In Beni, the Llanos de Moxos, the region’s rivers and cultural expressions coexist. Nature enthusiasts can focus on the savanna landscape and its wildlife; those interested in culture can explore handicrafts, festivals and regional dishes. These different focuses can help you choose how to explore Beni according to your travel interests.

The Llanos de Moxos and their wildlife

The Llanos de Moxos are South America’s third-largest and one of its most significant floodable savannas; Moxos is also designated a Ramsar site. This landscape name brings together a vast natural setting and a formal designation, helping to put Beni in context.

The Beni river dolphin and the blue-throated macaw live in Beni. In the Llanos de Moxos, the blue-throated macaw (Ara glaucogularis) and the Lucachi monkeys (Plecturocebus modestus and P. olallae) are among the endemic species; the Beni river dolphin (Inia boliviensis) is also found there. Those interested in wildlife can connect Beni’s regional character with the species specifically named in the Llanos.

Rivers and their role in Beni

The rivers of Beni include the Mamoré, Beni and Iténez; they also serve as transport routes. A trip along the Río Mamoré invites you to venture into the vast Bolivian Amazon. The Beni river dolphin, a freshwater dolphin, lives there.

When planning a trip, it is worth distinguishing between two aspects: the transport function applies to all three rivers named above, while the journey into the vast Bolivian Amazon refers specifically to the Río Mamoré. The rivers thus offer both a way to orient yourself in the region and a specific idea for a trip on the water.

Handicrafts, procession and festival name

In Beni, handicrafts are made from palm fibers and fine woods. These materials give the craftwork a distinct character: they represent different types of materials, both of which are used in the region’s handicrafts.

Forty-eight groups take part in the main procession of the Ichapekene Piesta. They wear masks depicting ancestors and animals, highlighting the importance of respect for nature. The procession thus combines depictions of ancestors and animals with an explicitly emphasized connection to nature. In Beni, the Gran Fiesta de la Santísima Trinidad is also called the Chope Fiesta.

Dishes in Beni

Culinary names are also part of the region’s identity: the dishes Majadito, Masaco and Keperí are known in Beni. This is another point of interest when choosing a trip, alongside the landscape, wildlife and festivals. Travelers who also consider regional cuisine when choosing a destination will find a specific point of reference in these names.

Other cultural perspectives in Bolivia

For a broader picture of Bolivia, Tiwanaku offers a distinctive archaeological perspective. The monumental stone structures of the ceremonial center are preserved in protected archaeological zones. The public religious area includes the semi-underground temple, the Kalasasaya Temple, and the Akapana and Pumapunku pyramids. This is a different cultural focus from the Llanos, rivers and traditions of Beni.

Discover more destinations: Marbán, José Ballivián, Moxos, Cercado, Santa Rosa, Vaca Diez, Chuquisaca, Pando.

For the main travel overview: Bolivia.