Things To Do
in San Ramón

San Ramon, Bolivia is a small riverside town in the eastern lowlands known for its warm climate and lush landscapes. It is a gateway to the Chiquitano forests and the Beni river systems, offering intimate encounters with wildlife and local communities. The town center is lively with markets, cafes, and a relaxed rhythm.

Surrounding forests, wetlands, and savannas invite day trips and nature walks.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Exploring San Ramón
morning
:

Arrive in San Ramón and check into your local accommodation. Take a refreshing walk around the vibrant town square, soaking in the sights and sounds of the local life. Visit nearby artisan shops to pick up unique handcrafted souvenirs.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant, savoring Bolivian favorites like salteñas or pique a lo macho. Spend the afternoon exploring the lush surroundings by visiting the nearby waterfalls or hiking in the pristine cloud forests. Capture the beauty of the landscapes with your camera as you meet friendly locals along the trails.

evening
:

Return to San Ramón and experience the lively atmosphere at a local market. Taste street food delicacies while enjoying the rhythms of traditional music playing in the background. End your day with a peaceful stroll under the stars, reflecting on your adventures.

day 2
Cultural Immersion and Local Cuisine
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the town's cultural center, learning about the indigenous heritage of the area. Participate in a workshop on traditional crafts and connect with local artisans. Enjoy a hearty breakfast featuring fresh fruits and local pastries.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a guided food tour where you can taste various local dishes, from hearty soups to sweet treats. Take a break in a scenic park, absorbing the tranquil vibes that San Ramón offers. Share your experiences with fellow travelers and friends as you enjoy delicious Bolivian beverages.

evening
:

Dine at a cozy restaurant that features Bolivian folk music, immersing yourself in the rhythm and soul of the culture. After dinner, join an evening cultural performance showcasing local dances and stories. Reflect on the day’s experiences while mingling with locals and other travelers.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
🥛Milk, 1 liter$1-2
🚕Taxi 1km$0.50-1.50
🏨Hostel night (per person)$8-20
🧃Bottle of water (1.5L)$0.50-1.00

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Relaxed pace of life and friendly locals
  • Access to forest reserves and river excursions
  • Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure
  • Seasonal flooding can affect travel plans
  • "Hola" - Hello
  • "Cuanto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Gracias" - Thank you
  • "Donde esta el bano?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Estoy perdido" - I am lost

Places to Visit in San Ramón

Visit one of these nice places.

Rio Beni riverside at sunset

Golden-hour reflections over quiet water with boats and silhouettes of palm trees.

City viewpoint overlook

A hill or vantage point near the center offering views over the town and surrounding greenery.

Mercado Municipal stalls

Colorful market scenes with locals at work making for vibrant street photography.

Chiquitano forest edge

Light filtering through tall trees along the forest edge near town.

Culinary Guide

Food in San Ramón

The cuisine blends river fish, cassava, plantains, tropical fruits, and simple grilled meats, highlighting the abundance of the eastern Bolivian lowlands.

San Ramón Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Pescado de rio a la parrilla

Grilled river fish with herbs, often served with cassava and yuca.

Must-Try!

Casabe y platano frito

Crispy cassava cake with fried plantains and cheese.

Pique de carne con yuca

Beef stew with yuca and peppers, a hearty local staple.

Majao

A traditional dish of mashed plantains with cheese and pork rind (popular in nearby regions; optional).

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de San Ramon

Vibrant market where you can try fresh fruit, river fish, and street snacks.

Puestos along the riverfront

Small stalls offering fried yuca, empanadas, and grilled corn.

Climate Guide

Weather

Bolivian east-lowlands climate is hot and humid year-round with distinct wet and dry seasons. Expect frequent rainfall in the wet season and warm days with cooler nights in the dry season. Humidity can be high; mosquitoes are common year-round.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with a warm 'hola' or 'buenos dias'; a handshake is common. In rural areas, be respectful and use polite language.

Respect for elders and ceremonies

Show respect in community settings; ask permission before taking photos of people or sacred sites.

Tobacco and alcohol

In some communities, traditional rituals involve offerings; avoid disrespectful behavior.

Safety Guide

Safety

As in many small towns, petty crime can occur, so keep valuables secure and use licensed taxis. Avoid isolated areas after dark and stay aware near markets and riverfronts. Use repellent against mosquitoes and stay hydrated.

Tipping in San Ramón

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

In restaurants, a small tip of 5-10% is appreciated if service is good. For taxis and guides, round up the fare.

Payment methods

Cash is widely used (Bolivian bolivianos). Some restaurants and hotels accept credit/debit cards; smaller shops often prefer cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer (Nov-Mar)

Hot and humid with frequent afternoon downpours; carry rain gear and stay hydrated.

Dry season (May-Oct)

Warmer days with cooler nights; pleasant for outdoor exploration, mosquitoes still present.

Nightlife Guide

San Ramón at Night

The nightlife in San Ramon is modest but welcoming, with small bars and cafes centered in the town square. Expect live music on weekends, informal dancing, and riverside gatherings. For a livelier scene, head to nearby larger towns, or join a local festival if timing allows.

Hiking in San Ramón

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Chiquitano Forest Edge Trails

Gentle trails along the forest edge offering birdlife and easy day hikes.

Rio Beni Basin Walks

Lowland riverine trails that are suitable for half-day excursions in dry season.

Airports

How to reach San Ramón by plane.

Viru Viru International Airport (Santa Cruz de la Sierra)

Major international and domestic airport serving the region; reachable by bus or flight via regional hubs.

El Trompillo Airport (Santa Cruz de la Sierra)

Small domestic airport serving local flights; convenient for quick connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is walkable with compact streets and markets, but some outskirts require a short taxi ride. Sidewalks can be uneven during the rainy season.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Mestizo and Indigenous communities

A mix of mestizo residents and Chiquitano and other indigenous groups with rich cultural traditions.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport; local games broadly attended in town and school leagues.

Basketball

Common in schools and community centers; casual games in the evenings.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is light in town; taxis and moto-taxis are common. Bus routes connect to Santa Cruz and other provinces; road conditions can be variable, especially during the rainy season.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting San Ramón.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options exist, focusing on plantains, cassava, beans, rice, and seasonal vegetables. Ask for vegetable stews and salads; avoid heavy meat-based broths.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare options include local clinics and a regional hospital in Santa Cruz; for emergencies, major hospitals in Santa Cruz de la Sierra are accessible by road or air. Prepare basic medications and travel health insurance; vaccines may be recommended depending on season.

Discover Bolivia

Read more in our Bolivia 2025 Travel Guide.

Bolivia Travel Guide