Overview:

San Ignacio de Moxos is a historic city located in the Beni region of Bolivia. This small city dates back to the Spanish colonial era and was founded in 1620. It has served as an important commercial center in the region since then. Its rich colonial history is evident in the architecture with grand stone churches, narrow streets, and beautiful plazas. The city also features unique attractions such as the Lanza de los Incas ruins which are believed to have been constructed by the Pre-Columbian Tiwanaku/Inca people. San Ignacio de Moxos is a great destination for history lovers and those interested in exploring Bolivia's colonial past. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Bolivia
Prominent Features:

1. Colonial-Style Architecture: San Ignacio de Moxos is home to well-preserved colonial-style buildings, including the beautiful San Ignacio de Moxos Cathedral, which dates back to the 17th century and houses valuable works of art. 2. Street Markets: The city is also known for its lively street markets, where you can find local foods, handicrafts, and souvenirs. 3. Flora and Fauna: San Ignacio de Moxos is located in a biodiverse region, containing a variety of species of plants and animals, including some endangered species. 4. Historical Ruins: The city is surrounded with several ruins of old Jesuit churches and other buildings, such as the San Ignacio de Moxos Jesuit mission, which dates back to the 17th century. 5. Language & Music: San Ignacio de Moxos has deep roots in its native language, and local musical talents can often be seen playing traditional tunes in the streets. This national monument of Bolivia portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

San Ignacio de Moxos is a historic city located in the Bolivian department of Beni, on the Tuichi River, and it was founded by Spanish missionaries in 1695. It is the oldest Spanish city in Bolivia. The first Spanish contact in the region was in 1539, when Gonzalo Pizarro encountered the Moxos people, who roamed the northern part of the former Inca Empire. The Moxos people were nomadic hunters and fisherman and the Spanish were impressed by their knowledge and skill with canoes and navigating the Amazon river system. The Spanish missionaries established a mission in the region with the help of the Moxos people, and in 1695, the city of San Ignacio de Moxos was founded. The Spanish set up a system of missions that spread out from San Ignacio. In 1760, San Ignacio became the administrative center of the mission system in northern Bolivia. In 1883, rubber became the main export of the region, as rubber plantations began to appear. This led to a large influx of foreign workers to the region, which drastically altered the demographics of the city. At the start of the 21st century, San Ignacio de Moxos has a population of around 6,000 and several historical monuments. These include the Church of San Ignacio de Moxos, the San Ignacio Cemetery, and many colonial-era buildings. The city also serves as a gateway to the remote Amazonian rainforest of Bolivia. You must visit one of these historical places in Bolivia on your Bolivia tour

Interesting facts:

1. San Ignacio de Moxos is one of the oldest cities in Bolivia, being founded in 1684. 2. The historic city of San Ignacio de Moxos was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 due to its cultural and archaeological importance. 3. The city is home to the oldest population of indigenous people in Bolivia, with the Pre-Inca Tacano people living in the Chiquitano ethnic community called Mojos. 4. The city borders the largest protected area in Bolivia, the Noel Kempff Mercado National Park. 5. The main religion of the city is a syncretic belief system, combining elements of Catholicism and indigenous beliefs. 6. San Ignacio de Moxos is known for its artisanal wooden crafts, with the main ones being hand-carved sculptures and masks. 7. The city is home to many celebrations and festivals, some of the most important being the Festival de la Candelaria in February and the Festival de Todos Santos in November. 8. The city is well-connected to the rest of Bolivia via the Beni River, and can also be reached by air and bus. Visit one of the famous monuments of Bolivia with your friends and family.