Plizio Visual Lab

Pando Brazil Nut Region

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Agriculture

Weather…

The Pando Department in the far north of Bolivia is globally renowned as the center of Brazil nut extraction. Unlike many other agricultural goods, Brazil nuts are not grown on plantations but are collected from wild-growing trees (Bertholletia excelsa) in the intact rainforest. The harvest takes place during the rainy season from December to March, when the heavy, coconut-like pods fall from the trees, which can reach heights of up to 50 meters. Thousands of collectors, known as 'castañeros,' venture deep into the jungle during this time to recover the nuts by hand. This sustainable form of forest use is the most important economic pillar of Pando and significantly helps prevent deforestation, as the trees only bear fruit in a healthy ecosystem. Bolivia is currently the world's leading exporter of shelled Brazil nuts, with much of the processing occurring in factories in Riberalta and Cobija.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	26	25	25	25	24	24	25	27	29	28	27	26
Rain mm	255	272	238	147	74	26	18	30	68	133	185	247

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Amazon forests of Pando are the world's leading source of wild-harvested Brazil nuts, vital for the indigenous economy. This region is the heart of Bolivia's Brazil nut production, supporting thousands of collectors.

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Visiting

Brazil nut trees grow in dense, pristine forests reachable only on foot or by boat. Visitors can explore gathering areas on guided tours with local communities, who share their knowledge.

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Where to view it

From wooden walkways and observation platforms near collection camps, you get a good view of the tall Brazil nut trees. A boat trip on the rivers also has sight of the canopy and the bustling activity of collectors.

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Local products

The main products are Brazil nuts in shell or shelled, and Brazil nut oil. Local markets also offer Brazil nut chocolate and artisanal soaps made from the nutritious oil.

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Active season

Harvest season for Brazil nuts runs from December to March, when the fruits fall from the trees. During this time, collectors are in the forest daily and processing plants are at full capacity.

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Nearby

Combine the visit with a trip to nearby indigenous villages to learn about traditional ways of life. The Madre de Dios River also gives opportunities for ecotourism and wildlife watching.

Geography

Coordinates

-11.00000, -67.00000

Facts

Bolivia accounts for over 50% of the global market for Brazil nuts.
A Brazil nut tree can live for 500 years or longer.
The nuts grow inside a hard pod that contains 10 to 25 individual kernels.
The pollination of the trees relies on a specific species of orchid bee.
The Brazil nut sector generates about 75% of the export earnings for the Pando Department.
The city of Cobija is the primary commercial hub for the harvest in Pando.