Magdalena and around

A road from Trinidad heads north to San Ramón(population 6850) and then turns east to Magdalena, a charming little town on the banks of the Río Itonama. It was founded by Jesuit missionaries in 1720, made a city in 1911 and is now the capital of the province of Iténez. Beef is the main product of the region and the river is the means of transporting cattle and other agricultural produce. Some 7 km upriver is the Laguna La Baíqui, which is popular for fishing. There is an abundance of wildlife and birds in the surrounding area. The city's main festival, Santa María Magdalena, is held on 22 July and attracts many groups and visitors from all over Beni and beyond.

East of Magdalena on the Río Blanco, Bella Vistais considered by many to be one of the prettiest spots in northeast Bolivia. Lovely white sandbanks line the Río San Martín, which is 10 minutes by canoe from the boat moorings below town. Local boatmen will take you there, returning later by arrangement. The sandbanks are also accessible by motorcycle. Check that the sand is not covered by water after heavy rain. Other activities are swimming and canoeing in the Río San Martín, and the countryside is good for cycling. There are three well-stocked shops on the plaza, but none sells mosquito repellent or coils. Bring your own as there are many mosquitoes at the beginning of the wet season (apply repellent before leaving the plane).