparalleled access to incredible wildlife viewing and authentic jungle experiences. The town itself maintains a charming rustic atmosphere with dusty streets, colorful buildings, and a relaxed pace of life that contrasts sharply with Bolivia's bustling cities. Most visitors come here specifically to start multi-day tours into either Madidi National Park (jungle tours) or the nearby pampas grasslands, where pink river dolphins, caimans, anacondas, and hundreds of bird species can be observed in their natural habitat. Despite its remote location, Rurrenabaque offers surprisingly good tourist infrastructure with numerous tour operators, comfortable lodges, and restaurants catering to international visitors.

Top Rurrenabaque

Pampas Wildlife Tours

start a 2-3 day boat tour through the flooded grasslands where wildlife viewing opportunities are exceptional. You'll likely spot pink river dolphins, caimans, capybaras, anacondas, and over 300 bird species including jabiru storks and macaws. The open landscape of the pampas makes animal sightings much more frequent than in dense jungle areas.

Booking Tip: Tours cost $80-120 per person per day including meals and accommodation. Book 1-2 days in advance during high season. Choose operators with good safety records and experienced guides - ask to see life jackets and first aid equipment before booking.

Madidi National Park Jungle Tours

Explore one of the world's most biodiverse national parks on 3-5 day jungle treks. These tours focus more on learning about medicinal plants, jungle survival skills, and spotting primates, exotic birds, and insects. The dense canopy creates a mystical atmosphere but wildlife sightings require more patience than pampas tours.

Booking Tip: Jungle tours cost $70-100 per day and require moderate fitness levels. Dry season (May-October) offers better hiking conditions. Select operators that employ local indigenous guides and contribute to community tourism projects.

Beni River Activities

Take day trips along the mighty Beni River for fishing, swimming, and sunset watching. Local operators offer piranha fishing excursions, river swimming at safe spots, and peaceful sunset boat rides. The river serves as the main highway for the region and offers glimpses into local river life.

Booking Tip: Half-day river trips cost $25-40 per person. Best enjoyed during dry season when water levels are lower and beaches appear. Always use tour operators with proper boat licenses and safety equipment.

Indigenous Community Visits

Visit local Tacana or Quechua communities to learn about traditional ways of life, handicraft production, and sustainable farming practices. These cultural exchanges offer insights into how indigenous groups maintain their traditions while adapting to modern challenges in the Amazon region.

Booking Tip: Community visits cost $30-50 per person and should be arranged through ethical operators that ensure fair compensation for communities. Book through operators that have established long-term relationships with villages and respect local customs.

Canopy Walks and Bird Watching

Experience the jungle from above on elevated walkways and platforms that provide access to the forest canopy. Early morning bird watching tours offer the best chances to spot toucans, parrots, and other exotic species. These activities are often combined with jungle lodge stays for multi-day experiences.

Booking Tip: Canopy experiences cost $40-80 per day depending on lodge quality. Book during dry season for clearer views and better weather. Look for eco-lodges that contribute to conservation efforts and employ local guides.

Getting There

The most common way to reach Rurrenabaque is by flying from La Paz to the small airport just outside town, with flights taking about 45 minutes and costing $80-120 one way. TAM and Amaszonas airlines operate daily flights, though schedules can be affected by weather. Alternatively, you can take a bus from La Paz, but this involves a grueling 12-18 hour journey on winding mountain roads that can be dangerous during rainy season. The bus costs around $15-25 but is only recommended for budget travelers with strong stomachs and plenty of time.

Getting Around

Rurrenabaque is small enough to walk everywhere within the town center, with most hotels, restaurants, and tour operators located within a few blocks of the main plaza. Mototaxis (motorcycle taxis) are available for $1-2 for short trips around town or to the airport. Most jungle and pampas tours include all transportation as part of the package, typically involving boats along the rivers and some walking or hiking depending on the itinerary chosen.

Where to Stay

Town Center near Plaza
Riverside Area
Airport Road
Jungle Eco-Lodges
Pampas Floating Lodges
Budget Hostels District

Food & Dining

Rurrenabaque's dining scene caters well to international visitors while maintaining local flavors. The town center has numerous restaurants serving everything from traditional Bolivian dishes like surubí (local river fish) and sopa de maní to international cuisine including pizza, pasta, and vegetarian options. Most restaurants are budget-friendly with meals costing $3-8. Popular spots include French-run bakeries, Israeli-influenced cafes, and local joints serving fresh river fish. During tours, meals are typically included and feature simple but hearty fare designed for jungle conditions.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Bolivia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Restaurante Michelangelo

4.6 /5
(1666 reviews) 3

Fellini

4.5 /5
(1628 reviews) 2

Bravissimo

4.6 /5
(1159 reviews) 2

La Cantonata

4.5 /5
(1117 reviews) 2

Pizzería Bella Ciao

4.9 /5
(556 reviews)

Ristorante Il Borgo Santa Cruz

4.5 /5
(562 reviews) 2

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The dry season from May to October offers the best weather conditions with less rainfall, lower humidity, and better road access. This is peak tourist season when wildlife viewing is optimal as animals congregate around water sources. The wet season (November-April) brings heavy rains that can disrupt flights and make some jungle areas inaccessible, but it's also when the forest is most lush and green. Temperatures remain fairly constant year-round at 25-30°C (77-86°F), but humidity varies significantly between seasons.

Insider Tips

Bring cash in small bills as ATMs are unreliable and many tour operators prefer cash payments - US dollars are widely accepted alongside Bolivianos
Pack insect repellent with high DEET content, long-sleeved clothing, and quick-dry pants as mosquitoes and other insects are abundant year-round
Book accommodation in advance during dry season (June-September) as the town has limited hotel capacity and fills up quickly during peak months

Activities in Rurrenabaque