Santa Cruz de la Sierra City Guide

Local dishes include Majadito, Pacumutu, Sopa de Maní, and Cuñapé. International food options like Italian, Japanese, and Chinese are common in upscale areas. Vegetarian and vegan options are growing but limited. Some food vendors and restaurants stay open late on weekends.

Active nightlife centers on bars and clubs in Equipetrol with more activity on weekends.

Coffee culture grows with local roasters and specialty cafes appearing. A mix of traditional and third-wave spots.

Tipping around 10% in restaurants is common but not always expected. Taxi tips are usually rounding up. Other services may get small tips for good service.

SIM cards are sold at airport kiosks and provider stores. Main providers are Tigo, Entel, and Viva; Tigo and Entel have good coverage. Passport required to register.

Cleanliness varies by neighborhood. Main areas are generally clean; recycling is still developing.

Some pharmacies and minimarts stay open 24/7. Night clinics are limited. After-hours food is mostly fast food or street food vendors.

Supermarkets like Hipermaxi, Fidalga, and IC Norte offer international products but selection can be limited. Local markets such as Mercado Los Pozos are great for fresh produce and meats. Supermarkets open 8 AM–10 PM daily; markets close earlier. Supermarkets stay open Sundays with shorter hours.

Card payments work in big supermarkets and restaurants but cash is preferred in small shops, markets, and public transport.

ATMs are common at banks and malls. Use ones inside banks during business hours for safety. Local and international fees may apply.

Santa Cruz has international schools such as the American International School of Bolivia and Santa Cruz Cooperative School. Instruction is mainly in English at international schools; local schools teach in Spanish. Admissions start in August or September; apply early due to waitlists.

The nomad community is small but growing. Co-working spaces and cafés serve as main hubs, with informal meetups rare.

Good parks with shaded paths and jogging routes including Parque Urbano and Botanical Garden.

Running is popular in parks like Parque Urbano and wide city avenues. Safe during the day, but take care at night.

Several gyms are available, including popular chains and local fitness centers.

Tennis courts available at private clubs, usually clay or hard courts.

Padel courts exist in clubs, with equipment rental and coaching options.

Several yoga studios offer drop-in and membership classes, mostly in Spanish.

Martial arts gyms offer BJJ, Taekwondo, Karate, and Boxing. Drop-in classes common; limited English spoken.

No skiing, tropical lowland.

Limited water sports available on artificial lakes or rivers, mainly at private clubs.

No surfing, landlocked city.

No diving, landlocked.

Private hospitals like Clínica Foianini and Hospital Sirio Libanés usually have English-speaking staff and better care. Public health services are basic and can be crowded. Pharmacies are easy to find and some are 24/7.

Tap water isn’t safe to drink directly; bottled water is recommended.

Many parks like Parque Urbano and Biocentro Güembé have playgrounds. Family-friendly cafes and restaurants often offer play areas. Baby supplies are available in supermarkets and pharmacies.

Santa Cruz is relatively open with legal protections and annual pride events. Dedicated safe spaces are few, so discretion is advised in public.

Pet services like vets and supplies are available, though pet-friendly accommodations and parks are limited. Confirm policies before arrival.