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San Joaquín
South America · Bolivia
Did you know?
- Fiestas in nearby Magdalena can fall on consecutive days, encouraging a circuit of celebrations.
- Local-style ice cream is served at Heladería Doña Camenca on the main plaza.
- The church and main plaza form the town's central gathering place.
See also
Trinidad
Bolivia14.83°S 64.90°W · 130 m
San Ignacio de Moxos
Bolivia14.99°S 65.64°W · 170 m
Riberalta
Bolivia10.98°S 66.10°W · 214 m
Overview
San Joaquín is a small mission town in Bolivia's Beni department. The seasonal road between Trinidad and Guayaramerín makes it a possible stop on a lowland journey.
Languages: Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish
Why Go?
San Joaquín is a small mission town in Bolivia's Beni department with a population of around 5,000 people as of 2018. It offers an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience in the Bolivian lowlands. While not easily accessible due to no major roads, it sits on the seasonal road connecting Trinidad to Guayaramerín, making it a potential stop for adventurous travelers. The dry-climate town provides a quiet contrast to larger cities, with a welcoming local feel.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting In
The main access to San Joaquín is via shared taxi from Trinidad, the capital of Beni department. Taxis depart from a specific location in Trinidad (ask locally where to catch them). The journey costs Bs. 100 and takes approximately 4 hours. From San Joaquín, you can continue by shared taxi to Guayaramerín or Riberalta.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting Around
San Joaquín is a small, walkable town where most places can be reached on foot. Occasional moto-taxis may be available. Motorbikes are a popular means of transport for locals, ridden by both men and women.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
See
The main attractions in San Joaquín are the main plaza and the church, which serves as the focal point of the town. The plaza is a pleasant area to stroll and observe local life.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Do
If your visit coincides with a town fiesta, participating can be a memorable experience—fiestas in nearby towns like Magdalena often fall on consecutive days, allowing adventurous travelers to hop between celebrations. Visitors can also visit the local school, where children sometimes practice for celebrations such as Bolivia Independence Day on August 6th, with drums audible from the street. Locals, especially children, are typically happy to see visitors.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Buy
Food and basic supplies can be purchased around the main plaza, where local vendors offer everyday items.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Eat
Try an ice cream (with local flavors more like a cocktail) at Heladería Doña Camenca located in the main plaza. The staff member Fernando is known for being friendly and can share insights about the town and local life.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sleep
Accommodation options are limited. There is a hotel or alojamiento (guesthouse) located in the main plaza area.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go Next
Nearby towns worth exploring include San Ramón and Magdalena, which may be considered hidden gems. Guayaramerín and Riberalta lie to the north along the major rivers—Guayaramerín connects to Brazil, while Riberalta has a distinctive atmosphere due to its red soil and interesting surrounding Indian communities. Trinidad, the capital of Beni department, is a relaxed gateway town to most destinations in the region.
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
Local Hotel/Alojamiento
Basic accommodation in the main plaza area
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Heladería Doña Camenca
Local ice cream shop with unique local flavors (resembling cocktails) in the main plaza
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Church
Local church located in the main plaza area
Recorded price: Free
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Main Plaza
Central plaza serving as the focal point of the town, good for observing local life
Recorded price: Free
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
School Visit
Visit the local school, especially during celebrations like Independence Day on August 6th
Recorded price: Free
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Town Fiesta
Participate in local festivals if timing coincides with your visit
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Basic hotel or alojamiento exists in the main plaza. Options are very limited.
Connectivity
Mobile phone coverage and internet may be very limited or unavailable in this remote town.
Food
Food available around the main plaza. Heladería Doña Camenca offers local-style ice cream.
Money
Currency is Boliviano (Bs.). ATMs may be limited or unavailable—carry cash from Trinidad.
Safety
Small, quiet town with minimal crime risks typical of rural Bolivia.
Transport
Shared taxis from Trinidad cost Bs. 100 (4 hours). The town is walkable; occasional moto-taxis available.