Border Crossing
Ensure you have all necessary exit and entry stamps if traveling between Bolivia and Brazil.
Santa Cruz Department, Bolivia
City·Quiet, Local, Remote
San Matías is a small city located in the far eastern reaches of the Santa Cruz Department in Bolivia. Home to a population of approximately 6,352 residents, it serves as an important administrative and commercial center for the surrounding rural province. The city is defined by its tropical climate and its position near the border with Brazil, making it a unique point of cultural and economic exchange. Far from the typical tourist trails, San Matías offers a genuine look at the daily rhythms of the Bolivian lowlands. Visitors will find a relaxed pace of life and a community deeply connected to the local geography and cross-border trade.
San Matías is a small city located in the far eastern reaches of the Santa Cruz Department in Bolivia. Home to a population of approximately 6,352 residents, it serves as an important administrative and commercial center for the surrounding rural province. The city is defined by its tropical climate and its position near the border with Brazil, making it a unique point of cultural and economic exchange. Far from the typical tourist trails, San Matías offers a genuine look at the daily rhythms of the Bolivian lowlands. Visitors will find a relaxed pace of life and a community deeply connected to the local geography and cross-border trade.
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Highlights
Authentic lowland Bolivian culture.
Strategic location for eastern border transit.
Tranquil, small-town atmosphere.
Gateway to the remote eastern Santa Cruz region.
Before you go: San Matías essentials
Very limited tourist-oriented infrastructure.
Primary language spoken is Spanish.
Remote location with infrequent public transport.
Cash Access
Carry enough local currency as banking facilities are limited in this remote area.
Best For
Off-the-beaten-path travelers and border-crossing transit.
Currency
BOB Bs.
Average Cost
$25-$45 p/day
Languages Spoken
Spanish
Climate Awareness
Prepare for high humidity and heat, typical of the Santa Cruz lowland region.
Best time to visit San Matías
May-September
Best Season
Spring
Warm and increasingly humid; a lush time to see the surrounding plains.
Best Season
Summer
The peak of the rainy season; travel can be slow due to weather conditions.
Best Season
Fall
Rainfall tapers off, leaving pleasant temperatures and green landscapes.
Winter
The dry season provides the most stable weather for regional exploration.
Location
San Matías, Santa Cruz Department, Bolivia
