Jesuit Missions 2-Day Tour

Discover the rich history of two significant evangelical settlements located in the Chiquitano Valley through our immersive two-day exploration of the Jesuit Missions. Prepare to visit San Javier and Concepción!

2-Day Tour of the Jesuit Missions

Day 1: Departure from Santa Cruz to San Javier and Concepción

Our adventure begins at 7:30 am when we will pick you up from your hotel in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. We will embark on a scenic drive covering 136 miles (220 kilometers) toward San Javier. The journey to this remarkable location in the Chiquitos area will take us through charming villages, including Cotoca, Pailas, Pailón, and Troncos. Upon arrival, we will explore the renowned mission church, notable for being the first established by the Jesuits in the region.

During our visit, we will delve into the fascinating history of the Jesuit Missions, which earned UNESCO World Heritage status in the 1990s. Together, we’ll investigate the reasons behind the Jesuits' decision to form the first Catholic reductions in this area, exploring the construction methods and the various challenges they faced.

After an enriching morning, we will take a well-deserved break for a traditional lunch consisting of a starter and a main dish. Post-lunch, our journey continues as we head to Concepción, where you can enjoy some free time to explore the town and participate in a mass before dinner.

Day 2: Concepción to Calama and Return to Santa Cruz

Welcome to a new day! We will start with breakfast at 8:30 am, followed by a hike to the Calama Stone, located just a 20-minute walk away. Upon reaching the stone, prepare to be amazed by the stunning vistas of the Chiquitano Valley. Afterward, we will make our way back to Concepción to visit the historic church and the 18th-century missionary museum, which showcases intricate carvings crafted by the Chiquitanos to enhance the church’s decor.

After a break for lunch, we will begin our return trip to Santa Cruz de la Sierra. En route, we will stop at the Paquio stones to observe the local buffaloes and take a brief pause at San Javier to stretch our legs. We plan to arrive back at your hotel in Santa Cruz around 7 pm.

Accommodation

This tour offers 1 night's accommodation in a double or triple room at a local guesthouse in Concepción.