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Beni River

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River
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Beni River (Bolivia)

Weather…

The Beni River is a major waterway in northern Bolivia and a primary headwater of the Madeira River, the Amazon's largest tributary. It originates in the Andes north of La Paz from the confluence of several mountain streams and flows for approximately 1,178 kilometers through diverse landscapes, ranging from cloud forests to the Amazonian lowlands. The river is characterized by its powerful current in its upper reaches and wide, shifting meanders as it enters the plains. Along its banks lies the Madidi National Park, globally recognized for its extraordinary levels of biodiversity. The Beni River is a vital transport corridor for remote communities, supporting the movement of goods such as gold, timber, and agricultural produce. It serves as a lifeline for towns like Rurrenabaque, which has become a gateway for ecotourism. Near the town of Riberalta, it joins the Madre de Dios River before meeting the Mamoré at Villa Bella to form the Madeira.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262525252525262830292726
Rain mm2572752371467723162666132186253

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Access to the river is most often arranged through the town of Rurrenabaque, the primary gateway for boat tours venturing into the Madidi National Park and surrounding Amazonian areas.
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Best season
The dry season, typically from May to October, is considered the optimal time for navigating the river, as water levels are safer and wildlife viewing opportunities on the riverbanks are generally better.
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Terrain & paths
The river winds through diverse landscapes, transitioning from steep Andean slopes to the dense, flat tropical rainforests of the Amazon basin, featuring a mix of calm stretches and faster currents.
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What to bring
Essential items for a river excursion include strong insect repellent, lightweight long-sleeved clothing, waterproof bags for electronics, sun protection, and plenty of bottled drinking water.
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Parking
Visitors usually leave their vehicles at secure parking facilities provided by tour operators or lodgings in Rurrenabaque before embarking on multi-day boat trips down the river.
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Safety
Travelers should be cautious of strong river currents, tropical diseases such as malaria or yellow fever, and potential wildlife encounters; travelling with a certified local guide is highly recommended.
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Time needed
Organized boat tours on the river can range from short half-day excursions to extensive journeys lasting up to a week for those penetrating deeper into the remote Madidi National Park.

Geography

Coordinates
-11.00000, -66.50000

Facts

  • The river spans a total length of 1,178 kilometers.
  • Originates in the Andes mountains north of La Paz.
  • Meets the Mamoré River at Villa Bella to form the Madeira River.
  • Flows along the border of the biodiverse Madidi National Park.
  • Its largest tributary is the Madre de Dios River.
  • The town of Rurrenabaque is its most famous riverfront gateway.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Madre de Dios RiverMadre de Dios River46 km · NExplore →
Pando Brazil Nut RegionPando Brazil Nut Region56 km · SExplore →
Manuripi-Heath ReserveManuripi-Heath Reserve95 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Through which region does the Río Beni flow?
It flows through the Amazon basin in northern Bolivia.
Where is the best place for boat tours on the Beni?
Rurrenabaque is the tourist hotspot for tours.
Does the river border a national park?
Yes, it flows past the famous Madidi National Park.
Can you swim in the river?
Watch out for currents and piranhas in some sections.
Is the Beni River important for trade?
Yes, for the transport of timber and agricultural products.
Beni River: where is it located?
Beni River is located in Bolivia.
Beni River: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Beni River: why is it worth visiting?
The Beni River is a major waterway in northern Bolivia and a primary headwater of the Madeira River, the Amazon's largest tributary.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nature

Iténez River — Beni River (Bolivia)
Iténez River
The Iténez River, called Guaporé in Brazil, forms the natural border between Bolivia and Brazil over long distances.
Mamoré River — Beni River (Bolivia)
Mamoré River
The Mamoré River is a large river in the Bolivian Amazon basin and one of the main tributaries of the Madeira River.
Madre de Dios River — Beni River (Bolivia)
Madre de Dios River
The Madre de Dios River is an important river in the Amazon basin that flows through Peru and northern Bolivia.

More places

Beni Biological Station — Beni River (Bolivia)
Beni Biological Station
A UNESCO biosphere reserve with tropical savannas, home to rare river dolphins and diverse waterfowl.
Llanos de Moxos — Beni River (Bolivia)
Llanos de Moxos
Extensive tropical savannah and wetland region in the northern Bolivian Amazon basin.
Pilón Lajas Biosphere Reserve — Beni River (Bolivia)
Pilón Lajas Biosphere Reserve
A transition zone between the Andes and the Amazon, protecting spectacled bears and spider monkeys in its dense cloud forests.
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Serranía de San Simón
This remote range of hills in the Amazon basin is characterized by dense forest and historic gold mines.
Pando Brazil Nut Region — Beni River (Bolivia)
Pando Brazil Nut Region
The dense Amazon forests in Pando are the world's leading source of wild-harvested Brazil nuts, vital for the indigenous economy.