Things To Do
in Warnes
Warnes is a growing agricultural city in Bolivia’s Santa Cruz Department, situated on the fertile eastern plains. It blends rural charm with modern amenities and serves as a gateway to the regional farms and markets. The economy revolves around fruit farming, soy, and sugarcane, which influence local culture and cuisine.
Visitors can enjoy welcoming neighborhoods, vibrant markets, and nearby natural areas under a warm subtropical climate.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café, enjoying traditional Bolivian dishes like salteñas. After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Warnes, admiring the colonial architecture and vibrant murals. Stop by the local market to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and sample fresh fruits and local snacks.
Visit the Plaza 10 de Noviembre, where you can learn about the history of Warnes through its monuments and statues. Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant, trying traditional Bolivian dishes like pique a lo macho. Afterward, explore the nearby historic churches, including the Church of San Juan Bautista, appreciating their intricate designs and rich history.
As the sun sets, head to a local eatery to savor a delicious dinner featuring regional specialties. After your meal, take a relaxing walk through the town, enjoying the cool evening air and the vibrant nightlife. Cap off your day with a visit to a local bar, where you can sample Bolivian craft beers and mingle with locals.
Start your morning by visiting the bustling local market of Warnes, where vendors sell everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Engage with the friendly locals and practice your Spanish while discovering unique Bolivian products. Don’t forget to grab a breakfast snack from one of the food stalls, such as empanadas or tamales.
After exploring the market, head over to a nearby artisan workshop to witness traditional crafts being made, including textiles and pottery. Participate in a hands-on workshop where you can create your own piece to take home as a souvenir. For lunch, enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and dishes.
As the day winds down, visit a cultural center for a traditional dance performance showcasing Bolivian folklore. Enjoy the vibrant music and captivating costumes that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region. After the show, enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant, reminiscing about the day’s experiences.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $20-40 |
| 🚖Short taxi ride | $2-5 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $1-2 |
| 🥗Three-course meal for two | $20-35 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly locals and a welcoming atmosphere
- Strong agricultural heritage with fresh markets and produce
- Compact city center that is easy to explore on foot
- Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure compared with Santa Cruz de la Sierra
- Smaller selection of international dining options
- Travel to more distant natural areas requires a car or day trip planning
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el mercado?" - Where is the market?
- "No entiendo" - I don’t understand
- "Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Warnes
Visit one of these nice places.
The central plaza offers mature trees, colonial-era buildings, and lively street scenes ideal for candid photography and gentle sunsets.
The local church and adjacent streets provide architectural contrasts and colorful market backgrounds.
A riverside viewpoint where farmland extends to the horizon, perfect for wide landscape shots at golden hour.
Early-morning light on endless fields of fruit, soy, and sugarcane makes for tranquil, expansive images.
Food in Warnes
Warnes Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A thin, breaded beef cutlet served over rice, potatoes, and an egg, accompanied by a crisp salad—one of the region’s most iconic Bolivian plates.
Must-Try!
A heartier mix of beef, sausage, peppers, onions, and french fries, typically shared as a substantial meal in local eateries.
A rich peanut soup with vegetables and sometimes beef, a comforting staple in cool evenings.
Sweet or savory corn-based tamales baked in husks, often found in markets and family-run eateries.
Large, sweet corn on the cob topped with fresh cheese, a simple and popular street-side bite.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Main local market offering fresh produce, meat, dairy, and ready-to-eat snacks from early morning onward.
Seasonal farmer markets where growers sell seasonal fruits, vegetables, honey, and home-made foods.
Salteñas (savory pastries), empanadas, anticuchos, and grilled chorizos are common street choices near market areas.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly hello or buenos días; handshakes are common in formal settings and with new acquaintances.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in markets or sacred places; a polite nod and smile goes a long way.
Dress modestly and remove hats or sunglasses when entering religious sites; follow local norms and rules.
Share food and meals with guests when invited; avoid waste and be mindful of portion sizes customary in family dining.
Safety
Tipping in Warnes
Ensure a smooth experience
If service is not included, a tip of about 5-10% at restaurants is common; smaller tips for cafes or street stalls are appreciated but not expected. Taxis and guides may also appreciate a small tip after a day trip.
Cash is widely accepted in markets and smaller eateries; many shops in urban areas accept cards. ATMs are available in town centers and at larger hotels or banks.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon showers; carry water, use lightweight clothing, and plan outdoor activities for the early morning or late afternoon.
Drying conditions with pleasant daytime temperatures and cooler evenings; ideal for walking tours and outdoor photography.
Mild to cool days with cooler nights; layering is key, and clear skies can offer excellent brightness for city and rural shots.
Warming trend with blooming crops and lush landscapes; great for farm tours and outdoor markets.
Warnes at Night
Hiking in Warnes
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Lush rainforest trails, diverse wildlife, and dramatic canyons; a longer day trip or overnight excursion from Warnes with a guided tour.
Desert-like dunes with easy trails and distinctive landscapes; a good half-day or half-day hike from the city area with a vehicle transfer.
Gentle hillside routes near riverbanks that offer scenic viewpoints and opportunities for photography.
Airports
How to reach Warnes by plane.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra’s main international gateway; about a 30-60 minute drive to Warnes depending on traffic and routes. Wide range of domestic and international flights with ground transfers by car or bus.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A blend of Indigenous, European, and local influences shaping culture, food, and daily life.
Many residents hail from surrounding agricultural communities who commute to Warnes for markets and work.
Predominantly Catholic, with evangelical and other Christian groups present in smaller numbers.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region, with local clubs and informal games on weekends.
Common in schools and community centers; often seen at municipal facilities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Warnes.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options emphasize beans, corn, rice, potatoes, and fresh vegetables. When ordering, ask for dishes without meat broth or lard and request vegetarian versions of soups or stews when available.