pampas parrots
sunset pampas yacuma
pink dolphins
group of people in boat
exterior ecolodge pampas
girl in river with dolphins
couple on their backs in rurrenabaque
group having a glass of wine at the lodge
ecolodge lunch
Ecolodge on the banks of the Yacuma River
interior ecolodge room
Pampas del Yacuma Tortoise
Yacuma Pampas Toucan
Parrot in the Amazon
Yacuma Pampas Snake
pampas sloth
1 / 16

Rurrenabaque Pampas Tour

3 days in the Bolivian Amazon Pampas with Ecolodge stay and excursions

(10 reviews)
Rurrenabaque
3 days
Spanish and English
Starts: From the airport or your lodging in Rurrenabaque at 8:30 a.m.
Ends: To the airport or your accommodation in Rurrenabaque at 16:00 p.m.
Flexible cancellation policy

Briefing

The Rurrenabaque Pampas Tour is the perfect adventure for nature lovers who want to experience the Amazon up close. Over three unforgettable days, you'll journey deep into the Yacuma Pampas—one of the most wildlife-rich and scenic regions of the Bolivian Amazon.

Cruise along the Yacuma River and its peaceful tributaries, hike through lush jungle trails, and get incredibly close to exotic wildlife: playful monkeys, caimans, vibrant tropical birds, and the famous pink river dolphins.

You'll stay at a comfortable ecolodge operated by local Indigenous communities, part of a sustainable tourism initiative that supports conservation and community development. Local expert guides—deeply connected to the land—will lead your experience, sharing their knowledge of the region’s biodiversity, culture, and way of life.

🌿Ready to explore the Amazon like never before? Keep reading and start planning an unforgettable experience!

💬 If in addition to the Pampas del Yacuma you also want to get to know the Madidi Park, we recommend the 4-day Madidi and Pampas tour.

Tour details

Included

  • Transfer to and from the airport
  • Food (with vegetarian option)
  • Mineral Water
  • Bilingual guide
  • Private room with bathroom
  • Transportation

Not included

  • First day breakfast
  • Entrance fee to Pampas (200 Bolivian pesos/person)

Important information

👩‍👩‍👦‍👦 Small Group Experience: Just 6 Travelers

The Rurrenabaque Pampas Tour is designed for small groups—just 6 travelers per guide—to ensure a more personal and immersive experience. During boat transfers, up to 8 people may be on board to optimize logistics without compromising comfort.

🔝 Added Comfort for Howlanders Travelers

Breakfast is included, and Howlanders travelers have access to exclusive rest areas during any waiting periods between arrival and the start of the tour.

Check out the Frequently Asked Questions for more details.

Cancellation policy

  • If you cancel at least 12 days before the start of the tour, you will receive a refund of 85% of the amount paid.
  • If you cancel between 11 and 7 days before the start of the tour you will receive a refund of 80% of the total cost.
  • If you cancel between 6 and 2 days before the start of the tour you will receive a refund of 50% of the total cost.

After this time or in case of not doing the activity, no refund will be made.

*The same policies apply to modifications of reservations.

Tour itinerary

DAY 1 Santa Rosa - Wildlife and sunset - Caimanes

Lodging: Eco-lodge

8:00 am

Heading for adventure

Your guide will pick you up around 8:00 AM to begin the journey to Santa Rosa. Keep your eyes open—wildlife sightings often start on the road! You might spot monkeys, colorful birds, and other jungle creatures before even reaching the river.

Around noon, we’ll arrive in Santa Rosa and board a motorized canoe for a 20-minute ride along the Yacuma River. Once at the ecolodge, we’ll get settled into our rooms and enjoy a delicious homemade lunch.

Boat on the Yacuma River

Walk through the Amazon

We’ll explore the area around the lodge on foot, an ideal way to spot toucans, capuchin monkeys, anteaters, and more. As the day ends, we’ll stop to admire one of the tour’s most iconic views: sunset over the Pampas del Yacuma.

As darkness falls, we’ll head back onto the river to search for caimans. Their glowing emerald eyes are easy to spot under flashlight—an unforgettable Amazonian experience.

Yacuma River sunset from the water

DAY 2 Yacuma River - Pink Dolphins

Lodging: Eco-lodge

7:30 am

Navigation on the Yacuma River

We’ll start the day with a hearty breakfast before setting off by boat to explore more of the Yacuma River. Keep your camera ready for caimans, capybaras, turtles, monkeys, pink river dolphins, and a wide range of exotic birds.

🍽️ We’ll return to the lodge for a tasty local lunch and a well-earned break—relax in your room or unwind in a hammock with the jungle as your backdrop.

Pink Dolphin in the Amazon

Swim with pink dolphins

If river conditions allow, we’ll head out to a special spot where you can swim with pink dolphins—a magical experience that depends on the season and water levels.

After the activity, we’ll return to the lodge to relax and enjoy the peaceful Amazonian sunset.

girl swimming with dolphins in the river

DAY 3 Sunrise in the jungle - In search of the Anaconda - Rurrenabaque

5:30 am

Jungle Sunrise Experience

We’ll rise early (5:30 AM) to witness the jungle waking up. Birds in flight, monkeys leaping through the trees, and the first light over the pampas make this one of the most memorable moments of the tour.

Hike in search of anacondas

After breakfast, we’ll venture into the wetlands and savannahs in search of one of the Amazon’s most mysterious creatures: the anaconda. Your guide will share insights into their behavior and role in the ecosystem.

Bird taking flight in the morning

Return to Rurrenabaque

We’ll return to the lodge for a final lunch together. Around 2:00 PM, we’ll begin the journey back to Rurrenabaque, arriving around 4:30 PM.

