SANTA CRUZ OFF THE BEATEN PATH - CHIQUITANIA, NATURE & LANDSCAPE TOUR - 3 DAYS

DAY 1

Our destination today is the town of San Jose de Chiquitos, home to a unique Jesuit Mission Church. This region is famed for the Jesuit Missions settled here in the second half of the seventeenth century. Unlike other missions established by the Spanish Jesuits in Latin America, these missions are UNESCO World Heritage sites because they remain in their original condition. We arrive around lunchtime after which we spend the rest of the day exploring the picturesque church, visiting the ‘original’ Santa Cruz city’s founding site and a scenic viewpoint offering awe-inspiring views before retreating into our tranquil hotel.

Included: Lunch, dinner

DAY 2

This morning, our destination is Santiago de Chiquitos. Our drive takes us through extensive plains of dry forest and stunning views of imposing mesas (plateaus). In the afternoon, a hiking trail will take us to a spectacular viewpoint located on top of one of those mesas or plateaus with far-reaching views of the ´bosque chiquitano´ (a vast, sparsely populated plain covered in scrub and dry tropical forest) in order to admire the Tucabaca Valley. Arrive in the idyllic town of Santiago de Chiquitos where we will spend the night.

Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 3

Today we have the opportunity to explore a spectacular thermal river meandering through lush jungle. We will get to experience its healing waters before embarking on our return drive to Santa Cruz, not before stopping at Chochis - a natural sanctuary with beautiful views of the extensive “chaco” grasslands extending far into Brazil and Paraguay - on the way back.

Included: Breakfast, lunch

• This tour is suitable for those looking for a mix of culture, scenery, hiking and remote locations away from the usual ‘paths’ that most tourists take.
• Drives are long, but take place on paved, smooth highway allowing us to cover long distances and several places