Volunteer Orientation Pack 2018

Table of contents Practical advice ...... 3 The essentials to take before leaving ...... 3 Getting to and from Riberalta ...... 4 Health ...... 4 Tips on staying safe around town ...... 6 About Bolivia ...... 7 2 Riberalta, the gates of the Amazon ...... 8 Typical food ...... 9 Food...... 9 To move around ...... 10 Fauna ...... 10 Flora ...... 10 Climate ...... 10 Tourism in and around Riberalta ...... 11 Visiting around Riberalta ...... 11 Useful places ...... 12 To eat ...... 12 Activities ...... 13 Activities and tourist attractions ...... 14 Tourism around Riberalta ...... 15

Practical advice

The essentials to take before leaving Useful Medical Administrative . Earplugs . Anti-diarrheal medication . Two credit cards . Mosquitoes repellent (for the skin but also for . Hand sanitizer . Photocopy of passport clothes) . Blister and other Band-Aids . International vaccine . Sun protection . Painkiller book 3 . Water bottle . Disinfectant . Think about putting your . Covering and ample clothes rather dark color . Anti-itch and anti-allergy scanned documents on but not black (black attracts mosquitoes and cream your cloud or your inbox white scares animals) . Contact lenses and (photocopy of the . Hiking shoes solutions (it’s expensive in passport, certificates of . Camera and/or binoculars Bolivia) insurance, ...) . (Head)lamp . Spare set of glasses or a . International driving . Pair of flip flops prescription license . Rain jacket . Prescribed medication . Scarf (to protect your face from dust while . Health Insurance traveling) . Good sunglasses . Money belt . Sportswear . Swimsuit . Winter jacket if you’re planning to travel to the Salar de Uyuni or anywhere in the Altiplano (La Paz, Potosí, etc.) . Adaptor for your electronic plugs (In Bolivia it’s a 220v at 50Hz. The outlets are of the 2-pin variety with round prongs. Most modern electronics are now compatible with 110v or 220v)

Getting to and from Riberalta Bus: Even if the distance between Riberalta and La Paz may seem short, the condition of Bolivian roads often increases the transport time. It’s possible to come by bus -even though the trip is beautiful it takes a lot of time, so we recommend flying. If all goes well it takes about 30h by bus from La Paz to Riberalta during the dry season (April to November). However, it could easily last 10 hours more if you encounter issues on the road (which is all very common in Bolivia). This trip costs about 180 Bs (26$).

Airplane: This is still the easiest way, even though the connection between cities is not direct. The plane will probably stop at Trinidad before getting to Riberalta. For 4 a flight from La Paz it costs on average 900 Bs (130$) with Ecojet and 700 Bs (100$) with Amazonas, but with a change at Santa Cruz for the latter. From Cochabamba it costs about 750 Bs (110$) with Ecojet and with Amazonas around 700 Bs (100$).

Health Recommended Vaccinations (Those that are essential are red – please check with your GP)  Hepatitis A, or immune globulin (IG) contracted through food  Hepatitis B, if you might be exposed to blood (for example, health-care workers, medical treatment), have sexual contact with the local population or stay 6 months or more in the region.  Rabies, if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation.  Typhoid, particularly if you are working with children.  As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria and measles.  Yellow Fever vaccination. Mosquitoes Riberalta is a low risk area, but you recommend to take a preventive treatment for malaria, especially if you intend to stay long in the reserve. Even though the city hasn’t had cases of malaria for years, it is in an area at risk for malaria as well as Zika, Chikungunya and Dengue. Don’t not forget to take cover clothes and a good mosquito repellent. In the house or in our host families, almost all windows are screened, so it is not obligatory to bring a mosquito net.

Stomach issues: Whether it’s from something you eat or drink, volunteers need to be wise about hygiene and health-care here in Bolivia. The fact is, sanitation and hygiene practices here in Bolivia can differ quite a lot from the standards set in other countries and because of this, foreigners are more susceptible to sickness.

