Santa Cruz is Bolivia's largest department, covering an area of 370.621 square kilometres (33.74% of the whole country). According to the 2005 census, it has a population of 2.433.602 and its capital city is named Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

While Santa Cruz Department was created after a Decree issued on the 23rd January 1826, its capital city was founded on the 26th February 1561 by Spanish captain Ñuflo de Chávez. It became part of "Chiquitos" province, which belonged to the Viceroyalty of the Rio de la Plata.

Santa Cruz is located in the east area of the country and it is bordered by Beni Department and Brazil to the north, by Chuquisaca Department and Paraguay to the south, by Brazil to the east as well and, finally, by Cochabamba and Chuquisaca departments to the west.

This is a highly industrialized area and the main centre of domestic consumption. Moreover, it has the country's largest per capita income and a high growth rate. Lumber production as well as farming and agricultural production are the main economic activities in the area. Finally, the production of hydrocarbons has high importance in the area.

Through Reservas.net it is possible to make reservations by phone or on-line for accommodation in Hotels, Apartments, Bed & Breakfast, Apart-Hotels or Resorts located in different spots of the city.

In order to experience an enjoyable and pleasant stay near your area of interest it is possible to book a hotel downtown Santa Cruz, or in different areas of the locality.

Santa Cruz Department has a lot to offer when it comes to the tourism sector, including natural beauties, archaeological sites and a rich cultural heritage as well as recreation areas.

One striking example of this is the national parks that can be found in the department, namely Noel Kempff Mercado National Park and Amboró National Park.

The first one, Noel Kempff Mercado National Park, was designated world heritage site by UNESCO. Two hundred metre tall plateaus, breathtaking waterfalls, and a large number of native animals, are some of the park's most attractive features.

The Amboró National Park is home to an exciting variety of bird species and there is a sanctuary where these animals can be studied. Also, the Pantanal Boliviano (Bolivian Marshlands) is a water reservoir and a place where wildlife takes shelter.

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The Santa Cruz' folklore is the result of a remarkable fusion of two civilizations, Spanish and native American, specially the Guarani civilization. People from Santa Cruz are known by the name "Camba", which means "strong man" in Guarani.

Moreover, the "Guaycurúes", the "Ishir" (better known as Zamucos or Chamacocos), the "Ayoreo" and the "Chiquitos" as well as the "Guarayos" in the north area, all of them influenced by the Guaranies, were just a few of several ethnic groups that were the ancestors of the current population of Santa Cruz.

The Jesuits largely influenced this area, mainly the region known as Chiquitania. A rich architectural and musical heritage remains very well preserved nowadays and instruments such as the violin and the harp are some examples of it.

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Santa Cruz de la Sierra is a very attractive city that offers a wide variety of tourist attractions not only inside the city itself but also in its surroundings. These are some of the main examples.

Las Misiones Jesuiticas de Chiquitos (Spanish for Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos), designated World Heritage Site, are small villages or settlements that were founded during the XVI and share a rich architectural heritage. What is more, Renaissance and Baroque music plays a major role in the local culture.

Yet there is more than cultural attractions. Nature rules here and beautiful landscapes and varied natural attractions can be enjoyed at this place, being are quite an adventure for visitors. It is highly recommended to visit spots such as San Xavier, Concepción, San Ignacio de Velasco, San Rafael, San Miguel y Santa Ana, San José de Chiquitos, Roboré and Santiago.

El Pantanal is an important ecological reserve that is shared with Brazil. Noel Kempf Mercado Park is a protected area where a wonderfully varied flora and fauna can be found as well as impressive cascades with crystal clear water and fast-flowing rivers.

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