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Bolivia🇧🇴 | townsRurrenabaqueBeni River landing, Madidi gateway, hammock cafés | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Rurrenabaque
🏆 Top picktown ranked #2
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

The town’s main street runs down to a muddy landing on the Beni River, where long wooden motorboats are loaded with backpacks, gas cans and jungle-bound travelers every morning. Rurrenabaque sits in the north of Bolivia, in the Amazon lowlands, and it is the launch pad for Madidi National Park and the Yacuma pampas. I expected a rough jungle outpost. It turned out to be a relaxed riverside town with hammock cafés and tour offices every few steps. Flying in from La Paz is the smart move if time is short, because the overland road is long and rough, and experienced travelers book the jungle or pampas trip in person after comparing two or three agencies. Tours are the whole reason to come, and the town itself has little to see. Evenings are easy, with plenty of hostels and other backpackers to talk to. Adventurous travelers on a tour-based itinerary will love it. Anyone chasing sights, museums or serious nightlife won’t.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #2 town in Bolivia
What makes it a must-see town

Rurrenabaque is where Bolivia’s Andes finally give way to rainforest and wetland, and almost everyone comes for one of two trips. The pampas run on the Yacuma River, where you can watch caimans, capybaras and pink river dolphins from a boat. Jungle trips go deeper into Madidi National Park, one of the most biodiverse protected areas on Earth. Most travelers give the pampas about three days and the jungle a few more, then spend a night or two either side of the trip in town. That makes this a place to linger a little, mostly because tours rarely line up perfectly with flights or buses. Hostels here are small and social, many with hammocks and a pool, so solo travelers meet trip-mates fast. The Beni River waterfront is the natural place to unwind after a muddy tour, with fruit juice stands, … read more 👉
Rurrenabaque is where Bolivia’s Andes finally give way to rainforest and wetland, and almost everyone comes for one of two trips. The pampas run on the Yacuma River, where you can watch caimans, capybaras and pink river dolphins from a boat. Jungle trips go deeper into Madidi National Park, one of the most biodiverse protected areas on Earth. Most travelers give the pampas about three days and the jungle a few more, then spend a night or two either side of the trip in town. That makes this a place to linger a little, mostly because tours rarely line up perfectly with flights or buses. Hostels here are small and social, many with hammocks and a pool, so solo travelers meet trip-mates fast. The Beni River waterfront is the natural place to unwind after a muddy tour, with fruit juice stands, cheap grilled fish and slow evenings rather than clubs. Wildlife lovers, hikers and slow travelers will be happiest. If you only want a fast tick-box stop, the town itself will not hold you for long.

