Rurrenabaque

Beni Department · Jungle and tropics

Rurrenabaque is a small tropical town on the Beni river, between the last foothills of the Andes and the vast Amazon plain. Many people arrive by small plane after a spectacular flight from La Paz. It's the base for trips into the Madidi jungle or the pampas.

230 maltitude

1 dayto spend there

Open on the interactive map Google Maps

Things to do

Base for the jungle (Madidi) and the pampas
El Chorro natural pool and viewpoint

What to eat

River fishSurubí, pacú or dorado, grilled over a wood fire or fried, with rice, cassava and plantain. Delicious by the water, in the Llanos and the Amazon.
MasacoMashed plantain or cassava with charque or cheese. Rich and filling.
Tropical fruitMangoes, pineapples, papayas, achachairú (a small tangy fruit) and fresh juices everywhere for a few bolivianos.

Tip. 40 minutes by plane from La Paz; the bus takes 12 to 15 hours.

How to get to Rurrenabaque

La Paz Flight · 40 to 50 min flight
BoA and EcoJet flights (small planes, often full: book ahead).
A spectacular flight over the Andes.
Madidi Boat · 3 to 5 h by canoe
Included in the tour (agency or community lodge).
Pampas 4x4 tour or excursion · 3 h by 4x4 + boat
Included in the pampas tour.
Beni reserve Road (bus, car) · 5 to 7 h
Bus to San Borja, then transport arranged there.
Dirt road, hard going in the rainy season.
Coroico Road (bus, car) · 10 to 13 h
La Paz to Rurrenabaque buses that pass through Yolosa.
Trinidad Road (bus, car) · 10 to 14 h
Bus via San Borja, partly on dirt roads (difficult in the rainy season).
La Paz Road (bus, car) · 12 to 15 h
Night bus from the Minasa terminal (Villa Fátima).