Things To Do
in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Santa Cruz de la Sierra is the largest city in Bolivia and serves as the country's economic hub. It has a tropical climate with lush greenery and beautiful parks. The city is known for its vibrant culture, with a mix of indigenous and Spanish influences.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra offers a wide range of activities, from exploring historic sites to enjoying the local cuisine.
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Hasta luego" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your adventure at Plaza 24 de Septiembre, the heart of the city. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at a local café nearby.
Visit the beautiful metropolitan cathedral and take a stroll through the botanical garden. Don't miss the vibrant local markets for some souvenirs.
Dine at a popular restaurant showcasing Bolivian cuisine. Wrap up your day with a leisurely walk through the park.
Head to Lomas de Arena for hiking and sandboarding activities. The views of the dunes and surrounding landscapes are spectacular.
Have a picnic lunch in the scenic area before heading back to the city. Explore the nearby wildlife sanctuaries.
Return to the city for some local ice cream. Enjoy a quiet evening in one of the city's cozy cafés.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and vibrant local traditions.
- Growing economy and job opportunities.
- Pleasant climate with diverse natural surroundings.
- Access to a variety of recreational activities, including parks and outdoor adventures.
- Multicultural environment with a mix of indigenous and immigrant communities.
- High levels of traffic congestion and urban pollution.
- Limited public transportation options compared to larger cities.
- Socioeconomic disparities and issues with poverty in certain areas.
- Safety concerns in some neighborhoods, particularly at night.
- Health care facilities may not meet the standards found in more developed countries.
Best Activities in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful natural surroundings, go zip-lining, or swim in the pools at Biocentro Guembe.
Enjoy sandboarding on the dunes and take a hike in the unique landscape of Parque Lomas de Arena.
Embark on a wildlife spotting adventure, go trekking, or simply enjoy the stunning views in Amboro National Park.
Tours
Uncover the best of Santa Cruz de la Sierra with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape
Botanical garden with beautiful landscapes and wildlife, great for photography
Historic square with charming architecture, ideal for capturing the local culture and atmosphere
Food in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Santa Cruz de la Sierra Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Bolivian dish featuring breaded and fried beef or chicken cutlets served with rice, potatoes, and a fried egg. It can be found at local eateries such as Mercado Mutualista.
Must-Try!
A flavorful dish made with rice, pork, and yucca, seasoned with spices and often accompanied by aji (spicy pepper) sauce. It is commonly served in restaurants like El Aljibe.
A peanut soup that is a popular comfort food in Bolivia. It is typically available at traditional restaurants and markets like Mercado Los Pozos.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Santa Cruz de la Sierra better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the largest markets in Santa Cruz, offering a wide array of fresh produce, local snacks, and street food such as salteñas (savory pastries filled with meat, potatoes, and veggies).
A bustling square where visitors can sample various street food delights like anticuchos (grilled skewered meat) and empanadas from different vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Santa Cruz de la Sierra, it is common to greet people with a kiss on the cheek, especially among friends and family. It is a sign of warmth and friendliness, so be prepared to reciprocate this gesture.
It's important to be mindful of personal space in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. While the greeting culture may involve physical contact, it's essential to respect people's personal boundaries.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra has rich cultural traditions, and it's important to show respect for local customs and traditions. This may include participating in traditional events and being mindful of local taboos.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Santa Cruz de la Sierra with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not generally expected in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. However, in upscale restaurants or for exceptional service, a tip of 10% may be appreciated.
Cash is the most commonly used form of payment in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Credit cards are widely accepted in larger establishments, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller vendors and markets.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Santa Cruz de la Sierra is during the summer season when the weather is hot and dry. This is a great time to explore the city's parks, plazas, and outdoor attractions. Expect vibrant cultural events and festivals during this time.
Winter is the dry season in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, with cooler temperatures and clear skies. It's a good time for outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife spotting in the surrounding natural areas. However, some attractions may have reduced hours or be closed during the winter months.
During the shoulder seasons, the weather is transitional with occasional rain. It's a quieter time to visit, with fewer tourists and lower accommodation prices. This can be a good time to experience the local culture and cuisine without the crowds.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra at Night
Hiking in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A national park featuring a range of hiking trails with stunning views of the Andes mountains, located to the northwest of Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
A biological reserve offering a variety of trails through lush vegetation and wildlife, perfect for nature enthusiasts.
A popular local hiking spot that provides panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape, with a relatively easy trail.
A range of hills and mountains that offer several hiking opportunities amidst unique flora and fauna, located east of the city.
A beautiful lake surrounded by hiking trails, ideal for a relaxing day out in nature while observing local wildlife.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Santa Cruz de la Sierra through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Santa Cruz de la Sierra by plane.
The main international airport serving Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, located approximately 18 km northeast of the city center.
Located in Cochabamba, Bolivia, about 144 km west of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, this airport serves both domestic and international flights.
Situated near La Paz, approximately 380 km northwest of Santa Cruz, this is one of Bolivia’s major international airports.
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina, it is around 2,800 km south of Santa Cruz and serves international flights primarily to neighboring countries.
Located in Asunción, Paraguay, approximately 750 km southeast of Santa Cruz, it provides connections for various international destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, primarily of mixed European and Indigenous descent.
Includes various Indigenous groups, such as Guaraní, Ayoreo, and Chiquitano, with a significant cultural presence.
Includes people of Spanish, Italian, and other European ancestries, contributing to the city's cultural and economic landscape.
A smaller community contributing to the diverse cultural tapestry of the city.
Includes Chinese, Japanese, and other Asian groups, involved in commerce and trade.
Various smaller communities and immigrant populations contributing to the city's diversity.
The Soul of Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Discover the essence of Santa Cruz de la Sierra through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, with numerous local clubs and a passionate fan base.
A widely played sport among youth and adults, with many local leagues and tournaments.
Commonly played in schools and recreational areas, volleyball has a significant following in the region.
An increasingly popular activity, both for recreation and competitive sports, with several cycling events held throughout the year.
Track and field events are popular, particularly in schools and local sports associations.
Includes various disciplines such as judo, karate, and taekwondo, which are practiced widely in the city.
Swimming pools and clubs cater to both competitive swimmers and recreational swimmers in the area.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Bolivian cuisine is heavily meat-based, many restaurants in Santa Cruz now offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives, especially in urban areas.
Some eateries in Santa Cruz provide gluten-free menu items, and it's becoming increasingly common to find gluten-free options, particularly in the city center and upscale establishments.