Plizio Visual Lab

Plaza 24 de Septiembre

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

Plaza 24 de Septiembre is the animated heart of Santa Cruz de la Sierra and a central site of Bolivian history. Its name commemorates the uprising of September 24, 1810, which initiated the independence movement in the region. The square was laid out in the 16th century when the city was relocated to its current site and has since served as the administrative and social hub. Surrounded by historic buildings such as the Cathedral Basilica of St. Lawrence and the City Hall, the square reflects the city's colonial and republican architectural heritage. It is characterized by its towering palm trees and well-kept gardens that provide essential shade in the region's tropical climate. At its center stands the statue of Ignacio Warnes, a hero of the War of Independence. Today, the plaza is a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike, where chess players, street performers, and sidewalk cafes create a lively atmosphere that embodies the relaxed character of Bolivia's largest city.

Location: Bolivia
Top sights: Casa Municipal de Cultura Raul Otero Reiche · Rectorado · Museo de la Independencia

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	26	26	25	24	22	21	21	23	26	27	27	27
Rain mm	169	150	115	92	85	70	38	40	48	84	112	136

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Plaza 24 de Septiembre is the lively main square of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, freely accessible at any time. It is a tropical meeting spot with palm trees, benches, and historic buildings.

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Typical hours

As a public space, it is open 24 hours with no fixed hours. The surrounding shops and restaurants, however, have their own opening times.

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Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the square, especially beautiful are shots of the cathedral and palm trees. During events it can be crowded, but there are always good subjects.

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Time needed

Allow about 20 to 30 minutes for a walk around the square. If you sit at a café, you can easily spend an hour or more.

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Combine with

From the square you can visit the Cathedral of Santa Cruz and the Art Museum. The pedestrian street with many shops is also just steps away.

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Getting there

The square is in the center and easily accessible on foot, by taxi, or by bus. Many city bus lines stop nearby.

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Insider tip

Visit the square in the evening when the lighting highlights the buildings and palm trees. Keep an eye on your belongings as pickpocketing can occur in busy areas.

Geography

Coordinates

-17.78330, -63.18240

Facts

The plaza is named after the independence uprising that began on September 24, 1810.
It has been the city's main square since Santa Cruz was moved here in 1595.
The central monument honors Ignacio Warnes, a prominent leader in the independence war.
The surrounding colonial-style walkways are known as 'recovas' or arcades.
The adjacent Cathedral of St. Lawrence was officially completed in 1915.
Sloths are known to inhabit the trees in the plaza, making it a unique urban wildlife spot.