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Chiquitania
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Explore Bolivia's Chiquitania for living Jesuit missions, Chiquitano music, dry forests, rocky landscapes and long-distance cultural journeys.

Chiquitania is a broad cultural and geographical region in eastern Bolivia, extending across the lowlands of the Santa Cruz Department between the metropolitan plain around Santa Cruz de la Sierra and the Brazilian frontier. It is best known for the Jesuit mission towns established in the late seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, but its character is equally shaped by seasonal savannah, granite outcrops, tropical dry forest and long horizons of sparsely settled countryside. Distances are substantial, and the region rewards travellers who allow several days rather than attempting to see every mission as a rushed excursion.
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The mission circuit centres on San Xavier, Concepción, San Rafael de Velasco, San Miguel de Velasco, Santa Ana de Velasco and San José de Chiquitos. Their churches are not ruins but living places of worship, with distinctive timber structures, painted interiors and music traditions that reflect the encounter between European Jesuit design and Indigenous Chiquitano craftsmanship. Concepción provides one of the region's principal bases, while San Ignacio de Velasco is an important commercial and transport centre, although its present cathedral is a modern reconstruction rather than one of the original mission churches.
Further east, San José de Chiquitos combines mission history with railway heritage and access to the landscapes around Santiago de Chiquitos and Roboré. The latter lies near the Tucavaca Valley, where dry forest, rocky hills and seasonal streams create opportunities for walking, birdwatching and guided nature excursions. Around Santiago, the serrated Chochís landscape and the sanctuary associated with the Virgen de la Asunta add a striking natural and religious dimension to the journey. Conditions vary sharply between the dry season and the rains, when unpaved roads can become slow or difficult.
Chiquitania's cultural life is especially associated with music. Baroque scores preserved and revived in the mission communities have made the region an important setting for performances and festivals, while local craft traditions include carved woodwork, woven goods and religious art. Food reflects the eastern Bolivian lowlands: visitors may encounter majadito, locro, rice and cassava-based dishes, grilled meats, freshwater fish and widely available cuñapé and sonso. The region is neither a conventional resort nor an urban destination; its appeal lies in the relationship between mission settlements, living communities, long road journeys and dry-forest environments.

When is the best time to visit Chiquitania?

Best: June–August · 24–26°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January30150
February30140
March30130
April29120
May27110
June (best)25100
July (best)2490
August (best)2680
September2790
October29100
November30110
December30130

Getting to and around Chiquitania

How to get there

Most international visitors reach Chiquitania through Viru Viru International Airport outside Santa Cruz de la Sierra, which is the region's principal gateway rather than a destination within Chiquitania itself. From Santa Cruz, long-distance buses and private vehicles travel east towards San José de Chiquitos, Concepción and the other mission towns. San Ignacio de Velasco and some smaller settlements have airstrips or limited air services, but routes and operating arrangements can change, so they require local confirmation. The railway towards the Brazilian border provides access to parts of the region, although it is not a substitute for road transport to every mission.

Transportation

A private vehicle with a suitable driver is the most flexible way to follow the mission circuit and reach rural landscapes, but road conditions and journey times vary considerably. Buses connect the larger towns, while local taxis and shared vehicles are useful for shorter trips; services become less frequent away from the main settlements. The road between Santa Cruz and the eastern towns is generally the principal transport corridor, whereas secondary roads may be unpaved or affected by rain. Walking is practical within mission towns, but nature visits and remote churches should be arranged with local guides and confirmed transport.

Top city travel guides in Chiquitania

The cities of Chiquitania, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Chiquitania

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Chiquitania

Chiquitania's attractions are organised less around a single city than around a chain of historic settlements and the landscapes between them. The six UNESCO-listed mission towns offer churches, plazas, workshops and music traditions that remain part of community life, with Concepción, San José de Chiquitos and San Francisco Javier among the most accessible starting points. San Ignacio de Velasco provides a useful regional centre, while Santa Ana, San Rafael and San Miguel offer quieter encounters with the mission heritage. East of San José, Santiago de Chiquitos and Roboré open access to dry-forest scenery, rocky hills, seasonal streams and guided walks in the Tucavaca area. Birdwatching, wildlife observation, photography and short hikes are more realistic than unsupported wilderness travel, because heat, road conditions and limited signage affect planning. Railway heritage, local craft workshops, religious music and community festivals add cultural depth, while the route itself is part of the experience: broad savannah, woodland and isolated settlements reveal how different Chiquitania is from Bolivia's Andean destinations.

