As you read this tourism page, I invite you to listen to some beautiful music - Just click on the YouTube video of Piraí Vaca playing "Feria" at the bottom of this page.
Tourism is thriving in Santa Cruz! There is so much to see, you won't know where to start. Did you know that in
Bolivia
you can marvel at the architecture of ancient Jesuit missions as local inhabitants play baroque music in the heart of the jungle; take a slow and lazy riverboat trip in the Amazon forest as piranhas, pink river dolphins and crocodiles swim beneath you; go whitewater rafting and rappelling in one of our many national parks; or do some birdwatching in one of the most biologically diverse wildlife reserves in the world?
The number of options for tourism in Bolivia is truly astonishing. Bolivia's western highland region is already widely known. Here you can relax in steamy hot springs high in the Andes Mountains; crawl through the narrow shafts of an ancient silver mine; spend the night in a hotel made completely out of salt; ski some of the highest slopes in the world; step into dinosaur footprints millions of years old; take your picture with pink flamingos 15,000 feet above sea level; dare to pet a 2-pound Lake Titicaca frog; or have your fortune told by a curandero (local healer).
These are the images of Bolivia that most immediately come to mind, and that's because Western Bolivia has been promoted actively for decades. Very little has been done to tell outsiders about
Santa Cruz
(locals call it "El Oriente". I call it the "Jewel of the East"). That's why I chose to put this site together. There is so much information missing on one of the most beautiful regions of Bolivia! The story is incomplete!
Welcome to Eastern Bolivia, one of the most surprising regions for tourism and
ecotourism
on the planet (it's also a wonderfully exciting place to live). Because so much of this region has yet to be discovered and travel can be somewhat difficult at times both within the country and internationally, it's best to rely on a good personal recommendation when
preparing
for your trip.
In this section you'll find valuable information on new immigration and visa issues, possible travel warnings, good common-sense
precautions
to take while you're overseas.
There is plenty to do during your free time and the nightlife in Santa Cruz is hot! You can take individual or guided local
city sites
and tours to see all the urban attractions or spend a few days exploring our many nearby (and some that are not so nearby but equally amazing)
regional sites
and destinations.
I've included a great section on many exciting
things to do
in Santa Cruz and it is always growing. It lists and describes regular and special events you can attend or take part in and a long list of local and national and festivals you won't want to miss! You'll find information on the arts and entertainment, parks, museums, shopping, sports and much more! You should read it carefully before making your travel plans as certain holidays may cause changes in your itinerary.
I'll tell you about all the different forms of
transportation
available to make getting around a little easier including useful tips on taking trains, choosing airlines, hopping on city and tour buses, the safest taxi companies to use, and the most reliable car rental agencies.
Find the most affordable hostels, deep-jungle camping grounds, stellar tropical resorts and all types of
hotels
and other options for lodging and accommodations. You can even contribute your own rating to our Hotel Review. We'll also help you find beautifully located and affordable vacation rentals.
The most experienced, energetic and innovative
travel agencies
and tour operators will be able to tell you all about the best places to see and how to get there and will help you choose how to spend your time with tours tailored to your wishes.
You'll need to learn all you can about our
money
so check out this important information on currency and banking, all you need to know about how and where to exchange money safely, transfer or receive money from overseas, calculate costs when you're shopping, and more.
Try Bolivia's great local
food
and international cuisine. We'll suggest some of the best restaurants and surprising little local gems so you don't starve while you're here...
Check out the many other informative sections BoliviaBella offers you! And when your vacation is over, tell us all about it by contributing your photos, travel story, travelogue or travel blog and we'll post the information you share. Contribute your
top two travel tips.
Those of you who are contemplating touring Bolivia: you'll find the articles other travelers contributed beneath the forms on the same page.
BEAUTIFUL MUSIC FROM EASTERN BOLIVIA Pirai Vaca is one of the most famous Bolivian musicians worldwide. His ability with the guitar is amazing. He currently lives in Germany but continues to be admired and well-loved here. He is the son of the famous Bolivian painter Lorgio Vaca. This piece of music is called FERIA.