Holiday in Santa Cruz de la Sierra

About Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Santa Cruz de la Sierra is the largest and most economically dynamic city in Bolivia and the gateway to the tropical lowlands of South America. Unlike the highland image of Bolivia, Santa Cruz is located at only 416 meters above sea level in a fertile plain on the edge of the Amazon basin — with a completely different climate, its own culture, and surprisingly modern infrastructure. The Plaza 24 de Septiembre is the heart of the old town: Surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral (built 1770-1838), colonial arcade buildings, and lively cafes, the square forms the social center of the city. In the evenings, locals and visitors gather here under the majestic Toborochi trees, while street musicians and food stalls create a vibrant atmosphere. The Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos, a UNESCO World Heritage site, lie east of the city and are among the best-preserved mission churches in South America. Six church complexes from the 17th and 18th centuries — including San Xavier, Concepcion, and San Jose de Chiquitos — combine baroque European architecture with indigenous craftsmanship. The missions are accessible within 4-6 hours of travel and offer a unique cultural experience. The Biocentro Gümbe, an ecological leisure park on the outskirts of the city, is home to over 600 species of butterflies, lagoons for swimming, and tropical gardens. The Amboro National Park, just 130 km to the west, unites three ecosystems — Amazon rainforest, Andean highlands, and Chaco dry forest — with exceptional biodiversity, including spectacled bears, jaguars, and over 800 bird species. The Camba culture — as the residents of the lowlands call themselves — is vibrant, hospitable, and deeply rooted in tropical joie de vivre. The Carnival of Santa Cruz is the second largest in South America after Rio.