Santa Cruz de la Sierra is Bolivia’s largest and fastest-growing city, offering a mix of modern development, business districts, and access to the country’s diverse natural landscapes. Located in the center of the country, east of the Andes Mountains, Santa Cruz serves as an economic hub and a gateway to both the Amazon rainforest and the Gran Chaco region. In this post, we will explore the best areas to stay in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia.
Founded in 1561 by Spanish explorer Ñuflo de Chávez, Santa Cruz has evolved into a center of commerce and culture, with a metropolitan population exceeding 2.4 million. As Bolivia’s main commercial and financial center, the city’s historic core features landmarks like Plaza 24 de Septiembre, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and colonial-era buildings. Find accommodation in the City Center. On the other hand, modern districts such as Equipetrol are known for their upscale hotels, shopping centers, and international restaurants. Find accommodation in Equipetrol.
Santa Cruz is also a starting point for visiting natural attractions, including Amboró National Park, home to cloud forests, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. Nearby, Lomas de Arena Regional Park offers vast sand dunes just a short drive from the city. For a cultural experience, visitors can explore the Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing well-preserved Baroque churches.
Santa Cruz has a tropical savanna climate, with temperatures ranging from 70–95 ºF (21–35 ºC) year-round. The dry season, from May to September, offers cooler temperatures, while the wet season, from November to March, brings heavier rainfall and higher humidity.
The city is served by Viru Viru International Airport (VVI), Bolivia’s main airport, located 10 mi (16 km) north of the city center. It offers domestic flights to La Paz, Cochabamba, and Sucre, as well as international connections to São Paulo, Miami, Madrid, and Buenos Aires. Santa Cruz is also well-connected by long-distance buses to other cities in Bolivia and neighboring countries like Paraguay, Argentina, and Peru.
Public transportation within the city includes bus lines (locally called micros), shared taxis (trufis), and regular taxis. While these options cover most areas, taxis, and ride-hailing services remain the most convenient way to get around. The Historic City Center is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot.
Keep reading to find out more about the best areas to stay in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
What are the best areas to stay in Santa Cruz de la Sierra?
Santa Cruz de la Sierra has a well-structured layout, making navigation easy. The Centro Histórico follows a traditional grid pattern, enclosed by a ring road formed by Avenidas Cañoto, Uruguay, Argomosa, Viedma, and Irala. Expanding outward, the city is organized around three extra concentric ring roads (“anillos viales”) that help streamline traffic. The northern districts are denser and more upscale, while the central and southern areas are primarily low-rise residential and commercial zones, maintaining a balanced urban flow.
The best area to stay in Santa Cruz de la Sierra is the City Center. This historic area is home to Santa Cruz de la Sierra’s best colonial architecture, museums, cultural attractions, and traditional restaurants. Centro also offers the widest selection of accommodations and hotels. Find accommodation in Santa Cruz de la Sierra City Center.
Suppose you’re looking for a more exclusive, less hectic alternative to the busy downtown streets of Centro. In that case, the city’s northern districts (like Equipetrol, Sirari, or San Carlos) are the best location in Santa Cruz de la Sierra for you. The city’s north is also the safest area to stay in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, especially for foreign tourists. Find accommodation in Equipetrol and the northern districts.
Keep reading to learn about the best areas to stay in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
1. Santa Cruz Historic City Center
The best location for culture and history
Santa Cruz’s Historic Center is a great option for travelers who want to stay in the heart of the city, close to cultural sites and local markets.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra’s Centro Histórico is the oldest part of the city and its cultural and political heart. Located within the first ring road, this district is home to Plaza 24 de Septiembre, the city’s main square, which is surrounded by important landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral, colonial-era buildings, and government offices. The area retains its historic charm while serving as a hub for commerce, tourism, and local life.
Walking through the streets of the Historic Center, visitors will find museums, theaters, and markets, as well as a growing number of cafés, boutique hotels, and international restaurants. The Manzana Uno Cultural Center hosts exhibitions and cultural events, while the Sacred Art Museum showcases religious artifacts from the colonial era.
The district is also known for its pedestrian-friendly streets and lively atmosphere, with numerous shops, street vendors, and plazas where locals gather. At night, the area has a selection of bars and casual entertainment spots, though it is quieter compared to other nightlife districts like Equipetrol.
Public transportation is easily accessible, with bus routes and trufis connecting Centro Histórico to other parts of the city. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also widely available. Due to its central location, staying in this area provides convenient access to many of Santa Cruz’s main attractions.
Accommodations in the Historic Center range from budget-friendly hostels and mid-range hotels to boutique accommodations in restored colonial buildings.
