Daily Itineraries
Tour Day
Journey to the Heart of the Amazon and Into Madidi National Park
Today, you will venture deep into the Bolivian Amazon on a scenic boat journey along the beautiful Alto Beni River. Surrounded by lush rainforest landscapes and the sounds of the jungle, your first stop will be a visit to a local riverside community known for its traditional production of rich sugarcane honey. Here, you will learn about the centuries-old techniques still used today and experience the warm hospitality and cultural traditions of the people who call this region home.
Continuing farther into the rainforest, you will enter the extraordinary Madidi National Park, one of the most biodiverse protected areas on Earth. Your destination for the next two nights will be an eco-lodge operated by an indigenous community, offering a unique opportunity to experience the Amazon in an authentic and sustainable way. Nestled deep within the jungle and surrounded by untouched wilderness, the lodge provides an unforgettable setting to disconnect from the modern world and immerse yourself in nature.
After enjoying a freshly prepared lunch, you will set out on an afternoon guided jungle walk with an experienced local naturalist. Along the forest trails, you will learn about the rainforest’s incredible biodiversity, including medicinal plants, towering trees, colorful insects, and the remarkable wildlife that inhabits the region. With patience and a bit of luck, you may spot monkeys, exotic birds, or other jungle creatures hidden within the dense canopy.
As evening approaches, you will return to the lodge to relax and enjoy a buffet-style dinner surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest. Falling asleep to the steady chorus of insects, birds, and distant wildlife is an unforgettable experience and the perfect ending to a day filled with exploration, culture, and adventure.
Accomodations 
Lodge – shared
group rooms
Included Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Activities
AM
Breakfast
PM
Possibly Seen
Spectacled Bear
Tremarctos ornatus
Also known as a Mountain Bear, Andean Bear, Jukumari, Ukumari and Ukuku. It is currently classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss. They typically live at higher elevations, but can be found as low as the Rurrenabaque area.
Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth
Bradypus variegatus
A unique and slow moving mammal that spends most of its time sleeping (15 to 18 hours a day) in the jungle canopy. The hairs of its fur are adapted to cultivate algaes that have been shown to be anti-parasitic, anti-cancerous and anti-bacterial.
Bolivian River Dolphin
Inia boliviensis
Locally called Bufeos, they are a threatened species but protected by the Bolivian law after being declared national treasures. The bio-sonar they use to “see” is well suited to navigate the murky river waters and find fish and crabs to feed on.
Rio Beni Titi Monkey
Callicebus modestus
A recently discovered species native to the jungles near Rurrenabaque. They usually live in family groups of 3-7, and the males care for the young. They mainly eat fruit, but also leaves, insects, bird eggs and small vertebrates.
Pampas marsh
Threats to preservation: deforestation for agriculture and ranching is illegal but often ignored; “wood pirates” who illegally harvest rare hardwoods – mostly the Mara (Bigleaf Mahogany); gold mining, specifically the increased mercury due to the gold separation process; construction of the Apolo-Ixiamas Road through very remote areas over challenging topography, including the construction of a controversial bridge in Rurrenabaque; oil exploration; non-sustainable tourism; poaching for food or illegal trade; two proposed multi-billion dollar mega dams.
Pampas forest
Iconic local animals: Toucans – with various sized bills, mostly eat fruit and use their large bills as a highly efficient thermoregulation system; Anacondas – water boas and world’s heaviest snakes up to 1,100 lb / 500 kg and second longest reaching up to 36 ft / 11m; Caimans (black or spectacled) flourish in slow moving freshwater. Black is the larger of the two and can be as long as 20 ft/6 m; Jaguars in the Madidi area are the largest in the world – reaching close to 9 ft / 2.7 m and up to 300 lb / 135 kg. Their biggest threat is poaching for their fangs which are sold in China; Piranhas are omnivores and typically don’t represent a risk to humans. Their teeth are used as tools by local people for sharpening and carving.
Accomodations
Lodge – shared
group rooms
Included Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Activities
AM
Breakfast
PM
The adventure begins!
