Things To Do
in San Matías
San Matías is a small river town in eastern Bolivia perched on the Iténez River near the Brazilian border. It serves as a gateway to the Bolivian Amazon-Chaco frontier and offers a mix of riverine culture, market life, and friendly frontier hospitality. The town revolves around fishing, markets, and easy access to jungle excursions led by local guides.
The tropical climate, lush wetlands, and relaxed pace create a memorable base for travelers seeking wildlife and authentic Bolivian daily life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the vibrant local market in San Matías, where you can experience the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Engage with local vendors, sampling traditional dishes and purchasing handmade crafts. This immersive experience will give you valuable insight into the unique cultural heritage of the region.
After lunch, head to the nearby historical sites, including the old churches and colonial buildings that reflect the town's rich past. Take advantage of the warm afternoon sun to stroll through the charming streets, absorbing the local architecture and art. Meeting local artisans will give you a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship that embodies San Matías.
As the sun sets, enjoy a relaxing evening at a local café, sampling traditional Bolivian drinks while watching the world go by. Share stories with fellow travelers and locals, learning about life in this picturesque town. The vibrant colors of the sky provide a breathtaking backdrop as you wind down after an exciting day.
Kick off your day with an early morning hike in the lush, surrounding forests of San Matías. Keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife and the breathtaking flora that call this region home. The fresh mountain air and serene environment will invigorate you for the adventures ahead.
After working up an appetite, enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature, soaking in the stunning views. Spend the afternoon exploring various trails that lead to captivating landscapes and hidden waterfalls. Capture the beauty around you with photographs, as the vibrant ecosystems provide ample opportunities for stunning shots.
Return to the town in the evening and relax at your accommodation, sharing your day’s adventures with fellow travelers. If you're feeling adventurous, seek out a local spot for dinner and enjoy traditional Bolivian dishes. Reflect on your day under the starry sky, planning your next adventure.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| 💧Bottle of water (1.5 L) | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🚕Local taxi ride (short distance) | $2-5 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $15-40 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-2.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich riverine culture and wildlife access
- Affordable travel and authentic Bolivian experiences
- Limited infrastructure and healthcare facilities
- Relatively small nightlife and fewer modern amenities
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el mercado?" - Where is the market?
- "Me gustaría esto" - I would like this
- "¿Tiene opciones vegetarianas?" - Do you have vegetarian options?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Ayuda" - Help
Places to Visit in San Matías
Visit one of these nice places.
Mist over calm river waters with soft light and reflections—great for wide landscape and wildlife silhouettes.
Vibrant colors, textures, and daily life create rich street photography opportunities.
Colonial plaza framing, people-watching, and architectural details at golden hour.
Reed banks and pink-orange skies over the Iténez provide dramatic backdrops.
Food in San Matías
San Matías Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled surubí fish from the Iténez River, typically served with yuca, lemon, and a light sauce.
Must-Try!
A hearty fish soup made with local river species, herbs, corn, and cassava pieces.
Crispy fried yuca cakes often served with picante sauce or ají.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant daily market offering fresh fish, yuca, plantains, fruits, and staple ingredients; great for sampling snacks and bargaining for produce.
Casual stalls along the waterfront offer quick bites like fried fish portions and tapas-style dishes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A courteous greeting in Spanish (Buenos días, hola) goes a long way. A handshake is common in formal encounters.
Ask before taking photos of people; avoid loud behavior in public spaces; dress modestly in public areas.
Safety
Tipping in San Matías
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a small tip of 5-10% is appreciated if service is not included. For guides and boat crews, consider 10-15% or a small per-person amount depending on the service.
Cash in Bolivian bolivianos is widely used; some places accept USD or cards, but many small businesses are cash-only. ATMs may be limited in town, so bring enough cash for the day.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Rainy season (roughly November–April) with high humidity and frequent afternoon showers. Mosquito activity is high; carry repellent and pack light rain gear. River levels rise, making boat trips lush but sometimes slower.
Dry season (May–October) with hot days and cooler nights. Pleasant for outdoor activities, wildlife viewing near water sources, and longer, drier river trips. Expect very warm afternoons and cooler evenings.
San Matías at Night
Hiking in San Matías
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Guided hikes along riverbank forests that showcase local flora, birds, and rainforest-edge ecosystems.
Short, community-led trails offering chances to learn about traditional uses of plants and local wildlife.
Airports
How to reach San Matías by plane.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra's main international gateway; most travelers fly here first and then transfer to domestic flights or overland routes toward San Matías.
Smaller regional airport serving eastern Bolivia; connections to the Amazon region and possible overland or river transfers to San Matías.
Domestic airport in the Beni region; often used for regional travel to and from the Bolivian Amazon basin.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of Mestizo residents with Indigenous Ayoreo and Guaraní communities near the region, alongside Brazilian and other immigrant influences in border areas.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport in town; local games and informal play are common in plazas and schools.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Matías.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Options include rice, beans, maize-based dishes, plantains, yuca, fresh fruits, and salads. Ask for dishes prepared without meat or fish (sin carne/sin pescado) and request add-ons like beans or cheese where possible.