Santa Cruz de la Sierra sits low on the Pirai River in Bolivia's eastern tropical lowlands, at around 400 m above sea level. It is the country's largest city and its most important business centre, and the heat here is a different kind of heat from the Andean highlands — expect a tropical climate rather than thin mountain air.
For a visitor, the city is organised around a central core and a series of ring roads. The main plaza, Plaza 24 de Septiembre, anchors the centre, and the streets immediately west of it — Junín in particular — hold a dense cluster of places to stay. The First Ring Road marks the edge of the centre, and the bus terminal sits further out. This guide covers which of these areas to base yourself in, and what each is like for different kinds of travellers.
Best areas to stay in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
1. The centre, around Plaza 24 de Septiembre and Junín
This is the most practical base for a first visit. The main plaza is the reference point for the city, and the blocks just west of it along Junín and nearby streets hold the widest choice of accommodation, from simple rooms to more comfortable mid-range places. You are within walking distance of the centre's life and can reach most of what you came to see without long transfers.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to walk out of their door into the city. Some rooms here face the street and others are set back indoors, which matters if you want to avoid noise. Rooms in this area range from small and dark with only a fan to larger ones with air conditioning.
2. The First Ring Road area, near Calle Mercado
Just beyond the centre, across the First Ring Road and down the smaller streets near Calle Mercado, you find the cheaper alojamientos and hospedajes. This is where budget travellers tend to end up, and there is a good concentration of basic rooms in a small area.
It is close enough to the centre to walk in, but the area can be a little rough after dark, mostly later at night. It is worth looking for a place here in daylight rather than arriving after dark.
3. Around the bus terminal
There are some hotels close to the bus terminal, which sits a bit further away from the centre. This makes sense if you are arriving or leaving by long-distance bus, or if you want to be close to onward transport rather than to the plaza.
It suits travellers passing through rather than those planning to spend their days in the centre, since you are removed from the main sights and will need transport to reach them.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Cheaper alojamientos and hospedajes, mostly across the First Ring Road near Calle Mercado and around the bus terminal. Expect basic rooms, sometimes with shared bathrooms, and either a fan or no fan at all. Some of the cheapest places have hard beds and very simple facilities.
- Mid-range: Cleaner hotels in and around the centre, generally west of the main plaza, with cable TV, WiFi and breakfast included. Rooms may have fans or air conditioning, and some have pools or views. This is the broadest and most comfortable category for most visitors.
- Splurge: A small number of places in the centre offer a more polished stay, with rooftop facilities, multilingual staff and a location directly on or overlooking the main plaza. Options at this level are limited, so book ahead if you want one.
Best area for a first visit
Stay in the centre, around Plaza 24 de Septiembre and the streets just west of it along Junín. It puts you within walking distance of the main plaza and gives you the widest choice of accommodation, from budget to mid-range. You can explore the centre on foot and only use transport when you head further out.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I stay if I am arriving by bus?
There are hotels close to the bus terminal, which is a bit further away from the centre. Alternatively, the centre is reachable from the terminal, and staying there puts you closer to the main plaza.
Which area is cheapest?
The cheaper alojamientos and hospedajes are found across the First Ring Road, down the smaller streets near Calle Mercado. Basic rooms here are the least expensive option in the city.
Is the budget area safe at night?
The area around Calle Mercado can be a little rough after dark, mostly later at night. It is recommendable to look for a place to stay there in the daylight.
Do I need air conditioning?
Santa Cruz has a tropical climate and the heat can be stifling. Cheaper rooms often have only a fan, or none at all, while mid-range places commonly offer air conditioning. If you feel the heat, it is worth confirming what your room has before you book.
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