Discover San José De Chiquitos

San José De Chiquitos is shaped by its stone mission complex, the Chiquitano Forest, and culinary traditions. Different themes can guide your planning: architecture and murals, trails through the landscape, or insights into the local cuisine.

Mission complex and cultural heritage

The Conjunto Misional in San José De Chiquitos is considered the only stone mission church building in the Chiquitos region. Its façade brings together the Capilla Mortuoria, the church, the Campanario, and the Bóveda. The structures were built in three stages, with approximately 5,000 Indigenous people involved in the construction.

The Espacio Cultural Chiquitos, also known as El Museo, is located within the Conjunto Misional Jesuítico. It is housed in the former Casa de los Misioneros or Colegio. The walls feature more than 2,500 m² of restored and conserved murals. A guided visit for a fee is available as part of the Ruta SaboreArte Chiquitos tours. Check current arrangements and costs with the operator.

Casa del Bastón is a place for meeting, exchanging ideas, and celebrating on special days, including Día de la Virgen de la Candelaria, Semana Santa, and Día de la Tradición Josesana.

Trails, views, and landscape

Sendero La Montañeta is a short, easy trail through the dry Chiquitano Forest. Along the way, you can see native flora and fauna as well as unusually shaped rock formations. Trail conditions may change; check them before your visit.

Mirador La Montañeta has a platform with views of the Chiquitano Forest, the town of San José De Chiquitos, and Cerro Turubó. You can reach the viewpoint via Sendero Montañeta after a walk of about ten minutes; walking time may vary depending on the person and conditions. At nearby Cerro Turubó, 2 km east of the main square, conditions are described as suitable for hiking, easy climbing, and observing native birds. Conditions on site may also change.

Nearby Valle de la Luna is 10 km from town. It is an area of the Serranía with striking Precambrian rocks, undulating terrain, and native vegetation. There are hiking trails and a small sanctuary associated with the pilgrimage of Virgen del Carmen and Divino Niño.

Parque Ecológico La Pauroca is a natural wetland and a 500 m² green space designed as a recreational park for locals and visitors. La Pauroca is also an association of women artisans in San José De Chiquitos that offers clothing with Baroque details. The current product range may change.

Excursions, crafts, and cuisine

Nearby Parque Nacional Histórico y Arqueológico Santa Cruz la Vieja preserves archaeological remains of the first settlement of Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Captain Ñuflo de Cháves founded it on February 26, 1561. A guided tour of the park with a tourist guide is available as part of the Ruta SaboreArte Chiquitos tours. Ask the operator about current availability.

Visits to the cultural Pascanas of Ruta SaboreArte Chiquitos are subject to availability; check with the operator before planning your visit. At the Pascana La Tranquera workshop, visitors can learn how the “Máscara del Abuelo” is made and find out more about the mask’s significance and the craft of mask carving. They can also paint a mask with colors representing part of the history of Chiquitania. Check the current availability of the workshop activity with the operator.

The cooks of Ruta SaboreArte invite visitors to try traditional dishes they learned from their grandparents. The food offering includes a gourmet menu of Chiquitano cuisine with an appetizer, soup, main course, dessert, and drink; selected dishes are served in a gourmet style. Menus and food availability vary.

Discover more destinations: Chochis

Go to the main travel overview: Chiquitos Province.