Written & Fact-Checked by Vivian Blanco
"I have organized private logistical expeditions through Cobija, the Madre de Dios River, and Manuripi National Wildlife Reserve for over 15 years. All flight connections from La Paz, 4x4 trail conditions into Laguna Bay, Brazil nut harvest schedules, and park permits below are verified monthly based on direct operations logs."
Before You Go
The six practical questions worth answering before exploring Bolivia's northernmost Amazonian wilderness.
Best Time to Visit
Dry season (May–Oct) is ideal: forest trails are dry and dirt tracks into Laguna Bay are passable.
How Many Days Do You Need?
A minimum of 3 to 4 days to travel from Cobija to Manuripi Reserve, explore Laguna Bay, and return.
What to Pack
Lightweight long sleeves, waterproof dry bags, 30%+ DEET insect repellent, flashlight, and rain poncho.
Low Altitude & Tropical Heat
At 200m–280m elevation, Pando is warm (28°C–35°C) and rich in oxygen with 100% tropical humidity.
Mandatory Yellow Fever Vaccine
A valid international Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is officially required when entering Pando.
Brazil Nut & Rubber Culture
Pando produces over 80% of Bolivia's Brazil nuts (castaña) and preserves century-old rubber-tapping heritage.
How to Get to Cobija & Manuripi
Explore commercial domestic flights to Cobija, river transport along the Madre de Dios, and private 4x4 overland transfers.
By Air (CIJ)
1 Hr · $$$Daily commercial flights operate from La Paz (LPB) and Santa Cruz (VVI) directly to Captain Aníbal Arab Airport (CIJ) in Cobija.
Private 4x4 Expedition
4–5 Hours · $$Private expedition 4x4 drive from Cobija through Porvenir, crossing the Manuripi River to reach Laguna Bay campsites.
Riverboat Navigation
Variable · ScenicNavigate the pristine waters of the Madre de Dios, Manuripi, and Tahuamanu rivers aboard motorized wooden canoes.
Getting to Cobija & Regional Amazon Routes
Direct commercial jet flight crossing the Andes into the Amazon (1 hr).
160 km overland 4x4 route via Porvenir and San Silvestre (4.5 hrs).
Cross the Friendship Bridge over the Acre River (15 mins).
Direct or connected commercial flights across the lowlands (1 hr 15 mins).
Overland Amazonian highway or regional light aircraft flight.
Jungle 4x4 route south to the main river basin and native communities.
What to See
Virgin Amazonian oxbow lakes, giant Brazil nut trees, black caimans, pink river dolphins, and rubber boom history.
Town center of Cobija
The panoramic beauty of Cobija seems like a work of art painted by the most capricious and audacious of artists.The main square is one of the most interesting in Bolivia.
The panoramic beauty of Cobija seems like a work of art painted by the most capricious and audacious of artists.
Manuripi Wildlife Reserve
Manuripu Wildlife reserve is an extense area surrounded by rivers, the access in rain season is dificult, the reserve has large variety of fauna, birds specially, the wood extracction is one of the most important activities in the area, beautiful and wild.
The National Reserve of Amazon Wildlife Manuripi is located to the Southwest of the Pando Department and covers part of the Manuripi Province. It involves to two municipalities: Puerto Rico and Philadelphia. It has an extension of 7,470 km2.
Choose Your Pando Experience
Select between our signature Manuripi Reserve deep jungle expedition or a Cobija & border cultural river tour.
Manuripi Wilderness & Laguna Bay vs. Cobija & River Gateway?
Decide whether you want an off-the-beaten-path deep jungle safari or an accessible border town and rubber-heritage tour.
Manuripi Reserve & Laguna Bay Expedition
A 4x4 and river safari into pristine oxbow lakes, giant Brazil nut trees, and untouched rainforest.
- • 3-Day / 2-Night 4x4 and riverboat expedition to Laguna Bay
- • Canoe navigation with pink river dolphins and black caiman spotting
- • Hike through giant Brazil nut (castaña) and rubber forests
- • Stay at rustic lakeside eco-camps with local community guides
Cobija City & Acre River Cultural Tour
Explore the historic rubber boom landmarks, botanical gardens, and the Brazilian border.
- • 2-Day / 1-Night private tour of Cobija and the Brazilian border
- • Visit historic rubber-boom landmarks and Piñata Park
- • Riverboat cruise on the Acre River and Madre de Dios viewpoints
- • Stay in comfortable 3-star city hotels in Cobija
Manuripi Wildlife Reserve & Laguna Bay
Pickup in Cobija, private 4x4 expedition through Porvenir, river crossing to Laguna Bay, canoe safaris, pink river dolphins, giant Brazil nut forest hikes, night caiman walks, full board, and specialized native guides.
Cobija City & Amazonian Frontier Tour
Airport pickup in Cobija, guided city highlights, historic rubber-boom landmarks, Acre River boat cruise, Brazilian border crossing to Brasiléia, botanical gardens, hotel stay, and traditional Amazonian gastronomy.
Practical Information
Park entrance fees, health guidelines, climate facts, and frequently asked questions for visiting Pando.
Entrance Fees & Costs
Manuripi Reserve SERNAP ticket: 100 BOB (~$15 USD) for foreign visitors, payable strictly in cash.
Where to Stay
Comfortable modern hotels in Cobija (Plaza Real, Victoria Regia) or rustic eco-cabins inside Manuripi.
Health & Vaccines
Yellow Fever vaccine is mandatory. Bring high-strength DEET repellent and long-sleeved light clothing.