Things to do & places to visit in Santa Cruz Department, Bolivia

Santa Cruz Department #3 destination in Bolivia 2023. The average rating score is 4.29 based on 6.505 traveler reviews, of 71 attractions. Timezone: America/La_Paz, current date and time: Friday, May 10, 2024, 8:15.

Top things to do (36)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Kaleidoscope Travel S.R.L. (91 reviews)
- Inspiring tour with professional guide.
Friday: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM - 6:30 PM Multi-day Tours • Cultural Tours • 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Day Trips

We took the full day Bella Vista tour with Javier. We hiked through ancient forests and up onto wonderful peaks. It was beautiful and moving to wander through so much nature. Javier is really in our opinion the perfect guide. He is friendly, warm, funny, extremely knowledgeable, and also totally cool letting you do your own thing, for us to take time as a couple to appreciate the sites. Our short trip to the office at the end was kind and professional. All reservations and WhatsApp communications were open, flexible with quick response time. The prices change per group size. We went with 3 other travelers and that made the price extremely reasonable. Thanks Javier and thanks Kaleidoscope for a very cool experience. See more..
5.0 Samaipata Tours Turismo & Artesania (70 reviews)
- Samaipata Tours
Sightseeing Tours

I’ve just had one of the most amazing days of my traveling life. Jackie was the lost loving person guiding me through the Bosque de Helechos Gigantes in Samaipata. It’s just a magical Forrest that seems from out of this world, and Jackie made sure to explain everything there was to know about these giant fern trees. Would totally recommend. Samaipata Tours made my experience feel just like a wonderful dream. Infinite thanks!! See more..
5.0 Kaa-Iya National Park (39 reviews)
- Kaa-Iya with Nick's Adventures
National Parks

I did a great tour with Nick's Adventures Bolivia in Kaa-Iya National Park. I've never seen so much wildlife in such a short amount of time. It's a hot and dry environment but it's worth spending a few days there. Lots of birds, turtles, amphibians, armadillos, foxes, monkeys, deer, several tapirs and to top it all of a jaguar! What an amazing experience, it was sitting right next to the road. We saw lots and lots of footprints of jaguars and pumas, there is so much potential for wildlife spotting in this national park, it's just amazing. It's great because not a lot of people go there and you are guaranteed to have a unique experience. And what makes the trip even better is Nick's knowledge and passion about Bolivia and it's wildlife. You can tell how much he loves what he is doing and he's great at spotting wildlife. I'll make sure to go back to Kaa-Iya, maybe next time I'm lucky enough to see a Puma. See more..
5.0 Jesuit Missions (20 reviews)
- One of the worst most beautifully restored Jesuit Mission Churches.
Religious Sites

I did a day trip here from Santa Cruz and the Jesuit Mission church is amazing !! , the history of the church is interesting and the town itself also holds a lot of attractions. It's a place that shouldn't be missed while in Bolivia See more..
5.0 Casa Cultural Melchor Pinto (18 reviews)
- Historic house of Santa Cruz greatest civic leader and art as social conciousness
Spent < 1 hour Civic Centres

Melchor Pintor a local surgeon lived and practiced here till he died in 1983. Pintor les the fight for autonomy of Santa Cruz with its emblematic “11 por ciento” which was what the Civic leaders of the Comité pro Santa Cruz demanded as royalties of the Deparment from petroleum revenues. Alongside of furniture and installations from his practice there are videos about his life from relatives. Also poignant and powerful paintings by Eji Stih satirizing recent politics and injustice. Characterful building and cafeteria too See more..
5.0 Bolivia Motorcycle Tours (14 reviews)
- Bandits, Badlands, and Salt
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Multi-day Tours • Motorcycle Tours

This was a terrific mix of adventure and culture. The KLRs were perfect for this trip and well-maintained. The route was a great mix of dirt and asphalt. It was a good mix of challenging and relaxing. I would definitely go riding with Chris again if I choose to return to Bolivia See more..
5.0 El Mirador (13 reviews)
- Prelude to paradise
Spent More than 3 hours Lookouts

