Santa Cruz
Day Trips
Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Santa Cruz's hidden gems and unique experiences!
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at Café La Baguette, enjoying fresh pastries and local coffee. Afterward, stroll through the Plaza 24 de Septiembre, the city's main square, where you can admire the beautiful colonial architecture. Don’t miss visiting the Cathedral Metropolitana, a stunning example of Spanish colonial style.
In the afternoon, head over to the Museo de Historia Natural to learn about Bolivia's diverse ecosystems and wildlife. Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant, trying local dishes like pique a lo macho or salteñas. After your meal, visit the Ethnographic Museum to gain insights into Bolivia's rich cultural heritage.
As evening falls, find a spot at one of the outdoor cafes lining the plaza to people-watch and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Consider dining at a traditional Bolivian restaurant, sampling dishes like sajta de pollo. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, soaking in the lively ambiance.
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before setting off to Lomas de Arena, a stunning natural reserve just outside the city. The morning light is perfect for capturing photos of the towering sand dunes and lush vegetation. Spend some time walking and exploring the scenic trails that wind through this unique landscape.
After a morning of exploration, enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the dunes, surrounded by nature. In the early afternoon, try sandboarding or simply relax and soak up the sun. As the heat begins to subside, take a guided tour to learn more about the flora and fauna native to this area.
Return to Santa Cruz in the evening and unwind at a local bar, trying some Bolivian craft beers. For dinner, opt for a restaurant that offers a fusion of traditional and modern Bolivian cuisine. Let the day wind down with a stroll through the local artisan markets, where you can find unique handmade crafts.
Start your day with breakfast at a local café, then head to Parque El Arenal, a vibrant park filled with sculptures and local art. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the park, appreciating the creative expressions of Bolivian artists. Don’t forget your camera; the park is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.
Pack a lunch or grab a bite from a nearby food stall and enjoy it in the park's green spaces. In the afternoon, engage with local artists and craftspeople who often showcase their work in the park, offering a chance to purchase unique souvenirs. Participate in a cultural workshop, such as a dance class or art session, to embrace the local traditions.
As evening approaches, enjoy a performance or live music event at the park if there is one scheduled. Gather with locals at one of the park’s food stalls for a casual dinner, sampling street food favorites. Conclude your day with a peaceful walk around the park, illuminated beautifully at night.
After breakfast, make your way to Biocentro Guembe, a nature reserve that boasts lush gardens and wildlife. Spend the morning wandering through the butterfly exhibit, where you can observe numerous species in a tropical setting. Take a guided tour to learn more about the conservation efforts at the center.
Indulge in lunch at the reserve's restaurant, featuring local ingredients and flavors. After lunch, enjoy the afternoon on the water—rent a kayak or take a swim in the natural pools. Explore the walking trails, keeping an eye out for exotic birds and other wildlife along the way.
In the evening, return to Santa Cruz and freshen up before heading out for dinner. Choose a restaurant that specializes in Amazonian cuisine to experience a different flavor of Bolivia. After dinner, you might catch a local music performance or cultural event happening nearby.
After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Vallegrande, a town rich in revolutionary history. Upon arrival, visit the Museo de los Derechos Humanos, which provides insights into the legacy of Che Guevara. Spend some time exploring the town square and its colonial buildings.
For lunch, enjoy a meal at a local eatery, trying traditional dishes like chicharrón. In the afternoon, take a guided tour to the nearby La Higuera, where Che Guevara was captured, learning about the history that surrounds this significant site. Explore the landscapes that inspired many revolutionary tales.
Return to Santa Cruz in the evening, where you can relax at your hotel after a full day of exploration. Consider dining at a trendy restaurant that offers a vibrant nightlife. Take a moment to reflect on the day’s adventures while enjoying a nightcap at a rooftop bar.
Begin your day with breakfast at a popular café known for its local pastries and strong coffee. Afterward, visit the Plaza Blacutt, where you can find various art galleries showcasing the work of local artists. Spend some time appreciating the diverse artistic expressions, from painting to sculpture.
Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant that features local ingredients, and then continue your art exploration by visiting the Centro Cultural Franco-Alemán. Here, you can participate in workshops or art exhibits, learning more about contemporary Bolivian art. Engage with artists and curators to gain deeper insights into their creative processes.
As evening falls, head to a local theater or art space where performances and exhibitions are often held. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant that highlights the fusion of Bolivian and international flavors. End your day by attending a live music event or cultural performance, immersing yourself in the local arts scene.
Have an early breakfast before embarking on a day trip to Parque Nacional Amboró, known for its biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Arrive at the park and join a guided hike to explore the lush forests and observe its unique wildlife, including exotic birds and mammals. The morning is perfect for taking photos of the stunning natural scenery.
After a morning of exploration, enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature, surrounded by the sounds of the forest. Continue your hike in the afternoon, visiting waterfalls and natural viewpoints that showcase the park's beauty. Look for opportunities to learn about the flora and fauna from your knowledgeable guide.
As you return to Santa Cruz in the evening, reflect on the day’s adventures and the incredible wildlife you encountered. Treat yourself to a relaxed dinner at a restaurant offering traditional Bolivian dishes. Consider finishing the night with a stroll through the city, enjoying the cooler evening air.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café before heading to Mercado Nuevo, one of Santa Cruz's largest markets. Explore the vibrant stalls filled with fresh produce, local crafts, and Bolivian textiles. Engage with friendly vendors and perhaps pick up some unique souvenirs.
For lunch, enjoy a meal at one of the market's food stalls, sampling local favorites like anticuchos or empanadas. After lunch, take your time to wander through the various sections of the market, allowing yourself to get lost in the colorful displays. Consider participating in a cooking class offered by local chefs, learning how to prepare traditional dishes.
As evening approaches, return to your accommodations to freshen up. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant known for its innovative take on Bolivian cuisine, celebrating local ingredients. Conclude your day by visiting a nearby bar to experience Santa Cruz's nightlife and mingle with locals.
Begin your day with breakfast at a café that offers a peaceful atmosphere. Afterward, make your way to the Jardín Botánico, a beautiful botanical garden where you can stroll along well-maintained paths surrounded by a variety of plant species. Take your time to photograph the diverse flora and enjoy the serene environment.
For lunch, have a picnic in one of the garden's designated areas, immersing yourself in the tranquility of nature. Spend your afternoon leisurely exploring the different sections of the garden, including the tropical greenhouse and native plants area. Engage in a guided tour if available, to learn more about the plant life and conservation efforts.
As the sun begins to set, leave the garden and head to a nearby café for a light dinner. Indulge in desserts made from local fruits, enjoying a sweet end to your day. If you're up for it, take a short evening stroll to a local plaza to experience the city's nightlife.