San Ignacio de Moxos
South America · Bolivia
Did you know?
- Laguna Isirere is also known as Isiriri qucha.
- The main square centers on a church rooted in Jesuit mission architecture.
- Church-centered events showcase traditional local costumes.
See also
Trinidad
Bolivia14.83°S 64.90°W · 130 m
Rurrenabaque
Bolivia14.47°S 67.57°W · 204 m
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San Joaquín
Bolivia13.04°S 64.67°W · 142 m
Coroico
Bolivia16.18°S 67.73°W · 1,744 m
Cochabamba
Bolivia17.38°S 66.17°W · 2,558 m
Overview
San Ignacio de Moxos offers Jesuit mission architecture and local celebrations in Bolivia's Beni Department. The quiet town is also a practical stop on journeys through the region.
Languages: Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish
Why Go
San Ignacio de Moxos is a quiet town in Bolivia's Beni Department known for its Jesuit mission heritage and traditional native costumes. It's a practical stopover on routes between Trinidad and other Beni destinations, offering a glimpse into colonial-era religious architecture and local cultural events centered around the church.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting In
The most common approach is by shared taxi (colectivo) from Trinidad or San Borja. From San Borja, the journey takes approximately 3.5 hours and costs Bs. 70. The road is a mix of gravel and dirt surfaces. You can also reach San Ignacio from Rurrenabaque via San Borja. The bus terminal is located east of the town on the Trinidad side, though it's a short walk to the main plaza.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting Around
The town is compact enough to explore on foot. For quicker movements or longer distances within the area, mototaxis (three-wheeled motorized taxis) are the standard local transport option.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
See
The main square and the historic church are the primary points of interest. The church reflects the Jesuit mission architecture that defines the town's heritage. There is another square (or park) on the way to the bus terminal that some visitors find more natural and authentic than the main plaza.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Do
Town events often center around the church and provide opportunities to see traditional native costumes. For detailed information on specific events, inquire at the Beni Department tourist office in Trinidad or ask local residents. Laguna Isirere (also known as Isiriri qucha) offers a refreshing swim in its lagoon waters near town.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to Stay
Accommodation is basic and limited. Options start from around Bs. 35 per night. The Alojamiento near the service area (where shared taxis from San Borja stop, about 3 blocks from center) offers beds in triple rooms for Bs. 50 per night. Birringa is another sleeping option listed in the area. Just ask around for available rooms.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go Next
Trinidad, the Beni Department capital, is a pleasant town with its own attractions and serves as a gateway to more places in Beni. From Trinidad, you can take multi-day boat rides via the Mamoré River up to Guayaramerín at the Brazilian border. Rurrenabaque is a laid-back town offering superb jungle experiences including tours to the Serere reserve and Madidi National Park, as well as pampas tours.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Alojamiento
Very basic, little cleanness, a bit broken. May be cold and noisy to sleep.
Recorded price: Bs. 50 a night for a bed in triple room
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Birringa
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Alternative Square
An older, more natural square or park on the way to the bus terminal, considered more authentic by some visitors
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Main Square and Church
The historic Jesuit church and main plaza, central to town life and cultural events
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Laguna Isirere
Take a dip in the refreshing waters of this lagoon near San Ignacio de Moxos.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Traditional Costume Events
Town events centered around the church offer glimpses of traditional native costumes unique to San Ignacio
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Basic budget accommodation starts around Bs. 35-50 per night. Options are limited, so just ask around upon arrival.
Culture
San Ignacio is known for traditional native costumes. Town events near the church offer glimpses of local cultural traditions.
Money
Boliviano (Bs.) is the local currency. ATMs not mentioned for San Ignacio—plan to withdraw cash in Trinidad before traveling deeper into Beni.
Transport
Shared taxis (colectivos) are the main transport option. They leave when full. Bus terminal is east of town on the Trinidad side.