💡 HighlightsEssential experiences to have while visiting Rurrenabaque

  1. Malecón and the Beni River waterfront: The riverside promenade is where Rurrenabaque makes sense. Long wooden boats (lanchas) load for Madidi and Pilón Lajas, kids play football on the dirt, and the Andean foothills rise across the water in Beni’s lowlands. Come for the late afternoon, when the heat eases and the river turns copper-brown under the cliffs. It’s free and 30 to 60 minutes is plenty.
  2. Mirador de la Cruz: A short climb up a hillside above town gives a wide view of the river bend, the tin roofs and the forest running to the horizon. Go for sunset or early morning to keep the sweat down. Entry is roughly US$1 to 2, and you need about 1 to 1.5 hours including the walk from the center.
  3. Mercado Central: Two blocks from the plaza, this covered market is the place to eat like a local. Stalls
… read more 👉
  1. Malecón and the Beni River waterfront: The riverside promenade is where Rurrenabaque makes sense. Long wooden boats (lanchas) load for Madidi and Pilón Lajas, kids play football on the dirt, and the Andean foothills rise across the water in Beni’s lowlands. Come for the late afternoon, when the heat eases and the river turns copper-brown under the cliffs. It’s free and 30 to 60 minutes is plenty.
  2. Mirador de la Cruz: A short climb up a hillside above town gives a wide view of the river bend, the tin roofs and the forest running to the horizon. Go for sunset or early morning to keep the sweat down. Entry is roughly US$1 to 2, and you need about 1 to 1.5 hours including the walk from the center.
  3. Mercado Central: Two blocks from the plaza, this covered market is the place to eat like a local. Stalls sell fresh river fish (surubí and pacú), fruit juices from Amazon fruits such as cupuaçu and tamarind, and cheap set lunches. Go before noon when the pots are full. Budget US$2 to 5 for a meal and allow 45 minutes to an hour.
  4. Plaza 2 de Febrero: The shaded main square, named for the town’s founding date, is the town’s living room. Locals sit under the trees in the evening, motorbike taxis idle at the corners, and tour agencies line the surrounding streets, so it’s the easiest spot to compare Madidi and pampas trips in person. It’s free, and an hour with a juice is about right. Evenings are best.
  5. Craft shops and Madidi tour agencies: Skip the generic souvenir stalls and stop at the small local displays and crafts of the Tacana and Esse Ejja peoples, who still live in the area. Community-run shops sell woven bags and carved items, with prices typically US$3 to 20. Give it 30 to 45 minutes in the cooler morning hours.
The item most people walk past is the Tacana craft shops, where the money goes straight to the communities that live around the forest. For day trips, the Madidi National Park lodges upriver, the Yacuma pampas wetlands near Santa Rosa and the Pilón Lajas reserve are the big draws from here.
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Things to do around Rurrenabaque

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🏘️ NeighborhoodsKey areas and districts to know

Rurrenabaque is small enough to cover on foot in a morning, so you can sample every corner before the heat peaks. Here is how each area works and the smarter way to use it.
  • Central grid and Plaza 2 de Febrero: Tour agencies, ATMs, bakeries and the market cluster here because every jungle and pampas trip starts from these few blocks. Experienced travelers compare two or three agencies on the same afternoon, since quotes for identical trips differ. Everything is flat and walkable.
  • Riverfront along the Río Beni: The malecón is where boats park, fishermen haul in catfish and locals watch the sunset. Grab a grilled fish plate at a riverside stall, then stroll the bank at dusk when the air cools and the mosquitoes are still sleepy. Bring repellent, because the river is the reason they exist.
  • Calle
… read more 👉
Rurrenabaque is small enough to cover on foot in a morning, so you can sample every corner before the heat peaks. Here is how each area works and the smarter way to use it.
  • Central grid and Plaza 2 de Febrero: Tour agencies, ATMs, bakeries and the market cluster here because every jungle and pampas trip starts from these few blocks. Experienced travelers compare two or three agencies on the same afternoon, since quotes for identical trips differ. Everything is flat and walkable.
  • Riverfront along the Río Beni: The malecón is where boats park, fishermen haul in catfish and locals watch the sunset. Grab a grilled fish plate at a riverside stall, then stroll the bank at dusk when the air cools and the mosquitoes are still sleepy. Bring repellent, because the river is the reason they exist.
  • Calle Comercio and the bar strip: Evenings run on cheap cocktails, pizza and live music, and the crowd is mostly people just back from or about to leave on tours. Bars close fairly early because tour departures are at dawn, so go out sensibly and still wake up fresh.
  • Market area: Fruit juices, fried chicken, silpancho and almuerzo set lunches sell for a fraction of tourist-street prices. Eat here at midday, when the cooking is freshest and the turnover is highest.
  • San Buenaventura (across the river): A quiet, mostly local town reached by a short motorized canoe crossing. Go for the calm, the riverside views and cheap eats, and expect nothing resembling nightlife. It is walkable, but hot by midday, so start early.

⌛️ 1 day1-day itinerary for Rurrenabaque

7:00 AM: Beni River waterfront
Start at the port while the boats load and the river is still misty. Watch the motorboats pull out and the fishermen sort their catch. It costs nothing and shows you what the town actually runs on. Walk up the main street when you have had enough.

