Bolivia Holidays: Samaitapa and the Jesuit Missions

Around Santa Cruz, maybe the most lively city of Bolivia and completely different than the highlands both in population and climate, lie the Bolivian tropical low lands, holding a unique and fascinating history and precious heritage. Here, are 6 precious Jesuit Missions, all of them UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They are the finest example of colonial religious art in the country. The Jesuits rapidly established a parallel empire in Paraguay and the surrounding areas, including parts of Bolivia and Argentina soon after their arrival. The purpose was to convert the native, mainly Guarani people. They enrolled the most skilful craftsmen to build and decorate the churches at the heart of each of the Jesuit settlements.
Amboro National Park is Bolivia's main ecotourist attraction and encompasses three different ecosystems each with its different plant and animal life and offering fabulous scenery.

DAY 1: Santa Cruz
Transfer in from Viru Viru International Airport to the hotel in Santa Cruz, on the Eastern Amazon lowlands of Bolivia.
Visit the 24 of September Square, Palacio de la Cultura (a cultural centre), the House of Spain, the Adrenal Park with its small regional museum and the Zoo, housing Bolivian fauna only. (B)

DAY 2: SAMAIPATA RUINS / SERRANIA VOLCANES
On the road to Samaipata, we enter to Serrania Volcanes (Volcano Range), a beautiful red mountain range with great depressions and lots of vegetation. We visit the caves, enjoy waterfalls and river pools and lots of nature. Finally, we visit the town of Samaipata and its local museum. Overnight in hotel. (B L)

DAY 3: AMBORO NATIONAL PARK
The hike to the famous pre-Inca ruins of Samaipata across Amboro National Park is spectacular. Drive back to Santa Cruz. (B L)

DAY4: SANTA CRUZ/ SAN JAVIER/ CONCEPCION
The Jesuit Missions are located in the Chiquitania prairie. We visit first the Mission of San Javier located in a small colonial town. After lunch, the trip continues through open savannas to Concepcion, the heart of the missions area, with a nice church constructed in baroque style dating back to the 18th century. (B L D)

DAY 5:CONCEPCION / SANTA CRUZ
Morning to enjoy the warm weather and the beauty of this town and visit the large restoration centre of the Jesuit Missions. Return to Santa Cruz and transfer out. (B L)

Rated: Easy

Fixed Departure dates
Upon request

Tour Tariff
	Per person
USD	-
EUR	-
GBP	-

(*) Price last updated on 06 April 2005. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a quotation request .
(**) 2 participants minimum

Included: Lodging in standard hotels, meals as specified, experienced guides, transport and transfers

Not included: Other meals, drinks, tips, entrance fees (a few dollars).

Samaitapa and the Jesuit Missions

"Bolivia"