While it is possible to get into and out of the Amazon on your own, a tour is by far the easiest option. Transportation is sporadic and unreliable, lodging can be hard to find and in some remote areas communicating in Spanish, let alone your native language, may be impossible. A tour alleviates these and other worries that can arise, as they do all the legwork—look for an agency that includes to and from transport, as well as all meals, lodging, excursions and a translator included. Like other tours in Bolivia, you can look into booking ahead, online, before you travel. This option is usually more expensive, but it also suggests an organized and reliable source.

If you want to cut costs but still desire to go with a tour, here are a couple of suggestions: Ask around La Paz or Santa Cruz—since you’ll likely begin your Amazon expedition from one of these two cities—most of the tour agencies will have last minute or group rates. If you’re traveling solo, or with just a few other people, try and tag along with other travelers, as the larger the group the more likely you are to receive a discount. Try and stay at a hotel with a tour agency affliction, lowered rates are sometimes offered to patrons. Undoubtedly the best way to save some bucks is to bus rather than fly—this just about halves the cost of the trip, but remember, it doubles the time. Regardless of your efforts however, remember that tours to the Amazon are among the most expensive in the country.