Santa Cruz Bolivia Unleashed: 15 Powerful Things to Do

Are you ready to be amazed at finding a metropolis with a tropical climate after trekking around the high-altitude, chilly Bolivian countryside? Welcome to the country’s richest city: Santa Cruz Bolivia!

It is located at an elevation of just 1,365 feet (416 meters) above sea level in the east-central part of Bolivia, which explains its warm and humid weather. 

One of the country’s largest cities alongside El Alto and La Paz, Santa Cruz is also the most populous (3.32 million) and the wealthiest, with over 70 percent of its population living above the poverty line. The growth of the agricultural and mining sectors has helped the city grow dramatically in the past couple of decades.

Santa Cruz perfectly blends traditional values and a modern lifestyle in Bolivia. From colonial architecture to upscale restaurants to beautiful landscapes, the city has an ideal vacation package waiting for you. 

For adventurers, the city is full of gardens and national parks with abundant, diverse wildlife. UNESCO-recognized historic and natural landmarks, as well as impressive architecture, will keep sightseers enthralled. Exciting outdoor activities like skydiving and sandboarding await the adventurer. Museums, art, and crafts abound; delectable food is the cherries on top of the cake. 

This article will show you everything you need to make your Santa Cruz trip memorable.

Best Things To Do in Santa Cruz, Bolivia – Sights 

1. Parque Urbano 

Parque Urbano is the best place to watch some of the local life of Santa Cruz. On weekends, the park gets filled with huge crowds. Due to its large area, many musical concerts also take place here from time to time. We highly recommend visiting before 7:30 p.m. when a dancing musical fountain is featured every night.

2. Santa Cruz Cathedral 

Santa Cruz Cathedral is one of the main highlights of the city. The panoramic view from the top of the cathedral is a sight to behold. The architectural design dates back to the 17^th century. You can also experience the Museo de Arte Sacro, located inside the cathedral. The cost to enter is less than half a dollar. The visiting hours are between 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

3. Jardin Botanico 

If you love watching wildlife, there is no better place than Jardin Botanico. The area around 0.71 square miles (1.86 square kilometers) has plenty of sloths to spot. Other wildlife includes monkeys, ring-tailed coatis, and armadillos. 

4. Biocentro Guembe Eco Park 

Bio Centro Park is located right in the city’s center. The park has 15 swimming pools, amazing walkways, an orchid house, and an aviary. Monkeys roam freely whereas the tortoises have a special house to live in. 

5. Parque Lomas de Arena

Parque Lomas de Arena is for adrenaline seekers. This natural desert is only 11 miles (17 kilometers) from Santa Cruz. The dunes in the park are over 40 ft (12 m) in height, providing opportunities for amazing activities, including sandboarding. 

6. Garden of Delights Waterfall

Jardin de las Delicias, translated as the Garden of Delights, is near the Amboro National Park. The falls are situated deep into the jungle near sandstone cliffs. The best part about this place is that you can swim and watch beautiful toucans, falcons, and parrots flying in the area. Make sure not to plan a trip to this place in the rainy season. 

Best Things To Do in Santa Cruz, Bolivia – Activities 

7. Amboro National Park Tour

Amboro is another wonderful place to enjoy wildlife. The national park has three ecosystems: The Amazon, the Andes, and northern Chaco. You must drive to the park, about 40 minutes from the main city. Plan a tour to experience stunning nature walks, beautiful waterfalls, and over 812 bird species. 

8. Skydiving

Bolivia has few skydiving activities, but you can find one in Santa Cruz. To get this experience, contact Skydive Bolivia, which offers an amazing service with proper training. You can also do a solo jump, but the club would ask for your license for allowance. The drop zone is outside the city, but you can ask the service providers for transport to reach the location.

9. Free Walking Tour

A free walking tour is the best way to experience the city’s beauty while learning about its history. The city has limited tour operators, but the prices are affordable. We highly recommend the History of Santa Cruz Tour, which covers most of the locations in the city, including Melchor Pinto House, Chacho Museum, and Independence Museum. 

10. Samaipata Day Trip 

Just a few hours’ drive from Santa Cruz, you can find the Switzerland of Bolivia known as Samaipata. The town has some of the most beautiful streets in Bolivia, but that is not the only main highlight. The surrounding waterfalls, including the Cuevas Waterfall and the Esmeralda Waterfall, and visiting El Fuerte will keep you busy all day. 

11. Explore the Local Markets

The local markets in the city are always bustling. The main reason for so many people visiting here is the pricing of the items. You can get incredible deals on your favorite products if you are good at bargaining. We highly recommend Los Pozos Market, located near El Arenal Park. Some other great markets include Barrio Lindo Market and Mercado Nuevo Market. 

Best Things To Do in Santa Cruz, Bolivia – Food 

12. Try Queso Humacha

Queso Humacha is a great dish if you love dairy. It is a thick, creamy soup with green beans, corn, milk, potatoes, cheese, and wacatya sauce. Although the dish originated in La Paz, it can be found in many parts of Bolivia, including Santa Cruz. 

13. The Delicious Cunape

Cunape is quite popular in Santa Cruz and other northeastern parts of Bolivia. It is made with salt, egg, white cheese, and milk. The dough is made with yam flour and shaped into bread balls. You can find these at any street vendor in the city. 

14. Yuca Frita 

On your visit to Santa Cruz, don’t forget to try Yuca Frita at Riquisimo Grill restaurant in Santa Cruz. Yuca Frita is a Bolivian variant of fries made with a vegetable called Yuca. The vegetable is cut into long, thin slices and then deep-fried. It is a common snack served with burgers, grilled meats, and barbeque. 