Stomach-related problems are not uncommon. The following information is provided to help you avoid potential problems:

 Food Preparation: If you are preparing your own food, be sure to thoroughly wash every item of food and the utensils you use in clean water. Avoid tap water unless it has been well-boiled. Then it is drinkable and is an affordable option for washing food and for drinking it. Do not eat food that looks or smells bad.

 Food prepared by Host Families: Eating with your host family is a great experience as it is tasty and a great way to practice your Spanish! Host families are aware that volunteers can be susceptible to sickness and prepare food and drinks in a safe manner. If you have concerns regarding your host family´s food, speak to Sustainable Bolivia staff first.

 Eating at restaurants or street food: The risks of getting a food-borne illness increases when you eat outside of your home. Expensive restaurants generally provide high-quality 5 service including good hygiene standards. Street food is very risky, but some would say the price and taste are worth the risk. Try to avoid the temptation of street food until you are well-acclimatized to Bolivian food. Much of the street food is stored unrefrigerated and may be unwashed before cooking and sauces or salsa may be mixed with tap water.

 Avoid anything that is made with (tap) water outside of home such as fruit juices, some ice-creams, ice cubes in drinks, salsas.

If you ever happen to fall sick, medicine, rest and plenty of hydration will be enough to get you back on your feet. But of course, if you are still sick after 24 hours it’s highly recommended to go to a local clinic. Symptoms of getting sick from food or drink may include, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever. Causes may be due to contracting some type of parasite, or some form of amoebic or bacterial dysentery, or giardia.

Headlice Please be careful with headlice in the daily life and especially if you are going to work with children, so please make sure your hair is tied back. In addition, lavender essential oil is a good repellent.

Handwashing It is very important for volunteers to make sure their hands are washed with soap thoroughly and frequently to keep you healthy. We suggest you use hand sanitizer frequently.

Animals Be careful with the dogs around the city, even though there are less dogs in Riberalta than in other bigger cities in Bolivia. Stay away as much as possible.

Helpful Websites World Health Organisation: www.who.int/ith MD Travel Health: www.mdtravelhealth.com UK: www.doh.gov.uk/traveladvice US: www.cdc.gov/travel Canada: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/index.html

Tips on staying safe around town Riberalta is generally a safe place for local, tourists and volunteers. But like many cities, there can be risky areas to walk around, especially at night. Some good tips to remember while living in Riberalta are:

 It is always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings when walking around the city. If something is looking unusual or dodgy it may be best to avoid. Try to always walk on main roads.

 DO NOT take unlicensed moto taxis 6  When walking around the city at night, try to be with a friend or group of friends and DO NOT walk alone.

 DO NOT carry large sums of money, credit/debit cards or highly valuable items with you when you are in a public place. NEVER take out your money to count it in front of others.

 There are some fake bank notes in circulation. Be sure to check for the ‘watermark’ symbol found on Bolivian notes.

 Some ATMs dispense cash before ejecting your card. Always make sure you pick up your card before leaving the ATM. If you do leave your card you can go back and ask the security officer, as sometimes they hold onto cards left behind.

 Do not carry anything on your back or in your back pockets.

 Drivers are very aggressive and have little respect for road rules or awareness of pedestrians. Be very careful when crossing the road.

The people in Bolivia are very friendly and helpful. As in any large metropolitan area, just make it a habit to always be aware of those in close proximity to you. Don’t let down your guard, especially on the buses and out on the streets, in crowded areas.

About Bolivia Landlocked Bolivia is the fifth-largest country in South America and is bordered by Brazil, Peru, Chile, Argentina, and Paraguay. The Plurinational State of Bolivia is home to approximately 12 million inhabitants, and half live below the poverty line. Given the vast size of the country and its small number of inhabitants, Bolivia has an incredibly low population density. Bolivia has the highest proportion of indigenous people of any country in South America, with roughly two thirds of its population descended from native inhabitants.

Terrain and Culture 7 Much of the land is inhabitable, although it boasts some of the most isolated, highest, coldest, warmest, windiest, driest and saltiest spots in the world. From the dramatic snow peaked mountains and bleak high-altitude deserts of the Andes to the lush rainforests and enormous savannas of the Amazon basin, Bolivia embraces an unbelievable range of landscapes and climates. Not only does it have an astounding array of ecological zones, but also a huge ethnic and cultural diversity; there are 37 different indigenous groups in the country, which helps create a rich culture and ethnic traditions.

