Central Bolivia

We’ve compiled the best of the best in Central Bolivia - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

Sort by: 3 Recommendations {{numTotalPoiResults}} {{ (numTotalPoiResults===1)?'Recommendation':'Recommendations' }} 0 Recommendations
CLEAR ALL Area Search CLEAR ALL
Loading...
Loading...
  • 1. Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos

    Religious Building/Site/Shrine

    In the 17th century, Jesuit priests settled in the Chiquitania region of Santa Cruz and constructed remarkable missionary villages based on the utopian ideals that were popular at the time in Europe. They attracted and converted a large local following, and the constructions, particularly the churches, took on a unique mestizo architectural style. After the Spanish expelled the Jesuits from their colonies, their sites all over the continent fell into ruin, but here, six survived and have been restored and nominated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They are also the venue of an international festival of Baroque and Renaissance music. Ask about tours to the area in agencies in the city.

    Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, Bolivia
  • 2. Basílica Menor de San Lorenzo

    Religious Building/Site/Shrine

    Built between 1845 and 1915 on the ruins of a 17th-century cathedral, this imposing church holds a small museum displaying colonial-era religious icons, paintings, and sculptures. Although the museum only opens on certain days, you can climb up to the mirador (tower) any weekday for (Bs)3.

    Plaza 24 de Septiembre, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, Bolivia
    03-332–7381

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: (Bs)10
  • 3. El Fuerte

    Religious Building/Site/Shrine

    Lurking in the valleys 200 km (124 miles) from the city of Santa Cruz, El Fuerte (the fort) of Samaipata was once the center of a huge pre-Columbian civilization and is estimated to have been started around 300 AD. There is now some doubt that it had any military purpose, but it still impresses. The massive sculptured rock at the heart of the site, best seen from a distance, is a unique monument to Andean culture and development, and one of the largest carved stones in the world. The best way to get to the site is by road from Santa Cruz to the town of Samaipata (about two hours), then hire a taxi to the fort itself, which is 9 km (5.5 miles) away. It is a worthwhile half-day trip if you are in Samaipata, or if you have more time, it makes for a pleasant walk in good weather. A bilingual guide at the site is worth it, and will cost around (Bs)75 for a group of 6 people.

    Samaipata, Santa Cruz, Bolivia

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: (Bs)50
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

No sights Results

Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:

There are no results for {{ strDestName }} Sights in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:

Recommended Fodor’s Video