Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Written by Sandra Frank, Jose Quispe
22/08/2025
Vista Aérea de Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia
EEJCC, Wikimedia Commons

Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia's largest city, provides a tropical lowland experience distinct from the country's Andean highlands. It acts as a bustling economic center and a prime starting point for exploring biodiverse national parks and cultural sites, making it ideal for those seeking a mix of urban life and nature.

The heart of social activity remains Plaza 24 de Septiembre, where locals and visitors gather to observe daily life, enjoy street vendors, and relax. Additionally, the Barrio Equipetrol district has emerged as a modern hub with upscale restaurants and bars catering to a dynamic crowd. For backpackers, several hostels offer communal spaces and organized activities, fostering opportunities to connect with other travelers.

Top 6 Things to do in Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Activities encompass a blend of cultural exploration in the city's historical heart, immersive wildlife encounters in biodiverse parks, and adventurous excursions to unique natural landscapes and ancient ruins.

1. Plaza 24 de Septiembre and Cathedral

The Plaza 24 de Septiembre is the central hub of Santa Cruz, a lively green space surrounded by colonial architecture. Visitors can observe daily life, enjoy street vendors, and relax on shaded benches. The impressive Catedral Metropolitana Basílica Menor de San Lorenzo, facing the plaza, is free to enter and features an intricate wooden ceiling. Climbing the bell tower offers panoramic views of the city, providing a different perspective of the urban landscape.

Cost: Entrance to the Cathedral is free. Climbing the bell tower typically costs around 3 BOB (less than $1 USD).

Transport: Located in the city center, this activity is easily accessible by walking from most central accommodations. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Yango are readily available and affordable within the city, with rides typically costing 10-20 BOB ($1.50-$3 USD).

2. Biocentro Güembé

Biocentro Güembé is a sprawling nature park and resort covering over 24 hectares, offering a tranquil escape with lush forests, exotic plants, and diverse wildlife. It is particularly renowned for its large butterfly dome and features various lagoons for activities like kayaking and swimming. It provides an opportunity to see endemic animals in a natural setting. Spending an afternoon here is a popular choice for relaxation and nature immersion.

Cost: Entry fees vary, but expect to pay around 100-150 BOB ($14-22 USD) for a day pass. Tour packages that include transport and sometimes meals are also available, starting from approximately $35 USD for a private city tour that might include this and other sites.

Transport: Biocentro Güembé is located outside the city center. A taxi or ride-sharing service from the center could cost around 30-50 BOB ($4.50-$7.50 USD) each way. Some tours offer hotel pickup and drop-off.

3. Lomas de Arena Regional Park

This protected area, just 12 km southeast of Santa Cruz, is a unique natural wonder featuring massive sand dunes, some reaching up to 12 meters high, that appear strikingly out of place amidst the humid tropical region. It's an ideal spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers to enjoy hiking, observe wildlife like sloths, monkeys, and diverse bird species, and experience sandboarding down the dunes. Refreshing lagoons are also present, offering a chance to cool off.

Cost: The entrance fee is around 20 BOB ($3 USD) for adults. A half-day tour, often including transport, sandboarding equipment, and a guide, can range from $45 to $100+ USD, depending on the operator and group size. Self-serving is possible but requires careful planning for transport.

Transport: Located about 17 km from the city, reaching Lomas de Arena is best done by a 4x4 vehicle or as part of a tour, especially after rain when roads can be muddy. Public transportation drops off in a nearby town, requiring a further, potentially difficult, journey. A private taxi or ride-sharing service could be around 50-80 BOB ($7.50-$12 USD) each way, but finding a return ride might be challenging. Joining a tour is often recommended for ease of access.

4. Amboro National Park

Amboro National Park is a vast protected area at the 'Elbow of the Andes,' where the mountain range changes direction, creating incredibly diverse ecosystems from cloud forests to rainforests. It is celebrated for its abundant wildlife, including a high number of bird species, monkeys, and a chance to spot larger mammals like jaguars. Activities include trekking through the jungle to discover waterfalls, natural pools, and giant ferns. Both day trips and overnight adventures are available, allowing for deeper immersion and nocturnal wildlife spotting.

Cost: Day tours typically start around $100-150 USD per person for a group of 3 (including transport, guide, meals, and park fees, but not bilingual guide). Overnight tours, which are more immersive, can range from $120 to $470+ USD per person, depending on the duration (e.g., 2 days/1 night) and level of service (private vs. group, type of accommodation). The park entrance fee itself is around 100 BOB ($14.50 USD).

Transport: Amboro National Park is a 2.5-hour drive from Santa Cruz. Access is typically via organized tours that include private 4x4 transport from Santa Cruz, often starting from the town of Buena Vista near the park. Public transport to Buena Vista is possible, but then a 4x4 is needed to enter the park, making a tour the most convenient option.

5. Jardín Botánico Municipal (Botanical Garden)

Offering a peaceful respite from the city, Santa Cruz's Municipal Botanical Garden spans over 200 hectares, featuring diverse botanical collections including palm and cactus greenhouses, and a tropical section. Visitors can walk along woodland trails, explore a lake, and climb a wooden viewing platform for views across the tree canopy. The gardens are also home to various wildlife, such as tortoises, sloths, and birds, making it a pleasant spot for nature observation and relaxation.

Cost: The entry fee for foreign tourists is 30 BOB ($4.50 USD). Guided visits are available for an additional 50 BOB ($7.50 USD) per group.

Transport: Located about 12 km east of the city center, the Botanical Garden can be reached by green minibuses marked 'Cotoca' or '131' from the corner of Suárez Arana and Barrón, costing around 2.50 BOB (less than $1 USD) and taking about 25 minutes. Taxis or ride-sharing services cost around 30 BOB ($4.50 USD) and take approximately 30 minutes.

6. El Fuerte de Samaipata

El Fuerte de Samaipata is a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing a remarkable pre-Incan archaeological complex. Dominated by an enormous carved rock, believed to be a ceremonial center, it attests to the advanced architectural and artistic skills of ancient civilizations. The site is divided into the ceremonial hill and a residential area. A visit here offers a deep dive into Bolivia's ancient history and provides a unique cultural experience in a picturesque setting.

Cost: Full-day tours from Santa Cruz, which typically include transport, guide, and entry fees, range from approximately $199 to $280+ USD, often varying by group size. A private guide at the site itself can also be arranged.

Transport: Samaipata is located about 120 km southwest of Santa Cruz, a drive of approximately 3-4 hours on winding roads. The town of Samaipata, near the ruins, can be reached by shared taxis (trufis) or buses from Santa Cruz. From the town, local taxis or motorbikes can take visitors to the fort, which is also walkable (around a 16 km round-trip hike). Most visitors opt for an organized tour from Santa Cruz for convenience.

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