Economy

Although Bolivia is immensely wealthy in natural resources, the average per capita income is only $6,750. When compared to an average of $15,000 for other Latin American countries, Bolivia is the poorest country in South America. These conditions make it nearly impossible for the people of Bolivia to adequately plan for the future and basic necessities, such as health care and education, are often out of reach. Approximately 85% of children attend primary school and only 72% continue on to secondary school.

There are many reasons for Bolivia’s continued economic stagnation. The plummet in the price of tin in the early 1980’s is often cited as a major factor in the decline of the Bolivian economy. This was followed by another economic blow in the late 1980s and early 1990s when western countries withdrew much of their aid. Lastly, perhaps the most important factor contributing to Bolivia’s economic instability was the U.S. sponsored eradication of coca. The reduction of the coca crop caused a great loss of income to the Bolivian economy, especially to the country’s poorest classes.

Bolivia’s poverty can have a deterring effect on visitors to the region. However, it is a wonderful place to visit as it is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of natural wonders and remains one of the safest places to travel in the Americas.

Meals

Although Bolivian food is not internationally renowned, it is delicious and always fresh. Bolivians use locally grown produce and, because of vast regional differences, ingredients depend on

your location. For example, in the altiplano, food is starchier, whereas in the lowlands, fish and vegetables dominate plates.

A typical breakfast consists of little more than coffee and a bread roll, which is usually followed by a midmorning snack. The most popular Bolivian snacks are salteñas, tucumanas, and empanadas. All three are puff pastries stuffed with either cheese or a mixture of meat, gravy, and vegetables. Lunch is the biggest meal of the day. Local restaurants serve almuerzos completos for about $2. An almuerzo completo consists of a soup and a main dish (meat, rice, and ‘yuca’). Dinner is lighter than lunch and can be either a meal or just bread and tea.

Vegetarianism is not very common, and there are no vegetarian restaurant in Riberalta but you can easily find vegetarian options like fish, or more international dishes. 8 Riberalta, the gates of the Amazon This city of 99,070 inhabitants is located in the north of Bolivia in the Beni Department and is the capital of the Vaca Diez Province. On the border with the Pando Department, only separated by the Beni River, it is also called the capital of the Bolivian Amazon. The city has kept its charm with gridded neighborhoods where a simple and welcoming atmosphere reigns. In addition, life is punctuated by nature, whether it is the climate or the life along a river.

Founding of Riberalta The city has had different names: Barranca Colorada, La Cruz, Ribera-Alta and finally Riberalta. Since the mid-19th century, explorers and solitary navigators have ventured there. They encountered an elevated bank at the confluence of two colossal rivers Río Beni and Río Madre de Dios, which was soon occupied by national and international businessmen and adventurers attracted by the economic potential of the abundant rubber trees in the region. After 12 years of prosperity, the city was officially named on 3 February 1894, by Manuel Vicente Ballivián.

An International city early in age Due to the specific location of the city and the expansion of the rubber market, Riberalta became an international center of activity. Several European companies opened offices, and money from the exports of rubber set off a real economic boom that attracted people from over Bolivia. Besides European entrepreneurs Riberalta received Japanese immigrants. The arrival of a variety of immigrants gave way to a cosmopolitan mix of cultures, and the acquisition of new techniques in agriculture, carpentry, etc. But the craze for rubber soon faltered with the beginning of the First World War. The exodus of populations (especially foreigners) strongly impacted the city and its economy. Through many projects the city began to regrow in the 1940s. And finally, in the 60s, Brazil nut cultivation began to present an economic alternative.

Economy The current economy of the city is still maintained thanks to the activity of the Brazil nut. Northern Bolivia is now the main producer of this delicious nut known everywhere in the world. For the residents of Riberalta, working conditions have improved with the installation of machines but this has also led to an increase in the unemployment rate in the city.