We will meet you at the airport and shuttle you through bustling La Paz to your comfortable hotel. Here, you’ll meet fellow adventurers and your friendly tour host. After a brief introduction, your host will take care of travel essentials, including verifying your insurance details and emergency contacts, so you can relax and enjoy the experience ahead.
As the day winds down, prepare for an enchanting start to your adventure with a breathtaking sunset outing. We’ll head to the stunning Killi Killi Overlook, perched high above the city, where you’ll gaze out over the vibrant landscape of Nuestra Señora de La Paz, or “Our Lady of Peace.” Watch in awe as the sun dips behind the majestic peaks that cradle this beautiful city—an unforgettable view to set the tone for the adventure of a lifetime!
Pampas marsh
Threats to preservation: deforestation for agriculture and ranching is illegal but often ignored; “wood pirates” who illegally harvest rare hardwoods – mostly the Mara (Bigleaf Mahogany); gold mining, specifically the increased mercury due to the gold separation process; construction of the Apolo-Ixiamas Road through very remote areas over challenging topography, including the construction of a controversial bridge in Rurrenabaque;
Pampas marsh
oil exploration; non-sustainable tourism; poaching for food or illegal trade; two proposed multi-billion dollar mega dams. Iconic local animals: Toucans – with various sized bills, mostly eat fruit and use their large bills as a highly efficient thermoregulation system; Anacondas – water boas and world’s heaviest snakes up to 1,100 lb / 500 kg and second longest reaching up to 36 ft / 11m;
Pampas marsh
Caimans (black or spectacled) flourish in slow moving freshwater. Black is the larger of the two and can be as long as 20 ft/6 m; Jaguars in the Madidi area are the largest in the world – reaching close to 9 ft / 2.7 m and up to 300 lb / 135 kg. Their biggest threat is poaching for their fangs which are sold in China; Piranhas are omnivores and typically don’t represent a risk to humans. Their teeth are used as tools by local people for sharpening and carving.
The adventure begins!
If all went according to plan A the day before, you will wake up and have breakfast before a city tour. If the flight to La Paz did not occur yesterday, then have a leisurely breakfast in Rurenabaque and a late morning flight to La Paz, an early check-in to the hotel and lunch on your own, and then a walking tour of La Paz. There is an optional opportunity to visit a local charitable organization.
San Pedro Prison in the center of La Paz is perhaps the strangest prison in the world. Inside looks similar to the streets outside the walls, with churches and markets. The inmates run the prison with rules, a political system and punishments, and an economy. Cells are purchased or rented with prices negotiated, purchase agreements, and official property titles. Some are like luxury apartments and some are bought by inmates for rentals. Food, clothing and medicine must be purchased, so inmates have jobs within the walls. Inmates’ families are permitted to live there and come and go through the gates. There were tours given by inmates, but that is not allowed anymore. You can read more about it in the book Marching Powder.
Accomodations
Hotel
Included Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Activities
Optional Activities
* Time-specific activity
AM
Breakfast
PM
Opportunity to give back
Go BIG was founded on the idea of responsible travel and strives to make a positive impact on the places visited. We try to give travelers the opportunity to give back by introducing them to local organizations in hopes of kindling a relationship that could last a lifetime through sponsorship. We can often arrange for our travelers to make a real difference in Bolivia by: getting directly involved with a volunteering project, albeit a very short one; sharing their knowledge by giving a talk; or simply observing how the organizations are helping the communities. These opportunities are scheduled outside of the standard tour itinerary as additional opportunities for travelers’ free time.
Local Opportunity
Go BIG was founded on the idea of responsible travel and strives to make a positive impact on the places visited. We try to give travelers the opportunity to give back by introducing them to local organizations in hopes of kindling a relationship that could last a lifetime through sponsorship. We can often arrange for our travelers to make a real difference in Bolivia by: getting directly involved with a volunteering project, albeit a very short one; sharing their knowledge by giving a talk; or simply observing how the organizations are helping the communities. These opportunities are scheduled outside of the standard tour itinerary as additional opportunities for travelers’ free time.
