Santa Cruz Region Travel Guide

The best way to get around the city is by using the public buses (the "micros" as they call them) as for a small fee (1.5 bs por person) they are going to bring you quickly wherever you want. Taxis could be a good idea but you have to take the "radio taxis" (kinda official ones) to avoid any problems.

If you go far just talk about the price before. You can get around 10 bs for a 10 km fare for example

Driving there is kinda technical, it is advised that you don't go alone the first times as the traffic and the rules applied ... could be kinda different or not applied vigorously.

The whole region is gorgeous, if you plan to visit it is strongly advised to use a 4X4 (SUV, and so on) than an normal city car (who goes perfectly if you only plan to stay within the city).

Santa Cruz is not that touristic city, however it could be on your way to other places. Anyway, there is a cheap hostel well located near to "Plaza de Armas" called "Alojamiento Oriental". It's a very simple accommodation, with shared rooms. Also around the square, closer than this hostel there are two restaurant where you can have a good meal. The brazilian one has delicious food including barbecue. On the other square's side there is a bolivian popular restaurant, which is cheaper, but the food is more simple. I recommend both, once it would be nice tasting brazilian food and either do not waste the opportunity of having local food.

It's quite usual people doing this route by a train known as "trem da morte" in portuguese. If you do not find a ticket, keep waiting at the train station for dropouts, probably some people will give up and give back their ticket. Some dealers will offer you a way to get in the train, be careful, it is not legal nor guaranteed. Make sure you are buying first class' tickets and not the last seat in the car, because it does not lean back, it would be very uncomfortable for a 20 hours trip. Keep your backpack with you at the room above your seat, even if someone tell you that there is a appropriate place for luggages.