The best time to get to the Bolivian Amazon is between June and September, right in the middle of the region’s dry season. During those months, the rainforest footpaths are a lot less muddy, and the infamous mosquito crowds feel a bit less overwhelming. Most of all, the dropping water levels make wildlife, including caimans,…
A yellow fever vaccine is strongly advised for all travellers coming to Rurrenabaque and the Bolivian Amazon, but border officials usually do not review certificates unless you show up from a place with an infection. Since the area is actively transmitting this mosquito-borne virus, both the CDC and WHO recommend inoculation at least 10 days…
Even if motorised dugout canoes are the main way to move through the deep rivers of Madidi National Park, quiet paddling safaris are less often done, mostly because the river currents stay strong and pushy. Because of that, most lodges end up using outboard motors to carry guests along the quick Tuichi River. Still, a…
You can spot huge flocks of wild macaws and parrots mostly around Madidi National Park, the Pampas del Yacuma, and Amboró National Park. Lots of eco-lodges in the Madidi basin end up close to natural clay licks; locals call them colpas. Here, the living birds gather very early in the morning, so they can eat…
You’ll need at least three or four days for a Rurrenabaque tour to properly and, yes, adequately explore either the Pampas wetlands or the deeper Madidi National Park jungle. If you want to taste both distinct ecosystems, plan for at least five to six days. Also, keep in mind that flights from La Paz can…
A standard 3-day, 2-night Pampas wildlife tour from Rurrenabaque usually goes for about $150 to $250; it really depends on the agency’s reputation and lodge level, too. That advertised price normally includes the basic lodge stay, all meals, river boat transport, and an English-speaking guide. While some backpackers look for a bit less cost on…
Yes, capybaras are incredibly common during Pampas tours along the Yacuma River, and you can be basically sure you will spot big groups sprawled out on those muddy riverbanks. Since the Pampas is an open wetland savannah, not a thick-canopy jungle, animal viewing is excellent. The world’s largest rodent relatives tend to hang near the…
Packing for a Bolivian Amazon safari takes lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your skin, so you aren’t constantly dealing with aggressive mosquitoes or getting hit by intense tropical sun exposure. Focus entirely on practicality over style. Essential items include:
Hunting for anacondas in the Bolivian Amazon is usually done by arranging a guided Pampas tour out of Rurrenabaque and walking through those shallow, swampy stretches of the Yacuma River. During the dry season (May to October), falling water levels draw in wildlife, which makes it a lot easier for local indigenous guides to trace…
The Oruro Carnival is a massive UNESCO-recognised religious and cultural festival in Bolivia. It blends Catholic traditions with older Andean pagan rituals in a kind of living way. It happens every year just before Ash Wednesday, and honestly, the centrepiece is the traditional Diablada, Dance of the Devils. Tens of thousands of extravagantly dressed dancers…