You can get to the Amazon rainforest from several countries in South America thanks to its central location but visiting the Bolivian Amazon certainly has its perks.

Not only can you experience two sides to this magical destination (by boat or by trekking), but you can also enjoy it for significantly cheaper than other countries (not looking at you Brazil).

From avoiding those pesky mosquitos to dressing for maximum comfort and aeration (yes, it is as hot as you would imagine), here is everything you need to know before taking on the Amazon rainforest in Bolivia.

Tips for Visiting the Bolivian Amazon

1. When to go to the Bolivian Amazon

The best time to visit the Amazon is obviously during the dry season, which in Bolivia is from October to May.

One month on either side of this is also sufficient, but be sure to pack your rain gear.

We visited the Amazon in Bolivia in early April and were lucky enough to experience great weather.

The Pampas (wetlands) still had high water levels, allowing us to enjoy scenic boat rides through the trees and camp in hostels above alligator-infested waters.

2. How to get to the Amazon

There are two very different options to consider when traveling to the Amazon from Bolivia’s capital of La Paz.

A. Get to the Amazon by Bus

Option one is certainly cheaper but involves a long and risky trip. You can take the 35-hour bus journey from La Paz along largely rocky and difficult roads.

Most websites and guidebooks recommend not taking this option, though we met several people who did. The trip costs about $10 each way.

B. Flights to the Bolivian Amazon

Option two is to take a 30-minute flight from La Paz’s El Alto airport to Rurrenabaque with the airline Amaszonas.

Be prepared for a shaky propeller plane that only accommodates around 20 people per flight.

Try to get a window seat to take in the breathtaking views of the rainforest (it literally looks like the image of the Amazon you have pictured in your head since you were little).

Flights cost on average $150-200 USD per person return to La Paz.

3. Where to stay in the Amazon of Bolivia

Your accommodation in the Amazon will be included in your tour, whether you decide to take the Pampas tour or the jungle trek.

As tours typically start early in the morning, it is likely you will spend a night in the town of Rurrenabaque.

We stayed at Los Tucanes, a good, cheap, and basic hotel in the city centre, known by all the tour agencies and an ideal pick-up location for your tour.

4. What tour to do in the Bolivian Amazon

You have two tour options from Rurrenabaque in Bolivia.

#1 The Pampas Tour

The Pampas Tour takes you through the wetlands of the Amazon in Bolivia. You will see many animals on this trip and will stay in accommodation on the river. Most of your time will be spent in boats exploring the area.

Highlights of this tour include swimming with dolphins, going alligator spotting at night, feeding spider monkeys, and getting up early to watch the sunrise over the rainforest.

#2 The Jungle Trek

The more challenging tour of the two is the jungle trek; however, it offers a more traditional excursion into the rainforest.

You may see fewer animals on this tour, but you will enjoy the beautiful interior of the Amazon and learn about the various plants and trees that grow there. Many tours provide lodges along the trek, allowing you to experience the Amazon as you always imagined it.

Note that there are even more mosquitos here than in the Pampas, and you will be expected to trek into the jungle (which is not always easy in that heat). However, the experience will cost you about a third of the price compared to trips in Brazil.

Something to note when on your tours is that there is little structure in place for health and safety.

Guides tend to be local and will encourage you to get close to the animals. Always be on your guard and let your guide know if you are uncomfortable (seriously, you don’t have to touch an anaconda or an alligator if you do not want to!).

5. How much does an Amazon Tour Cost in Bolivia?

Tours generally cost between $90 and $150 USD for three nights’ accommodation and four days in the Amazon, including all meals and complimentary water.

You will be picked up at your accommodation if it is located in the town of Rurrenabaque and driven three hours into the Amazon to begin your tour.

It is recommended that you do not pay less than $90 USD for a tour that seems to be among the lowest prices offered by agencies.

Booking a cheaper tour might result in unfair pay for your guides or the people working in your accommodation during the tour. Additionally, you may get subpar food and lodging, which is simply not worth it.

Hot Tips for Booking a Bolivian Rainforest Tour

• Shop around when booking your tour to ensure that you choose a company that prioritizes your safety and the well-being of the animals you may encounter on your trip.
• The best policy is to select a tour operator that discourages interaction with animals in their natural habitats.
• Most tours offer an anaconda hunt, encouraging visitors to seek out snakes and pose with them for pictures. This is obvious problematic and best avoided if possible.

6. What to bring to the Amazon

Dressing appropriately for the Amazon can be tricky; although you want to wear as little as possible due to the heat, you also need to cover up to avoid getting bitten by mosquitos.

Therefore, recommended clothing includes light hiking trousers with detachable bottoms, light cotton shirts, light-colored shorts or flowy pants, and a rain jacket or poncho.

Water-proof hiking boots are necessary for the jungle treks, but not essential for the Pampas tour. Swimwear is essential for a trip into the wetlands (you don’t want to miss out on swimming with dolphins, do you?).

Other items to bring include two bottles of high-DEET bug spray, a head-torch, flip flops, old shoes you don’t mind getting ruined, a towel, malaria tablets, sunscreen, a sun hat or cap, and cash (there is no ATM in Rurrenabaque, making this essential).

All in all, an excursion into the Amazon is one of the most amazing adventures you can embark on during your time in South America. By taking all the necessary steps, you will have a truly exhilarating experience you will never forget.