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Home / Destinations / Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Bolivia · City · BOB · -17.786300, -63.181200
Family friendly 8.7/10 · Rank 19 of 2 709
Best season: May-September

Best for

Suitable for all types of travellers: families, couples, business travellers and nightlife lovers

Best season

May-September

Daily budget
$78.00 (≈ 6 546 ₽)
For 7 days
$546.00 (≈ 45 820 ₽)
Santa Cruz is the largest and most economically developed city in Bolivia, located in the tropical lowlands of the east. Unlike the highland cities, it enjoys a warm climate and a modern business atmosphere. The city is famous for its gastronomy, nightlife, and serves as a gateway to the Amazon and the Jesuit missions of Chiquitos.
Summer
39.8°C
Winter
16.7°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

active

Pace of life

fast

Local character

Santa Cruz de la Sierra residents are friendly, enterprising and proud of their city, known for their hospitality

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Developed infrastructure
  • Excellent restaurants
  • Active nightlife
  • Many attractions
  • Affordable prices

Cons

  • Hot climate
  • Traffic jams
  • High crime rate
  • Noisy city
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
27.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
31.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
39.8°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
21.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
25.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
16.7°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
December-March
Attractions

Plaza 24 de Septiembre

Main square of the city with the cathedral and cultural centre

Bioparque Güembe

Nature park with rich wildlife and animal watching opportunities

Lomas de Arena

Scenic park with sand dunes and lagoons

Jesuit Missions

Historic missions in the Chiquitos region, UNESCO site

Los Pozuelos Market

Lively market with local products and crafts

Best areas

Equipetrol

Modern area with restaurants, cafes and nightlife

Centre

Historic centre with the square, museums and shops

Plan Tres Mil

Residential area with markets and local restaurants

Must-try food

Pique Macho

Hearty dish with beef, potatoes, onions and egg

Sonso

Traditional corn flatbread with cheese

Chicharrón

Fried pork, a popular snack

Cuñapé

Traditional dessert of cassava and cheese

Where to go next

Samaipata

Town with a UNESCO archaeological site 2.5 hours away

Amboró National Park

National park with rich wildlife 2 hours away

Jesuit Missions

Historic missions in the Chiquitos region 3 hours away

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
medium
Getting there
Nearest airports
Международный аэропорт Виру-Виру (VVI).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
May-September
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$18.00
≈ 1 511 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$35.00
≈ 2 937 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Santa Cruz de la Sierra: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is May-September. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +39.8°C, during the day — up to +31.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +16.7°C, during the day — up to +25.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on December-March. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $78.00 (≈ 6 546 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $10.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $50.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $80.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $150.00 per night, an apartment — $50.00 per night, a villa — $120.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $7.00, dinner at a restaurant — $18.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.50, a 0.5L beer — $2.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $20.00, a single public transport ticket — $1.00, a short taxi ride — $5.00, car rental — $45.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Plaza 24 de Septiembre — Main square of the city with the cathedral and cultural centre; Bioparque Güembe — Nature park with rich wildlife and animal watching opportunities; Lomas de Arena — Scenic park with sand dunes and lagoons; Jesuit Missions — Historic missions in the Chiquitos region, UNESCO site; Los Pozuelos Market — Lively market with local products and crafts. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Pique Macho — Hearty dish with beef, potatoes, onions and egg; Sonso — Traditional corn flatbread with cheese; Chicharrón — Fried pork, a popular snack; Cuñapé — Traditional dessert of cassava and cheese. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Equipetrol — Modern area with restaurants, cafes and nightlife; Centre — Historic centre with the square, museums and shops; Plan Tres Mil — Residential area with markets and local restaurants. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra: is a visa required?
Visa: not required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Международный аэропорт Виру-Виру (code VVI). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $20.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — BOB. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $78.00 (≈ 6 546 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as medium. There is a good choice of bars and restaurants, but without excessive noise.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Samaipata — Town with a UNESCO archaeological site 2.5 hours away; Amboró National Park — National park with rich wildlife 2 hours away; Jesuit Missions — Historic missions in the Chiquitos region 3 hours away. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

8.7/10
Overall rank: 19 of 2 709
Rank among cities: 14