Santa Ana del Yacuma

Santa Ana del Yacuma was founded as a Moxos Jesuit mission in the early 18th century. The village plaza still retains its historical feel and the annual festival, which begins at the end of June and runs right up to the patron saint day on July 26^th, displays dozens of traditional rituals and activities. These include the dance of los macheteros, with participants wearing feather impressive headdresses, and the biggest jocheo de toros in the Beni region, with bull fighting and other activities.

Santa Ana del Yacuma is situated near where the Río Yacuma, and the Río Maniqui, meet the mighty Río Mamoré. There are large sandy beaches at the Puerto Mamoré – 24 de Agosto, where you can fish, swim and buy artesania from the small community there. You can also swim and fish at other ports and lagoons close to the village. It’s also possible to visit the small village of Exaltación, which was the most northern Jesuit reducción and which today is known for its tobacco production. The pampas to the west of the village, along the Río Yacuma, are filled with wildlife.

The village has a bank, hospital, telephone shops and a small airport. There are plenty of hotels to choose from in the centre and a good few restaurants. For the best fish, head to Puerto Junín or Puerto San Lorenzo. Santa Ana del Yacuma is prone to flooding in the wet season and is not accessible by road during this time. There are daily airtaxis throughout the year, and regular camiones in the dry season.

From Trindad, trucks leave from the monument of Cipriano Barace – the journey can take anywhere between five and 10 hours, depending on the route and state of the road. It’s situated about 150 kilometres northwest of Trinidad. There are also cargo boats heading to Trinidad and Guayarmerín.

Santa Ana del Yacuma receives very little tourism, and you’ll be truly getting off the beaten track if you venture here.

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Other places nearby Santa Ana del Yacuma : Chiquitos, Parque Nacional Madidi, San Borja, The Southwest, Salt Flats and Wine Regions, Magdalena, Guayaramerín, Parque Nacional Noel Kempff Mercado, San Ignacio de Moxos, Cobija and Riberalta.