Tourist Center of Santa CruzThe Tourist Center (Centro de Interpretacion Turistica) of Santa Cruz, Bolivia functions more as a museum than a tourist information center. Although you can get information on various tourist attractions and destinations here, as well as local information, it is actually not an information center so much as it is an INTERPRETATION center, true to its name, and has several permanent displays and temporary exhibits of art by local Bolivian artists. Begin with a full exhibit and explanation of the Jesuit Missions, one of the museum's permanent displays featuring pieces from which you can learn about the culture of the Guaraní, Guarayos, and other native peoples that populate the many towns in Bolivia's Chiquitano regions that form the famed "Jesuit Missions" tour. In another section you'll find a display of some of the beautiful Carnaval costumes worn by Bolivian women who are named Queen of the Carnaval each year (keep in mind that Carnaval in Santa Cruz is like Carnaval in Brazil, not Andean at all). There is a small book salon dedicated to the life and works of Bolivian writer Carlos Valverde Barbery. And on the top floor there is a room full of Guaraní artifacts and weavings, as well as works of art by students of the Puerta Abierta (Open Door) Foundation.
CENTRO DE INTERPRETACIÓN TURÍSTICA If you're looking for specific information on local attractions, your best bet is to step in to one of the many travel agencies all over town - they give out information even if you don't book travel with them, or consult the front desk of your hotel. The Tourist Center will provide information on the destinations it is exhibiting at any given time. In addition, and unfortunately, it's personnel don't seem to take its opening hours schedule very seriously. I've heard many complaints about it being closed during the hours it is supposed to be open (listed above).
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