The Best attractions in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia - Part 1

Sadly most travellers who visit Bolivia follow the same old gringo trail and miss most of the most beautiful and undiscovered paradises in Bolivia, this is due to a severe lack of publicity for this region but those who do make the trip to Santa Cruz are greeted with world class attractions and often have them all to themselves.

We have compiled a list of our favourite places to visit in the Santa Cruz Department and places we consider MUST DO adventures while in South America. In Part 1 of our Best Attraction series we will explore the following destinations:

LOMAS DE ARENA

Lomas de Arena is a protected area situated just 20km from the City of Santa Cruz, its famous for its different Eco Systems which include a 3000 hectare natural desert which is surrounded by tropical forests, coloured lakes and Savannahs. The different landscapes have allowed wildlife to flourish and there is a huge variety of flora and fauna, Sloths, Monkeys, Toucans and Capybara are just some of the species found in abundance here. A real highlight of visiting this Park is the ability to sand board the dunes which is fantastic fun as well. Entry to the park is challenging and you need to go by a 4WD or with a Tour Operator.

REFUGIO LOS VOLCANES LODGE (Amboro National Park)

Situated on the verge of Amboro National Park is the spectacular Refugio Los Volcanes lodge, this area literally has to be seen to be believed, the lodge itself is situated at the bottom of giant sandstone cliffs and the views are incredible, the forests surrounding the lodge are pristine and merge with the Amboro National Park.

Jaguars, Pumas, Andean Bears, Ocelots, Military Macaws and Andean Condors are just some of the fauna found here. The lodge itself is comfortable, clean and is ideally situated next to stunning waterfalls too. Trekking, Swimming in the waterfalls or looking for wildlife are just some the daily activities here.

SAMAIPATA

This beautiful Inter Andean town is one of Bolivia’s most underrated tourist destinations, the town itself is situated close to a number of world class attractions, El Fuerte Ruins, Las Cuevas Waterfalls, Condor trek, La Pajcha Waterfalls, Amboro National Park and the Ruta Del Che are some of these. The town itself is magical, its cobbled streets and relaxed locals add to the charm, there is also a good range of cafes, restaurants and hotels/hostals which are mainly run by expats who never left.

KAA IYA NATIONAL PARK

Internationally famous for its population of big cats , Kaa Iya National Park is by far the best destination in Bolivia for big mammal viewing , located just 6 hours from Santa Cruz this National Park presents nature lovers incredible opportunities for seeing species which include the Jaguar , Tapir , Pumas, Ocelots and more. Kaa Iya National Park is the chosen destination by biologists and photographers who wish to film Jaguars in the wild. Access into this park is very challenging and only available with a tour operator, visits to the park are recommended in the dry season July through to October.