8:00 AM: Mercado Central
Head to the market for breakfast. Order a fresh fruit juice, then a salteña or a plate of rice with fried plantain. Wander the stalls for fruit you may not recognize, such as cupuaçu or pacay. Take your time, because the best stalls fill up fast.

10:00 AM: Plaza 2 de Febrero
Walk the few blocks to the square and sit in the shade for a coffee. This is a good moment to compare tour agencies nearby if you have not booked yet. Then flag down a moto taxi toward the hill.

11:00 AM: Mirador de la Cruz
Climb … read more 👉
7:00 AM: Beni River waterfront
Start at the port while the boats load and the river is still misty. Watch the motorboats pull out and the fishermen sort their catch. It costs nothing and shows you what the town actually runs on. Walk up the main street when you have had enough.

8:00 AM: Mercado Central
Head to the market for breakfast. Order a fresh fruit juice, then a salteña or a plate of rice with fried plantain. Wander the stalls for fruit you may not recognize, such as cupuaçu or pacay. Take your time, because the best stalls fill up fast.

10:00 AM: Plaza 2 de Febrero
Walk the few blocks to the square and sit in the shade for a coffee. This is a good moment to compare tour agencies nearby if you have not booked yet. Then flag down a moto taxi toward the hill.

11:00 AM: Mirador de la Cruz
Climb to the lookout for views across the Beni and the forest-covered hills. It is calmer here than in town, and the breeze helps. Take water and linger until your legs feel ready to come down.

1:30 PM: Lunch and siesta
Back in town, eat grilled pacú or surubí at a riverside restaurant. Then rest in a hammock during the hottest hours, as locals do.

4:00 PM: Boat to San Buenaventura
Flag a small canoe from the landing and cross the river. San Buenaventura is quieter, and most backpackers never set foot in it. Stroll its streets and look back at Rurrenabaque from the opposite bank.

6:00 PM: Waterfront sunset
Cross back and grab a cold drink at a riverside café while the sky turns orange over the Beni. Finish with dinner near the plaza.

🌤️ When to go?Best time to visit Rurrenabaque

May to September is the dry season, when days run about 28 to 32°C (82 to 90°F) and trips are most reliable. Tour demand peaks in July and August, so book a day or two ahead and expect slightly firmer prices.
  • Dry Season (May to September): Roads stay open, mosquitoes ease and the pampas wetlands are easy to access. Cold fronts called surazos can drop nights to around 12 to 15°C (54 to 59°F) for a few days.
  • Shoulder Months (April and October): Fewer crowds, better availability and often room to haggle. Showers start to return, and heat builds.
  • Wet Season (November to March): Hot and sticky at 30 to 35°C (86 to 95°F), with heavy downpours. Muddy tracks, more insects and occasional flight cancellations are normal, though prices drop and wildlife is lively.
  • Daylight: Days are fairly even year-round
… read more 👉
May to September is the dry season, when days run about 28 to 32°C (82 to 90°F) and trips are most reliable. Tour demand peaks in July and August, so book a day or two ahead and expect slightly firmer prices.
  • Dry Season (May to September): Roads stay open, mosquitoes ease and the pampas wetlands are easy to access. Cold fronts called surazos can drop nights to around 12 to 15°C (54 to 59°F) for a few days.
  • Shoulder Months (April and October): Fewer crowds, better availability and often room to haggle. Showers start to return, and heat builds.
  • Wet Season (November to March): Hot and sticky at 30 to 35°C (86 to 95°F), with heavy downpours. Muddy tracks, more insects and occasional flight cancellations are normal, though prices drop and wildlife is lively.
  • Daylight: Days are fairly even year-round at around 11 to 13 hours, so plan jungle activities for early mornings.
The flight into town is weather dependent, so leave one spare day before any onward connection.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: excellent for travelingAUGAugust: excellent for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: excellent for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas and accommodation options

