Santa Cruz

Travel Guide

San Lorenzo Cathedral showing a park
Santa Cruz featuring a city
San Lorenzo Cathedral featuring heritage elements and heritage architecture
Santa Cruz which includes a city
San Lorenzo Cathedral
Experience Bolivia as the locals see it in the country’s busiest city, where the museums, public squares and churches give you a glimpse into their everyday lives.

Although Santa Cruz de la Sierra, more commonly known as Santa Cruz, is the most populous city in Bolivia, it is still relatively unknown by tourists. Sample an authentic Bolivian lifestyle in this busy city. Visit Santa Cruz’s churches and museums for an insight into the region’s history or simply soak up the atmosphere over a drink with the friendly locals.

Explore a city that started out in a totally different location. Santa Cruz was founded in 1561, but had to move west after several decades of fending off attacks. Visit the historic heart of the city in Plaza 24 de SeptiembreOpens in a new window, which is more than 400 years old, to relax with the locals, who are known as “cruceños.”

The most distinctive attraction in the city is San Lorenzo CathedralOpens in a new window, which is immediately recognizable for its red-brick frontage featuring two clock towers standing on either side of a pediment. The cathedral hosts the Museum of Sacred Art, with exhibits that display religious icons and Jesuit relics. Climb to the top of the clock tower for panoramic views of the city.

Wander around the Parque Arenal, a green space in the middle of the city. The park has a boating lagoon and the Museo Etnofolklorico (Santa Cruz Ethnographic Museum). Other museums in the city include the Guarani Museum, which examines the culture of the indigenous Guarani people, and the National History Museum.

Take children to the Zoological Gardens, where they can meet animals from around Bolivia. The zoo’s llamas and sloths are always popular with younger visitors.

Fly into the busiest airport in Bolivia, Viru Viru International Airport. Flights arrive here from destinations in both Bolivia and cities in North and South America. Some operators even fly here from cities in Europe, such as Madrid.

Santa Cruz de la Sierra is located in the lowlands of Bolivia in the east of the country, which means that rainfall is high during the summer months around January. Come during the high season, between May and October, for more dependable weather but higher prices.

Where to stay in Santa Cruz

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Hamacas

While Hamacas isn't home to many top sights, Santa Cruz Zoo and Las Brisas Shopping Center are some notable places to visit nearby.

Hamacas
Marriott Santa Cruz de la Sierra Hotel
Marriott Santa Cruz de la Sierra Hotel
5 out of 5
4to Anillo Entre Radial 23, At Calle Las Ramblas, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz
The price is P5,550 per night from 17 Mar to 18 Mar
P5,550
P5,550 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 17 - Mar 18
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9/10 Wonderful! (183 reviews)
"Quiet place. Very safe and clean."

Reviewed on Jan 25, 2025

Marriott Santa Cruz de la Sierra Hotel
Los Tajibos, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Los Tajibos, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Ave. San Martin, #455, Santa Cruz
The price is P7,265 per night from 17 Mar to 18 Mar
P7,265
P7,265 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 17 - Mar 18
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (310 reviews)
"Very good quality hotel in beautiful Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Friendly staff Clean grounds"

Reviewed on Jan 15, 2025

Los Tajibos, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Sun Hotel
Sun Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Av. Banzer Km 13, Aeropuerto Internacional Viru Viru, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz
The price is P6,195 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
P6,195
P6,195 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 16 - Mar 17
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attraction Play Land Amusement Park is ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (282 reviews)
"Super easy check in, most of the details are handled by Expedia. It’s a great place to relax before an early morning flight out of VVI. Clean, comfortable and everything you need."

Reviewed on Mar 1, 2025

Sun Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Apart Hotel Premium Suites Santa Cruz
Apart Hotel Premium Suites Santa Cruz
3.5 out of 5
Calle Las Begonias Nro 45, a 1 cuadra de la Av. San Martin, Santa Cruz
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Patio Design LifeStyle ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (82 reviews)
"Good location, spacious apartment, good stay overall"

Reviewed on Oct 12, 2020

Apart Hotel Premium Suites Santa Cruz
Premium Suites Deluxe Aparthotel Equipetrol
Premium Suites Deluxe Aparthotel Equipetrol
3.5 out of 5
Calle Las Azucenas No. 127, 1 block from San Martin Avenue, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Patio Design ...
9/10 Wonderful! (68 reviews)
"Very clean!"

Reviewed on Jan 12, 2025

Premium Suites Deluxe Aparthotel Equipetrol
Terranova Suites
Terranova Suites
3.5 out of 5
7º Anillo 400 mts al Oeste de, Av. Cristo Redentor, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Las Brisas Shopping Center and ...
7.8/10 Good! (89 reviews)
"The pictures of the property have to be from a decade ago. This place it is dirty and in poor shape."

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024

Terranova Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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