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Best landmarks in Chiquitania

The defining landmarks of Chiquitania are its mission churches, whose timber arcades, painted interiors, carved details and broad plazas express an architectural tradition adapted to the eastern lowlands. San Francisco Javier, Concepción, Santa Ana de Velasco, San Rafael de Velasco, San Miguel de Velasco and San José de Chiquitos form the UNESCO-listed group, although each settlement has a different scale and atmosphere. San José also carries the physical imprint of the railway that connected Santa Cruz with the Brazilian border, giving the town a modern historical layer alongside its mission church. Near Santiago de Chiquitos, the rugged Chochís landscape forms a powerful natural backdrop, while the Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Asunta links the scenery with regional religious devotion. The dry forests, granite formations and seasonal valleys around Roboré and Tucavaca are less monumental in the architectural sense but are among the region's most important geographical landmarks. Together, these places show that Chiquitania's identity rests on the meeting of Indigenous craftsmanship, colonial religious history, transport infrastructure and seasonal lowland ecology.

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Best restaurants in Chiquitania

Dining in Chiquitania reflects the foodways of Bolivia's eastern lowlands, with menus often built around rice, cassava, plantain, maize, grilled meat and freshwater fish where locally available. Visitors may encounter majadito, a rice-and-meat dish commonly associated with the lowlands, as well as locro, sonso made with cassava and cheese, cuñapé and other baked snacks. In the mission towns, modest family restaurants, market stalls, hotel dining rooms and roadside eateries provide the main choices; more varied contemporary dining is found in the larger urban centres rather than in remote villages. Regional produce, seasonal fruit and local sweets are worth seeking in markets, while coffee and cold drinks are useful in the hot climate. Menus and opening patterns can be limited outside the principal towns, so travellers following the mission route should not rely on finding a full meal at every stop. Food traditions vary between communities and should not be reduced to a single Chiquitano cuisine.

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Best bars in Chiquitania

Nightlife in Chiquitania is generally modest and town-based rather than centred on large clubs. San Ignacio de Velasco, Concepción and San José de Chiquitos have the broadest choice of casual bars, restaurants and evening meeting places, while smaller mission settlements tend to become quiet after dinner. Local beer, soft drinks and simple mixed drinks are common, and music or community celebrations may provide a livelier evening when events are taking place. Traditional bars and family-run restaurants are more characteristic than dedicated nightclub districts. In rural areas, accommodation may be the only practical evening base, and visitors should arrange transport before going out because distances, lighting and late-night services are limited. Mission concerts and cultural programmes can offer a more distinctive evening experience than commercial nightlife, but their timing is seasonal and should be checked locally.

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Best nightclubs in Chiquitania

Nightlife in Chiquitania is generally modest and town-based rather than centred on large clubs. San Ignacio de Velasco, Concepción and San José de Chiquitos have the broadest choice of casual bars, restaurants and evening meeting places, while smaller mission settlements tend to become quiet after dinner. Local beer, soft drinks and simple mixed drinks are common, and music or community celebrations may provide a livelier evening when events are taking place. Traditional bars and family-run restaurants are more characteristic than dedicated nightclub districts. In rural areas, accommodation may be the only practical evening base, and visitors should arrange transport before going out because distances, lighting and late-night services are limited. Mission concerts and cultural programmes can offer a more distinctive evening experience than commercial nightlife, but their timing is seasonal and should be checked locally.

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Best shops in Chiquitania

Shopping in Chiquitania is centred on practical markets, small independent shops and locally made crafts rather than large retail centres. Mission towns are good places to look for carved wooden objects, woven goods, religious art, musical references and small souvenirs produced through local workshops, although quality and availability vary and visitors should buy directly from reputable makers where possible. San Ignacio de Velasco, Concepción and San José de Chiquitos generally offer the widest everyday choice, while village markets can provide seasonal fruit, cassava products, baked goods and other provisions for the road. Regional foods such as cuñapé, sonso ingredients, sweets and packaged local produce are more portable than fresh goods, which may be restricted when crossing borders. Ask whether an object is genuinely locally produced and avoid buying antiquities, old church materials or wildlife products. Markets are also useful for observing the relationship between the mission towns and surrounding rural communities, rather than simply serving as souvenir stops.

