Things To Do
in Reyes
Reyes, Bolivia sits on the banks of the Beni River in the Bolivian Amazon, surrounded by dense rainforest and rich biodiversity. The town serves as a quiet gateway to jungle excursions, river trips, and lively markets that echo with Indigenous and Mestizo culture. Life here moves with the rhythms of the river, and seasonal floods shape daily activities and travel.
The weather is warm and humid year‑round, with dramatic wet‑season rains that transform the landscape into a lush, living panorama.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down at Reyes’s small airstrip under a canopy of tropical greenery. The morning light filters through palm leaves as you feel the warm Beni breeze. A short stroll along the dirt streets introduces you to locals waving hello.
Settle into a cozy family-run pousada overlooking the riverbank. Sample freshly caught paiche fillets served with rice and yucca at a nearby eatery. Wander the colorful town square and browse artisan stalls on the plaza.
As twilight falls, head to the riverbank to watch the sunset paint the sky in fiery hues. Local fishermen return with their catch and share stories around crackling fires. Finish the day with grilled pacú and a cup of masato under a star-studded sky.
Wake up to the soothing sounds of the Beni River lapping against the shore. Join a gentle canoe ride at dawn to spot elusive caiman basking on muddy banks. Return for a homemade breakfast of tropical fruits and fresh bread.
Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the river trail by bike, passing lush floodplain forests and hidden lagoons. Pause at a shaded hammock platform for a siesta above the water. Enjoy fresh coconut water sold by local children paddling bamboo rafts.
Gather around a bonfire on the sandbank as dusk descends and fireflies dance in the air. Listen to live folk guitar music performed by local musicians. Savor traditional bori bori soup warmed by the flickering flames.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-6 |
| 🚍One-way local transport | $0.50-1 |
| 🛏️Hostel bed per night | $7-15 |
| ☕Coffee in cafe | $1-2 |
| 🍽️Dinner for two mid-range | $12-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich biodiversity and easy access to river-based activities.
- Friendly, welcoming locals and affordable travel.
- Limited infrastructure and connectivity in Reyes.
- Heat and humidity can be intense; seasonal floods can disrupt plans.
- "Hola" - Hello
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "No entiendo" - I don't understand
- "¿Puede hablar más despacio?" - Could you speak more slowly?
Places to Visit in Reyes
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden hour shots along the river with palm silhouettes and passing boats.
Colorful stalls, textiles, and market life provide vibrant street photography.
Calm water reflections and silhouettes of boats for quiet compositions.
Seasonal flooded forests offer reflections and opportunities to photograph wildlife.
Food in Reyes
Reyes Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled pacú fish, often served with cassava, lime, and fresh salsa.
Must-Try!
Crispy river fish with boiled or fried cassava and a squeeze of lime.
Flavorful river fish soup with herbs and cornmeal.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant stalls with fresh fruit (arazá, cambará, cupuaçu) and river fish, often ready to eat on the spot.
Griddled plantains, empanadas, and fresh juice sold along the riverfront.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a smile and say buenos días/buenas tardes; a handshake is common.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in communities or sacred spaces.
Dress modestly in towns and religious sites; cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches.
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases and show respect for elders and community leaders.
Safety
Tipping in Reyes
Ensure a smooth experience
Small tips (around 5–10%) in restaurants; guides and boat crews may receive 2–5 USD per trip.
Cash (Bolivianos or USD) is widely used; some hotels and larger restaurants accept cards; ATMs exist but may be sparse.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with heavy afternoon rain; river levels rise, enabling lush boat trips but occasional floods.
Warmer days and cooler nights; drier trails and clearer wildlife viewing, though humidity remains high.
Reyes at Night
Hiking in Reyes
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Seasonal trails along the river that host birds and wildlife; best explored in the dry season.
Forest trails with opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy river viewpoints.
Airports
How to reach Reyes by plane.
Regional airport serving Riberalta with domestic flights to major Bolivian hubs.
Regional airport in Pando with domestic connections to larger cities.
Important gateway for the Beni region; access to Reyes via road or river routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of Indigenous groups and river-based families alongside mestizo residents.
Many residents are involved in markets, fishing, and small-scale commerce.
People visiting for nature, culture, and river adventures.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; informal games are common in plazas and schoolyards.
Widely played in community centers and schools; street courts are common.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Reyes.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Options include plantains, cassava, beans, rice, and fresh fruit; inform cooks about avoiding fish broth or meat.