The architecture of the city The city is remarkable for these districts cut in straight lines. The city is divided into nine districts. Five are urban districts, and four are rural districts. Two of them are led by farmers and the others are indigenous. The principal

avenue is Avenida Mamoré, crossing the town from one side to the other. 9 Most of the restaurants are located around the main square.

Typical food There are many typical fruits in the Amazon. You will be able to find Copuaçu juice and ice cream, of this sweet yet citric fruit. You will also find Asaí juice, which is known worldwide for its dietary virtues. You can also find Cacao growing here, although it is not used a lot in Riberalta. It is possible to taste different dishes typical of Bolivia and of Beni in Riberalta like Masaco, Majadito or Cuñape.  Masaco is one of the most representative dishes of eastern Bolivia. Its name comes from the word "masa", since it is a mass of cassava or banana with a bit of charque (dried beef with salt).  Majadito is prepared with rice with charque, fried eggs and plantains. It is a traditional dish of La Media Luna or Oriente, dating from the time of the Spanish conquest in Bolivia.  Cuñapé or cheese bread. The wedge is a bagel made from cheese and cassava flour. It is traditional in the jungle or the eastern region of Bolivia. Food Here, it is more than easy to get food that is in the various restaurants or on the streets.

To prepare your food at home, it’s important to know, some pieces of food are more available during particular times of the day. For example, for bread it is best to go to the market in the evening, but mornings are best for vegetables.

To move around The city bustles in the day and night especially when it comes to crossing the road. Beware of the many motorcycles on the road. Apart from walking, the easiest way to get around is by moto taxi, easily spotted by the bright vests worn by the drivers. They charge a flat rate of 4 Bs for anywhere in the city. There are also car taxis you can book, inquire with SB staff for the phone numbers. There are also buses and shared taxis that go to the big cities around Riberalta.

Fauna Bolivia figures among the 15 most biodiverse countries in the world. Riberalta is located in

the Amazon so it is not difficult to meet many animal species in and around the city. Besides, 10 there is a type of bird that only exists in the city. The Masked Antpitta is endangered because of the deforestation of its habitat. This deforestation is due to the construction of new neighborhoods, livestock farming, agriculture and the opening of roads or brickmaking ponds.

Flora Many species including rubber trees, asaí palms and Brazil nut trees cover the region. In addition, the Amazon region is also known for its medicinal plants.

Climate With a tropical climate, it is unsurprisingly mainly hot and humid. In the dry season, which is also the winter, even if the temperatures do not go down very low, think to take some warm clothes because with the relative humidity the feeling of cold is quite intense.

Tourism in and around Riberalta

Visiting around Riberalta The fastest, most efficient and economical way to get around Riberalta is the moto taxi. If you like walking, the city is fairly accessible but plan on good shoes as there are very few sidewalks and if there are any, they are not really maintained.

To go further, depending on where you plan to go, there may be buses or the option to rent a car / motorcycle. If you are traveling by bus, please note that everything is more difficult and 11 takes longer in the rainy season (November to March) due to the state of the roads.

Buses The easiest way to arrange regional travel is to go directly to the bus terminal (located a 15-minutewalk from the volunteer house). Go there the day before, or two days before, to inquire about the departures of the coming days. Do not hesitate to shop around the various bus companies. The prices we were given for example for a trip for 5 people are:

 Tumichucua: 30 Bolivianos per person

 Esmeralda: 30 Bolivianos per person

 Guayaramerin: 20 Bolivianos per person

 Cachuela Esperanza: 100 bolivianos per person

Motorcycle To rent a motorcycle you have to count around 15 Bs (1,50$) the hour or 80 Bs (15$) the day (negotiable from taxistas (taxi drivers) at the corner of Nicolás Suárez and Gabriel René Moreno.) Normally to rent a motorcycle you need a Bolivian driver license or international driver license, but even Bolivian drivers generally do not have licenses.

Taxi There are also options for joining a shared taxi or hiring your own taxi. For instance, the fastest and most economical way to get to Guayamerin is by shared taxi at the bus terminal, for 35Bs per person. A private taxi would be significantly more expensive. For shorter distances, SB is used to working with two taxi agencies from the airport, do not hesitate to ask the team the taxi numbers to compare prices.

