Getting There and Away

Peaceful riverside view with boats under a clear sky in Chiapa de Corzo, Mexico.
Edgar Rodrigo, Pexels

Rurrenabaque is primarily served by Rurrenabaque Airport (RBQ) and a local bus terminal. Major air and bus connections to Rurrenabaque often originate from El Alto International Airport (LPB) in La Paz.

Flights:

Direct flights are available from La Paz (LPB) and Cochabamba (CBB) to Rurrenabaque Airport (RBQ), operated by airlines such as Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) and EcoJet. A direct flight from La Paz typically lasts between 40 minutes and 1 hour and 10 minutes. Indicative one-way costs from La Paz can start from around $87, with round-trip fares ranging from approximately $174 to over $400. It is important to note that flights can experience frequent cancellations or delays, particularly during the rainy season (December to March), due to weather conditions. From Rurrenabaque Airport, a taxi ride to the town center typically takes about 4 minutes and costs $14-$18.

Buses from La Paz:

Traveling by bus from La Paz to Rurrenabaque is a significantly longer journey, typically taking 14 to 20 hours. During the rainy season (December to March), challenging road conditions can extend this travel time to 28-32 hours due to potential landslides. Buses depart from the Terminal Provisional Minass – Yungas, also known as the Villa Fatima bus terminal, in La Paz. Fares generally range from 60 to 80 Bolivian Bolivianos (approximately €7.50-€10 or $12-$14 USD). Upon arrival in Rurrenabaque, the bus terminal is located in the Villa Lourdes area, Airport Side, which is about a 20-30 minute walk or a 2-4 BOB tuk-tuk ride to the town center.

Private Van from La Paz:

For a faster overland option, private van transfers from La Paz to Rurrenabaque take approximately 9 to 10 hours. The cost for a private van is around $200, with a suggestion for a maximum of 3 passengers for optimal comfort.