The place is relatively close to town ( Santiago de Chiquitos). After a hearty home made breakfast, we were taken by our tour guide to this fantastic place. Remember to wear a light long sleeve shirt, a hat, sunglasses and take a bottle of water. See more..
5.0 Che Guevara Trail (12 reviews)
- Great History Road with Lovely Views
Hiking Trails

I really recommend this road for its beauty and history. I just got back from exploring it by bike and really think bike is a great way to see the road the village of La Higuera. From La Paz - I flew to Santa Cruz and then rented out a Trufi to get to Villa Grande (where the road starts). The trip takes about 4-5 hours by car and I recommend stopping in Semaipata for lunch and some yummy fruit that's in season. In general, the area is removed and very remote. I would bring food and water and not expect much in terms of bells and whistles and infrastructure. The area also can be surprisingly cold in the 'winter' months. I went in July and was underdressed and a bit uncomfortable. La Higuera can be nice and comfortable if you stay in the nicer guest houses - make sure you reserve in advance if possible. See more..
5.0 Bolivia Motorcycle Adventures (10 reviews)
- Adventures in Bolivia
Multi-day Tours • Motorcycle Tours

I recently returned from a solo 18 day tour and had an incredible experience. Roland was very knowledgeable about the places we visited and he was able to customize the trip and arrange tours based on my interests. He is a very friendly and approachable individual who seems to have personal connections with locals at each stop. We traveled on all kinds of roads, from congested city streets to deserted cattle paths. Even though I have been riding motorcycles for 20 years, Roland provided me with tips and tricks to help improve my skills. Bolivia Motorcycle Adventures is a well-organized company, and the safety of the riders clearly takes top priority. From the first day, Roland introduced me to locals as his friend and by the end of the trip, I had come to consider him a good friend also. This trip truly has something for everyone and I personally look forward to riding with Roland again in the future. See more..
5.0 Patio Design LifeStyle Center (8 reviews)
- Mi lugar favorito para desayunar
Friday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Shopping Malls

We present the place where you can experience a new lifestyle. Patio Design Lifestyle Center introduces a new concept to the Santa Cruz market, a meeting point where plants and water sources merge with fashion and gastronomic offer, to give you a real place to be for our Santa Cruz. See more..
5.0 Michael Blendinger Nature Tours (6 reviews)
- *** Nature Hike & El Fuerte ***
Eco Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

It was an awesome daytrip with guide Nicolas, who is absolutely recommendable! He is a calm and caring person, decent driver and informs a lot about the environment, while helping out with photos and taking security serious. The hike lead us through incredibly beautiful vegetation, a mix of dry Chaco-type of grassland, wet Amazonas-influenced forest and rocky Altiplano passages. We saw beautiful mountain shapes and colorful birds, took a swim in the river and got an exceptional chance to visit El Fuerte in the beginning of the trip, which is definitely worth a visit! The hike itself is about 14 kilometers long, not too exhausting for average fitness level, but good hiking shoes and all-weather clothing is highly recommended. Clear recommendation in Samaipata and around! See more..
4.5 Guembe (1.062 reviews)
- Nature refreshing contact
Friday: 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Gardens

GUEMBE is a must visit in Santa Cruz de la Sierra Bolivia, come and experience a natural paradise of more than 24 hectares, surrounded by exotic plants, lush forests and exotic animals typical of the region. GUEMBE is place where you will find a beautiful variety of flora and fauna, natural areas, ecological trails, lagoons, 19 swimming pools and recreational activities for all ages. GUEMBE is 15 minutes from wherever you are staying in Santa Cruz and it has the specific natural areas such as the largest enclosed butterfly area, the largest aviary in the country and second in LatAm, kayacking, waterfalls, great gastronomy, incredible service and a peace and calm that you will experience only here. The park is almos endless and there is one spot where you will be able to breathe the purest air right in the heart of lating america. Don't forget to visit the top of the aviary the view and the purity of the clean and natural air have no comparison to anything in the world. See more..
4.5 Plaza 24 de Septiembre (995 reviews)
- Center of life
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This plaza appeared to be the center of life in Santa Cruz. Old and young were gathered here on tne Saturday night i visited. It has a very laid-back atmosphere. There are several cafes and restaurants around, and lots of shopping. See more..
4.5 Catedral de Santa Cruz (972 reviews)
- worth visiting
Religious Sites

