Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Rerrenabaque. Rurenabaque Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 30 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
A few things to sort out before you leave RBQ:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Bolivia. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Rerrenabaque takes about 30 minutes by Taxi / Mototaxi. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is BOB. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
From RBQ, the Taxi / Mototaxi gets you to Rerrenabaque in around 30 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 50 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi / Mototaxi offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Rerrenabaque, budget roughly $23 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $8 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $5 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Rerrenabaque.
Exploring Rerrenabaque on a Layover
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Rerrenabaque, two standouts are:
- Plaza 2 de Febrero — Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
- Mercado Municipal Rurrenabaque — Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside RBQ, you can spend time at Waiting Area Relaxation or try Aircraft & Jungle Views. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Eating Well on a Rerrenabaque Layover
For food in Rerrenabaque, local travelers recommend El Fogón del Madidi. If you have time for a second stop, Restaurante PescaderÃa Los Tucanes is another popular pick.
Back at RBQ, Aero-Cafe Rurre is the go-to. Terminal Local Bites rounds out your in-terminal options.
Storing Your Luggage at Rurenabaque Airport
Dedicated luggage storage at RBQ may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Rerrenabaque’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at RBQ, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Rerrenabaque itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Bolivia that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Resting at the Airport
Long overnight layover? Your options at RBQ include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Bolivia also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Rerrenabaque count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave RBQ. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.