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Serranía de San Simón

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Mountain
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Serranía de San Simón (Bolivia)

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The Serranía de San Simón is an isolated mountain range in the Beni Department of northeastern Bolivia, rising prominently above the surrounding Amazonian lowlands. Geologically, it belongs to the Precambrian shield, making it one of the oldest geological formations in the region. The Serranía is known for its rich mineral deposits, particularly manganese and gold, which led to significant mining activities in the past. Despite this industrial history, the area preserves vast tracts of pristine tropical forests and savannas that exhibit high biodiversity. The region is hydrographically important as it feeds numerous tributaries to the Rio Iténez, one of the main rivers of the Bolivian Amazon. Historically, the Serranía was a remote location that became more accessible in the 20th century due to mining. Scientifically, it is of great interest to geologists for understanding the structure of the Guaporé Shield. The combination of geological age, mineral wealth, and ecological diversity makes the Serranía de San Simón a unique component of the Bolivian landscape.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262525252424262829292726
Rain mm2202422021015816142149115161229

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Getting to this highly remote Amazonian range often involves a complex combination of domestic flights, long riverboat journeys, and extremely rugged overland 4x4 transport.
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Best season
Travel is virtually restricted to the pronounced dry season, as torrential seasonal rains transform the dense forest basin into a flooded, impenetrable landscape of mud.
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Terrain & paths
Visitors face dense, humid tropical forest intertwined with hilly terrain and overgrown remnants of historic gold mining trails, making navigation exceptionally demanding.
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What to bring
Heavy-duty jungle boots, full-coverage breathable clothing, potent malaria prophylaxis, high-DEET insect repellent, and satellite communication devices are utterly mandatory.
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Parking
Standard parking does not apply here; vehicles or boats are usually left in the care of trusted local village operators or small outposts serving as the final base camp.
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Safety
This is a frontier environment with significant risks ranging from severe tropical diseases to getting lost; joining a professionally organized expedition is the only safe approach.
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Time needed
Given the extreme logistical challenges, expeditions to this remote Amazonian range typically require a commitment of at least one to two weeks, including the lengthy transit times.

Geography

Coordinates
-14.10000, -62.20000

Facts

  • The Serranía belongs to the Guaporé Shield (part of the Central Brazilian Shield).
  • It is known for significant manganese deposits in the San Simón region.
  • The range rises to approximately 500 to 600 meters above sea level.
  • The nearby Iténez River forms the border between Bolivia and Brazil.
  • Vegetation includes both tropical rainforest and Cerrado savanna.
  • Mining concessions have shaped the local economy since the 1970s.

Explore nearby

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San Javier Jesuit MissionSan Javier Jesuit Mission120 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What can be found in this mountain range?
A remote area in the Beni Department with rich flora and fauna.
Is there mining in the region?
Yes, the area is historically known for gold finds, which can affect access.
How is the infrastructure?
Almost non-existent; travelers must be completely self-reliant.
When is the best time to travel?
The dry season (May to September) to avoid the muddy tracks.
Is a guide needed?
Highly recommended due to remoteness and lack of mapping.
Serranía de San Simón: where is it located?
Serranía de San Simón is located in Bolivia.
Serranía de San Simón: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Serranía de San Simón: why is it worth visiting?
The Serranía de San Simón is an isolated mountain range in the Beni Department of northeastern Bolivia, rising prominently above the surrounding Amazonian lowlands.
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Nature

Mamoré River — Serranía de San Simón (Bolivia)
Mamoré River
The Mamoré River is a large river in the Bolivian Amazon basin and one of the main tributaries of the Madeira River.
Iténez River — Serranía de San Simón (Bolivia)
Iténez River
The Iténez River, called Guaporé in Brazil, forms the natural border between Bolivia and Brazil over long distances.
Beni River — Serranía de San Simón (Bolivia)
Beni River
The Beni River rises in the Andes and flows through the Madidi National Park before joining the Mamoré.

More places

Llanos de Moxos — Serranía de San Simón (Bolivia)
Llanos de Moxos
Extensive tropical savannah and wetland region in the northern Bolivian Amazon basin.
Beni Biological Station — Serranía de San Simón (Bolivia)
Beni Biological Station
A UNESCO biosphere reserve with tropical savannas, home to rare river dolphins and diverse waterfowl.
Pilón Lajas Biosphere Reserve — Serranía de San Simón (Bolivia)
Pilón Lajas Biosphere Reserve
A transition zone between the Andes and the Amazon, protecting spectacled bears and spider monkeys in its dense cloud forests.