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Chiquitania essentials

Currency and Payment
Chiquitania uses Bolivia's national currency, the boliviano (BOB). Cards and contactless payments may be accepted by established hotels and some businesses in larger towns, but cash is important for buses, small restaurants, guides, markets and rural services. ATMs are not evenly distributed and may not always be reliable, so withdraw bolivianos before leaving Santa Cruz or another major town. Keep smaller notes, as change can be difficult to obtain in villages and at roadside stops.
Safety
Normal precautions against theft are sensible in bus stations, markets and busy public areas, while valuables should not be left visible in vehicles. The more significant regional risks are practical: heat, sun exposure, dehydration, insects, rough roads and limited assistance far from towns. Follow local advice near rivers and seasonal streams, and use a reputable guide for forest walks or rocky terrain. Driving after dark is best avoided because of poor lighting, animals, road hazards and long distances between services.
Emergency Situations
Bolivia's national emergency arrangements apply in Chiquitania. Police assistance is generally reached on 110, although visitors should confirm local arrangements with their accommodation because rural response times and telephone coverage vary. Fire and medical services may be accessed through local authorities and emergency numbers that can differ in reliability between towns. Carry identification, travel insurance details and essential medication, and tell someone about plans for remote excursions. In serious situations, accommodation staff, municipal offices and local guides can help coordinate transport to larger medical facilities.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress respectfully when entering mission churches and ask permission before photographing people, ceremonies, workshops or private property. Keep to marked or locally approved routes in natural areas, do not remove plants or historic materials, and take rubbish back out of remote sites. Greet people courteously and be patient with services that operate at a slower pace than in major cities. Tipping is not governed by a single regional rule, but a modest amount is appropriate when a guide or service provider has given substantial help. Avoid treating Indigenous religious and cultural practices as staged performances.
Local Tips
Use Concepción or San Ignacio de Velasco as a base only after checking the exact distances and road conditions for the places you intend to visit. San José de Chiquitos works well for combining mission heritage with railway history and excursions towards Santiago and Roboré. Ask locally about church access, music events and community guides, since arrangements may be seasonal or informal. Early starts are useful for outdoor activities in the hot lowlands, and a light long-sleeved layer, sun protection, insect repellent and sturdy footwear are useful throughout the region.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHola[Ola]
GoodbyeAdiós[Adios]
YesSí[Si]
NoNo[No]
Please/You're welcomePor favor[Por favor]
Thank youGracias[Grasias]
Excuse me/SorryDisculpe[Disculpe]
How are you?¿Cómo estás?[Como estas]
Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?[Bien. I tu]
Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?[Ablas ingles]
I don't understandNo entiendo[No entiendo]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor[Me gustaria ver el menu, por favor]
I don't eat meatNo como carne[No como carne]
Cheers!¡Salud![Salud]
I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor[Me gustaria pagar, por favor]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!¡Ayuda![Ayuda]
Go away!¡Vete![Vete]
Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía![Llama a la policia]
Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor![Llama a un doctor]
I'm lostEstoy perdido[Estoy perdido]
I'm illEstoy enfermo[Estoy enfermo]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...[Me gustaria comprar]
I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando[Solo estoy mirando]
How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?[Cuanto cuesta]
That's too expensiveEso es muy caro[Eso es mui caro]
Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?[Puedes bajar el precio]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?¿Qué hora es?[Que ora es]
It's one o'clockEs la una[Es la una]
Half past (10)Y media (10)[Y media 10]
MorningMañana[Mañana]
AfternoonTarde[Tarde]
EveningNoche[Noche]
YesterdayAyer[Ayer]
TodayHoy[Hoy]
TomorrowMañana[Mañana]
1Uno[Uno]
2Dos[Dos]
3Tres[Tres]
4Cuatro[Cuatro]
5Cinco[Cinco]
6Seis[Seis]
7Siete[Siete]
8Ocho[Ocho]
9Nueve[Nueve]
10Diez[Diez]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está un/la...?[Donde esta un/la]
What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?[Cual es la direccion]
Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?[Puedes mostrarme en el mapa]
When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (bus)?[Cuando es el proximo bus]
A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)[Un boleto a]

History of Chiquitania

Pre-Colonial Chiquitano Communities

Before European colonisation, the region was inhabited by diverse Indigenous peoples, including communities whose languages and cultural practices contributed to the later Chiquitano identity. Settlement patterns, agriculture, hunting, forest knowledge and seasonal movement were adapted to the region's dry forests and savannahs. The name Chiquitania derives from the colonial use of Chiquitos, a term applied broadly and not necessarily reflecting the communities' own distinctions. Indigenous knowledge remained fundamental to food production, craftwork and the use of local landscapes even as colonial institutions were imposed.