a piece of old in a town bustling with change!!.. beautiful plaza around.. must see in SC.. Walk around, breath in the atmosphere See more..
4.5 Fuerte de Samaipata (425 reviews)
- Lovely walk, breathtaking views of the mountains
Ancient Ruins

The archaeological site contains walls from ancient Inca dwellings. See more..
4.5 Iglesias de la Chiquitania (164 reviews)
- Chiquitania Churches is a world heritage site you must visit
Spent More than 3 hours History Museums • Churches & Cathedrals

The churches located across the region known as chiquitania are considered world heritage site since 1990. From the colonial period, the jesuitical missions of the chiquitania where the founders of these towns, who where populated with local nomad natives. The jesuites educated them and evangelized them, leaving art, culture and architectonic pieces of art, with wood carved churches, paintings, golden statues and baroque music. You can experiment these traveling across the region and visiting in special holidays and festivals where you can experience this living culture. See more..
4.5 Centro Ecologico Cuevas (89 reviews)
- A little Hawaii-
Waterfalls

The property at Cuevas is an ecotourist destination nestled in a valley between majestic sandstone hills. It features three waterfalls which change according to the seasons. There are two cabins which are available for rent and a large open field with space for camping. See more..
4.5 Jardin de las Delicias (68 reviews)
- Paradise undiscovered
Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Gardens

We went here with our two kids (5 and 11) in our own car aprox two and half hour drive from Santa Cruz (you need 4 wheel drive). If you don't have your own car go on a day trip with "Nicks Adventures" they will make sure you have a great and safe experience . As the other waterfalls and pools called Espejillos are a little closer and more known to the public (and often crowded during weekends), we had the place all to our self the whole day. The place is gorgeous - beautiful clear water, sandy shores, parrots and the waterfall all this sorounded by lush forests - it is a great way to spend a day. We brought our own lunch as you can't by anything there See more..
4.5 Parroquia de la Inmaculada Concepcion (53 reviews)
- Chiquitania tour
Churches & Cathedrals

This was an amazing trip from Santa Cruz, a lot of driving, about 4.5 hours from Santa Criz in rental car. Traffic was sometimes cumbersome around Santa Cruz but as we got further out it got much better, actually once near Concepcion, highway was pretty much up to ourselves. The church is beautiful and when you consider when it was built is pretty amazing feat. We stayed the night at Concepcion Hotel which was a pleasant surprise. See more..
4.5 Amboró National Park (53 reviews)
- Confort and advenuture in Amboro's North part
Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours National Parks

It is a nature Amazon reserve composed of living beings that live in harmony in this reserve called Amboro National Park See more..
4.5 Valle de Tucavaca (31 reviews)
- Enjoy walking and climbing
Spent 1-2 hours Lookouts • Valleys

If you like to walk and climb this is a perfect place, it is not too hard, but when you get de destination, the view is beautiful. See more..
4.5 Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos (30 reviews)
- Visiting Mission towns solo isn't easy!
Historic Sites • Missions

If you make it as far easy as Santa Cruz chances are you plan to make a visit of the Jesuit missionary churches. There's no question that they are stunning, however getting to them by pubic transport would try the patience of a saint & 3-4 day tours come in anywhere between €500-€1000! Churches close between 12-15 & also beware of Monday closing Don't be fooled by the distances either San Ignacio is only 200km from San Jose BUT its on a dirt road & could take 6 hours + to reach & then u have to figure onward travel times aghhhh! Getting round the circuit is probably easiest using the collective taxis known as Truffis as their departure times are more frequent than the bus All i can say is good luck … we were defeated, torrential rain stopped play!! See more..
4.5 Bodegas Landsua (19 reviews)
- Excelente lugar para visitar
Friday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

