
Guembe Park is the best-known tourist hotspot in Santa Cruz and is located around half an hour from the city center. It is a mixture of zoo, bathing area and botanical garden. Highlights include the huge bird enclosure, one of the largest butterfly houses in the world, the orchid gardens and the beautifully landscaped pools and lagoons. It is a wonderful place to relax, watch animals (monkeys, turtles, toucans) or go kayaking.

Rinconada Park is smaller than Guembe, but for me personally it is the best maintained and most beautiful park around Santa Cruz. It is famous for the huge Victoria boliviana water lilies (Bolivian giant water lily) – a world record leaf measuring 3.2m in diameter was discovered here in 2022! It also features beautifully landscaped gardens with koi ponds. There are fewer animals than in Guembe, but a more relaxed atmosphere and also some action attractions for children (slides, small zip lines). A perfect place to switch off.

Espejillos Park is the perfect place to cool off with the family in the warm temperatures in Santa Cruz - right in the middle of Amboró National Park. There are countless bathing spots and waterfalls in the park. The highlight is the large waterfall at the end of the path with a height of 80 meters. If you follow the "officially forbidden path" over the waterfall and follow the river, you will reach another small waterfall with a small stalactite cave. The park is only accessible with a four-wheel drive car, as you have to cross the Piraí River to reach it.

Visit the Refugio de Animales Silvestres of the Fundación AFASI, a home for animals rescued from illegal trade, pet farming or forest fires. The tour includes: - A hike (30 min to 2 hrs, your choice) through the pristine forest, where you may be lucky enough to spot free-living species (monkeys, butterflies). - Visit to the sanctuary, where you will learn a lot about the rescued animals. - Accompaniment by an expert on flora and fauna. This is a unique opportunity to experience and support species conservation in Bolivia at first hand.