Things to do in The Southeast
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Ben Verhoef Tours
Ben Verhoef Tours, run by Dutch couple Ben and Susanne, can organize a variety of tours around Samaipata, such as a six-hour 'Condor Hike'. It also offers a Ché Guevara tour.
reviewed
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Av San Martin
The hippest nightspots are along Av San Martin, between the second and third rings in Barrio Equipetrol, a cheap taxi ride from the center. Hotspots change frequently so it's best to dress to impress and cruise the piranhar (strip, literally 'to go piranha fishing') and see what catches your fancy.
Local kids line up with their cars along the pavements and play unbelievably loud music out of their gigantic car-boot speakers in competition with the music booming from neighboring cars, while drinking beer, dancing and chatting till late. Most places start selling drinks between 18:00 and 21:00 but don't warm up until 23:00, then continue until 03:00 or 04:00.
reviewed
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El Fuerte
Designated in 1998 as a Unesco World Heritage site, El Fuerte occupies a hill-top about 10km from the village and offers breathtaking views across the rugged transition zone between the Andes and low-lying areas further east. There are two observation towers that allow visitors to view the ruins from above. Allow at least two hours to fully explore the complex, and take sunscreen and a hat with you. There is a kiosk with food and water next to the ticket office.
reviewed
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Güembe
A great place for a day out of Santa Cruz, 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, and cabins if you wish to stay the night. The best way to get here is by taxi from Santa Cruz; expect to pay around B$30.
reviewed
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A
Artecampo
The best place to find fine artesanías (locally handcrafted items), this store provides an outlet for the work of 1000 rural cruceña women and their families. The truly inspired and innovative pieces include leatherwork, hammocks, weavings, handmade paper, greeting cards and lovely natural-material lamp shades.
reviewed
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B
Ruta Verde
Great for local information and tours to the Pantanal, Jesuit missions, Amboró and Noel Kempff Mercado national parks, plus Amazon riverboat trips and more.
reviewed
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Aqualand
For a real splash, dive into this water park near the airport, north of the city center. The best way to get here is by taxi (around B$30).
reviewed
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Av René Moreno
Av René Moreno is the place for souvenir shopping. Beware that prices are much higher here than in La Paz for llama and alpaca wool goods, so perhaps save your pennies by shopping in the capital.
Woodcarvings made from the tropical hardwoods morado and the more expensive guayacán (from US$20 for a nice piece) are unique to the Santa Cruz area. Relief carvings on tari nuts are also interesting and make nice portable souvenirs. Locals also make beautiful macramé llicas (root-fiber bags).
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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C
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.
reviewed
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Casa Típica de Camba
You are likely to end up at this lively, sprawling landmark if you ask Bolivian friends where to find the ‘most typical’ cruceños / camba experience. Juicy meat comes sizzling off the grill while live crooners holler traditional tunes and straw-hatted waiters attend to your every need. Take micro 35 or 75 from the center.
reviewed
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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?
reviewed
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Tierra Libre
Top-notch dishes from around the globe are served in a bohemian setting at this new place that’s rapidly gained a following among backpackers for its ample and affordable eats. Veggie meals and exotic Indian concoctions are among the treats on offer and you shouldn’t miss the succulent lomito (steak sandwich) or tasty Lake Titicaca trout.
reviewed
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D
Salón de Té Glamour
So what is so glamorous about a cup of tea you may ask? Well nothing really, but this minimalist, super-clean tearoom does its best to introduce you to the world of flavors that tealike drinks can provide, with herbal infusions, mates, coffees and sticky cakes on offer. Have a quick look at the teapot collection too – bizarre!
reviewed
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E
Centro Cultural Franco Alemán
Houses the Alliance Française ( [tel] 333-3392) and Goethe Institut ( [tel] 332-9906; icbasc@sccbs-bo.com), and offers courses in French, German, Spanish and Portuguese. Facilities include a trilingual multimedia library, the outdoor Kulture Café and an art exhibition gallery; it also sponsors lectures and screens foreign films.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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Zoo el Refugio
This charming and responsible little zoo is actually a refuge for rescued animals. The zoo accepts volunteers who can lodge for free in exchange for their labor, and there is an attractive wooded camping area if you fancy spending a night among the animals. Horses are available for hire for B$25 per hour.
reviewed
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Latina Café
Samaipata’s most popular bar-restaurant (and rightly so), this place serves the best food in town: juicy steaks, saucy pastas, vegetarian delights and gorgeous brownies. The lighting is intimate and the sunsets beautiful. For a real treat try the steak in coca sauce. Happy hour is from 6pm to 7pm.
reviewed
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G
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.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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El Rincón Salteño
Traditional peñas (folk-music programs) are scarce in modern Santa Cruz, but this is an excellent choice. Positioned on the second anillo, there’s a great variety of musical styles, from Argentine guitarists to Cuban village drummers, local singers and dancers in costume.
reviewed
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Neblina Forest
Bird-watching and natural-history tours to Noel Kempff Mercado, Amboró and Madidi National Parks, along with the Beni region and the Pantanal.
Numerous companies offer organized tours, but it's hard to vouch for quality in many, particularly those with cheap rates. This agency is recommended.
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