Bolivia’s slice of the Amazon Basin is one of the most pristine that can be found. At the moment, this part of the Amazon Basin is far better preserved in Bolivia than it is in Brazil and Peru. The rivers tend to be smaller so travelers can get closer to the wildlife than in the other places as well.
Rurrenabaque is the city where all the jungle and pampas tours leave from. It is a touristy city in Bolivia’s Amazon Basin. One can book their tour ahead of time from La Paz, or simply show up and book directly through an agency in Rurrenabaque. It is not a problem to book a tour leaving the next day. Solo travelers are able to join groups as well and avoid paying a single supplement. Note that Rurrenabaque has no ATMs that are compatible with foreign credit or debit cards, but cash advances can be obtained from the bank or from most travel agencies for a 5% commission.
Cost and Companies for Tours to the Pampas
There is a set price of 200 Bolivianos (about 30$ US) per day for tours to both the pampas and the jungle. The price usually includes transport, lodging, drinking water and food. There is also an entry fee for the national park of 150 bolivianos. All the tour companies are about the same with almost identical programs.
What to Expect on a Tour to the Pampas
The accommodation is basic. Visitors sleep in double rooms or dorm rooms in wooden cabins that are screened in. In most camps these are on stilts above the water or mud. All companies should supply mosquito nets and some have sheets or a blanket. There are showers with cold water and toilets.
Most of the transportation is in a motorized canoe. Some companies have chairs in the canoes for back support but not all. Days tend to be rather full. With any of the tour groups expect the same activities. Most tours are three days and two nights. Keep in mind that most guides only speak Spanish.
Activities for a Tour to the Pampas
It is a three hour jeep ride to the launch point for the canoes. One will be expected to help carry supplies to and from the canoe. From the launch point it is about three hours in the canoe to camp. There are chances to see wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, birds, alligators, crocodiles and river dolphins during this ride. Usually groups will arrive at camp and have a little time to settle in, then go to one of the “sunset bars” to watch the sunset and buy drinks if one chooses.
The next day groups will take another canoe ride to a point where they will go searching through the jungle for anacondas. It is important to wear long sleeves and long pants for this because there are lots of mosquitoes. There is lunch time and then a bit of time to relax. The afternoon is usually spent swimming with, which really means in the vicinity of, river dolphins. The second night, most groups will offer an option to go play volleyball or soccer with other tour groups.
The final day will most likely start out with piranha fishing. After lunch there is time for another swim in the river, then canoes will head back to the launch point and travelers will take a jeep back to Rurrenabaque. Most groups arrive back in the city around 5 or 6 PM.
What to Bring on a Tour to the Pampas
- Mosquito repellent (one cannot bring too much of this, expect lots of mosquitoes)
- Sleeping sheet or lightweight sleeping bag
- Rain gear
- Long sleeve shirt
- Long pants
- Shoes to hike in the jungle in
- Swim suit
- towel
- Flashlight
The pampas tour is a great way to get to view some of the wildlife in the area, and a fun getaway on a cheap budget. It definitely feels like a backpacker gets his or her money's worth.
