Rurrenabaque

Written by Sandra Frank, Jose Quispe
22/08/2025
Peaceful riverside view with boats under a clear sky in Chiapa de Corzo, Mexico.
Edgar Rodrigo, Pexels

Rurrenabaque acts as a gateway to the Bolivian Amazon, providing access to the incredibly diverse Madidi National Park and the wildlife-rich Pampas. Visitors come to experience nature firsthand through tours that offer sightings of animals like pink river dolphins, caimans, various monkey species, and abundant birdlife.

The town features a welcoming atmosphere for backpackers, with several hostels, such as El Curichal and El Lobo, offering social spaces with pools and common areas. The Plaza 2 de Febrero serves as a central gathering point with affordable dining, and various bars provide opportunities to socialize with other tourists.

Top 3 Things to do in Rurrenabaque

Travelers to Rurrenabaque can immerse themselves in Amazonian wildlife and jungle exploration through multi-day guided tours, with an option for local town viewpoints.

1. Pampas Wildlife Tour

Embarking on a Pampas tour offers an exceptional opportunity for abundant wildlife viewing within the open wetlands, making animal spotting generally easier than in the dense jungle. Travelers typically navigate the Yacuma River by boat, encountering diverse species such as pink river dolphins, capybaras, caimans, various monkeys, and exotic birds. The experience often includes activities like searching for anacondas, fishing for piranhas, and the unique chance to swim near pink river dolphins. These tours provide a more relaxed wildlife observation experience compared to jungle trekking.

Cost: A 3-day, 2-night Pampas tour generally costs between 1,000 and 1,500 Bolivianos (approximately $145-$215 USD) per person, not including the 150 Bolivianos (approximately $22 USD) national park entrance fee. This cost typically covers an expert guide, all meals, accommodation in an eco-lodge, and transportation from Rurrenabaque. Self-serving for this remote wildlife experience is not a practical option; tours are essential.

Transport: Tour operators arrange a 4x4 vehicle from Rurrenabaque to Santa Rosa (approximately 3 hours), followed by a motorized canoe ride into the Pampas wetlands to reach the eco-lodge. This transport is usually included in the tour package price.

2. Madidi National Park Jungle Trek

A Madidi National Park jungle tour plunges visitors into the dense Amazon rainforest, offering a more reflective and immersive experience focused on the ecosystem itself. Guided treks through the lush jungle provide insights into medicinal plants, ancestral traditions, and the local Indigenous Tacana culture. While wildlife sightings can be more challenging due to the thick vegetation, the possibility remains to spot monkeys, various birds, and smaller creatures. Night walks are often included, revealing the jungle's nocturnal inhabitants.

Cost: For a 3-day, 2-night Madidi National Park tour, prices range from 1,000 to 2,000 Bolivianos (approximately $145-$290 USD), plus a national park entrance fee of 200 Bolivianos (approximately $29 USD) per person. This typically encompasses guided activities, all meals, eco-lodge accommodation, and necessary river transport from Rurrenabaque. Direct access without a guided tour is generally not feasible for this protected area.

Transport: Access to Madidi National Park involves a scenic motorized boat journey from Rurrenabaque, navigating the Beni and Tuichi Rivers for approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, directly to the eco-lodges within the park. This boat trip is an integral part of the tour and is included in the package.

3. Mirador La Cruz Hike

For a local perspective, a hike to Mirador La Cruz offers panoramic views of Rurrenabaque town and the sprawling Amazonian landscape. This short, invigorating walk provides a pleasant taste of the surrounding natural beauty and a moment to appreciate the scale of the jungle from above. It serves as an accessible activity for those wishing to explore the immediate vicinity of the town.

Cost: Access to Mirador La Cruz is free of charge, making it a budget-friendly option for local exploration.

Transport: The viewpoint is within walking distance from the center of Rurrenabaque, typically taking about 30 minutes to ascend.

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