Santa Cruz Sights

  1. Aqualand

    For a real splash, dive into this water park near the airport. The best way to get here is by taxi (around US$5 to US$6 ).

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  2. Basílica Menor de San Lorenzo

    Although the original cathedral on Plaza 24 de Septiembre was founded in 1605, the present structure dates from 1845 and wasn't consecrated until 1915. Inside, the decorative woodwork on the ceiling and silver plating around the altar are worth a look. There are good views of the city from the belltower.

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  3. Biocentro Güembe

    A great place for a day out of Santa Cruz, Biocentro Güembe has a butterfly farm, orchid exhibitions, 10 natural pools, fishing and trekking in the surrounding forest. There's a restaurant with international cuisine, so you won't go hungry. The best way to get here is by taxi from Santa Cruz; expect to pay around US$5 .

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  4. Jardín Zoológico

    Santa Cruz' zoo has a wild collection of South American birds, mammals and reptiles, who all appear to be humanely treated (although the llamas are a bit overdressed for the climate). If you're not into going to the jungle, this is a good place to see endangered and exotic species such as tapirs, pumas, jaguars and spectacled bears. Sloths laze about in the trees.

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  5. Museo de Arte Sagrado

    The Museum of Holy Art, inside the cathedral, displays a collection of religious icons, vestments and medallions. More interesting are the many gold and silver relics from the Jesuit Guarayos missions. Look out for one of the world's smallest books, a thumbnail-sized volume containing the Lord's Prayer in several languages.

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  6. Museo de la Catedral

    The cathedral's air-conditioned Museo de Arte Sagrado has a collection of religious icons and artifacts but very little typical religious art. Most interesting are the many gold and silver relics from the Jesuit Guarayos missions. There's also a collection of religious vestments and medallions, as well as one of the world's smallest books, a thumbnail-sized volume containing the Lord's Prayer in several languages.

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  7. Museo de la Historia Natural

    The Museo de la Historia Natural (Natural History Museum) gives you the lowdown on the flora, fauna and geology of eastern Bolivia. Exhibits include pickled frogs and the usual stuffed animals, fish and birds, as well as information on seeds, wood, fruit, gardening and other lowland pursuits. The bug collections include specimens large enough to keep many people out of rainforests forever.

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  8. Museo Etno-Folklórico

    On a peninsula, the Ethno-Folkloric Museum has a small collection of traditional art and artefacts from several camba (lowland) cultures. Locals relax around the lagoon at Parque El Arenal, but it's best not to dawdle here at night. On an island in the lagoon, a bas-relief mural by renowned Bolivian artist Lorgio Vaca depicts historic and modern-day aspects of Santa Cruz.

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  9. Parque El Arenal

    Relaxing around the lagoon at Parque El Arenal is a favorite local pastime, although it's best not to dawdle here after dark. On an island in the lagoon, a bas-relief mural by renowned Bolivian artist Lorgio Vaca depicts historic and modern-day aspects of Santa Cruz. There's a small folk museum here too.

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  10. Plaza 24 de Septiembre

    The city's main plaza serves as a lush tropical space where you'll see locals lounging on benches and strolling, and families bringing their kids to play. Once there were resident jaywalking sloths here, but they were relocated to the zoo in an effort to protect them from electrocution and increasing traffic hazards in the town center. The price of progress, eh?

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