Renowned for its dynamism and its culture, Santa Cruz de la Sierra is the ideal base for embarking on a tour of the whole country. Taking advantage of these assets, the city offers travelers trendy, relaxing and gourmet addresses. Here are our favorites.
From the Andean peaks culminating at an altitude of 6,000 meters to the lush tropical forest, Bolivia is a popular destination for its majestic nature and breathtaking landscapes. It is also a country which, for French tourists, must be earned: the journey is long and visitors generally arrive exhausted. It is common to start a stay in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, the point of arrival of European long haul. If the tourist activities of the city are a little limited, the Bolivian economic capital enjoys a warm climate and a generous nature very welcoming.
A coffee to drink and admire
A stone’s throw from the cathedral, in the heart of the historic city center, pass two large American fast-food brands at the entrance to Calle Sucre to take refuge in the calm of the charming Patrimonio café. Bordered by small rooms exhibiting local artists, its colonial patio enlivened with vermilion chairs is the new headquarters of the local intelligentsia. The place also has, and above all, one of the best baristas in the city. Refresh yourself with a hit coffee (espresso on crushed ice) or a drowned (espresso on vanilla ice cream) and take the opportunity to taste the cuñapé, small cabbage with rice flour filled with cheese. Note: the particular effort of the owners to promote local resources, from las Yungas coffee to artistic crafts.
Cafetería Patrimonio, 50, calle Sucre, open during the day and in the evening.
Swimming in the roof top
The region’s tropical climate is ideal for lazing around and swimming. To enjoy it, our favorite goes to the swimming pool that crowns the Radisson Hotel, in Urubo, a green extension of Santa Cruz. We let ourselves be tempted by series of breaststroke along the vast mosaic basin, enjoying the spectacular view of the wooded bank of the Piraï River and the city beyond. A jacuzzi and a bar add to the feeling of exclusivity, on this elegant terrace perched on the 9th floor. Favor weekdays for more tranquility, and stay until sunset. You can also maximize relaxation by indulging in a treatment or massage at the Giovanna Spa on the 4th floor.
Hôtel Radisson, 4, Second Avenue, Colinas del Urubó.
Green getaway at La Rinconada
Santa Cruz de la Sierra is located on the edge of the Amazon basin and it is this exuberance of vegetation that we come to contemplate in the park of La Rinconada. Located 7 km from the city, easily accessible by taxi, this private 3-hectare botanical garden stands out for its elegance and the richness of its collection: there are no less than 400 different species, including the spectacular Victoria Amazonica, the largest water lily in the world. Its well-kept paths provide surprises for young and old: giant swings, koi carp pond, hammocks inviting to rest, zip line, toucans, Amazonian fish… Not to mention pretty swimming pools organized in waterfalls. The restaurant, open for lunch, serves honest local specialties, although a little expensive.
From 5 to 8 euros single entry, 11.50 to 21 euros with access to the swimming pools. Closed on Mondays.
Dine like a local
If we had to remember just one dish from Eastern Bolivian gastronomy (Oriente), it would undoubtedly be grilled meat. Like their Brazilian neighbors who call it barbecue, or Argentines and their famous Grill, the Bolivians are masters of this method of cooking. And while restaurants open and close with disconcerting speed in Santa Cruz, L’Arriero, under its typical thatched roof, has been an institution for locals for over 20 years. Succumb to a juicy ojo de bife (sirloin) or a tender lomito (filet mignon), accompanied by cassava fries, and why not take the opportunity to try a Bolivian vintage from the Campos de Solana, Kholberg or Concepcíon estates.
El Arriero, Equipetrol district, on Avenida San Martin at the corner with calle 4 Este. Reservation by whatsapp at +591 7701 0006.
Taste a local beer under the trees
The softness characterizes the evenings in Santa Cruz, inviting to stroll outside (without forgetting to protect yourself against mosquitoes!). The city has thus seen the emergence of pleasant beer gardens, sometimes backed by their own craft brewery. In this category, we recommend Patio Madera and its picturesque wooded garden, quite close to the city center, and Bendita, in the Equipetrol district. These two establishments offer quality fast food (fresh burgers and sandwiches, empañadas, entrees to share…) and live music on certain evenings.
Patio Madera, Urbari quartier, Barientos avenue.
Bendita Beer garden, Equipetrol quartier, Dra Maria de Olivera street (perpendicular to the Fourth ring).
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