When people first think of Bolivia, they often think of La Paz or the Uyuni Salt Flats. However, the largest city in Bolivia is actually Santa Cruz de La Sierra and it is worth a visit if you are looking for something a little different. Two days in Santa Cruz de la Sierra is the perfect amount of time to see this marvelous city and pairs well with a trip to Brazil.
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History of Santa Cruz de la Sierra
The history of Santa Cruz de la Sierra dates back to 1561 when a Spanish explorer created a settlement near the foothills of the Andes. The settlement was later relocated to where it is now in 1595. During the colonial period, Santa Cruz de la Sierra served as an outpost for the Spanish Empire.
Throughout the years, the city has transitioned to a commercial hub of agriculture, oil, and natural gas. Present-day, it is the largest city in Bolivia and reflects a blend of Spanish and indigenous cultures.
Currency in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
The currency in Bolivia is the Bolivian Boliviano. At the time of our visit, $1USD was about $6.89 Bolivia. We found that every place we went accepted credit cards and we did not need any cash.
Language in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Spanish is the main language spoken in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. I found that very little English was spoken. At restaurants you will not find English menus, so come prepared with Google Translate if you do not speak Spanish.
When to Spend Two Days in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
You will most likely want to visit Santa Cruz de la Sierra during their dry season or winter months from May until October. Weather will be in the 80s most days, so warmer than other parts of Bolivia.
How to Get to Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Santa Cruz de la Sierra has one major airport: Viru Viru International Airport (VVI). Visitors can catch flights here from many places across South America, Madria, and Miami. Skyscanner is my favorite way to search for flights. We flew to Santa Cruz de la Sierra from Rio de Janeiro for about $150/person.
Alternatively, you can take the bus from La Paz or other places throughout Bolivia. There are buses that leave about every hour from 12pm-11pm. The ride will take around 16 hours and will be an overnight bus.
Visa for Bolivia
As a US citizen, you are required to have a visa to enter Bolivia. It was very easy to get a visa on arrival. Visas cost $ 160 USD and are valid for 10 years. You will need to have copies of your flight out of Bolivia and the hotel(s) where you will be staying.
At the VVI airport there is a desk you will be directed to to get your visa. The worker will ask for your documentation and then payment. You can pay by cash or credit card. Then, they will take your picture. They print out the visa right there and stick it in your passport.
Transportation in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Uber is the easiest and quickest way to get around during your two days in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. I love that you know how much the ride will cost prior to getting in the car and it charges your credit card. Alternatively, there are many local taxis you can take or the local buses. You will need to use one of these transportation methods to get around the area.
We opted to Uber from the airport to our hotel. You could also book an airport transfer if you do not want to deal with getting an Uber.
Where to Stay in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
There are many places to stay during your two days in Santa Cruz de la Sierra but we opted to stay at the Marriott Santa Cruz de la Sierra. We paid around $145/night for our stay. It was in a great area surrounded by a ton of restaurants. Close by is also the Hampton by Hilton Santa Cruz which runs around $70/night.
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. You can always try searching Priceline Express Deals for a better price or try to price match a hotel.
What to do During Two Days in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Day 1
Lomas de Arena
Start out your first of two days in Santa Cruz de la Sierra with a visit to Lomas de Arena. This natural reserve is located near Santa Cruz and is known for its sand dunes. This area was shaped by the winds from the Andes.
Visitors can take several trails that lead through the vegetation and look out for wildlife such as armadillos and various birds. However, most people come for the sand dunes. Take a hike to the top of the dunes to check out the surrounding views. Then, spend some time sandboarding. Certain times of the year, there is a very small lagoon visitors can swim in.
You can get here by taking an Uber or hiking a taxi and paying $3 to get in. Alternatively, book a tour through Nicks Adventures Bolivia. Booking a tour includes a private tour, transportation, and English speaking guide, water, admission, and sandboards. This is a good option for those who do not want to deal with visiting on their own.
Lunch at Aviator
After spending the morning at Lomas de Arena, grab lunch at Aviator. This flying themed restaurant has good pub food such as burgers, wings, nachos, and more. Prices are very reasonable and portions are on the larger side, so you could possibly share. Make sure to order their curly fries as that is what they are known for.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens are a must visit when spending two days in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. These gardens span over 165 hectares and showcase an array of native flora. Visitors can wander around various themed sections. Plan to spend a couple of hours here.
Dinner at Brunello Trattoria
Tonight for dinner, head to Brunello Trattoria. This delicious Italian place has an adorable outdoor patio and delicious pizza and pasta dishes. It is the perfect way to end your first of two days in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Google Maps says it is open for lunch, but we found it is actually only open for dinner so keep that in mind.
Day 2
Biocentro Guembe
Start your second of two days in Santa Cruz de la Sierra with a visit to the Biocentro Guembe. This eco-resort is the perfect place to spend a morning or a day. Here, visitors can use the resort’s pools, visit various animal exhibits, play mini golf, and some trails to wander around. Make sure not to miss the aviary to check out the birds local to Bolivia.
Visitors can also opt to stay at this resort if they want a longer experience or check out one of the treehouse lodges. It is a great escape from the city and very easy to get here by Uber. You pay one admission, and it gets you access to all of these areas. Plan to spend a couple of hours here, more if you want to use the pools.
Plazuela Calleja
After spending as much time as you’d like at the Biocentro Guembe, head to the historic city center of Santa Cruz. Stop at Plazuela Calleja, a historical public square surrounded by colonial-style buildings. This square serves as a gathering place for locals and hosts cultural events and live musical performances.
Lunch at El Aljibe
Next up, grab lunch at El Aljibe for some traditional Bolivian dishes. This restaurant is not huge but has a nice variety of choices on the menu. We opted for the peanut sauce chicken and rice. There was a lot of food so come prepared to eat.
Catedral Metropolitana
After lunch, head to the Catedral Metropolitana. This Cathedral, constructed in the neo-Gothic style, towers over the city center. Visitors can opt to pay to climb the towering spires during certain times of the day. Inside the cathedral visitors can admire vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows.
Casa Municipal de Cultura
The Casa Municipal de Cultura is another must visit stop during your two days in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. This center is home to galleries, theaters, and workshops. Visitors can attend music performances, view galleries, participate in classes and more! It is a great place to spend some time in the afternoon.
Parque El Arenal
Next up on your two days in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, head to Parque El Arenal. This oasis offers an escape from the buildings of Santa Cruz. The expansive park has lush greenery, ponds, and walking paths that wind throughout the park. Various cultural events and festivals are held here throughout the year making it a big cultural hub.
Dinner at Bonita Brunch & Bar
To finish off your two days in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, head to a popular restaurant, Bonita Brunch and Bar. This restaurant has some amazing craft cocktails, many featuring the Bolivian liquor Singani. They offer a variety of food options like tacos, pasta, and meat dishes. Everyone can find something to eat in this lively atmosphere.
More Than Two Days in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
If you have more than two days in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, make sure to check out Amboro National Park and the Jardin de Las Delicias Waterfalls. Both of these make awesome day trips and look gorgeous.
Final Tips for Two Days in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Spending two days in Santa Cruz de la Sierra is an amazing stop to take when visiting Bolivia. If you have the time, head to places in Brazil such as Rio or São Paulo afterwards or head west to Peru and Ecuador. Buenos Aires is another great stop you can pair with a visit to Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