The streets around the central plaza and the blocks toward the river are the best places for a budget bed in Rurrenabaque. Dorm beds run about US$6 to 12 and private rooms US$15 to 30, and that is where most hostels and guesthouses sit, usually with hammock patios, shared kitchens and fans or air-conditioning.
Staying here puts you within a five-minute walk of tour agencies, ATMs, the bus offices and a heap of cheap eateries, so you can sort out trips and onward tickets without paying for a ride. At night the center feels relaxed and well-trafficked, and walking back from a bar is fine in a group … read more 👉
The streets around the central plaza and the blocks toward the river are the best places for a budget bed in Rurrenabaque. Dorm beds run about US$6 to 12 and private rooms US$15 to 30, and that is where most hostels and guesthouses sit, usually with hammock patios, shared kitchens and fans or air-conditioning.
Staying here puts you within a five-minute walk of tour agencies, ATMs, the bus offices and a heap of cheap eateries, so you can sort out trips and onward tickets without paying for a ride. At night the center feels relaxed and well-trafficked, and walking back from a bar is fine in a group or alone if you keep to the lit streets. The only real noise comes from the bar strip on a few streets, where music can run late on weekends, so ask for a room at the back if you want to sleep.
The second option is the quieter outskirts toward the airport road and the riverbank, where lodges and a few hostels have more garden space and fewer crowds. Prices are similar or slightly lower, but you rely on moto-taxis (about US$0.50 to 1) to reach the center after dark. Book ahead in July and August, when beds fill quickly, and always check that the room has working mosquito nets or screens.

🚌 Getting aroundHow to get from A to B

A moto-taxi ride within Rurrenabaque costs about US$0.50 to 1, paid in cash in bolivianos at the end of the ride, with small notes needed because drivers rarely have change. Most backpackers simply walk, since the whole center is flat and compact, and traffic amounts to a steady buzz of motorbikes. There is no formal public bus network in town, so informal options fill the gap.
  • Walking: Free and the quickest way between hostels, agencies, markets and the riverfront. Go early or late, because midday heat is heavy and shade is patchy.
  • Moto-taxi: US$0.50 to 1 for most trips in town and up to about US$2 for the airport run. Agree the price before climbing on, since there are no meters, and expect to share the bike with your pack only if you travel light.
  • Motorized canoe to San Buenaventura: The crossing
… read more 👉
A moto-taxi ride within Rurrenabaque costs about US$0.50 to 1, paid in cash in bolivianos at the end of the ride, with small notes needed because drivers rarely have change. Most backpackers simply walk, since the whole center is flat and compact, and traffic amounts to a steady buzz of motorbikes. There is no formal public bus network in town, so informal options fill the gap.
  • Walking: Free and the quickest way between hostels, agencies, markets and the riverfront. Go early or late, because midday heat is heavy and shade is patchy.
  • Moto-taxi: US$0.50 to 1 for most trips in town and up to about US$2 for the airport run. Agree the price before climbing on, since there are no meters, and expect to share the bike with your pack only if you travel light.
  • Motorized canoe to San Buenaventura: The crossing takes about 5 minutes and costs roughly US$0.30 to 0.50 per person, running from morning until early evening. Locals use it all day, so you rarely wait long.
  • Shared taxi or minibus to the bus terminal and long-distance routes: Buses to La Paz take roughly 14 to 18 hours, costing about US$14 to 25, and the rough road often runs late in the wet season. Experienced travelers book a day ahead and carry water, snacks and a warm layer for the cold night passage over the mountains. Flights to La Paz take about 40 minutes and cost around US$80 to 130 each way, a smarter pick if you are short on time, though cancellations in poor weather are common.
  • Bicycle or motorbike rental: Rentals run about US$8 to 15 a day for a bike and more for a motorbike. They let you reach riverside viewpoints and nearby villages at your own speed, and suit confident riders on dusty, unpaved roads.

