The Chiquitanía
of Bolivia.

150,000 km² of dry tropical forest — one of the last large examples on earth. The dry season (Apr–Oct) strips many trees of leaves, creating an open, atmospheric landscape. Wildlife concentrates near water: jaguars, maned wolves, giant anteaters, tapirs, pumas and 600+ bird species. The forest shares a corridor with Brazil's Cerrado.

Six baroque mission churches built between 1691 and 1760 by Jesuit priests and Chiquitano indigenous artisans in eastern Bolivia. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. The six missions are San Xavier, Concepción, San Rafael, Santa Ana, San Miguel de Velasco and San José de Chiquitos — each still active as a parish church today.

The full circuit is best done by private car or guided tour — the road is paved and takes 3–6h depending on destination. San José de Chiquitos is also accessible by train (Ferrobus, 6h). The full 6-mission circuit takes 4–5 days. A specialist guide from Santa Cruz is strongly recommended.

The Chiquitano Dry Forest holds Bolivia's largest jaguar population outside Madidi, plus maned wolf, giant anteater, tapir, giant armadillo, puma, marsh deer and 600+ bird species. Noel Kempff Mercado NP adds giant otters, black caimans and tepui-endemic species.

The International Festival of Baroque Music of Chiquitos is held every two years (even years — 2026, 2028…) in the mission churches themselves. Orchestras and choirs from around the world perform in San Xavier, Concepción, San Rafael, Santa Ana, San Miguel and San José. One of South America's most extraordinary cultural experiences. Book well in advance.

Yes — the Chiquitanía and Pantanal routes are natural complements. The Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos and the San Matías Pantanal are both in Santa Cruz department. Love Bolivia's El Jaguar route combines both in a single 8–12 day private itinerary from Santa Cruz.