Jesuit Missions, 1691–1767

Jesuit missionaries founded a chain of settlements in the Chiquitania from the late seventeenth century, beginning with San Francisco Javier in 1691 and establishing further missions across the eastern lowlands. These communities brought together evangelisation, farming, workshops, music and new forms of town organisation. Churches were built with local timber and labour, and European religious architecture was interpreted through Indigenous skills and materials. The surviving mission settlements are important not simply as colonial monuments but as places where Chiquitano communities shaped the institutions and artistic traditions that developed around them.

The Jesuit Expulsion and Franciscan Continuity

The Spanish Crown expelled the Jesuits from its American territories in 1767. In Chiquitania, the missions did not simply disappear: administration passed through other clergy and colonial authorities, and several communities continued as settlements and religious centres. The transition altered institutional life and weakened some of the structures that had supported the mission economy, but churches, music and local traditions persisted. Their survival helps explain why the mission heritage in Chiquitania remains connected to living communities rather than existing only as archaeological remains.

Colonial Frontier and Regional Trade

Chiquitania occupied a remote frontier between the Spanish colonial world and Portuguese Brazil. Its distance from the Andean centres of power, difficult communications and dispersed settlements shaped a distinct regional history. Cattle raising, agriculture, forest products and small-scale trade became important to local economies, while routes linking the mission towns gradually tied them more closely to Santa Cruz and the borderlands. Colonial and later republican authorities repeatedly sought to control territory through settlements, churches, landholding and transport, often affecting Indigenous communities and access to customary lands.

The Bolivian Republic and the Rubber Era

After Bolivia became independent in 1825, Chiquitania remained a sparsely connected eastern region whose administration and economy were oriented towards Santa Cruz and frontier trade. During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the wider eastern lowlands were drawn into the rubber economy, bringing commercial opportunity, labour exploitation and new links with Amazonian and Brazilian markets. The impact was uneven across Chiquitania, but the period reinforced the region's role as a resource frontier and exposed the limitations of state infrastructure and public services in eastern Bolivia.

Railways and the Santa Cruz–Brazil Connection

The railway linking Santa Cruz with the Brazilian border transformed movement through eastern Bolivia during the twentieth century. San José de Chiquitos became an important railway town, and the line supported the movement of passengers, agricultural products and commercial goods. It also reduced the region's isolation and encouraged closer economic ties with the Brazilian border. Although road transport later became dominant for many journeys, railway buildings, sidings and the urban form of San José still reflect this important phase in Chiquitania's modern development.

Heritage Conservation and Chiquitano Cultural Revival

From the late twentieth century, restoration and cultural programmes brought renewed international attention to the mission churches and associated music traditions. Six mission settlements in Chiquitania were inscribed together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990: San Francisco Javier, Concepción, Santa Ana de Velasco, San Rafael de Velasco, San Miguel de Velasco and San José de Chiquitos. Conservation has supported tourism and cultural activity, while the revival of mission music has highlighted the continuing role of local performers and communities. The heritage remains a living, debated part of regional identity.

Chiquitania in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Chiquitania, Bolivia

Discover the best of Chiquitania with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
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  • History of Chiquitania and travel essentials
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  • Easy navigation through the app and city
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Are you planning a trip to the enchanting region of Chiquitania, Bolivia? Look no further than Evendo, your ultimate travel companion. Our app is designed to help you explore this beautiful region effortlessly, providing detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. From the historic Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos to the stunning natural reserves like Parque Nacional Noel Kempff Mercado, Evendo has you covered.

Indulge in the local cuisine at renowned restaurants such as La Casona and explore vibrant markets like Feria de Artesanías. With rich descriptions, local tips, images, maps, and contact details, Evendo ensures you make the most of your trip. Our app also allows you to easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly, saving you the hassle of planning and organizing.

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