Santa Cruz

Travel Guide
Santa Cruz which includes a city
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 Septiembre, 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 Cathedral, 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
Camino Real Hotel
Camino Real Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Av. San Martín y 4to. Anillo, Equipetrol Norte, Santa Cruz
The price is $128 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
$128
$128 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this luxury hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free breakfast, 2 bars/lounges, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Ventura Mall and Santa Cruz Zoo are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (324 reviews)
"Excelent"

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2024

Camino Real Hotel
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 $102 per night from Apr 5 to Apr 6
$102
$102 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 5 - Apr 6
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 property condition in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (141 reviews)
"Really good property, staff and rooms. However, food is very OK… nothing special"

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2024

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 $122 per night from Apr 4 to Apr 5
$122
$122 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 4 - Apr 5
Stay at this spa hotel in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (278 reviews)
"Beautiful property, excellent service, friendly staff."

Reviewed on Feb 19, 2024

Los Tajibos, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, a Tribute Portfolio 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.
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. Popular attractions Ventura Mall and Santa Cruz ...
9/10 Wonderful! (58 reviews)
"The room was so spacious and nice to have a separate bedroom. Staff did everything they could to help us and found English speakers to help us. The breakfast was great, lots of variety and hot food (eggs, bacon)"

Reviewed on Feb 5, 2024

Premium Suites Deluxe Aparthotel Equipetrol
Fiori Apartment
Fiori Apartment
3.5 out of 5
120 Calle Juan Coimbra, Santa Cruz, Departamento de Santa Cruz
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Municipal Library and Ethno-folkloric ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (64 reviews)
"Outstanding customer service. The hotel's staff is second to none. They were very helpful and professional. I will definitely stay at this hotel again. Thank you!"

Reviewed on Jan 2, 2024

Fiori Apartment
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. Popular attractions Las Brisas Shopping Center and Santa Cruz Zoo ...
7.8/10 Good! (85 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Santa Cruz

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
19
" "5 - Excellent 38%
4 - Good
23
" "4 - Good 46%
3 - Okay
7
" "3 - Okay 14%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 2%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Mar 14, 2020

Very nice people

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 24, 2019

I have family and friends in Santa Cruz

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Aug 8, 2019

Most modern city in Bolivia with all big city traffic.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jul 29, 2019

A nice stopover for a couple of days, or base to explore the surrounding area. The real highlight of the area is Amboro National Park, and deserves extra time to relax, hike and explore. Santa Cruz city seems quite prosperous. People are friendly

4/5 - Good

Steven
Mar 30, 2019

People are nice. Leisure, food, etc. Is economical.

1/5 - Terrible

markleonard99@h
Oct 25, 2018

Wrong Santa Cruz!!