👛 Costs (as of 19 October 2026)How expensive it really is

A backpacker in Rurrenabaque can get by on roughly US$28 to 62 a day, with the total below counting a dorm bed at the high-season rate. Tours are the big variable, since a single jungle or pampas trip can cost more than several days of food and lodging.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm accommodationUS$6 to 12 (US$12 in high season)Fan or air-conditioned dorms in the center, with mosquito nets, hammocks and often breakfast included.
MealsUS$8 to 14 (US$11)Market almuerzos cost US$2 to 3, while tourist-street restaurants charge US$6 to 10 for mains.
Local transportUS$1 to 3 (US$2)Moto-taxis cost US$0.50 to 1 per ride and the river crossing to San Buenaventura costs a few cents.
Basic activities/entry feesUS$10 to 25 (US$18)Day tours, park fees and community visits are the main cost, averaged
… read more 👉
A backpacker in Rurrenabaque can get by on roughly US$28 to 62 a day, with the total below counting a dorm bed at the high-season rate. Tours are the big variable, since a single jungle or pampas trip can cost more than several days of food and lodging.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm accommodationUS$6 to 12 (US$12 in high season)Fan or air-conditioned dorms in the center, with mosquito nets, hammocks and often breakfast included.
MealsUS$8 to 14 (US$11)Market almuerzos cost US$2 to 3, while tourist-street restaurants charge US$6 to 10 for mains.
Local transportUS$1 to 3 (US$2)Moto-taxis cost US$0.50 to 1 per ride and the river crossing to San Buenaventura costs a few cents.
Basic activities/entry feesUS$10 to 25 (US$18)Day tours, park fees and community visits are the main cost, averaged across a longer stay.
Miscellaneous expensesUS$3 to 8 (US$5)Bottled water, repellent, laundry, a few drinks and ATM fees.
Total Daily BudgetUS$28 to 62 (US$48)About US$48 a day in high season, excluding multi-day tours.
To save money, eat your main meal at the market at midday and book multi-day tours directly in the office rather than through hostel intermediaries, which can add a markup.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🚌 Day tripsBest day trips from Rurrenabaque

Rurrenabaque is the main launch point for the Amazon basin, so almost every worthwhile outing starts here with a short transfer and ends the same evening.
Pampas Day Tour:
The wetlands along the Yacuma River are reached by a 2 to 3 hour jeep ride from Rurrenabaque, followed by a boat ride among caimans, capybaras, pink river dolphins and squirrel monkeys. Most operators sell this as a 3-day trip, but a long day version for roughly US$45 to 70 exists and still delivers the wildlife. Go in the dry season for the clearest viewing, and skip the rush by confirming departure times with your agency the evening before.

Madidi National Park Day Excursion:
Take a boat up the Beni and Tuichi rivers for a half-day or day of jungle walking in one of the most biodiverse protected areas on earth. Expect … read more 👉
Rurrenabaque is the main launch point for the Amazon basin, so almost every worthwhile outing starts here with a short transfer and ends the same evening.
Pampas Day Tour:
The wetlands along the Yacuma River are reached by a 2 to 3 hour jeep ride from Rurrenabaque, followed by a boat ride among caimans, capybaras, pink river dolphins and squirrel monkeys. Most operators sell this as a 3-day trip, but a long day version for roughly US$45 to 70 exists and still delivers the wildlife. Go in the dry season for the clearest viewing, and skip the rush by confirming departure times with your agency the evening before.

