Best Areas to Stay in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia

Where to Stay in Santa Cruz de la Sierra – A Guide to Bolivia’s Economic Capital

Santa Cruz de la Sierra, commonly known as Santa Cruz, is the most populous city in Bolivia. Located in the center of the country, east of the Andes Mountains, Santa Cruz de la Sierra is the main commercial and financial center in Bolivia. In this post, we will explore the best areas to stay in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia.

The main attractions in Central Santa Cruz de la Sierra include Plaza 24 de Septiembre, Catedral Metropolitana de San Lorenzo, Noel Kempff Mercado Natural History Museum, Manzana Uno Espacio de Arte, the Contemporary Art Museum, and Casa Municipal de Cultura Raul Otero Reiche. See accommodation in the City Center.

For outdoor lovers, Santa Cruz de la Sierra is the main gateway to explore some incredible national parks and preserves such as Lomas de Arena Regional Park, Biocentro Guembe, Jardín de las Delicias, and Amboró National Park.

Due to its location in the Bolivian Tropical Lowlands, Santa Cruz de la Sierra has a tropical savanna climate. Temperatures are constantly warm throughout the year and range between 15 – 24 ºC in July and between 21 – 30 ºC in January. December and January are the wettest months. Because of its constantly pleasant temperatures, Santa Cruz de la Sierra can be considered an ideal travel destination year-round. That said, the best time to visit Santa Cruz is between March and October, as rains are less frequent and you can enjoy outdoor activities.

To get to Santa Cruz de la Sierra by air, the city is served by the Viru Viru International Airport. Located 6 km south of Central Santa Cruz de la Sierra, this airport, the busiest international hub in the country, handles domestic connections to every corner of Bolivia and international flights to cities in Peru, Paraguay, Chile, Colombia, Argentina, Venezuela, Panama, the US, Brazil, and Spain.

Santa Cruz de la Sierra is also very well-connected by long-distance buses to the rest of Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, and Peru. See long-distance bus routes, schedules & fares.

To move around the city and its metropolitan area, Santa Cruz de la Sierra has a public transportation system consisting of bus lines (locally called micros), shared taxis (called trufis), and regular taxis. The Historic City Center is very pedestrian-friendly.

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. See accommodation in Santa Cruz de la Sierra City Center.

If you’re looking for a more exclusive, less hectic alternative to the busy downtown streets of Centro, then the city’s northern districts (like Equipetrol, Sirari, or San Carlos) are by far 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 as a foreign tourist. See accommodation in Santa Cruz de la Sierra – North.

Keep reading to find out more about the best location in Santa Cruz de la Sierra for tourists.

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The Best Areas to Stay in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia

1. Recommended area: City Center

Santa Cruz Center, also known as Distrito 11 comprises the area bound by the first and second beltways of the city.

This historic district is home to Santa Cruz de la Sierra’s main landmarks, colonial architecture, squares, parks, and commercial streets.

The area around Plaza Central 24 de Septiembre is home to the city’s main historic buildings and cultural sights such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Casa de Cultura Raul Otero Reiche, Museo de Arte Sacro, and Manzana Uno Espacio de Arte.

Nearby Parque El Arenal offers green areas, trails, and a small lake.

Museo de Historia Natural Noel Kempff Mercado, located south of the city center, offers displays of natural history and local fauna.

Santa Cruz Centro is also home to the city’s main commercial areas. There are dozens of local shopping centers, fashion retailers.

Likewise, the central district is considered the main restaurant and nightlife area in Santa Cruz. Most venues in Centro cater to locals, so you can expect cheap meals and drinks!

Kalomai Park Santa Cruz, located directly east of the downtown area, is the largest water park in Bolivia and a great place to visit if you’re traveling with kids.

When it comes to transportation, Centro is very pedestrian-friendly. To get to other districts, you can always move by micro or taxi.

Santa Cruz Centro is also home to a wide variety of accommodations. Here, you can find cheap hostels and posadas, as well as several mid-range and luxury hotels.

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Santa Cruz de la Sierra:

• Heart of the city
• Connected by public transport
• Pedestrian-friendly
• Historical monuments
• Metropolitan Cathedral
• Best area for sightseeing

2. North of the City Center (Equipetrol and around)

The districts north of downtown Santa Cruz (in Distrito 1) are known for being the main financial areas of the city.

This collection of upscale neighborhoods, which includes areas like Equipetrol, Sirari, and San Carlos, is also home to the local upper and upper-middle classes.

Equipetrol is one of the most sought-after districts in Santa Cruz, very popular among young professionals and families.

This modern area is home to Santa Cruz’s tallest office buildings and condo developments. It is also where some of the best private universities are located.

Centro Comercial Ventura Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the country, offers brand-name shops, a large food court, a movie theater, and even a bowling alley.

Very close, you’ll find the Zoological Park of South American Fauna Noel Kempff Mercado, the most important in Bolivia.

To move around and from Equipetrol, Sirari and San Carlos, you can use the bus or taxi.

This area has a variety of hotels, restaurants, and luxury shops and is one of the best areas to stay in San Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia.

Equipetrol and its surroundings are also the safest areas to stay in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Santa Cruz de la Sierra:

• Exclusive area
• Zoo
• Shopping centers and stores
• Luxury area
• Restaurants and nightlife
• Best area for business travelers

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