Organizational
- Helping Hands
- SOS Children’s Villages
- Plan International
- Helping Hands
- SOS Children’s Villages
- Plan International
Pampas marsh
Threats to preservation: deforestation for agriculture and ranching is illegal but often ignored; “wood pirates” who illegally harvest rare hardwoods – mostly the Mara (Bigleaf Mahogany); gold mining, specifically the increased mercury due to the gold separation process; construction of the Apolo-Ixiamas Road through very remote areas over challenging topography, including the construction of a controversial bridge in Rurrenabaque;
Pampas marsh
oil exploration; non-sustainable tourism; poaching for food or illegal trade; two proposed multi-billion dollar mega dams. Iconic local animals: Toucans – with various sized bills, mostly eat fruit and use their large bills as a highly efficient thermoregulation system; Anacondas – water boas and world’s heaviest snakes up to 1,100 lb / 500 kg and second longest reaching up to 36 ft / 11m;
Pampas marsh
Caimans (black or spectacled) flourish in slow moving freshwater. Black is the larger of the two and can be as long as 20 ft/6 m; Jaguars in the Madidi area are the largest in the world – reaching close to 9 ft / 2.7 m and up to 300 lb / 135 kg. Their biggest threat is poaching for their fangs which are sold in China; Piranhas are omnivores and typically don’t represent a risk to humans. Their teeth are used as tools by local people for sharpening and carving.
The adventure begins!
After breakfast, load into vehicles and drive through the desert surrounded by volcanoes, including Ollague. From here, it’s a day of neon-colored lagoons! There are stops for short walks along Hedionda, Chiarkota and Honda lagoons, each unique allowing for incredible photographs of flamingos. Then, across the Siloli desert to the wind-blown eroded rock formations, including Árbol de Piedra (Tree of Rock), and on to Laguna Colorada, a bright red lagoon rimmed with peaks allowing for beautiful reflections.
Lodging: The facilities in this very remote enclave are basic. Most options are dormitory style. However, we utilize “upgraded” accommodations when available. The “upgrades” are significant in that they are private rooms with private bathrooms, but still no showers, and there is no heating, but blankets are provided. Beds are simple but clean. Electricity is available when the generator runs (about three hours a night). Towels are not provided, so you must bring your own. There is no cellular or internet. Accommodation options in the area are very limited and demand is high, so although we will try to book the upgraded accommodations, however they are not guaranteed and dormitory style might be required. If this occurs, no refunds will be given. The only higher-end hotel available would add an extra day to the tour due to the distances involved. This is not an option for this tour, but it could be arranged on a private tour.
Accomodations
Lodge – shared
group rooms
Included Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Activities
AM
Breakfast
PM
Pampas marsh
Threats to preservation: deforestation for agriculture and ranching is illegal but often ignored; “wood pirates” who illegally harvest rare hardwoods – mostly the Mara (Bigleaf Mahogany); gold mining, specifically the increased mercury due to the gold separation process; construction of the Apolo-Ixiamas Road through very remote areas over challenging topography, including the construction of a controversial bridge in Rurrenabaque;
Pampas marsh
oil exploration; non-sustainable tourism; poaching for food or illegal trade; two proposed multi-billion dollar mega dams. Iconic local animals: Toucans – with various sized bills, mostly eat fruit and use their large bills as a highly efficient thermoregulation system; Anacondas – water boas and world’s heaviest snakes up to 1,100 lb / 500 kg and second longest reaching up to 36 ft / 11m;
Pampas marsh
Caimans (black or spectacled) flourish in slow moving freshwater. Black is the larger of the two and can be as long as 20 ft/6 m; Jaguars in the Madidi area are the largest in the world – reaching close to 9 ft / 2.7 m and up to 300 lb / 135 kg. Their biggest threat is poaching for their fangs which are sold in China; Piranhas are omnivores and typically don’t represent a risk to humans. Their teeth are used as tools by local people for sharpening and carving.
