Santa Cruz

A large department in Bolivia's eastern lowlands, home to Jesuit missions, the Samaipata archaeological site and tropical national parks.

Santa Cruz Department lies in eastern Bolivia and is the country's largest department, mostly tropical lowlands, plains and forest, with a dynamic economy. Its capital, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, is one of the country's largest cities. Near Samaipata in the west is the World Heritage–listed El Fuerte archaeological site, and Amboró National Park is good for hiking and birdwatching. In the Chiquitania region to the east, the Jesuit Missions are also a World Heritage Site, while Noel Kempff Mercado National Park preserves pristine natural ecosystems. The climate is hot and humid, and the dry season from May to September is best for travel. The gateway is Viru Viru International Airport.

Destinations

• Samaipata
• Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Itineraries

• Samaipata, Che Route, and Sucre – Head into the mountains from Santa Cruz, see the rock art ruins and cloud forests, and take the old trade route to the…