During our stay in San José de Chiquitos in eastern Bolivia, I headed over to Roboré on a side trip. Roboré sits about 132 kilometers south of San José de Chiquitos, reached via the main RN 4. The town makes a handy base for several natural attractions in the Chiquitanía region.
The main reason for the outing was the Chorro de San Luis waterfall, one of the most accessible yet still fairly quiet spots around Roboré.
Trailhead and access road
The hike starts at a parking area about 2 kilometers above Roboré. The access road is unpaved and at times quite rough. I recommend an ATV or at least a high‑clearance vehicle.
Locals from Roboré do offer rides up to the parking area, but according to people I met, it’s a very bumpy, bone‑rattling ride.
The trail to the waterfall
From the parking area, the path drops steeply down into the valley. This section is maintained, and on the steeper parts there are steps, which were in good condition during our visit.
Once in the valley, the trail levels out and runs along a stream flowing straight from the waterfall. It’s a pleasant, straightforward route with easy navigation.
We visited in the dry season, so apart from a few short sections the trail was dry. In the rainy season it can be boggy in places and a bit more demanding.
Overall, the walk from the parking area to the falls takes around 30 minutes each way.
The waterfall and pool
The dry season had, unfortunately, left its mark on the falls. We didn’t experience Chorro de San Luis at full force, but the place still has a very calm, inviting atmosphere.
Ibo, of course, jumped straight in. The pool at the base is perfect for a cool dip—not just for dogs, but for people too. Access to the water is gradual and safe.
During my visit I ran into only three people, and all of them were swimming. I was planning to as well, but I’d left my swimsuit back at the accommodation.
Butterflies, an unexpected surprise
What caught me off guard was the sheer number of butterflies around the waterfall. There were so many that, at times, they actually made lingering by the falls a little less pleasant.
If you plan to swim or spend longer here, repellent is strongly recommended.
Practical tips
- insect repellent
- swimsuit and towel
- plenty of water (for the dog too)
- sturdy footwear
- extra caution on the trail in the rainy season
Return
We returned to the car the same way, this time with a gentle climb back up to the parking area. Despite the heat and the dry season, it’s a trip I’d happily repeat—especially if you’re traveling through eastern Bolivia and looking for a short, easy nature outing you can do with a dog.