Useful places Here is a map of the city with points of interest, whether touristic or just useful. We try to update it as often as possible when we find points of interest. We are also counting on you to enrich it with your future experience in the city. The interactive version is visible here.

To eat There are so many places to eat in Riberalta, for economical prices. Here you can find some of the restaurants we tried or which were recommended. But for more places, you can also consult the interactive map. 12  El tropical: It is the most upscale restaurant in Riberalta, located near the airport. The portions are gargantuan: meat, chicken and fish accompanied by salad, rice, normally it is for two or three persons of normal size. For decoration there are taxidermied animals displayed on the walls.

 Club Social El Progreso: Here the set menu changes every day. It is a cheap and good place in the main square of Riberalta. They serve both lunch and dinner, but in the evening the dishes will be "a la carte" so they are a little more expensive.

 Horno Camba: The best of the restaurants on the plaza serving fish, chicken and Beni beef. What’s more, the sidewalk seating provides a front-row view of the nightly 'Kawasaki derby' round the plaza.

 La Petite Maison: This restaurant is run by a Frenchman and located near to the main plaza. The chief makes delicious pizza, hamburgers and chicken skewers all accompanied by fresh fruit juice or Bolivian wine. It is possible to eat on the spot or take away.

 Lucas pescado: Located very close to the house, this restaurant is best known as the best fish restaurant in Riberalta.

 Las parrillas: Located in one of the streets leading to the main square, it is a restaurant which serving tasty meat dishes richly served with green papaya, rice and manioc.

Cafes Finding an ice cream or fresh fruit juice to cool off after a hot day is easy but finding a good espresso may be challenging. Here are some good places. As for the restaurants not, all are mentioned but you will find all the addresses on the interactive map.

 Pato Roca: A cafe with many drink and dessert options: you can drink a real espresso, or a cappuccino or enjoy an ice cream while waiting for the next movie or enjoying the bustle of the main square of Riberalta.

 Asaí Manía: In one corner of the square this cafe offers delicious asaí juice. It is a typical juice with various dietary benefits.

 Salteñeria "Bowles": One block from the main square, this teahouse offers pastries as well as empanadas and savory snacks.

To go out It generally, nightlife in Riberalta are in restaurants or karaoke bars. There are also some bars and nightclubs. La Previa Pub is one of our picks on the main square.

For karaoke we have personally tested the Elixir, which has songs in English and where the reception is very warm. You can buy a drink in order to be able to sing, for about 20 Bs for a bottle of beer.

And finally, the most popular disco is Faro's, which as its name suggests is near the lighthouse. 13 The cover is 30Bs per person. The evenings there end at 3am for Friday and 4am for Saturday.

To shop There are many places to shop in the city. Near the house there is the San José market, where you can find the essentials for food (rice, cheese, oil, coffee, vegetables, eggs, ...). It is best to shop for vegetables in the morning and bread in the evenings. Located a twenty minutes' walk from the house is the Mercado Central, and thirty minutes away by foot there is also the large Mercado Abasto on the road to Guayaramerin.

Every Sunday there is a clothing market near the central market. It is a great place to find a bargain on clothes or shoes provided one has the patience to sort through the many items.

Services Riberalta has most services like the police, hospitals, clinics, dentists, ... The majority are referenced on our map. The most important places to know are:

 The Migration Office which is very close to the house.  Police, located near the main square  The main hospital located on Avenida Beni Mamoré

The interactive map will help you find your way, if you are in doubt do not hesitate to take a taxi and give them the name of the place where you want to go.

Activities For your everyday life, if you like to walk, take good hiking shoes, for a detour may take you into the jungle. Furthermore, the most popular activities here revolve around the observation of fauna and flora, so do not forget your camera and, if you have them, binoculars.

In addition, there are 2 swimming pools in Riberalta and safe places for swimming in nature, so bring your swimsuit, because after a hot day there is nothing better!

And finally, there are also many places where you can practice sports like tennis, basketball.

