Santa Cruz de La Sierra is also known as the “City of Rings”. If you check out how the roads of the town look on Google Maps - trust us - you can see why!  At the heart of its concentric road system is the Plaza 24 de Septiembre, a lively square surrounded by colonial architecture, restaurants, and the iconic Metropolitan Cathedral. Its namesake is in honor of the anniversary of the uprising that led to Santa Cruz’s independence from Spain in the year 1810. It is a great place to people-watch, feed LOTS of pigeons, enjoy local snacks, and soak in the city’s unique atmosphere.

Above is a picture of us in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santa Cruz, located right next to Plaza 24 de Septiembre. It is truly an architectural gem! While there, you can climb to the top of the bell tower for panoramic views of the city and learn about the region’s history through the cathedral’s museum.

If you happen to be in the city in February or March, you might catch the Carnival as it typically begins the week before Ash Wednesday. The majority of the celebrations occur in the city of Oruro, a city located around 430 miles (700 km) west of Santa Cruz.

La Rinconada is a serene eco-park just outside the city, about 15 minutes from the center of town. It’s similar to botanical gardens with trails that simulate rainforest, jungle, and marsh environments, but it also offers some recreational activities for both kids and adults.

Children can enjoy playgrounds, water slides, and swings, while adults might relax in hammock cabins or take a swim in pools surrounded by natural waterfalls.

They have a great restaurant onsite designed with rustic materials that blend seamlessly into the lush gardens, and it offers a cozy atmosphere for visitors to unwind after exploring the park. The menu focuses on traditional Bolivian cuisine, displaying authentic flavors while immersed in nature. Dishes often highlight local ingredients, celebrating the region's culinary heritage.

The park is also home to the Victoria Amazonica, the world's largest water lily, with some leaves measuring over three meters in diameter! This is a great stop to see some of the amazing nature offered by one of the countries located close to the Amazon.

Le Mayen has to be one of our favorite locations in Bolivia - stunning views, amazing food, and a peaceful retreat from the busy city of Santa Cruz are just some of the reasons why this is a hidden gem. It is a property up on a hill with a restaurant, walking paths, animals, and a small chapel. The owner is from Switzerland and integrates plenty of familiar European tastes into both the architecture of the restaurant as well as the menu. The food here is fantastic, so arrive hungry!

Located in the foothills around 20 miles (32 km) southwest of the city along National Route 7, it’s not difficult to reach; you’re not fully into the Andes Mountains yet, so the drive is easier than going all the way to Samaipata (2 hours further down the same road).

We stopped here for a couple hours to eat lunch, ride a horse that was on property, use the slide, relax on the many benches, and enjoy the views in the valley below. There were plenty of friendly cats scattered around the property that loved to approach any visitors stopping by.

No visit to Santa Cruz is complete without salteñas, Bolivia’s beloved stuffed, soup-filled pastries. Although taste varies widely by region, salteñas typically include a mix of sweet and savory, filled with delicious ingredients, like juicy meat, potatoes, olives, and a hint of spice. 

Santa Cruz is home to some of the best salteñerías, where they are served as mid-morning snacks or for tea-time in the late afternoon - especially on Sundays. While in Bolivia, we enjoyed salteñas from Los Castores Salteñeria and Glorimar Salteñas Centro, which we thought were both equally great and unique in flavor. Whether you are grabbing one on the go or sitting down for a leisurely bite, salteñas are a must-try in Bolivia as they offer a taste of the country’s rich culinary heritage!

Santa Cruz’s nightlife is one of the most memorable aspects of visiting this dynamic city. The area offers a diverse blend of trendy bars, upscale dining experiences, and lively nightclubs, particularly in the Equipetrol district and around the city center. For a sophisticated evening, you can’t go wrong with hotspots like Goss Bar, a bar known for its craft cocktails, or Panorama, which offers a vibrant, club-like atmosphere. For something a bit more relaxed yet equally charming, check out Sir Pieper, where drinks and an inviting ambiance come together seamlessly. Whether you're looking for a refined dining experience, a vibrant nightlife scene, or a laid-back lounge to unwind, Santa Cruz definitely delivers! 

Travel Tip: Aside from restaurant and bar experiences, we recommend to be on the lookout for any live events that are happening ahead of your trip. Some of the many examples include:

• Watch an orchestra performance by the Santa Cruz Philharmonic Orchestra
• Partake in Carnival events during February, including street parties in the city center
• Book private DJ events through online platforms such as Posh and BandsinTown

Santa Cruz boasts incredible local produce and artisan shops where you can find handmade items unique to Bolivia. Buying from locals not only supports the community but also provides you with unique souvenirs and a taste of the vibrant culture. 

