Visit Santa Cruz de la Sierra: what are the best things to do and see in the largest city of Bolivia?
Are you planning a trip to Bolivia, one of the most beautiful countries in Latin America? So Santa Cruz de la Sierra is an indispensable step! Small town from province to the 1970s, Santa Cruz has experienced dramatic growth in recent decades. Located in the eastern plains of Bolivia, Santa Cruz de la Sierra is now the largest city in the country with close to 1.7 million inhabitants . It is located in the most eastern department of Bolivia, at the foot of the mountains, at an altitude of about 400 metres, and is covered with tropical and lush vegetation.
Renowned for its dynamism and culture, Santa Cruz de la Sierra is full of activities and must-have sites, but it is also the ideal point of fall to embark on the visit of the whole country. The tropical climate and the joy of living that emerges from this city will not leave you indifferent! Are you wondering what to do in Santa Cruz de la Sierra? This is it!
1. La Plaza 24 de Septiembre
Photo credit: Flickr – Antoine 49
If you are going to visit Santa Cruz de la Sierra, passage forced by the Plaza 24 de Septiembre located in the historic centre of the city. The former Plaza de Armas was renamed Plaza 24 de septiembre in tribute to the first independence movement launched in the city in 1810.
This is the main square of Santa Cruz, where most of the most important buildings are concentrated: Metropolitan Cathedral , Hotel de Ville, shops, bars and restaurants occupying the old two-storey colonial residences and lined with galleries.
2. The Metropolitan Cathedral
Photo credit: Flickr – Pietro Ferreira
You will find different styles, due to several changes over the centuries. It is now part of the urban landscape of Santa Cruz, distinguishing itself with its two imposing towers of 40 meters built in ochre-colored bricks, one of which serves as a mirador to the tourists who can thus better appreciate the Historical Center.
Among the other most remarkable religious buildings, do not miss the churches San Andrés and San Roque if you are looking for what to do in Santa Cruz.
3. Natural History Museum Noel Kempff Mercado
Created to study the ecosystems of the Department of Santa Cruz in order to ensure its backup, you can discover in the fantastic Natural History Museum Noel Kempff Mercado , a collection of over 5,000 fossils, 50,000 plant species, 135,000 insects, 2,000 mammals and a significant amount of fish, reptiles and amphibians, thus showing visitors the incredible biodiversity of Santa Cruz and its region.
4. The Biocentre Güembé
Are you going to visit Santa Cruz de la Sierra? Don't miss the sublime Pac of leisure Biocentre Güembé ! Located west of Sanat Cruz, this small 24-hectare paradise surrounded by the tropical forest contains a wide variety of plants and animals typical of the region.
And for a total immersion in the midst of this incredible fauna and flora, know that the park offers bungalow or camping accommodations!
5. The Botanical Garden
Photo credit: Wikimedia - Dario Melgar
The Jardín Botánico Amazónico , originally created by Noel Kempff Mercado , was flooded in 1983 and replaced by the New Botanical Garden which covers an area of 186 hectares.
If you ask that to do in Santa Cruz, do not hesitate to take the 6 kilometers of trails that will make you discover many plant species of the region, through this dazzling garden.
6. The Lomas Reserve of Arena
Photo credit: Flickr – Pattrön
Located 15 kilometers from Santa Cruz, you can walk in the middle of vast sand dunes and observe several splendid varieties of birds. The reservation Lomas de Arena Also copies many beautiful lagoons in which you refresh!
7. El Arenal Park
Photo credit: Flickr – Antoine 49
If you are looking for a bit of calm and serenity to visit Santa Cruz, head close to Plaza 24 de Septiembre, Parque El Arenal . This place of relaxation very appreciated by the inhabitants of the city hides a pleasant natural pond and a large fresco made by Lorgio Vaca.
8. La Rinconada
Photo credit: Flickr – Linda Castañeda
Small hidden paradise 7 kilometers south of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, la Rinconada is a very beautiful leisure park, perfect to relax in the middle of beautiful tropical gardens.
You will discover an artificial lake, populated by different colorful fishes and aquatic plants, including the impressive Victoria Regia, the world’s largest nenuphar from the Amazon.
9. Amboró National Park
A true ecological masterpiece of more than half a million hectares, you must go through the Amboro National Park if you visit Santa Cruz de la Sierra and ask yourself what to do. Located at the confluence of 3 different ecosystems – the Amazon Basin, the Northern Chaco and the Andes – this park is unique both by its geographic location and its rich biodiversity.
It houses more than 800 types of birds and more than 120 species of mammals!
10. South American Wildlife Zoological Park Noel Kempff Mercado
Photo credit: Flickr – Manuel Menal
If you still ask that to do in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, do not miss the South American Wildlife Zoological Park ! Founded by Noel Kempff Mercado, it is now one of the main attractions of the city. You can discover many endangered South American species, but also the Zoo Aquarium with its 60 fish species.
How to get to Santa Cruz de la Sierra?
You will arrive by the air, at the International Viru Viru Airport , located less than 18 km from downtown. From Paris, you must have a minimum of 15 hours, as you will need to make a stopover or even several.
The journey time will therefore vary according to the selected airline, the transit time between the two aircraft and the location of the port of call. You will have to pay attention to the code of Viru Viru International Airport (VVI), not to be confused with the city’s domestic airport known as “El Trompillo” (SRZ) or other cities named Santa Cruz as that of Tenerife in the Canary Islands.
You will find a cheap flight on our partner's website Ulysses . When you arrive in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, microbuses or taxis will lead you to the city centre in about 30 minutes.
Once on site, you can also rent a car at Santa Cruz airport to reach the city and be more autonomous during your stay!
Where to stay in Santa Cruz de la Sierra?
If you choose to visit Santa Cruz de la Sierra, it is essential to choose where to stay. You can read our article about neighbourhoods where to stay in Santa Cruz de la Sierra : you will find the best tips to find out where to sleep and choose your accommodation. You can also find a cheap hotel in Santa Cruz de la Sierra by searching for this Compare hotels or opt for one Airbnb more typical.
Don't delay, and go and discover this incredible city! Are you still wondering what to do in Santa Cruz de la Sierra?
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