Andrés Ibáñez: Churches, Nature and History

In Andrés Ibáñez, different themes lead to different places: La Guardia preserves a historic memory of the War of Independence, Santa Cruz de la Sierra combines church architecture with cultural heritage, and in Guapilo, ecological trails and plant collections shape the Jardín Botánico. These contrasts give your holiday-apartment search a clear direction: first consider which places and experiences you want to define your stay most.

History and Church Architecture

La Guardia played an important historical role during the War of Independence: the town protected Santa Cruz de la Sierra from the passage of royalist troops from the west. The Parroquia Purísima Concepción de La Guardia is the municipality’s main church and is regarded by its community as a symbol of faith and tradition.

The Basílica Menor de San Lorenzo Mártir, also known as the Catedral Metropolitana de Santa Cruz de la Sierra, stands in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. It is the city’s most important Catholic place of worship and Bolivia’s second-largest temple; it also replaced the former wooden church. Construction began in 1839, based on a design by French architect Felipe Bertrés. In 1904, Monseñor Santistevan commissioned French architect León Mousnier to complete it. Mousnier finished construction in 1915; in August of that year, the church was consecrated as the new cathedral.

The Catedral Metropolitana has Neoclassical towers with Baroque influences in front of its three naves; its façade is described as the second largest in the Americas. Inside, the classically designed interior is notable for its wooden vaults, described as the largest on the continent. The main altar features embossed silver coverings from the Jesuit missions of the 18th century. The building brings together a range of architectural and artistic details.

El Aljibe also connects history with a specific place: on 7 December 2017, under Law No. 696, it was declared part of the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra’s historic, tangible cultural, urban and architectural heritage. At the El Aljibe restaurant, the rooms of the house are furnished with numerous everyday objects in the style of a costumbrist museum; the original household well is in the courtyard.

Ecological Trails and Collections in Guapilo

The Jardín Botánico in Guapilo offers a different focus. Seven kilometres of landscaped and marked ecological trails pass through three representative ecoregions of the Department of Santa Cruz: the Chiquitano forest, the subtropical forest and the Chaco forest. A lagoon of about 1.5 hectares, home to nine fish species and some lizards, complements the natural areas described.

Orchids and native plants grow in the tropical greenhouse, with a small river running through it. The Palmatarium recreates a palm forest with species from the Department of Santa Cruz and other regions of Bolivia. The Jardín Botánico also includes a cactus collection, a herbarium, a laboratory, a nursery, a viewpoint, a children’s playground, a colonial courtyard and several barbecue areas. Guided nature walks focused on environmental protection and conservation are offered in a university context upon formal request.

This variety ranges from marked trails through different ecoregions to clearly defined botanical and landscape areas.

Wildlife and Conservation

The Zoológico Municipal de Santa Cruz de la Sierra aims to inform visitors about wildlife through its displays and specialised tours, and to raise awareness of wildlife conservation. Around 2,000 animals from 250 species live across approximately 66,000 square metres. Facilities include an aviary with more than 100 bird species, an aquarium with more than 60 fish species, a serpentarium, a jaguar enclosure and a monkey island. Its focus thus combines animal displays with an explicit commitment to addressing wildlife conservation.

Start with the focus that interests you, rather than choosing accommodation independently of your planned stay.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Jorochito, Santa Cruz De La Sierra, Ángel Sandoval, Ñuflo De Chávez, Provincia de Germán Busch, Sara, Vallegrande, José Miguel De Velasco.

For the overview of the wider travel region: Santa Cruz.