Sloth Bear in the Amazon

What to bring to Rurrenabaque Pampas tour

Before setting off on your Rurrenabaque Pampas Tour through the stunning Yacuma Pampas, it’s essential to be well prepared. The tropical climate, abundant wildlife, and outdoor activities call for light, functional, and comfortable gear. Here’s what we recommend bringing:

  • Lightweight long- and short-sleeve t-shirts
  • Breathable cotton pants
  • Hiking shoes or sturdy walking shoes
  • Flip-flops or sandals
  • Swimsuit
  • Sunscreen (high SPF recommended)
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Sunglasses
  • Wide-brimmed hat or cap
  • Camera or smartphone with good zoom
  • Insect repellent (DEET-based works best)
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Quick-dry towel

Where does the tour Rurrenabaque Pampas start

The tour includes pick-up upon arrival in Rurrenabaque—either from the airport or your hotel in the city—and transportation to the ecolodge. At the end of your adventure, you'll be dropped off at the same points.

✈️ By Air: The Fastest Option

The quickest and most convenient way to reach Rurrenabaque is by plane from La Paz. The flight takes just 25 minutes and is operated by Ecojet Airlines on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 8:30 AM.

🚌 By Bus: For Flexible Schedules

If the flight schedule doesn’t work for you, you can also travel overland from La Paz. The bus journey takes around 12–15 hours to cover the 275-mile (440 km) route. For safety and comfort, we recommend Flota Yungueña, although tickets must be purchased directly at their office. Buses depart daily at 3:00 PM.

Questions & Answers

  • Is it safe to tour the Amazon rainforest?

    Yes. The Rurrenabaque Pampas Tour is led by trained local guides who prioritize safety. As long as you follow their instructions and stay on marked trails, you’ll be in good hands throughout the tour.

  • What’s the difference between the Madidi and Pampas tours?

    The main difference is the environment and the type of experience:

    Madidi National Park immerses you in the dense Amazon rainforest, with hikes focused on medicinal plants, Indigenous culture, and deep nature exploration.

    The Pampas del Yacuma, by contrast, are open wetlands and floodplains. This landscape makes it easier to spot wildlife like caimans, capybaras, anacondas, exotic birds, monkeys, and pink river dolphins.

    Many travelers choose to combine both areas in a 4-day tour to get the full Amazon experience.

    Many travelers opt for a four-day tour combining both destinations to take full advantage of what the region has to offer.

  • How difficult is the Rurrenabaque Pampas Tour?

    The tour is easy and accessible for most travelers. Hikes are short and low-impact, but you should be in decent physical condition to walk comfortably through humid and sometimes muddy terrain.

  • What happens if I arrive hours before the tour starts or my return bus leaves hours after the tour ends?

    No worries! Howlanders will have access to certain areas of the lodge such as showers, hammocks or beds to rest until the tour begins, and you will also have breakfast included to make up time while you begin your adventure. This condition is subject to your arrival or departure time and will be available until flights resume normal operations.

  • What kind of food is offered during the Pampas de Rurrenabaque Tour?

    Throughout the tour you will enjoy delicious, varied and nutritious meals, prepared at the lodge to keep you energized during your daily activities.

    The menu includes typical Bolivian dishes and international options, prepared with fresh, organic and local ingredients such as rice, vegetables, meats, fish, chicken and fruits.

    You will also be able to savor traditional Amazonian recipes, such as:

    Dunucuabi (fish cooked in leaves), Pescado en tacuara (bamboo), Majadito, Masaco and Sonso.

    If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, we have special options available at every meal.

  • Are there vegetarian or vegan options?

    Yes! Vegetarian and vegan options are available at every meal, so you can enjoy the local cuisine worry-free.

  • What is the lodging like in the Pampas del Yacuma?

    The ecolodge is located in a protected natural area, about 2.5 hours by car and 20 minutes by boat from Rurrenabaque. It features:

    • 14 rustic cabins shaped like turtles, built with local materials
    • Capacity for 32 guests in double, triple, and family rooms
    • Private bathrooms with hot showers
    • Mosquito nets, towels, biodegradable soap, and basic furniture
    • Dining area with Yacuma River views, lounge space, and hammocks for relaxing
  • Does the Pampas ecolodge have electricity and hot water?

    Yes. The lodge provides electricity at set times via solar panels or generators, and hot showers are available.

    Due to the remote location, we encourage guests to use resources responsibly.

  • Is there cell service or Wi-Fi at the lodge?

    There is no Wi-Fi or guaranteed cell coverage at the lodge. Some travelers with local SIM cards (like Entel) may get a weak or intermittent signal, but it’s not reliable. The only stable internet connection is at the Rurrenabaque office before or after the tour.

  • What weather can I expect during the tour?

    The region has a tropical climate, generally hot and humid:

    • Average temperatures: 68–95 °F (20–35 °C)
    • Rainy season: December to March, with frequent showers
    • Cool fronts ("surazos"): June to August, can drop temperatures to 50–54 °F (10–12 °C) with fog and humidity

    *Packing tip: Bring light clothing for the heat, but also a jacket or warm layer for cooler nights or sudden changes in weather.

  • Can I leave my large luggage at the office during the tour?

    Yes, you can store your large suitcases or extra luggage safely in our office in Rurrenabaque during the days of the tour. We recommend that you carry only the essentials in a small backpack or light bag to facilitate boat transfers and hikes.

Rurrenabaque Pampas tour reviews with Howlanders

Loading...

Other tours that might interest you

Other travelers also booked

from