Los Santos Reyes
The municipality of Los Santos Reyes officially dates back to 1706, when a mission bearing the same name was founded near the present-day site. Around this time, the Jesuit and Franciscan missionaries were evangelizing the indigenous people in the area and establishing missions to study the arts. However, the native culture of the area dates back hundreds and possibly thousands of years before the catholic missionaries arrived.
Reyes and the surrounding lands were home to the Cavineno, Maropa, Toromona, Esse Ejja and Tacana indigenous groups. Originally nomadic, these groups eventually settled as hunter-gatherer communities before adopting an agricultural subsistence. Collectively of the Tacana linguistic family, these groups also shared an oral tradition passed down through generations, eventually documented by explorers and missionaries. The arrival of missionaries led to drastic changes in the lives of the indigenous groups. They introduced new religion, art, music and diet, forever changing the cultural landscape of Reyes and its environs.
In the 1800’s, immigrants from the Middle East and Europe helped expand the local economy in the form of wood and rubber exportation. While cattle and horses were introduced by the Spaniards at the mission’s founding, it wasn’t until the rubber-boom that ranching emerged as an economic force. Reyes ranches supplied the workers’ barrack with meat and began exporting it thereafter, bringing wealth to the area especially during the Altiplano's mining-heyday in the 1940’s.
Reyes and the surrounding lands were home to the Cavineno, Maropa, Toromona, Esse Ejja and Tacana indigenous groups. Originally nomadic, these groups eventually settled as hunter-gatherer communities before adopting an agricultural subsistence. Collectively of the Tacana linguistic family, these groups also shared an oral tradition passed down through generations, eventually documented by explorers and missionaries. The arrival of missionaries led to drastic changes in the lives of the indigenous groups. They introduced new religion, art, music and diet, forever changing the cultural landscape of Reyes and its environs.
In the 1800’s, immigrants from the Middle East and Europe helped expand the local economy in the form of wood and rubber exportation. While cattle and horses were introduced by the Spaniards at the mission’s founding, it wasn’t until the rubber-boom that ranching emerged as an economic force. Reyes ranches supplied the workers’ barrack with meat and began exporting it thereafter, bringing wealth to the area especially during the Altiplano's mining-heyday in the 1940’s.
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Today, Los Santos Reyes reflects its rich cultural history. The village’s indigenous roots are preserved in the Museo Arqueologico y Etnografico, where ancient artifacts and lore are displayed. The museum allows guests to walk through the social, cultural and economic timeline of Reyes, weaving a complex story. extending to the modern era.
After visiting the museum, we recommend strolling over to the lush central park; a one-square bock promenade lined with palm trees and flowering plants. Around the park, you can find examples of early 19th century architecture and visit the town’s church. Inside the church, French-carved wooden reliefs and uniquely vaulted ceilings exemplify the foreign influences in this small Bolivian town.
From there, the cemetery of Los Santos Reyes is a tranquil place to reflect on the local charm. Horses graze among the tombstones, many vibrantly painted and all adorned with cheerful artificial flowers. Hundreds of ribbons litter the ground, giving you feeling that you may have just missed a raucous party among the graves.
Laguna Copaiba is a Reyes treasure not to be missed. Just 12km from the town center, this oasis is the perfect place to splash around on a hot day. The glassy waters are calm save perhaps for a lone canoe manned by a local cowboy. Feeling adventurous? Check out the nearby hiking trail which winds through the surrounding jungle. An onsite café is under construction and the town will soon offer overnight camping on the lake shore to those looking to spend a night under the stars.
Los Santos Reyes is a delightful destination, full of history, tradition and adventure. We invite you to share our experience and see what it means to be a proud Reyesano.
After visiting the museum, we recommend strolling over to the lush central park; a one-square bock promenade lined with palm trees and flowering plants. Around the park, you can find examples of early 19th century architecture and visit the town’s church. Inside the church, French-carved wooden reliefs and uniquely vaulted ceilings exemplify the foreign influences in this small Bolivian town.
From there, the cemetery of Los Santos Reyes is a tranquil place to reflect on the local charm. Horses graze among the tombstones, many vibrantly painted and all adorned with cheerful artificial flowers. Hundreds of ribbons litter the ground, giving you feeling that you may have just missed a raucous party among the graves.
Laguna Copaiba is a Reyes treasure not to be missed. Just 12km from the town center, this oasis is the perfect place to splash around on a hot day. The glassy waters are calm save perhaps for a lone canoe manned by a local cowboy. Feeling adventurous? Check out the nearby hiking trail which winds through the surrounding jungle. An onsite café is under construction and the town will soon offer overnight camping on the lake shore to those looking to spend a night under the stars.
Los Santos Reyes is a delightful destination, full of history, tradition and adventure. We invite you to share our experience and see what it means to be a proud Reyesano.
