What to Do and See in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Known as Bolivia's most populous city, Santa Cruz is also renowned for its natural parks where thousands of plant species and abundant South American wildlife flourish.
Known as Bolivia's most populous city, Santa Cruz is also renowned for its natural parks where thousands of plant species and abundant South American wildlife flourish. Blessed with a tropical climate, the city is equally appreciated for its famous Plaza 24 de Septiembre, its museums and its botanical gardens… Discover what to do and see in Santa Cruz de la Sierra !
Plaza 24 de Septiembre - The Emblem of Santa Cruz de la Sierra
During a stay in Santa Cruz, the Plaza 24 de Septiembre is an essential stop. First, because it is the emblematic heart of the historic center, renowned for its boutiques, restaurants and lively bars. Second, because the Plaza de Armas – as it was once known – pays tribute to the city's first independence movement, launched in 1810.
The Metropolitan Cathedral
The Catedral Metropolitana Basílica Menor de San Lorenzo is an imposing edifice, complete with two towers standing 40 meters high. One of them, which serves as a lookout point, offers sweeping views over the city's historic center. Inside, you'll notice a superb wooden ceiling (and can visit the cathedral's sacred art museum).
El Arenal Park
After visiting the Cathedral, why not unwind at El Arenal Park? Located just a 10-minute walk from the plaza, this green haven promises a moment of respite in the very heart of urban life…
Noel Kempff Mercado Zoo
About 15 km north of downtown (a 40-minute walk), you'll find the Zoológico Municipal de Fauna Sudamericana. Founded by Noel Kempff Mercado – a Bolivian naturalist – this zoo is dedicated to South American wildlife!
Complete with dining facilities, the park promises lovely family outings among wild animals. You'll have the chance to spot sloths and toucans, as well as the many aquatic species in the aquarium.
Noel Kempff Mercado Natural History Museum
Opened with the aim of studying Santa Cruz's ecosystems, this natural history museum showcases wonderful collections. Among them, you can observe tens of thousands of plants, insects, and fossils. Plus over 2,000 mammals, amphibians, and reptiles!
La Rinconada Botanical Garden
30 km from the historic center, discover La Rinconada, a stunning botanical garden where lush vegetation thrives. The garden is divided into several distinct areas: natural trails, Japanese carp ponds, Amazon fish aquariums, tropical forest and jungle, etc.
The grounds also feature swimming pools with natural water slides and waterfalls. In short, a place that offers multiple approaches to local nature! La Rinconada is also equipped with recreational areas for children and a restaurant (where you can taste traditional Bolivian cuisine).
Lomas de Arena Reserve
Located 45 minutes by car from Santa Cruz's center, the parque Regional Lomas de Arena spans over 140 km² and is home to exceptional fauna and flora. Among the animals, you may spot opossums, sloths, bats, or howler monkeys…
Bird enthusiasts and vegetation lovers are equally well served with over 280 bird species living in the reserve and more than 200 plants! With its lagoons and dunes resembling beaches, the reserve is a truly serene and unique place…
A tip? Due to its size, the park requires walking several kilometers. During periods of intense heat, don't venture too far from the park exit where you can find your vehicle or taxi.
Amboró National Park
About 40 km west of Santa Cruz, you'll find the Amboró National Park. Renowned for its exceptional biodiversity (caimans, armadillos, tapirs, condors, etc.), the park is also celebrated for its diverse landscapes, comprising plains, forests, palm groves and yungas – a forested belt of South America.
How many days do you need to visit Santa Cruz? If Santa Cruz is just a stopover during your stay in Bolivia, the duration will depend on your departure point. There are, for example, domestic flights from the cities of La Paz and Sucre. Direct internal flight La Paz-Santa Cruz : 1h50 (round-trip price between €160 and €200) Direct internal flight Sucre-Santa Cruz : 45 minutes (round-trip price between €120/230). Then allow 35-40 minutes travel time by car from the airport to downtown Santa Cruz. Airports involved : - Sucre (SRE - Juana Azurduy de Padilla International Airport) - Santa Cruz (VVI - Viru Viru International Airport) - La Paz (LPB - El Alto International Airport) In either case, it's advisable to plan at least 2 or 3 days on the ground |
Frequently asked questions
It is advisable to plan at least 2 to 3 days to visit Santa Cruz de la Sierra. This time allows you to discover the historic center (Plaza 24 de Septiembre, Cathedral), take an excursion to Amboró National Park, and enjoy the zoo or La Rinconada botanical garden.
The best time to visit Santa Cruz de la Sierra is the dry season, from May to October, with pleasant temperatures and little rain. Avoid the rainy season (November to April) which can make some natural parks difficult to access.
You can reach Santa Cruz by domestic flight from La Paz (1h50, approximately €160-200 round-trip) or from Sucre (45 min, approximately €120-230 round-trip). Flights arrive at Viru Viru International Airport (VVI), approximately 35-40 minutes from downtown.
The Zoológico Municipal de Fauna Sudamericana, founded by Noel Kempff Mercado, is dedicated to South American wildlife. You can observe sloths, toucans, numerous aquatic species in the aquarium, and many other animals typical of the region.
Absolutely! Located approximately 40 km west of Santa Cruz, Amboró National Park is renowned for its exceptionally rich biodiversity: caimans, armadillos, tapirs, condors… and varied landscapes comprising plains, forests, palm groves and yungas. It's a must-see excursion for nature lovers.
