Serranía de Santiago

Serranía de Santiago is a striking mountain range located in eastern Bolivia, specifically within the Chiquitanía region of the Santa Cruz Department. Composed primarily of ancient sandstone, the range is famous for its unique rock formations, deep gorges, and the surrounding Chiquitano dry forest, one of the best-preserved of its kind. This area is of significant ecological importance as it serves as a critical transition zone between the humid Amazon rainforest and the semi-arid Gran Chaco plains. The mountains are also a site of great archaeological interest, containing numerous prehistoric rock paintings that provide a window into the spiritual lives of ancient indigenous inhabitants. Located near the town of Roboré, the range features natural thermal springs and dramatic waterfalls like the Chorretón. The biodiversity of the Serranía is vast, hosting many endemic plant species and providing a habitat for elusive predators like the jaguar and a variety of colorful macaws. Today, Serranía de Santiago is increasingly recognized as a prime destination for ecotourism and conservation efforts aimed at preserving its unique natural and cultural heritage.

History & landmarks

Misión Jesuítica de Concepción

One of the best-restored Jesuit missions in Bolivia, showcasing the masterful craftsmanship of the native Chiquitano people.

Misión Jesuítica de San Javier

The first of the famous Jesuit missions in the Chiquitania, known for its beautiful wood carving and musical tradition.

Catedral de San Lorenzo

The main church of Santa Cruz de la Sierra impresses with its striking brick facade and wooden interiors.

Plaza 24 de Septiembre

The lively main square of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, a tropical hub full of palm trees, relaxed locals, and historical buildings.

Nature

Salar de Uyuni

Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat and harbors a large portion of the world's lithium reserves.

Laguna Colorada

Laguna Colorada is a shallow, red salt lake in southwestern Bolivia and a vital habitat for James's flamingos.

Laguna Verde

Laguna Verde is a strikingly turquoise salt lake at the foot of the Licancabur volcano in southwestern Bolivia.

Laguna Blanca

Laguna Blanca is a whitish salt lake separated from the neighboring Laguna Verde by only a narrow corridor.

More places

Tucabaca Valley Reserve

Protects one of the best-preserved dry Chiquitano forests in the world, renowned for its endemic wildlife.

Serranía de Chiquitos

An extensive, low mountain range in eastern Bolivia that houses historic Jesuit settlements and unique rock formations.

Otuquis National Park

Part of the Bolivian Pantanal, this vast wetland provides habitat for capybaras, caimans, and a huge variety of marsh birds.

Bolivian Pantanal

One of the most pristine sections of the world's largest wetland, supporting massive populations of water birds, anacondas, and otters.

Santa Ana de Velasco Jesuit Mission

One of the most charming Jesuit missions in Bolivia, its construction was finished by the indigenous population after the expulsion of th…

San Rafael de Velasco Jesuit Mission

This mission stands out for its massive mica window and was the second settlement founded by the Jesuits in the Chiquitania.

San Miguel de Velasco Jesuit Mission

A historic mission with an impressive gilded altar, providing a deep insight into the craftsmanship of the Jesuits and the Chiquitano peo…

Chiquitano Dry Forest

The largest intact block of tropical dry forest in the world, located in eastern Bolivia.