Things To Do
in Puerto America
Puerto America is a small river town in eastern Bolivia, set along a winding tropical waterway in the Amazon basin. The town thrives on river transport, local markets, and ecotourism, with a lush forest backdrop and abundant wildlife. Life moves at a relaxed pace, with wooden boats, vibrant market stalls, and warm, welcoming locals who are eager to share their culture.
Visitors come for birding, cultural encounters, and easy access to nearby rainforest excursions and river trips.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Puerto America and settle into your charming accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll along the riverbank to soak in the picturesque scenery that surrounds you. Enjoy breakfast at a local café, sampling Bolivia's traditional bread and coffee.
Visit the bustling local market, where you can explore handmade crafts and fresh produce while interacting with friendly vendors. Satisfy your appetite with a delicious lunch featuring regional specialties. In the afternoon, a guided tour will introduce you to the rich history and culture of Puerto America.
As the sun sets, dine at a waterfront restaurant that offers stunning views and a menu rich in Bolivian flavors. After dinner, enjoy a relaxed evening walk under the starry sky, taking in the peaceful ambiance of the town. Conclude the night with a drink at a local bar, perhaps trying a famous Bolivian cocktail.
Start your day with a visit to the local artisan workshop, where you can watch skilled craftsmen at work and maybe even try your hand at some traditional techniques. Partake in a community breakfast that showcases the region’s culinary delights. Afterward, head to the nearby museum to learn more about the history of the area.
Join a cultural immersion program to discover the customs and lifestyle of the local indigenous communities. Enjoy lunch with a local family who will share stories about their traditions and daily life. Afterward, participate in a dance workshop to learn traditional Bolivian dance.
Gather around a bonfire for a storytelling evening with locals who will share folk tales and legends unique to the area. Delight in a meal prepared with ingredients grown in the region, experiencing authentic flavors. Wind down with soothing music and dance under the stars, creating unforgettable memories.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.5-2 |
| 🏨One night in budget hotel | $20-40 |
| 🍺Local beer | $2-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic river-town experience with easy access to nature
- Affordable prices and friendly locals
- Rich birdlife and wildlife encounters along the river
- Relaxed pace perfect for unwinding
- Limited infrastructure and healthcare facilities compared to major cities
- Remote location with occasional travel delays
- Hot and humid climate with strong mosquito presence
- Wi-Fi and cellular coverage can be patchy in outlying areas
- "Hola" - Hello
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Quisiera una mesa para dos" - I would like a table for two
- "¿Puede recomendar un plato vegetariano?" - Can you recommend a vegetarian dish?
Places to Visit in Puerto America
Visit one of these nice places.
A waterfront viewpoint that captures sunset reflections on the river and the town’s pine-walled silhouettes.
Wooden boardwalk along the river where boats come and go; ideal for action shots of loading, unloading, and bird life at dawn.
Colorful market scenes with vendors, textiles, and fresh produce—great for intimate, documentary-style photos.
Nearby forest trails and riverbanks offer wildlife, canopy glimpses, and morning mist over the water.
Food in Puerto America
Puerto America Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled river fish served with yucca or plantains and a tangy pepper sauce.
Must-Try!
Hearty river fish soup with cassava, corn, and herbs—comforting after a morning excursion.
Rice cooked with river fish, peppers, and onions for a simple, satisfying meal.
Crispy fried yucca served with melted local cheese and lime.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant riverside market where locals sell fresh fish, fruits, yuca, and prepared snacks; a perfect place to sample arepas, empanadas, and fresh juice.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a polite 'hola' or 'buenos días'; handshake or a polite nod is common. Address elders with appropriate respect and avoid overly casual behavior in formal settings.
Always ask before photographing people, especially elders or ceremonial spaces; if invited, share a warm thank-you and offer a small tip if appropriate.
Dress modestly in markets and religious spaces; remove hats when indoors; avoid public displays of anger or indecision in crowded places.
Safety
Tipping in Puerto America
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated for good service: around 5-10% in restaurants; 10-15% for day-long guided tours or special services. Small tips for porters or casual staff are common but not obligatory.
Cash (Bolivianos or USD) is widely used in markets and smaller establishments. Some hotels and larger restaurants accept credit cards; ATMs are limited in remote towns, so bring enough cash for your stay and small purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon downpours; river levels rise, which enhances boat trips but can flood some trails. Pack lightweight rain gear, insect repellent, sun protection, and quick-dry clothing.
Generally clearer skies and less rain, making hiking and river travel easier; evenings can be cooler, so bring a light jacket. Wildlife is active and more visible as waterways recede.
Heavy rainfall and high humidity; some trails may be muddy or temporarily inaccessible; flexible planning recommended and waterproof footwear essential.
Puerto America at Night
Hiking in Puerto America
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Early-morning hike through floodplain forest with diverse birds and a chance to spot howler monkeys.
Elevated boardwalk offering canopy views and opportunities to observe arboreal species.
Seasonal flooded-forest trail accessible during the dry season for wildlife viewing and serene waterway scenery.
Airports
How to reach Puerto America by plane.
Regional airport serving Riberalta and surrounding communities; domestic flights connect to Santa Cruz and La Paz, with river access from Puerto America.
Gateway in the Beni region with connections to major Bolivian hubs; use as a link when flying into the region and then transfer to domestic flights or river transport.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra’s international gateway; most travelers fly here first, then transfer to domestic flights toward regional towns and river routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Residents with deep ties to the rainforest, contributing traditional crafts, music, and knowledge of medicinal plants.
A blend of ancestries shaping local cuisine, markets, and daily life along the river.
Visitors who support the local economy through guided tours, homestays, and market purchases.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport with local matches and informal games throughout the year.
A popular pastime and local livelihood along the river, often done with guided tours.
Common on calm river channels and floodplain lakes for both recreation and wildlife viewing.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Puerto America.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Plantains, yucca, beans, rice, fresh fruit, and vegetable dishes are common. Tell cooks 'sin carne' (no meat) and 'sin pescado' if needed; many places will accommodate with bean or cheese options.