Activities and tourist attractions Riberalta is full of local attractions especially for those who want to venture slightly off the beaten path. Just walk around the city and open your eyes to admire the many sculptures that adorn the roads, squares, intersections and even garbage cans. We advise you to walk as much on foot or moto-taxi to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this city. In the city the major attractions are around the main square and the river. Tourist passage (paseo turistico) This pathway connects Costanera Park and the Lighthouse. You can see 14 different points of view on the river, and also to taste delicious fish in the Cabaña restaurants which line the passage and the river.

La Costanera Park Located at the riverfront, this park offers a magnificent view of the river. It's a breathtaking sight especially at sunset. Tahuamanu In the Costanera Park you can admire this boat. It was one of the first modern boats that crossed the waters of our plentiful rivers. It rendered services transporting the Pandino and Benian fighters to reinforce the lines of fire in the Acre War in 1901, as well as those who went to defend the Chaco War of 1932

The cross Located on the tourist passage, this cross marks a historic moment for the city of Riberalta. It was the place where in 1882 Plácido Méndez established the first human settlement as the first step of the foundation of Riberalta. He erected a large wooden cross, which was then replaced by the current cross.

Lighthouse Located along the Madre de Dios River, this building is more of an observation platform than a lighthouse. Nevertheless, ascending this tower allows one to have a splendid sight of the city and the river. Plaza de Armas 3 de Febrero This is the main Plaza of Riberalta, where there are the majority of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, banks and shops. In its center is a colonial-style gazebo. In the evenings one can observe the "Kawasaki derby" - a local custom to tour the plaza by motorbike and even by car. Cathedral Church of Our Lady of Carmen Riberalta’s cathedral is an elegant structure in classic Missionary architecture, built using red brick and cedar. It sits on the main square in the same spot as the old, less grandiose church.

Ethnological Museum The museum is located in the main school. Entrance is free when it is open in the morning from 8:30am to 12:30pm. It is dedicated to the culture and the history of Riberalta. The museum traces the history of Riberalta, its residents and their culture using carefully preserved objects. Beach During the dry season in August, September and October, the beaches of the river Beni, become a popular spot for families, who come to cool off and swim in the waters of the river Beni. Laguna San Vicente/ Lago Espejillo This lake is easily accessible from Riberalta. You cannot swim there, however, it is a good place for hiking, watching the fauna and flora. 15 El Prado On the road that leads to Guayaramerin, at the military base you will find El Prado. The lake, free and open to the public, is one of the places most frequented by the inhabitants of Riberalta during hot weekends Tourism around Riberalta As Riberalta is so close to the Beni and Madre de Dios rivers, there are many lakes that are ancient arms of these rivers. The proximity to the Amazon also offers many places to observe this beautiful environment and fauna and flora.

Las Piedras A ferry that crosses the River Beni, leads visitors to the Department of Pando. In this department, along the Madre de Dios River, there are the villages of Gonzalo Moreno and las Piedras. These are two colorful communities where fish and seasonal fruits are abundant. Before the community of Las Piedras, and right after the boat, you can find traces of Pre-Columbian ruins. Many archaeologists and scientists from throughout the world have traveled to this region to conduct research of the ruins. You can take a moto taxi for 10bs from the city center of Riberalta, which will lead you to Puerto Hamburgo, then a boat for 1bs and you can then walk (5min) to the path leading you to the ruins. Esmeralda Esmeralda Park is located about thirty minutes from Riberalta on the road to Guayaramerin. It is a big park offering several activities. There is a natural swimming pool, a lagoon for pedal boats, volleyball and tennis court. Directions: On the road to Guayaramerin, pass a first toll then just before the second toll turn left. Then the road is straight. The entrance fee is 30Bs pp which includes only access to the swimming pool; for all other activities it will be necessary to pay a supplement. To go by taxi: Getting there by taxi is not really a problem, it may be more difficult to return because the place is quite isolated. It is safer

to call a taxi and agree on an hour for them to pick you up; negotiate the price beforehand. From the bus terminal it is possible to ask for a taxi which should cost around 150 Bolivianos for 5 people. Tumichucua Lake Tumichucua is a natural paradise located in the Amazon rainforest. The Tumichucua community lives on the shore of this lake, which is very beautiful with tropical gardens, rustic buildings and beautiful lake views. The lake is a very nice place to swim and cool off. From the community you can also reach the Beni River where you can enjoy its natural beaches. Riberalta travel agencies can organize 16 this. It is also possible to travel alone, by motorbike or car, or by renting transport services in the bus terminal. On Sundays, you can leave 2 blocks from the house with a micro (departure at 6am, 5Bs).

