Things To Do
in San Borja
San Borja is a small frontier town in the Bolivian Amazon basin, perched along the Beni River. It serves as a gateway for jungle excursions and river trips, set in a lush tropical landscape. The city offers a friendly, rustic atmosphere with riverside markets and indigenous crafts.
Visitors come for Amazonian scenery, river culture, and a relaxed Bolivian interior experience.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey in San Borja by visiting the vibrant local market, where you can immerse yourself in the colors and flavors of Bolivian culture. Stroll past stalls filled with fresh produce and handmade crafts, engaging with friendly vendors. Don't miss the opportunity to try traditional breakfast options, such as salteñas or aji de fideo.
After lunch, take a guided tour of the nearby Madidi National Park, one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. Spend your afternoon hiking through lush rainforests and observing the incredible wildlife, from exotic birds to playful monkeys. Be sure to keep your camera ready for the breathtaking views and rich natural beauty.
As the sun sets, return to San Borja and find a cozy restaurant to savor local dishes. The evening atmosphere is filled with the sounds of live music, making it the perfect backdrop for enjoying traditional Bolivian cuisine. Try typical dishes like picantería and enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals.
Begin your day with a visit to the San Borja Cathedral, a beautiful example of colonial architecture. Take time to admire the intricate details of its facade and learn about the history of the town through guided tours. The peaceful ambiance of the early morning makes this a perfect spot for reflection.
Visit the local museum that showcases the history and culture of San Borja, filled with artifacts that tell the story of the area and its indigenous roots. Engage with interactive exhibits and learn from knowledgeable staff about the fusion of traditions over the years. This experience will deepen your understanding of the region's rich past.
Wrap up your day by enjoying a cultural performance at a local theatre, where you can experience traditional Bolivian dance and music. The lively rhythms and colorful costumes will captivate you and offer a glimpse into the cultural vibrancy of San Borja. Share your thoughts with fellow attendees over a cup of local herbal tea afterward.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🛏️One-night stay in budget hotel | $20-40 |
| 🚎Local bus ticket | $0.50-1 |
| 💧Bottle of water (1.5 L) | $0.50-1 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Gateway to Amazonian adventures
- Friendly local communities
- Rich river culture and markets
- Relatively low-cost travel in the region
- Limited big-city amenities
- Connectivity can be intermittent
- Limited high-end dining options
- Transport options can require planning
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Hablas inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Ayuda" - Help
- "Estoy perdido" - I am lost
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please
Places to Visit in San Borja
Visit one of these nice places.
A wide bend of the river where the light paints the water gold at dusk.
Bustling market with colorful fruit stalls and crafts—great for candid street photography.
Colonial church and surrounding plaza offering daily life in a classic setting.
Bridge viewpoint providing river and forest backdrops.
Food in San Borja
San Borja Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
River fish grilled with yucca and herbs, a staple at riverside eateries.
Must-Try!
A hearty fish soup with native greens and aromatics.
Rice with river shrimp, a popular comfort dish in coastal and inland riverside towns.
Shredded meat with corn, plantains, and beans—common in the Bolivian lowlands.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant market stalls with fresh fruit, yucca, river fish, herbs, and prepared snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a friendly hello or buenos días and a handshake or light kiss on the cheek depending on familiarity.
Ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially in rural communities.
Safety
Tipping in San Borja
Ensure a smooth experience
Tip around 5-10% in restaurants if service is not included; small tips for guides and hotel staff are appreciated.
Cash is widely used (Bolivianos). Some larger establishments may accept credit cards; ATMs are more common in towns but can be scarce in rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry season runs roughly May to October; expect hot days and cooler nights with breezes along the river. Less rain means more comfortable river trips.
Rainy season from November to April brings higher humidity and frequent showers; river levels rise and trails can be muddy, so bring waterproof gear.
San Borja at Night
Hiking in San Borja
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Guided jungle trails with river views and wildlife spotting, accessible from San Borja.
Airports
How to reach San Borja by plane.
Regional airport with domestic flights to La Paz, Santa Cruz and other Bolivian cities; access point for farther trips.
Small regional airport offering limited flights, useful for regional connections toward La Paz.
Border-area airport serving the Pando region with occasional regional flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Home to diverse indigenous groups and communities; rich in traditional crafts and languages.
A mix of mestizo Bolivians and newcomers from other departments.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in town, with local leagues and casual games in the square.
River-based activities are common along the Beni River, popular with locals and visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Borja.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In San Borja, vegetarian options are available in markets and restaurants; look for beans, yucca, plantains, rice dishes, and salads, and ask for dishes without fish or meat.