Ángel Sandoval: Caves, Bats and Nature

The province of Ángel Sandoval can be explored through several specific nature topics: cave refuges for endangered bats, three vegetation units in the Serranía La Curicha, and a protected area that extends across provincial boundaries. This offers distinct perspectives on animal habitats, plant communities and the spatial extent of a protected area. When planning a trip, you can first consider which of these topics interests you most. San Matías provides a named location associated with nature topics and a nearby lagoon.

Cave refuges and endangered bats

In the Santuario Ecológico Municipal San Juan del Corralito, cave refuges provide a habitat for Natalus espiritosantensis, a species considered endangered. Lonchorhina aurita also lives in two small caves in the protected area. These caves are the only known refuges for this species in Bolivia; Lonchorhina aurita is considered critically endangered. This connects the nature topic to specific species, caves as habitats and different levels of endangerment.

Three vegetation units in the Serranía La Curicha

Three vegetation units occur in and around the Serranía La Curicha: Bosque Chiquitano, Cerrado Chiquitano and Vegetación Riparia. The latter term refers to riparian vegetation; the three names therefore denote distinct plant communities. This is a useful complement to the cave theme: the province’s nature can be explored through both animal habitats and vegetation. If you want to focus on landscapes and plant communities when planning your holiday, the Serranía La Curicha is a specific point of reference.

A protected area spanning two provinces

The Área Natural de Manejo Integrado San Matías extends across the provinces of Ángel Sandoval and Germán Busch in the far east of the department of Santa Cruz. For regional orientation, Germán Busch is therefore also part of the frame of reference for this protected area.

San Matías and Laguna Curichón

In San Matías, an Ecological Centre collects samples that illustrate the great diversity of regional flora and fauna, as well as very ancient geological units. This extends the nature-focused perspective beyond animals and plants to geological units. Laguna Curichón is three kilometres from San Matías and offers visitors a place to relax. If you are planning a visit to the centre or lagoon, check the respective visitor arrangements in advance.

Nature interests when choosing a holiday apartment

When looking for a holiday apartment in Ángel Sandoval, it is worth considering your interests in nature alongside the location. If cave fauna is your priority, the Santuario Ecológico Municipal San Juan del Corralito is the specific point of reference; if you want to compare plant communities, consider the Serranía La Curicha. San Matías, in turn, connects the town with the Ecological Centre and Laguna Curichón, three kilometres away. These different perspectives can help you choose a location that suits your interests before comparing individual places to stay.

Discover more destinations

Ñuflo De Chávez, Andrés Ibáñez, Vallegrande, Sara, Provincia de Germán Busch, Ignacio Warnes, Guarayos

For the overarching travel overview: Santa Cruz.