Things To Do
in San Lorenzo
San Lorenzo is a small Bolivian town in the Santa Cruz Department known for its warm lowland charm. It sits along river plains with easy access to natural habitats and cultural life. The town blends Andean and Amazonian influences in its food, crafts, and music.
Visitors typically use San Lorenzo as a base to explore nearby reserves, markets, and rivers.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
You’ll arrive at the small local airstrip and feel the warm mountain breeze as you collect your bags. A local guide greets you with fresh fruit and explains a bit of San Lorenzo’s history. As you drive into town, lush green hills and colonial architecture come into view.
After checking into your family-run hospedaje, you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch of llajwa and quinoa soup. You’ll take a leisurely stroll through the main plaza, admiring the brightly painted church and meeting friendly vendors. A short hike up a nearby hill rewards you with panoramic views of the town and surrounding forest.
As dusk falls, lanterns illuminate cobblestone streets and you join neighbors for a cup of coca tea. The guide shares stories of local legends while you sample homemade empanadas. You’ll wake up early tomorrow feeling excited for the adventures ahead.
You set off along a narrow trail draped in orchids and bromeliads, led by a knowledgeable park ranger. Guided by bird calls and the distant roar of water, you navigate moss-covered rocks beneath towering trees. Sunlight filters through the canopy as you approach the first cascade.
At the base of the falls, you savor a picnic lunch of fresh ceviche and plantain chips. The group swims in the natural pool, marveling at the emerald hue of the water and the spray cooling your skin. You explore a hidden grotto behind the main drop, discovering ancient petroglyphs carved into wet stone.
Returning at golden hour, the trail glows with warm light and fireflies begin to dance. You pause to photograph orchids blooming along the path, then stroll back into town. Over dinner, you share waterfall photos with your host family and enjoy freshly brewed coca leaf tea.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee/tea in cafe | $1-3 |
| 🚶Local transport (one-way) | $0.5-1.5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (1 night) | $25-60 |
| 🧃Water bottle | $0.5-1.5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to nature and wildlife, warm and welcoming locals, affordable prices, easy to explore on foot, authentic Bolivian experiences.
- Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure, some areas have rough roads, language barrier for non-Spanish speakers, limited medical facilities in town, seasonal weather can affect travel plans.
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Puede recomendar un plato?" - Can you recommend a dish?
- "Estoy perdido/a" - I am lost
- "Ayuda" - Help
Places to Visit in San Lorenzo
Visit one of these nice places.
Colonial architecture framed by palm trees and market life; great in the early morning.
Wide river views with sunset colors; ideal for silhouettes.
Colorful handicraft stalls along a cobbled street, perfect for candid portraits.
Panoramic views of the town and surrounding lowlands; golden hour shots.
Food in San Lorenzo
San Lorenzo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Breaded beef served with rice, potatoes, and a tomato-onion salad; a Santa Cruz staple.
Must-Try!
Shredded beef with fried plantains, eggs, and maize-based sides.
Peanut soup often served with rice and corn bread.
Soft cheese bread made from manioc flour; perfect as a snack.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling market stalls offering fresh produce, cheeses, and street snacks.
Try anticuchos (grilled meat skewers), humintas (corn tamales), salteñas, and fresh fruit juices.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a handshake; in rural areas a light cheek kiss may occur among friends; address people politely using Señor/Señora.
Ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially in markets or villages.
Modest dress in religious places; avoid beachwear in town.
Safety
Tipping in San Lorenzo
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 5-10% in sit-down restaurants if service is not included.
Cash is widely used; local currency is the Boliviano (BOB). Some places accept cards in larger towns; US dollars may be accepted in tourist spots.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon showers; stay hydrated, pack a compact rain jacket.
Warmer days, cooler nights, low humidity; best for outdoor walking and wildlife watching.
San Lorenzo at Night
Hiking in San Lorenzo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy trails along the river with birdlife and viewpoints of the water and forest.
Short hikes to viewpoints and canopy observations within the surrounding dry forest areas.
Waterfall hikes in nearby hills with forested paths and shaded trails.
Airports
How to reach San Lorenzo by plane.
The nearest major international airport; from there you can take a domestic flight or overland transfer to San Lorenzo.
A secondary airstrip used primarily for domestic flights and private aviation.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of Indigenous and Mestizo communities forming the town's core; strong family and community ties.
A small number of people from other parts of Bolivia or abroad who come for work or tourism.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport across Bolivia; local games at community fields attract families.
Played in schools and clubs; casual games common in evenings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Lorenzo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most restaurants offer vegetarian versions of local staples; inform staff and look for sopa de mani, veggie soups, and plant-based side dishes.