Hotels in Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Santa Cruz de la Sierra: Bolivia's Lowland Commercial Capital

Santa Cruz de la Sierra sits at 416 metres above sea level on Bolivia's eastern lowland plain, roughly 900 km from La Paz by road. Founded by Spaniards in 1561, it has grown into Bolivia's largest city by population — surpassing 2 million residents in the metropolitan area — and its economic engine, driven by agribusiness, natural gas, and trade with Brazil and Argentina.

Where to Stay

The city radiates outward from the Plaza 24 de Septiembre, the central square flanked by the 16th-century Basílica Menor de San Lorenzo. Hotels concentrate in the Equipetrol district to the north, a modern corridor of business hotels and restaurants along Avenida San Martín, and around the first and second anillos (ring roads) that encircle the historic core. Budget and mid-range options cluster near the terminal bimodal, which handles both buses and rail connections to the Brazilian border.

Practical Tips

• Climate: Santa Cruz has a tropical climate; pack light clothing but bring a layer for the surazo — a cold wind that drops temperatures sharply between May and August.
• Getting around: Taxis and ride-apps (Uber operates here) cover most city zones; agree on fares before boarding unofficial cabs.
• Access: Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) sits 16 km north of the city centre and receives direct flights from Miami, Lima, and São Paulo.