The Bolivian Pantanal
El Pantanal is one of the largest swamplands in the world. Although, a majority of it is shared with Brazil, along with Paraguay, a smaller but no less important portion extends into Bolivia, the Bolivian part is located to the east of the Santa Cruz Department The establishment of a network of reserves and a national park could make it possible to protect a large portion of the swampland's biological diversity. The Bolivian section of the Pantanal continues to remain practically unchanged by man. The towns of San Matias, Puerto Suarez and Puerto Quijarro are the largest populations in this area; they offer all sorts of services including five stars hotels and airport.
Near Puerto Suarez, is the Caceres Lagoon known for been a spot good fishing and a good location for observing wild life: yacares (alligators) tuyuyus (a typical bird of the swampland), capiguaras (capybara), and other wild animals on their natural habitat.
Just a few miles from Port Suarez are the Motacucito Caves, where inside of them you can observe stalactites and stalagmites and other geological marvels.
Getting around in Puerto Suarez
It's easy to get around in Puerto Suarez people are very friendly and eager to help tourist.
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Where to stay
Cobija has a small number of hotels; most of them are located in near the main plaza find information on hotels and reservations by clicking here.
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What to see while in Puerto Suarez
Its privileged location allows Puerto Suarez to show the visitor nature at its best, is the ideal place for eco friendly tourism, wildlife and outdoor activities.
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Where to Eat
Puerto Suarez provides the visitor with an acceptable selection of restaurants and places to have a descent meal, there are many restaurants, pizzerias, karaoke's, hotel restaurants, and discotheques offering great service and food so you have a good culinary experience. Click here to find more information. Even though things have improved a lot lately, be careful to select a proper place to get your next meal because not all the vendors are known for keeping the highest standards for cleanness and hygiene.
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Do's and Don't in Puerto Suarez
The cost of living in Bolivia is very affordable so don't be afraid of going out and splurge there's a lot to see in town or out of it be as adventurous as you can, taking always some precautions. In crowded areas be careful for pickpockets and bags lashers . A common trick is that one person spills something on your clothes, and while you or he wipes it off another person lifts your wallet or slashes your bag.
Be vigilant when checking into a hotel or hostel. Keep a hand on all your bags/belongings at all times. Acting as if they work for the hotel, opportunist thieves will create a diversion and snatch the nearest unattended bag.
If you are approached by police in civilian clothes don't show any valuables or your passport. And certainly don't get in a taxi with them. Undercover police are strictly ordered not to hassle tourists. There have been several cases of muggings and things going missing from bags or luggage after "drug searches". Insist on being taken to the police station before giving them access to your things. If you can, call the 110, which is the Bolivian emergency number.
And the most important there have been several cases of violent muggings in taxis . Don't take unregistered taxis. Lock the doors and don't allow other people to share the journey with you.
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Image of a Colibri (humming bird), part the wild life you can find at the Pantanal.
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Image of South American alligator in the Bolivian Pantanal.
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Tours and Tourist guides 
