Details
N.B from 15th May 2011 all ASOPTUR (the association of tour operators in Rurrenabaque) members have agreed a minimum set price on pampas and jungle tours. Our tours are being sold at exactly the same prices as the operators we work with there. This is in order to end years of price wars that have kept profits too low to enable basic maintenance of vehicles and lodges and caused a number of operators to go out of business.
This is the classic 3 day pampas tour for the budget backpacker. Extremely popular tour leaving daily with lots of wildlife that is easily spotted. Much of this tour is spent exploring the open wetlands in a motor canoe making for a relaxing yet adventurous experience. Bolivia is the cheapest place in South America to go on this type of tour.
DAY 1 – Getting there is half the fun!
8.30 to 9.00 The group arrives at the meeting point. Loads the 4x4 vehicle ready.
9.30 Leave Rurre for Santa Rosa de Yacuma to meet the boat. 3 Hrs approx
12.30 -14.00 Lunch. Leave on the motor canoe to travel to the lodge. The journey is 3 or 4 hours and along the way your guide will point out many animals and birds for you to see. This is part of the tour and not just traveling – you will most likely see pink river dolphins, monkeys, turtles, caiman and many birds.
17.30 -18.00 Arrive at the lodge and be given refreshments. Afterwards the group decides where they want to go to watch sunset. The “sunset bar” is a popular choice and provides great views. Return to camp for the evening meal after which a night boat trip is optional for spotting nocturnal animals such as caimans and alligators.
DAY 2 – Snakes and Swimming with Dolphins
7.30 to 8.00 Breakfast in the lodge
8.00 to 8.30am – Set off on a walk to the pampas to search small lagoons and wetlands for wildlife including anacondas and other snakes, There is some interesting plant life in the area and classic pampas views
12.30 to 1.00pm Lunch back at the lodge
13.30 approx - After lunch set off in the motor canoes looking for pink river dolphins (almost guaranteed!). The dolphins are very social and if you wish you can swim in this area and get up close with them. Return to camp for an afternoon siesta.
19.30 - 20.30 Evening meal is served (plenty of food!).
20.30-22.30 The rest of the evening is free time - maybe your guide will take you to the sunset bar again if your group wishes to go (not included so a tip would be nice!)
DAY 3 – Piranha fishing
7.30 to 8.00 Breakfast in the lodge
8.00 to 8.30 Back onto the canoes again and a visit to small islands with forested areas to learn about the tropical forest. Some time is then spent fishing for piranha with chunks of meat. If you catch any you can have these cooked up with your lunch to try!
11.30 -12.30 Lunch back at the lodge – maybe with fried piranha!
1.00 – 1.30 Back on the boat for the return trip to Santa Rosa de Yacuma to meet with your jeep for the trip back to Rurrenabaque maybe spotting some more animals.
17.00 -18.00 Approx - Arrive back to Rurrenabaque
INCLUDED IN TOUR
- Transportation in jeep and motor canoe
- Guide - Spanish speaking
- Cook and meals , bottle of water for the pampas walk
- Accommodation in lodges - mosquito nets, beds with basic mattress, sheet/cover
- Rubber boots (wellies) for walk in pampas marsh land area
NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR
- Santa Rosa Municipal Park entrance fee - 150bs
- Travel Insurance - recommended
- Water / extra beverages
- Breakfast on first day, dinner on last day
- Sunglasses & Sun cream
- Insect Repellent
- Others not mentioned
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This tour starts in Rurrenabaque and DOES NOT include the cost of transport for getting there. We can arrange flight or buses for getting to Rurrenabaque.
GROUP SIZES
Groups are usually from 6 to 12 people in size and there will also be other groups in the lodges.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Malaria is extremely rare in the pampas and jungle near Rurrenabaque and there has not been any cases contracted locally for many years.That said, there are plenty of mosquitos in the area so it is considered a possibility. Other insect bourne diseases such as yellow fever and dengue are in the area so a good insect repellent and long sleeve shirt plus long trousers are essential.
HOW TO BOOK
Simply fill in the required details in the form boxes at the bottom of this page and when completed click "add to cart". Your product should appear in the mini cart on the right hand side and you can then continue shopping for more products or go to checkout by clicking on the "checkout" link at the top right hand section of the page
IMPORTANT
YOU MUST PROVIDE DETAILS FOR EACH PASSENGER THAT YOU ARE BOOKING FOR AND ALSO ENSURE THAT YOU CHANGE THE QTY BOX TO SHOW THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF PASSENGERS THAT YOU ARE BOOKING FOR. IF YOU PROVIDE ANY INCORRECT DETAILS YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ADDITIONAL CHARGES THAT MAY ARISE DUE TO THIS. IF YOU DO NOT SUPPLY ALL THE REQUIRED INFORMATION THERE MAY BE A DELAY IN PROCESSING YOUR ORDER AND WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR PROBLEMS THAT ARISE DUE TO THIS.
