Sights in Santa Cruz
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Zoo
Santa Cruz’ zoo has a collection of native birds, mammals and reptiles kept in pleasingly humane conditions, 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 spectacular species such as tapirs, pumas, jaguars and spectacled bears. Keep your eyes open for free-ranging sloths and squirrel monkeys in the trees.
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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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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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A
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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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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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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C
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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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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Ethno-Folkloric Museum
Located at the park entrance on Beni and 6 de Agosto is the Ethno-Folkloric Museum, which has a small collection of traditional art and artifacts from several camba cultures including Guaraní, Mojeño, Ayoreo and Chiquitano.
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Guaraní Museum
A small but fascinating and professionally presented exhibition of Guaraní culture. Look for the animal masks and tinajas (huge clay pots) used for making chicha. You’ll need to knock on the gate for entry.
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D
Museo de Historia Nacional
Museo de Historia Nacional houses a permanent display of Chiquitania art and photographic exhibits explaining the customs of this little- known indigenous group.
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