Our hand-picked accommodations in Santa Cruz’s Historic City Center
Lido Hotel
Located in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, a 7-minute walk from the 24th of September Metropolitan Plaza, the Lido Hotel has accommodations with a terrace, free private parking, and a restaurant. This 3-star hotel offers room service, a 24-hour front desk, and free WiFi.
2. Equipetrol & Distrito Municipal 1
The most upscale area to stay in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
As the most modern and exclusive part of the city, Equipetrol offers luxury hotels, serviced apartments, and upscale dining options.
Located north and northeast of the Historic City Center, Equipetrol and Distrito Municipal 1 form Santa Cruz de la Sierra’s most urbanized and modern districts. This area is home to the city’s Financial District, featuring high-rise office buildings, luxury apartments, and commercial hubs. It is the economic engine of Santa Cruz, attracting professionals, business travelers, and upscale residents.
The district is known for several landmarks, including the Christ the Redeemer Monument, a symbol of the city, and important cultural sites such as the Guaraní Museum and the Museum of Indigenous and Popular Art from the Lowlands. The area also hosts Artecampo, a cultural cooperative showcasing traditional crafts. For nature and wildlife, the Santa Cruz Municipal Zoo provides an opportunity to learn about Bolivia’s diverse fauna.
Shopping and entertainment options abound, with Ventura Mall and Las Brisas Mall offering a mix of high-end brands, cinemas, and dining venues. The district is also home to Gabriel René Moreno Autonomous University, Santa Cruz’s largest higher education institution, with faculties including Engineering, Architecture and Design, and Forestry and Environmental Sciences.
As the most modern and exclusive part of the city, Equipetrol and Distrito Municipal 1 offer the widest selection of luxury hotels, serviced apartments, and upscale dining options, making it an ideal area for business travelers and those looking for high-end accommodations.
Our hand-picked accommodations in Equipetrol
TRYP by Wyndham Santa Cruz
In Santa Cruz de la Sierra, a 19-minute walk from Gabriel Rene Moreno Autonomous University, TRYP by Wyndham Santa Cruz has accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness center, and a terrace.
3. Urubó
A Quiet area surrounded by nature
Urubó offers a balance between exclusivity and relaxation, making it one of the best areas to stay in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
Urubó, located west of the Piraí River and connected by the Urubó Bridge, is one of the fastest-growing districts in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Once a quiet residential area, it has transformed into an upscale hub with luxury gated communities, high-end condominiums, shopping centers, and entertainment venues like Urubó Village. The district is also home to Urubó Golf, a premier golf course catering to the city’s affluent residents.
Known for its green spaces and ecotourism attractions, Urubó offers access to Laguna Capiguara, a scenic lake perfect for outdoor activities, and Güembé Biocenter and Butterfly House, a nature reserve featuring wildlife exhibits and botanical gardens. La Rinconada Ecoparque provides hiking trails and leisure spaces, adding to the area’s appeal for those seeking a retreat from urban life.
Accommodations in Urubó range from luxury hotels and boutique lodges to private rentals, making it an excellent choice for travelers looking for a high-end stay in a quieter setting while remaining well-connected to the city.
4. Viru Viru International Airport
The best place to stay in Santa Cruz for travelers on a stopover
The area around Viru Viru International Airport is a perfect location in Santa Cruz de la Sierra for travelers with connections.
The area surrounding Viru Viru International Airport (VVI), located about 10 miles (16 km) north of Santa Cruz de la Sierra’s city center, serves as Bolivia’s main international gateway. Opened in 1983, it is the country’s largest and busiest airport, handling both domestic and international flights.
Viru Viru offers direct connections to major cities in South America, North America, and Europe, including routes to São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Miami, and Madrid. The airport accommodates flights from major airlines such as Boliviana de Aviación (BoA), LATAM, Copa Airlines, and Avianca.
Viru Viru has a single passenger terminal that handles both international and domestic flights. The terminal features duty-free shops, restaurants, currency exchange services, and VIP lounges catering to business and leisure travelers.
Transportation options from the airport include official taxis, ride-hailing services, and shuttle buses connecting to various parts of Santa Cruz. While there is no direct rail link, the airport is well connected by major roads, ensuring easy access to the city.
The area around Viru Viru is primarily commercial, with several hotels offering convenient stays for transit passengers and business travelers. While it lacks the attractions of the city center, it provides a practical base for those with early flights or short layovers.
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Read this in other languages:
- |ES| Dónde alojarse Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia.
- |PT| Melhores áreas para se hospedar em Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolívia.
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