Madidi National Park Day Excursion:
Take a boat up the Beni and Tuichi rivers for a half-day or day of jungle walking in one of the most biodiverse protected areas on earth. Expect to pay about US$40 to 70 for a day program including park fees and a guide. First-timers often wear new boots that blister quickly, so break them in beforehand.
👉 Explore Madidi National Park
Pueblo Mapajo Community Visit:
A boat ride of about 2 hours up the Beni and Quiquibey rivers leads to a Tsimane-Mosetén community in the Pilón Lajas reserve that runs its own ecotourism. Day versions run around US$50 to 80 and focus on culture, cooking and short jungle walks. Dry season is best, when river levels allow easy access.

Santa Rosa Waterfalls and Swimming Spots:
Nearby cascades and creeks, reached by moto or shared transfer in under an hour, give a cheap break from the heat for around US$8 to 15 including transport. Go early to beat the sun and carry water. Avoid the wet season, when tracks turn muddy.

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

Rurrenabaque is relaxed and broadly safe, and most problems are petty. Keep phones and cameras out of sight on the riverfront at night, and walk back from the bar strip in a group or by moto-taxi, which costs less than US$1. Solo travelers, including women, generally report few issues, though staying on lit central streets after midnight is sensible.
The most common annoyances involve tours. Compare agencies, and book with a licensed operator who gives a written itinerary, because rock-bottom prices often mean large groups, rushed schedules or substituted guides. Pay deposits only at an office you can walk back to, and keep receipts. Be careful when swimming in the river, as currents can be strong.
Mosquitoes and sandflies are the real daily nuisance, so bring repellent and cover up at dusk. … read more 👉
Rurrenabaque is relaxed and broadly safe, and most problems are petty. Keep phones and cameras out of sight on the riverfront at night, and walk back from the bar strip in a group or by moto-taxi, which costs less than US$1. Solo travelers, including women, generally report few issues, though staying on lit central streets after midnight is sensible.
The most common annoyances involve tours. Compare agencies, and book with a licensed operator who gives a written itinerary, because rock-bottom prices often mean large groups, rushed schedules or substituted guides. Pay deposits only at an office you can walk back to, and keep receipts. Be careful when swimming in the river, as currents can be strong.
Mosquitoes and sandflies are the real daily nuisance, so bring repellent and cover up at dusk. Drink bottled or filtered water, and keep valuables in a dry bag on boat trips.

FAQFrequently asked questions about Rurrenabaque

Rurrenabaque is well worth visiting in its own right, because it is the gateway to both the Madidi rainforest and the Yacuma pampas wetlands. You can see pink dolphins, caimans and monkeys on a 3-day pampas tour costing about US$150 to 220, and the town itself has a relaxed riverside atmosphere. Many travelers arrive planning one night and end up staying a week.
Three to four days works well in Rurrenabaque, giving one day to arrange things and recover from the journey and two to three for a pampas or jungle trip. Add extra days if you want both pampas and Madidi, which together take about 5 to 6 days. Weather delays to flights are common, so keep a buffer day if you have a connection.
Rurrenabaque is not a realistic day trip from La Paz, since the bus takes roughly 14 to 18 hours and the flight about 40 minutes, with flights costing US$80 to 130 each way. Short day trips from Rurrenabaque itself are possible, including a long day in the pampas for about US$45 to 70. Most visitors stay at least two nights to make the journey worthwhile.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Bolivian towns near Rurrenabaque

Explore more nearby:

  • Caranavi—Coffee farms, cacao, Yungas riverside| 156 km away
  • Coroico—Steep cobbles, Yungas waterfalls, pool terraces| 197 km away
  • Achacachi—Sunday market, Aymara plaza, Cordillera views| 218 km away

💡 Not sure where to go next?
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We 💚 feedbackParting advice and final tips

Rurrenabaque deserves two nights before a tour and one after, since jungle and pampas trips leave you muddy and tired. Stay longer only if you add both trips. I would book in person after comparing agencies, and I would pack insect repellent. The town itself is small, so the river is the real draw.

✈️ When did I visit Bolivia?
Bolivia I visited during my half year trip through South and Central America back in 2003

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Bolivia, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.