Published: August 11, 2026 – Last updated: September 3, 2026
Amazon tours in Bolivia offer a genuinely different side of the country from the high-altitude Andes — hot, humid, and teeming with wildlife. Most trips start in Rurrenabaque (Beni), a small jungle town reached by a short flight from La Paz or a long overnight bus. From there, travelers typically choose between a Pampas tour (wetland savannah, easier wildlife spotting) or a Jungle tour into Madidi National Park (deeper rainforest, more immersive but harder to spot animals) — or combine both.
Quick Facts
- Difficulty: Easy (Pampas) to Moderate (Jungle/Madidi)
- Best time: May–October (dry season)
- Typical cost: $150 (Pampas) to $200–300+ (Jungle)
- Duration: 3–5 days
Where to Do It
Nearly all Amazon tours depart from Rurrenabaque in Beni department. Tours head either into the Pampas del Yacuma wetlands or Madidi National Park, one of the most biodiverse protected areas on Earth — see our full Madidi National Park guide for what makes it so exceptional.
Best Time to Do It
The dry season, roughly May–October, is best for Amazon tours — rainfall is lower, trekking is easier, and wildlife is generally easier to spot along riverbanks. It’s still hot, humid, and mosquito-heavy year-round, so this isn’t a “cool season” the way the Bolivian highlands have one. See our Weather & Climate guide for more on regional differences across Bolivia.
What to Expect
A typical Pampas tour runs 3 days/2 nights: boat rides along the river spotting caimans, capybaras, monkeys, and pink river dolphins, with simple lodge accommodation. A Jungle tour into Madidi involves more trekking through dense rainforest, staying at eco-lodges, often run by local indigenous communities — wildlife is harder to spot here, but the experience is more immersive. Combo tours let you do both over 4–5 days.
- Typically included: transport to/from Rurrenabaque, guide, meals, lodge accommodation
- Typically not included: park entrance fee (~$22 USD), tips, flights to Rurrenabaque
- Ethical note: choose operators who don’t touch, feed, or handle wildlife for photos — this is a real problem with some cheaper Pampas operators
Costs
| Tour Type | Duration | Price Range (USD) |
| Pampas | 3 days/2 nights | $65-150 |
| Jungle (Madidi) | 3 days/2 nights | $120–300+ |
| Combo (Pampas + Jungle) | 4–5 days | $340–680 |
Booking locally in Rurrenabaque is generally cheaper than booking in advance from La Paz. The park entrance fee (~$22 USD) is separate from the tour price. For a broader look at daily costs across Bolivia, see our Budget Planning guide.
⚠️ Note: Tour prices above change periodically — confirm current rates directly with operators before booking.
Safety Considerations
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for this entire region — it’s advised for all of Bolivia below 2,300m east of the Andes, which includes Rurrenabaque, the Pampas, and Madidi — and separately required for entry if you’re arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. See our Beni guide’s Safety section for the full explanation, plus our Visa Guide and Packing List.
FAQ
What’s the difference between a Pampas tour and a Jungle tour?
Pampas tours cover wetland savannah with easier wildlife spotting, while Jungle tours go deeper into Madidi National Park’s rainforest with more trekking and a more immersive, though wildlife-sparse, experience.
How do I get to the Bolivian Amazon?
Most travelers fly from La Paz to Rurrenabaque (about 30–45 minutes) or take a long overnight bus, which can take 15+ hours. See our full Rurrenabaque guide for details on both options.
How much does an Amazon tour in Bolivia cost?
Pampas tours typically cost around $150 USD for 3 days, Jungle tours run $200–300+, and combo tours cost $340–680 for 4–5 days.
Is it ethical to visit the Bolivian Amazon?
Yes, if you choose a responsible operator — avoid any company that touches, feeds, or poses with wildlife, and look for operators supporting local indigenous communities.
When is the best time to visit the Bolivian Amazon?
The dry season, May–October, is best for easier trekking and wildlife spotting, though it remains hot and humid year-round.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccine to visit the Bolivian Amazon?
It’s recommended for this entire region — anywhere in Bolivia below 2,300m east of the Andes, which includes Rurrenabaque, the Pampas, and Madidi — and separately required for entry if you’re arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. See our Beni guide for the full explanation.
Related Guides
Rurrenabaque
The gateway town every Amazon tour departs from — flights, lodging, and full logistics.
