5-Day Bolivian Amazon Pampas Adventure from La Paz

5-Day Bolivian Amazon Pampas Adventure from La Paz

Experience the rich, natural diversity of the Amazon on a 5-day excursion to Bolivia’s Las Pampas – a wetland savannah area replete with exotic wildlife – from La Paz. Take a short flight to Rurrenabaque before, the next day, travelling deep into the pampas in search of anacondas, caimans and capybara. Take a boat trip at dawn to see rare pink dolphins; learn about Bolivian traditions like chewing coco leaves; and embark on night walks to glimpse nocturnal wildlife. All meals, three nights’ accommodation and return transport from La Paz is included.

Itinerary

Day 1: Flight from La Paz to Rurrenabaque

Stop At: Rurrenabaque Airport, 2, Rurrenabaque, Bolivia
Take your transfer to La Paz airport so you can take an early flight to Rurrenabaque. Upon arrival you will be transfered to Rurrenabaque city center to your accommodation where you will spend the night.
Duration: 1 day

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Rurrenabaque

Day 2: Depart Rurrenabaque for the Amazon (L/D)

Stop At: Santa Rosa, Chapare, Cochabamba, Bolivia
Start your adventure at 8:45 AM from Rurrenabaque. We will travel from Rurrenabaque to Santa Rosa. During the trip you will be able to see heron families, sloths and a lot of flora and fauna in the steaming lowlands of the Bolivian Amazon. At 12:00 PM, lunch will be served in Santa Rosa. Then you will board a motorized dugout canoe in Santa Rosa and cruise the Yacuma River during about 3 ½ hours. You will be able to observe a large variety of reptiles and amphibians, lagartos, turtles, alligators, toads, lizards. Mammals like night monkey, red howler, brown capuchin, black spider monkeys, capybaras, storks, kingfishers, falcons, hawks and eagles can also be found.

We arrive at our Eco-Lodge at dusk. Upon arrival, check in while coffee and herbal teas are served. Then we will go to observe a superb sunset of the Bolivian Amazon. A buffet dinner will be served upon return. Typical dinners include rice, lentils, pasta, salads, fresh vegetables, and bread. After dinner, we will discover the Pampas at night on a canoe trip, in search of alligators whose eyes shine at night (bring a flashlight). We can also appreciate some other nocturnal animals.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in eco lodge

Day 3: Activities in the Amazon (B/L/D)

Stop At: Rurrenabaque Airport, 2, Rurrenabaque, Bolivia
In the morning, we share a hearty meal of eggs, pancakes, pastries, and fresh fruit. After breakfast, we don high rubber boots (for the swampy terrain and to protect against snakebites) and head into the high grass of the pampas in search of anacondas. These non-venomous snakes are among the largest in the world. It is not uncommon for us to spot one 3 or 4 meters long, though some claim to have seen anacondas more than twice that size.

After a long morning in the sun, you may wish to spend the hottest part of the day swimming in the river (use the rope swing!) or lying down for a siesta in the shade. After lunch, we head out for a fishing trip. The catch: piranhas. These predatory fish are abundant in the region and have been a dietary staple of indigenous communities for generations. Our guides know the best spots to find piranhas and teach you traditional methods of catching them using raw beef for bait. (please note that this activity is seasonal and subject to change).

As evening sets in, we motor back downriver to the football pitch from yesterday. Again you`ve got an opportunity to unwind with other travelers or play a guests-vs-guides game as the sun sets. Grab an extra beer for dinner if you`d like, and we head back to the lodge to eat. Typical dinners include rice, lentils, pasta, salads, fresh vegetables, and bread.

When you`ve eaten your fill, your guide clears the table then joins you to introduce a Bolivian tradition: chewing coco leaves. A mild stimulant, coco leaves offer about the energy of a cup of coffee and are frequently enjoyed by local families during conversations after dinner. As night falls, we pass out candles and invite guests to chat or play cards.

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Overnight in eco lodgeAccommodation included: Overnight in eco lodge

Day 4: Activities in the Amazon & Return to Rurrenabaque (B/L)

Stop At: Rurrenabaque Airport, 2, Rurrenabaque, Bolivia
For those guests who like to get an early start, we offer a pre-dawn ride a bit downriver. As the moon sets, the pampas begins to prepare itself for morning. Howler monkeys can be heard along the riverbanks. We arrive at an open spot a few minutes away to watch the slow spectacle of sunrise.

After breakfast, we set off upriver to a small lake where pink dolphins often congregate to socialize. If you`d like, you`re welcome to jump into the water for the unforgettable experience of swimming with these rare animals. The dolphins may brush against you as you swim, but are harmless and unbothered by your presence. (Please note that the best months to see them are from December to March)

After your swim, we return to the lodge for lunch. You`ve got an opportunity to take a siesta and pack up your things before we set off in the afternoon for the return ride to Rurrenabaque. Tonight you will sleep in Rurrenabaque so you will have the opportunity to enjoy a last evening with your new friends!

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Overnight in Rurrenabaque

Day 5: Flight back from Rurrenabaque to La Paz (B)

Stop At: Rurrenabaque Airport, 2, Rurrenabaque, Bolivia
Today you will take your transfer to Rurrenabaque airport so you can take your flight back to La Paz. The flight times depend on the day, but usually there are 4 flights daily: 7:20 AM, 12:45 PM, 4:20 PM, and 6:25 PM. Please contact us for more details.

Important: Since flights can be unreliable returning to La Paz, we recommend planning to leave La Paz at least two days after the trip ends in case flights from Rurrenabaque are delayed 24 hours.

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.