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Río Beni and around
A day in Rurrenabaque · 9:30–17:15 · 7 stops
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mapvivid.com/rurrenabaque/itineraries/rio-beni-and-aroundA walking day around Río Beni, Puerto de Rurrenabaque and Malecón del Río Beni, with a lunch break nearby and San Buenaventura to end the day.
Every stop on Google Maps: open the list
Morning
9:301Río Beni ↗1 h
Major river flowing past the town toward the Amazon.
- Boat trips available
- Watch for river currents
↓ 14 min walk
10:452Puerto de Rurrenabaque ↗30 minGo early
River port where boats leave for the jungle.
- Wear sun protection
- Ask for life jackets
↓ 2 min walk
11:153Malecón del Río Beni ↗1 hSunset
Riverside walk with sunset views.
- Best at sunset
- Bring insect repellent
↓ 4 min walk
12:154Calle Avaroa ↗30 minAt night
Lively street of cafes, tour offices and restaurants.
- Compare tour prices
- Try river fish
↓ 2 min walk
12:455Plaza 2 de Febrero ↗1 hGo early
Small central plaza of the jungle gateway town.
- Tour agencies are nearby
- Good meeting point
Lunch
13:45Lunch break nearby · Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps ↗
↓ 14 min walk
Afternoon
15:156Mirador de Rurrenabaque ↗1 hSunset
Hillside viewpoint over the river and town.
- Go before sunset
- Bring water
↓ 29 min walk
16:457
Good to know. Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.
Rurrenabaque tips
Transportation
- Fly from La Paz: small-plane flights save a very long, rough bus journey, but they are often delayed by weather, so keep your schedule flexible.
- Bus if you have time: overland buses from La Paz are cheap but slow and bumpy, especially in the rainy season when roads can close.
- Cross to San Buenaventura: small boats shuttle across the Beni River to the town opposite, a short and easy hop for a change of scene.
Local Hacks
- Pampas vs jungle: pampas tours are best for easy wildlife spotting on open wetlands, while jungle tours in Madidi focus on forest hikes and plants.
- Watch sunset by the river: climb to the viewpoint above town or sit along the Beni riverfront as the sky turns orange over the hills.
- Pay park fees in cash: Madidi entry fees are usually paid separately in bolivianos, so check with your agency and keep small notes ready.
Saving
- Compare tours in town: many agencies line the main streets; compare prices, group sizes and what is included rather than booking from La Paz.
- Bring enough cash: ATMs in Rurrenabaque can be unreliable or run dry, so carry enough bolivianos for tours, park fees and meals.
- Eat set lunches: local eateries offer an almuerzo with soup and a main at low prices, much cheaper than tourist cafés.
Security
- Choose ethical tour operators: avoid pampas tours that let guides handle anacondas or feed animals; ask how they treat wildlife before booking.
- Guard against mosquitoes: use repellent and long sleeves, and check advice on yellow fever vaccination and malaria before visiting.
- Check tour boats: make sure boats carry life jackets and that guides know the river, especially when water levels are high.
Cultural
- Support community lodges: Chalalán and other community-run ecolodges in Madidi share tourism income with local indigenous communities.
- Respect park rules: Madidi National Park is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth; stay on trails, follow guides and carry out your rubbish.
- Slow down: life in this river town is relaxed, so greet people with buenos días and expect things to run on a laid-back schedule.
Weather/Clothing
- Dress for tropical heat: it is hot and humid most of the year; pack breathable, long, light-coloured clothing to protect against sun and bugs.
- Pack for rains: the wet season runs roughly December to March with heavy storms and muddy trails; bring a poncho and quick-dry gear.
- Prepare for a surazo: cold southern winds can suddenly bring chilly days, so bring a warm layer even for a jungle trip.
Planned with MapVivid. Opening hours change, so check each place before you go. This day, with the map: mapvivid.com/rurrenabaque/itineraries/rio-beni-and-around
Day 1 of 19:30–17:157 stops
Río Beni and around
A walking day around Río Beni, Puerto de Rurrenabaque and Malecón del Río Beni, with a lunch break nearby and San Buenaventura to end the day.
Opens Google Maps with every stop of the day, ready to save to your own list.
Morning
109:30 · 1 hMajor river flowing past the town toward the Amazon.
3 tips
- Boat trips available
- Watch for river currents
- Best at sunrise
📷 Photos
14 min walk
210:45 · 30 minRiver port where boats leave for the jungle.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Wear sun protection
- Ask for life jackets
📷 Photos
2 min walk
311:15 · 1 hRiverside walk with sunset views.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Best at sunset
- Bring insect repellent
- Watch the boats
📷 Photos
4 min walk
412:15 · 30 minLively street of cafes, tour offices and restaurants.
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Compare tour prices
- Try river fish
- Busy in the evening
📷 Photos
2 min walk
512:45 · 1 hSmall central plaza of the jungle gateway town.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Tour agencies are nearby
- Good meeting point
📷 Photos
Lunch
Lunch break nearby · 13:45
Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps14 min walk
Afternoon
615:15 · 1 hHillside viewpoint over the river and town.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Go before sunset
- Bring water
- Be careful on steps
📷 Photos
29 min walk
716:45 · 30 minSister town across the Beni, reached by boat.
3 tips
- Cross by small ferry
- Short ride
- Quiet compared with Rurrenabaque
📷 Photos
Take this day with you
Add the stops to your calendar
Times are local time in Rurrenabaque. Apple Calendar adds every stop at once (Outlook too). Google Calendar adds one event per link.
Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.