Top Things to Do in Santa Cruz de la Sierra

About the City

Welcome to the vibrant heart of Bolivia - Santa Cruz de la Sierra! Nestling in the expansive tropical lowlands, this city dances to a rhythm of its own, flavored with a mix of modernity and tradition. Imagine waking up to the chirps of exotic birds as the city stirs to life with the buzz of street vendors and the aromatic fusion of street food wafting through the air. From the hustle of its lively markets, where one can haggle for anything from juicy mangoes to handcrafted souvenirs, to the tranquil escape of the lush Lomas de Arena Regional Park, Santa Cruz is a kaleidoscope of experiences. However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. The very vibrancy that defines it can slip into chaos with traffic often snarled into a sluggish dance of honking cars. Plus, the sweltering heat can be relentless, at times pushing even the most heat-hardened locals to seek respite beneath a fan or in air-conditioned sanctuaries. Yet, perhaps it is in these extremes that the true spirit of Santa Cruz is found - a welcoming community that thrives amidst the frenzy and the furnace, always ready with a cold drink and a heartwarming smile that says, 'This is life, in all its messy beauty!'

Things to Do in Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Tantalize Your Tastebuds with Pacumutu

Food & Drink

Here's the deal: Pacumutu is not just breakfast, it's an early morning ritual in Santa Cruz! Picture sizzling ground beef served alongside eggs, all cozy on a bed of rice. Top it off with some fried p...

Bird-Watch in Lomas de Arena

Outdoors

Binoculars out, bird-lovers! The dunes of Lomas de Arena are not just for sandy fun, they're a prime spot for bird-watchingg. Be on the lookout for feathered friends of all colors and calls. Who knows...

Catch a Cultural Performance at the Plaza

The Unexpected

Ever seen theater under the open sky? Santa Cruz says 'hold my cerveza' and invites you to witness top-notch performances without a roof! It's drama, comedy, and culture – alfresco style. Let's get cu...

Venture Through the Ventura Mall

The Unexpected

Indulge in some retail therapy, local style! Pop in and out of the shops, haggle for a bargain, or just window-shop. Find a little trinket or splurge on something extravagant. Malls are your oyster!

Swap Stories with Santa Cruz Locals

The Unexpected

Hit up a cozy local café or a lively bar, order something delicious, and spark up a convo with the person next to you. Your mission? Share stories, pick up some jerga (slang), and make a new amigo!

Navigate the Noel Kempff Mercado National Park

The Unexpected

Are you up for a real adventure? This one's for the rugged explorers at heart. You’ll fly in on a teeny plane, scout the wildlife, and trek to stunning waterfalls. Remember your Indiana Jones hat, 'ca...

Zip Line Thrills in the Eastern Lowlands

Outdoors

Zippity-Zap! Are you ready to soar like a toucan? Zip lining in Santa Cruz is an electrifying way to catch a bird's-eye view of the lush landscapes while feeling the rush. Strap in, step off the platf...

Horseback Riding in the Bolivian Outback

Outdoors

Saddle up, city slickers, we're going cowboy-style! Trot through the pampa or canter around the countryside on the back of a trusty steed. Hear the call of the wild? Answer it by riding into the sunse...

Mountain Bike the Wilds of Amboró

Outdoors

Ready to get some mud on those tires? Hit the rugged and raw trails of Amboró National Park for a mountain biking adventure. Feel the rush as you tackle the turns, and don't worry about the grunts—the...

Kayak the Calm of Piraí River

Outdoors

Hey there, aqua adventurer! It's time to dip your paddles in the calm waters of the Piraí River. Glide through nature's own waterpark and wave at the riverbanks like you own the place. Don't kayak? No...

Sip Some Somó

Food & Drink

When in Santa Cruz, don't just eat – drink your fruit too! Get a taste of Somó, the exotic corn and citrus drink that's a street-side staple. It's refreshing, it's unique, and it's served up by the fr...

Get Lost in Guembe Biocenter

Sights

Who's up for a mini Amazon adventure? Head over to Biocentro Guembe and wander through a paradise of lush foliage, flitting butterflies, and cheeky monkeys. Trust me, you'll feel like you’ve stepped i...

Stroll the Arenal Park Promenade

Sights

Slip on your comfy shoes and hit the walkways of Parque El Arenal for a leisurely stroll by the lake. You'll find peace among the palm trees, street artists, and paddle boats. Pro tip: Find a spot to ...

Wildlife Watching in the Urbano Park

Sights

Fancy a wild encounter without leaving the city? Venture over to the Parque Urbano where nature comes to play in the city's backyard. You'll spot exotic birds, curious coatis, and if you're lucky, you...

Stroll the Arenal Park Promenade

Sights

Slip on your comfy shoes and hit the walkways of Parque El Arenal for a leisurely stroll by the lake. You'll find peace among the palm trees, street artists, and paddle boats. Pro tip: Find a spot to ...

Sizzle in the Santa Cruz Sun at the Plaza

Sights

Grab your sunnies and strut over to the social heartbeat of Santa Cruz, the 24 de Septiembre Plaza. Plop yourself on a bench and soak in the buzzin' vibe, or vibe with the street performers. From loft...

Savor the Sweetness of Crema de Leche

Food & Drink

Prepare to indulge in the sweet, sweet spoonfuls of Crema de Leche! This dessert is the stuff of legends, creamy milk-based goodness that'll make you want to lick the bowl clean. Perfect for calming t...

Feast on Locro

Food & Drink

Get your spoons ready for a dive into Locro, the soup that's like a warm hug from a Bolivian grandma. It's a hearty pot of goodness with corn, meat, and all sorts of veggies cooked to perfection. It's...

Nibble on some Masaco

Food & Drink

Prepare to get your hands a little dirty with some Masaco! This is the ultimate comfort food – think mashed plantains or yucca mixed with chicharrón or charque. It's simple, it's hearty, it's one of t...

Unwind with Urban Artistry

The Unexpected

Let your artsy side loose and get a fresh take on street cred with Santa Cruz's vibrant street art scene! Stumble upon murals that tell stories without uttering a single word and snap pics next to spl...