Bolivia's Amazon Basin

Close your eyes and imagine the Amazon. If you're visualizing vast rivers, pristine rainforest and remote savanna lands, then you're spot on. This captivating area — which makes up over half of Bolivia's territory — also encompasses high mountain peaks and lush cloud forests. The most direct access to the Amazon region is from the town of Rurrenabaque, which sits in the middle of this magical jungle. From here, you can access Madidi National Park, part of the extraordinary Rio Madidi watershed and a nature wonderland with an astonishing variety of wildlife. You can put in a boat along the river into the park, visit the surrounding savannas ...

Close your eyes and imagine the Amazon. If you're visualizing vast rivers, pristine rainforest and remote savanna lands, then you're spot on. This captivating area — which makes up over half of Bolivia's territory — also encompasses high mountain peaks and lush cloud forests. The most direct access to the Amazon region is from the town of Rurrenabaque, which sits in the middle of this magical jungle. From here, you can access Madidi National Park, part of the extraordinary Rio Madidi watershed and a nature wonderland with an astonishing variety of wildlife. You can put in a boat along the river into the park, visit the surrounding savannas or laze in a hammock in Rurrenabaque (it gets hot here!). The town has some relaxing rustic bars and cafes. An up-river visit to an eco-friendly lodge is not to be missed. Those with time on their hands can head to the Amazonian lowlands from Santa Cruz. Here, the towns of Trinidad, Riberalta and Guayamerín provide a glimpse into a very different, truly authentic and non-touristy Bolivia.

About the Expert

Kate Armstrong is coauthor of Lonely Planet's Bolivia, South America on a Shoestring, Mexico, Greece, and South Africa.