Rurrenabaque, Bolivia: travel guide
A river town and the main gateway to Bolivia's Amazon wildlife
Amazon gateway town on the Beni River, base for jungle lodges in Madidi National Park and wildlife-rich pampas tours of the Yacuma River.
About Rurrenabaque
Rurrenabaque is a small town on the Beni River, at the point where the Andean foothills meet the Amazon basin. It has an easy tropical pace, with hammocks, riverside cafes and boat trips, and is the main starting point for jungle and wetland tours.
Tours head upriver into Madidi National Park, a vast protected area of rainforest rich in birds and wildlife, with lodges run with local communities. Alternatively, trips to the Pampas del Yacuma take you by boat across open wetlands to see caimans, capybaras, river dolphins and monkeys. A viewpoint above town gives a view of the river.
It suits nature lovers and those seeking a warmer break from the Altiplano. The dry season, May to October, is best for travel.
- Country
- Bolivia
- Currency
- BOB
- Time zone
- America/La_Paz
- Nearest airport
- RBQ
Last updated
Top places to visit in Rurrenabaque
Madidi National Park
national park · 4.5 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
One of the most biodiverse protected areas on earth, reached up the Beni River, with jungle eco-lodges and wildlife trails.
Pampas del Yacuma
wetland · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
Flooded savannah along the Yacuma River near Santa Rosa, famous for easy wildlife — caimans, capybaras, pink river dolphins and monkeys.
Mirador de Rurrenabaque
panorama · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A short jungle climb to a viewpoint over the town, the Beni River and the surrounding forested hills.
Things to do
- Madidi Jungle 3-Day Lodge Tour Adventure · 72 h · from BOB 1,800 per person
- Pampas 3-Day Wildlife Tour Adventure · 72 h · from BOB 1,500 per person
Where to stay in Rurrenabaque
- Centro / Riverside about BOB 300 per night
The riverside town centre near tour offices and restaurants, the base for jungle and pampas trips.
Hotels
- Hotel Maya de la Amazonia 3-star · BOB 350 to BOB 480 per night
- El Lobo Hostel 2-star · BOB 180 to BOB 300 per night
Where to eat
- Casa de Campo Bolivian, International · about BOB 70 per person
- Funky Monkey International, Pizza · about BOB 55 per person
Getting to Rurrenabaque
Airport: Rurrenabaque (RBQ)
Getting around
- Boat
- Offroad Vehicle
- Walking
More in Bolivia
Frequently asked questions about Rurrenabaque
- What are the main places to visit in Rurrenabaque?
- Places covered in our Rurrenabaque guide include Madidi National Park, Pampas del Yacuma, Mirador de Rurrenabaque.
- Where should I stay in Rurrenabaque?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Rurrenabaque: Centro / Riverside.
- How do I get around Rurrenabaque?
- Ways to get around Rurrenabaque covered in our guide: Boat, Off-road vehicle, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Rurrenabaque?
- The nearest airport to Rurrenabaque has the code RBQ.