We begin the walk through the vineyards where you can enjoy the beautiful landscape and the view throughout the Valley, then continue through the tank room where the winemaking begins, giving an extensive explanation from when the grape enters until it is converted In wine, we continue to the underground cellar where you can see the oak barrels that contain the Reserva wine. We finish the tours with a tasting of 2 glasses of Landsua wine. Restaurant with different choices to lunch. See more..
4.5 La Rinconada Ecoparque & Resort (11 reviews)
- Eco resort and restaurant. Enormous complex of swimming pools.
Friday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Gardens

La Rinconada is many different things to many different people. For some it is a tropical garden full of exotic plants and spectacular cacti, for others it is a reasonably tranquil restaurant set in a beautiful landscape and for some it is a place to swim and frolic in waterfalls and lay around in the sun. See more..
4.5 Santuario Mariano de la Torre (10 reviews)
- Beautiful sanctuary and great view!
Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

We stopped here while on our way to the waterfall "Velo de la novia". The sanctuary is beautiful and has wonderful carvings! Specially the 1ton heavy door to the sanctuary is fantastic with the scene from the original sin, but with a Chirimoya instead of an apple. Take water with you, it get's hot! See more..
4.5 El Arco (9 reviews)
- Nice views and even a cave
Spent More than 3 hours Geologic Formations

This is about a 2 hour walk from Santiago de Chiquitos (uphill on the way). Unless you've done it before, I'd recommend getting a guide as thee trail can be tricky at times. Once you get to the top of the mountain, you can see for miles and there's always a nice breeze. After taking a picture at the arch, continue along the trail to a small sanctuary with cave-drawings and past that there is a pretty cool cave. There are no lights in the cave, but you can still go in with a flashlight. The last time I went there were some pretty menacing looking bats though, so we just peered in. In front of the cave, there's a romantic waterfall (not very big) that falls into a small canyon. In general, a very nice day hike. See more..
4.5 Beauty Plaza Mall (8 reviews)
- Jueves Sagrado
Shopping Malls

La mejor opción para compartir con amigas y amigos y la mejor pizza del mundo en Tomate&Co super deli! See more..
4.5 Las Cuervas (7 reviews)
- Cavernas de Miserendino
Caverns & Caves • Hiking Trails • Geologic Formations

Es una caminata de aproximadamente 7 Km desde Santiago de Chiquitos, se pasa por el bosque seco chiquitano y zonas de sabana, para llegar alas cuevas se pasa por el Arco de Piedra y las pinturas rupestres, la caverna tiene varias galerías de gran tamaño, no es muy dificultoso en ingreso, una de las galerías tiene una agujero en la parte superior que deja entrar un haz de luz, en la caverna puedes encontrar algunos insectos adaptados a la oscuridad, sapos y algunos murciélagos.

Al ingreso de la caverna hay una cascada y alrededor hay un bosque de helechos gigantes

Se tiene que ir con Guía, lleven refrigerio, linterna agua, gorra y una camisa para protegerse del sol. See more..
4.0 Ventura mall (424 reviews)
- Very upscale mall
Shopping Malls

We were amazed to find such a modern and upscale mall in Santa Cruz. Most chain stores are in the mall, the food hall is great and the kids playing area was huge. One can find a thing needed in this mall See more..
4.0 Samaipata (366 reviews)
- Outstanding bird guide for Samaipata region
Neighborhoods

We birdied with Saul Arias of Tucandero Tours in Samaipata. He is a wonderful guide and so knowledgeable about where to find the birds. He also cares about his clients and makes sure they see the birds as well. We birdied at the hummingbird refuge, Amboro NP, the road to Salina and El Refugio de Volcanes See more..