The manufacturing of the traditional Amazonian trapiche is entirely artisanal, even its gears are crafted from wood. The trapiche consists of three vertical rollers made of hardwood, usually from resistant local species such as “tajibo” or “cuchi”. These rollers are mounted on a wooden frame and are operated manually using a lever or a rudimentary gear system.

To extract the juice, sugarcane stalks are fed between the rollers, which crush them as they turn, releasing the precious liquid that is collected in containers placed below.

The extracted juice is used for the production of:

– Jalea, sugarcane molasses, usually sold in small ceramic pots in the small town of Cotoca.

– Empanizao, a traditional sweet paste. These little blocks of caramel also used as a natural sweetener (unrefined cane sugar) are obtained from the evaporation, concentration and crystallization of sugar cane juice. ¨El empanizao¨ is known by other names in Latin America, such as “panela” en Centroamérica and other countries such as Colombia and Venezuela, ¨chancaca¨ in Chile, Perú and other regions of Bolivia and “piloncillo” in Mexico.

The trapiche is not just a work tool, it’s the center of a vital social and economic activity for many Amazonian communities. Sugarcane milling is often a community event, where families and neighbors gather to work together, share stories, and strengthen social bonds.

Though modern technology has arrived, the trapiche remains a cherished piece of tradition. In many small towns, you can still find these mills in action, and in Santa Cruz, “street trapiches”, small and portable versions handled by a single person, keep the tradition alive.

Have you had a taste yet? 😃

If you’ve never tried fresh sugarcane juice, you’re missing out on a natural energy drink. It will give you a shot of instant energy.

For me, this delicious fresh sugarcane juice is a sweet childhood memory. Growing up near a sugar cane refinery where my father worked, I remember the joy of tasting the fresh, sweet juice straight from the source.

You can still see working trapiches in small towns. In Santa Cruz you can even see small and transportable “street trapiches” handled by just one person. Have you tried it yet? It will certainly give you a shot of instant energy to fuel your day. 😉

While you’re exploring the culture and flavors of Bolivia, make sure to check out our Santa Cruz City Tour or Roundtrip Bolivia Tour to experience the country’s vibrant heritage and hidden treasures firsthand.

More info on things to do in Santa Cruz de la Sierra? Check out out list with 30+ things to do in Santa Cruz.