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South AmericaBoliviaSanta Cruz Department

Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Santa Cruz Department, Bolivia · South America

About Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Santa Cruz de la Sierra sits on the route: 25 minutes from Cotoca.

Santa Cruz de la Sierra is a major city located in Santa Cruz Department, Bolivia. With a population of 1,831,434, it is one of the largest urban centers in South America.

On a road trip, Santa Cruz de la Sierra sits in Bolivia. It's in the America/La Paz time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Santa Cruz de la Sierra to your route.

About Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Santa Cruz de la Sierra (Spanish: [ˈsanta ˈkɾus ðe la ˈsjera]; lit. 'Holy Cross of the Mountain Range'), commonly known as Santa Cruz, is the largest city in Bolivia and the capital of the Santa Cruz department. Situated on the Pirai River in the eastern Tropical Lowlands of Bolivia, the Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Read more Metropolitan Region is the most populous urban agglomeration in Bolivia with an estimated population of 2.4 million in 2020. It is formed out of a conurbation of seven Santa Cruz municipalities: Santa Cruz de la Sierra, La Guardia, Warnes, Cotoca, El Torno, Porongo, and Montero. The city was first founded in 1561 by Spanish explorer Ñuflo de Chavez about 200 km (124 mi) east of its current location, and was moved several times until it was finally established on the Pirai River in the late 16th century. For much of its history, Santa Cruz was mostly a small outpost town, and even after Bolivia gained its independence in 1825 there was little attention from the authorities or the population in general to settle the region. It was not until after the middle of the 20th century with profound agrarian and land reforms that the city began to grow at a very fast pace. Due to its low elevation at the foothills of the Andes and being situated in the Amazon basin, the city has a tropical climate unlike the other main metro area of La Paz that is thousands of meters higher in terms of elevation. Santa Cruz is Bolivia's most populous city, produces nearly 35% of Bolivia's gross domestic product, and receives over 40% of all foreign direct investment in the country. The city is the most important business center in Bolivia and the country's principal destination for national and international migrants.

Read more on Wikipedia

Where to Stay in Santa Cruz de la Sierra

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Santa Cruz de la Sierra?

Santa Cruz de la Sierra offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.

How do I plan a road trip to Santa Cruz de la Sierra?

Plan your road trip to Santa Cruz de la Sierra with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Santa Cruz de la Sierra as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.

Where is Santa Cruz de la Sierra located?

Santa Cruz de la Sierra is located in Santa Cruz Department, Bolivia, South America. The coordinates are -17.7863 latitude, -63.1812 longitude.

What is the population of Santa Cruz de la Sierra?

Santa Cruz de la Sierra has a population of approximately 1,831,434 people, making it a major city in Bolivia.

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Quick Information

Population
1,831,434
Continent
South America
Country
Bolivia
Region
Santa Cruz Department
Timezone
America/La_Paz
Coordinates
-17.7863, -63.1812

Tags

South AmericaBoliviaSanta Cruz DepartmentMajor City

When to drive here

Year-round

Tropical latitude: plan around the wet season rather than temperature.

Nearby Destinations

Other places to explore near Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

Cotoca

🇧🇴 Bolivia

14 km awayPop. 18,347

Santa Fe

🇧🇴 Bolivia

20 km away

La Bélgica

🇧🇴 Bolivia

27 km awayPop. 5,501

Los Negros

🇧🇴 Bolivia

27 km awayPop. 3,046

Paurito

🇧🇴 Bolivia

27 km awayPop. 2,191

Santa Rita

🇧🇴 Bolivia

29 km awayPop. 2,444

Warnes

🇧🇴 Bolivia

30 km awayPop. 22,036

San Julian

🇧🇴 Bolivia

30 km away

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Data sources:GeoNames (CC BY 4.0)•Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)•Mapbox•Photography: George Lawrence