15. Zonzo 

Zonzo is a famous street food in Santa Cruz. It is similar to a pancake but is prepared with yuca and cheese. The combination of yuca and cheese is fried, grilled, or baked using a stick before serving. 

How To Get To Santa Cruz Bolivia

To get to Santa Cruz from other countries, you can get direct flights to the international airport within the city. You can also get a bus service from one of the five neighboring countries: Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Paraguay, and Chile. Here are some details on the two modes of transportation 

By Airplane

If traveling from the U.S., you can take a 7-hour flight from Miami using Copa or AVIANCA Airlines. However, tourists traveling from other parts of the world would have to use connecting flights. You’ll first land in one of the cities in the neighboring countries and then take a bus or another flight to reach Santa Cruz. 

By Bus 

All five neighboring countries offer routes to enter Bolivia; however, some are better than others. Here are the main entrance points you can use to cross the border from each country.

• Peru: Peru’s best route to Bolivia is through Puno on the western side of Titicaca Lake. 
• Brazil: The main entry point from Brazil is Quijarro, located quite close to Corumba city. You can travel by train, which takes 13 to 18 hours to reach Bolivia.
• Chile: Chile has the most scenic routes to Bolivia. You can get from Arica to La Paz through the Tambo Quemado border crossing.
• Argentina: You can cross the border from Pocitos to Yacuiba in Argentina. From there, you can travel by train to Santa Cruz. 
• Paraguay: A bus will take you directly from Asuncion to Santa Cruz in about 24 hours. We have taken that bus, and while it was a grueling trip, it saved us $100s of dollars in flights.

Getting Around in Santa Cruz

Getting around Santa Cruz is easier than ever with a trufi or taxi. You can also book an Uber to move from one place to another. However, for a more budget-friendly option, we highly recommend travel by a public bus service. 

Where To Stay in Santa Cruz Bolivia 

The best place to stay in Santa Cruz is its main square. Due to its location, hotels in this area attract many tourists. However, if you want to stay in a fancier place, Barrio Equipetrol would be our top recommendation. Here are the three top hotels in Santa Cruz.

• Hostal 360 Grados (Budget): The hotel is located on Los Pozos Street, inside a famous market for fruits and vegetables. Here, you will find a terrace to enjoy the amazing view of the city. The area is only 9.32 mi (15 km) from the Viru Viru International Airport and is a good choice for travelers with tight budgets.

• Chairu Eco Hotel (Mid-range): Chairu Eco Hotel is a 4-star accommodation with a terrace, bar, and restaurant. Every room has a private wardrobe space and a flat-screen TV for entertainment. A continental breakfast or buffet is offered to every customer. 

• Departamentos en Edificio Acrebol Santa Cruz (Luxury): The hotel offers a luxurious experience with free parking and WIFI. You can also access the swimming pool located within the hotel. Moreover, the hotel is close to Biocentro Guembe and Metropolitan Cathedral. You can get here from Viru Viru International Airport, only a 7.45-mile (12 km) drive.

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

Tips To Stay Safe During Your Santa Cruz Bolivia Visit 

Santa Cruz is a dream destination. To get the best out of your visit to this place, we highly recommend the top seven tips from experts. 

• Santa Cruz can be dangerous for female travelers traveling alone at night, so avoid walking alone on the streets after dark.
• Keep your belongings close in the markets, as pickpockets are highly active in these areas.
• Use Uber or taxis to travel for more safety. 
• Only pack light summer clothes and some trekking equipment.
• Make sure to bring good sunscreen. 
• There are a lot of parks in the area, so make sure to bring bug repellent. 
• Only carry as much cash as you need when leaving the hotel.
• Consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) – Santa Cruz Bolivia

What Is Santa Cruz Bolivia Known For?

Santa Cruz is the economic capital of the country. It is famous for producing goods such as soybean oil, refined sugar, alcohol, and leather. For tourists, it is a perfect place to enjoy local traditions with a mix of modern culture. The city has stunning parks, museums, wildlife, colorful streets, and never-ending activities. 

Is Santa Cruz, Bolivia, Safe?

Petty crimes in Santa Cruz are higher than in any other city in the country. However, it is still very safe for tourists as no major crimes are commonly seen in the area. The safety index is 34.98 percent, meaning the crime rate is around 65.02 percent. You won’t be in trouble if you stay low and take basic precautionary measures. 

What Is the Richest City in Bolivia?

The richest city in Bolivia is Santa Cruz, de La Sierra. It is considered the industrial center of Bolivia due to its high per capita income and growth rate. Most of the city’s income depends on petroleum and agricultural production.

What Is the Weather Like in Santa Cruz, Bolivia?

Most of the year, the temperature remains between 60° and 87° Fahrenheit (15.5 to 30.5° Celsius). Summer starts in September and lasts until March. On the other hand, winter lasts only two and a half months, from May to July. The best time to visit is between May and September when the climate is dry and there is a low chance of rainfall. 

Conclusion – Santa Cruz Bolivia

To visit Santa Cruz, with its modern, cosmopolitan atmosphere, is to experience a different side of Bolivia. Yet, the city still retains its innate charm and unique culture with its people-filled parks, wonderful architecture, numerous museums, bustling markets, and delicious cuisine. 

Santa Cruz may not be on top of the list of common Bolivian destinations for most tourists, who may be more interested in the Uyuni Salt Flats or Lake Titicaca. Still, the city and its attractions will surely surprise and delight first-time travelers. 

As you plan your South American itinerary, consider visiting Santa Cruz, Bolivia. With this overview of Santa Cruz, we hope you will find your way to this amazing city during your travels through the countries of South America. Be safe and have fun!

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