Aquicuana reserve The Aquicuana Municipal Natural Reserve has two communities (San José and Warnes), the Lake San José and Pisatahua. The reserve was created at first to protect the lake and then was enlarged to protect even more of the rainforest. Finally, today it protects more than 20,000 hectares of still-wild nature. Aquicuana means in the native language tacana “big trees”. The lake itself is home to a great diversity of fish that attract different types of predatory animals, from various herons and raptors, to the caimans and sicuris, also called anacondas. The exuberant vegetation of the shores of the lake offers a great diversity of fruits such as the motacú and cacao. Also, rubber and chestnut can be found in the forests of the community. In addition, you can appreciate the presence of giant trees such as Mapajos and Bibosis With diameters of up to more than 6 meters. Finally, there is agricultural production still traditionally practiced by members of the community in the region. The communities can arrange guided tours or stays. To get there: The community of Warnes is located about 10 km from Riberalta. The easiest way to find this route is to follow Avenida Beni Mamoré until the end. Just ask the staff of SB, as we can arrange a taxi for 20 Bs.

La Yata Small town located 45 minutes from Riberalta, on the road to Guayaramerin, has the great advantage of having a bridge that crosses the Rio Yata. This Rio is one of the rare rivers where it is still possible to see pink dolphins. In addition, it is possible to taste a wide variety of meat dishes in the city. To go: As Yata is on the road to Guayaramerin, it is possible to ask at the bus terminal, if there are buses that stop there. It is also possible to hire a taxi.

Cachuela Esperanza: The historical population of Cachuela Esperanza was established by Nicolás Suárez Callaú on March 31, 1882 during the peak of the rubber industry. It is located 90 kilometers from Riberalta. The rapids of the river are really a spectacular sight, derived from the difference in level of the Beni River. In addition, the city has a magnificent church built on a huge rock. To get there: There are transports from Riberalta at a very affordable price (ask the bus terminal or tourist agencies). Villa Bella Rich in history, Villa Bella is located 30 kilometers from Cachuela Esperanza. The city has kept all its charm and furthermore, it is where the Beni and the Mamoré Rivers come together to form the Madera River. To get there: As it is close to Cachuela, if you came on your own just 17 continue on the road. Otherwise, it is possible to take a taxi from Cachuela to Villa Bella. Guayaramerin The border with Brazil is interesting for exploring and cheaper shopping, as well as to cross the Rio Madré de Dios, and enjoy excellent local dishes. The 2h trip by bus costs around 20 Bs, leaving Riberalta at 6:45, 7:30 and 8:00 in the morning; with return buses departing at 4:00 and 5:00 in the afternoon. Shared taxis are faster (1.5h) and also leave from the terminal for 35Bs. Carmen Lake El Carmen Lake is an ancient branch of the Beni River. On the shores of the lake there is a Tacana community that lives among wild cacao trees. Located 2 hours away from Riberalta by car, Lake Carmen is a place where you can fish, hike, observe the fauna and flora, canoe and meet local communities. To go: ask at the bus terminal if a trip is possible, otherwise plan to rent a car or use one of the Riberalta travel agencies. Once there, to reach the community of El Carmen, it is necessary to cross the San Luís stream. The local population has canoes for this purpose, and it is even possible to organize a tour of this beautiful stream. Berlin community The community is surrounded by large Amazonian forests crossed by a network of trails used by local families to collect forest fruit such as chestnut, majo and asaí. This feature makes the community an ideal place to observe and photograph Amazonian flora and fauna. Local guides can explain the innumerable uses of the plants.