Our top recommendation would be Artecampo, a store in the heart of town filled with locally made goods - all handmade. This is a great spot to buy souvenirs to remember your trip to Santa Cruz!

Throughout the country, many homes and businesses use Bolivian Rosewood as a primary material for structural support and design. Many of the outdoor malls, plazas, and storefronts display the beautiful wood in the form of benches, doors, and other millwork. If you would like to return home with a piece of Bolivian Rosewood, there are vendors that sell hand-carved wooden plates, bowls, and centerpieces along the roads throughout the city as well as in the markets. You won’t have to spend too much time driving around before finding these types of vendors, particularly during the weekends.

For higher-end Bolivian Rosewood options, check out Kirah Design on the west side of the city near Equipetrol and the Pirai River. It is located underneath the city’s western MultiCenter department store and offers more intricate wooden pieces like tables, mirrors, and benches that can be shipped to most locations globally.

Make your trip unforgettable with a visit to the new, iconic Green Tower and an exquisite meal at Jardín de Asia. The Green Tower is currently the tallest building in Santa Cruz, offering stunning city views and elegance with its sustainable style. Jardín de Asia, which translates to “Garden of Asia” in English, is located on the 28th floor of Green Tower behind two welcoming, intricate doors, delighting diners with a fusion of Asian and Bolivian flavors in a modern setting filled with city skyline views. We highly recommend ordering the Achachairu cocktail (if in season, November - January) and their Yakatori skewers, as we thought they were their most authentic menu items and pair well together. Perfect for architecture and food lovers alike, this pairing is a must-visit experience in Santa Cruz.

P.S. Do not forget to make a reservation for Jardin de Asia ahead of time, as it is very popular and booked out often. Although this is a very specific recommendation, it merits being on our top 10 list. Alexia was born and has been to Santa Cruz de la Sierra plenty of times, and this was unlike any other experience she’s had as it felt very contemporary and reflective of changes in the city!

Nestled in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, Samaipata—meaning "Rest in the Heights" in Quechua—has a rich history dating back to pre-Columbian times, when it served as a ceremonial hub for indigenous cultures like the Chane and later the Incas. Today, this tranquil town is a go-to escape for people from Santa Cruz seeking a break from city life as it is only 2.5 to 3 hours away by car via National Route 7 and offers an entirely different atmosphere. 

The road to Samaipata involves first driving through many small towns on the outskirts of Santa Cruz which immediately depict a change in scenery from the bustling economic capital. The latter half of the journey involves winding roads through the Andes Mountains - make sure to rent a SUV!

Samaipata’s charm lies in its serene vibe, lush landscapes, and cooler mountain air. Visitors can rent cozy cabins, do a vineyard tour, explore the ancient ruins of El Fuerte de Samaipata, or hike through Amboró National Park. With a blend of locals, expats, and visitors from the city, Samaipata offers the perfect spot to slow down and soak in the beautiful mountain range!

Santa Cruz de la Sierra offers a mix of modern shopping experiences, and these three destinations stand out for their variety and charm:

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• Ventura Mall: As the largest shopping mall in Bolivia, Ventura Mall is a must-visit for those seeking both international and local brands. You’ll find globally recognized stores, like Calvin Klein and Adidas, alongside Bolivian brands that offer a unique touch of local craftsmanship. The mall also boasts a sprawling food court featuring everything from Bolivian favorites to international fast-food chains, a state-of-the-art movie theater, and dedicated entertainment spaces for kids, making it a top spot for family outings.

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• Patio Design Center: Known for its stylish and upscale vibe, Patio Design is the perfect destination for finding unique home décor and designer boutiques. The open-air patios with lush greenery and cozy cafés, like Alto Tostado Coffee Roasters, make it an excellent spot to relax while browsing the latest in interior design trends.

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• Las Brisas: Beyond its fashion boutiques and electronic stores, Las Brisas has a distinctly Santa Cruz flavor and is a favorite among locals. Indulge in a sweet treat at Manjar de Oro, known for its exquisite chocolate desserts, or grab a coffee at Ateneo Café while soaking in the lively atmosphere.

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Whether you’re hunting for designer brands, scouting trendy home goods, or immersing yourself in the local shopping culture, these destinations promise to deliver something special to your Santa Cruz adventure!

Just outside of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, the Lomas de Arena offers a stunning mix of golden sand dunes, lush greenery, and tranquil lagoons. The dunes are formed by sands from the nearby Piraí River, creating a unique desert-like landscape in the midst of all the greenery.

Visitors typically come to sandboard, ride on 4x4’s, hike, birdwatch, or simply soak in the scenery. Jack was pictured above as we crossed the bridge to El Urubó, an upscale, modern neighborhood at the edge of the city. We thought that the bridge provided for a picturesque view of the start of the dunes, and look forward to visiting the Lomas de Arena again!