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San Javier Jesuit Mission

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Weather…

The San Javier Jesuit Mission is the oldest of the Chiquitos missions, founded in 1691 by Jesuit fathers José de Arce and Antonio de Rivas. It served as the starting point for the missionary work in the Santa Cruz region and is now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The church's architecture is a prime example of 'Missionary Baroque,' where European designs were executed through the skilled craftsmanship of the indigenous Chiquitano people. The building is characterized by its massive carved wooden pillars and intricately decorated facade. During the 1970s, the church underwent an extensive restoration led by architect Hans Roth, who revived original construction techniques. San Javier is also celebrated for its exceptional acoustics, making it a key venue for the International Festival of Renaissance and Baroque Music. A local museum houses historical musical instruments and religious art from the colonial mission period.

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	26	25	23	22	23	25	27	28	28	27
Rain mm	170	158	120	90	74	50	25	37	44	94	115	146

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The San Javier Jesuit Mission in the Chiquitos region is an active church and museum open to the public. Visitors can admire the beautiful wooden church and the adjacent mission museum.

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Typical hours

The church is typically open daily from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. During mass times, visiting is restricted; the museum often has similar hours.

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Photography

Inside the church, photography without flash is allowed to protect the delicate wooden altars and carvings. In the museum, camera use may be restricted; please ask beforehand.

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Time needed

A visit to the church and museum takes about 30 to 45 minutes. If you also want to explore the small village of San Javier, allow two hours in total.

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Combine with

San Javier is the oldest of the Chiquitos missions and part of a Jesuit route. Also visit the nearby missions of Concepción and San Ignacio de Velasco.

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Getting there

San Javier is about 200 kilometers east of Santa Cruz de la Sierra. The best way to get there is by car or bus from Santa Cruz; the journey takes about three hours.

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Insider tip

If possible, visit San Javier during a music festival - the region is famous for its Baroque music tradition. The wooden church has exceptional acoustics.