Florida Province: Rock Art, Ruins and Nature

Rock carvings, ruins and natural sites give Florida Province a variety of travel highlights. Fuerte de Samaipata in particular draws attention to pre-Columbian rock carvings and the functions of an ancient city. At Laguna Esmeralda de Quirusillas, rustic trails and viewpoints are part of the landscape; during the patron-saint festivals in the surrounding area, dances and regional dishes add to the experience. The flora and fauna of Amboró also offer a distinct focus. You can shape your trip around your interests, whether that means archaeological sites, regional festival traditions or nature.

Rock art and traces of an ancient city

Fuerte de Samaipata comprises a hill with numerous rock carvings and an area to the south. The hill probably served as a ceremonial center for the ancient city; the southern part was its administrative and residential quarter. This layout reveals two distinct functions within the site: the hill’s presumed ceremonial use and the southern area’s administrative and everyday role. The large carved rock is considered a unique testament to pre-Columbian traditions and beliefs. For anyone interested in archaeological sites, both the rock art and the functions of the different areas are central here.

The municipal area of Pampagrande offers another archaeological perspective. The ruins of an Inca cemetery and the ruins of Mataral are located there. Comparing them with Fuerte de Samaipata brings out the thematic difference: at Samaipata, the carved rock and the layout of an ancient city shape the site; at Pampagrande, a cemetery and another ruin site are identified. Each place has its own distinct focus, without needing to be treated as part of a single complex.

Lagoon, trails and festival traditions

Laguna Esmeralda de Quirusillas, also known as Laguna Quirusillas, offers a different way to experience the region. Its features include rustic trails and viewpoints. During patron-saint festivals in the surrounding area, it is an important place for activities and visits. As part of these festivities, visitors are treated to traditional dances and regional dishes are served. Alongside the archaeological themes, this adds a cultural focus: during the festivals, performances and food take center stage at the lagoon.

The Cuevas waterfalls offer a distinct natural highlight, too. The two twin waterfalls are located near Samaipata, have clear, warm water and are described as a natural waterslide. Comparing them with the lagoon brings out their different features: trails and viewpoints characterize the description of the lagoon, while at Cuevas it is the waterfalls and their water. This lets you distinguish natural sites by the features described for each, rather than treating them as interchangeable stops.

Nature in the wider context of Santa Cruz

The Amboró National Park and Natural Area of Integrated Management includes municipalities in Florida Province and other provinces. A total of 2,659 higher plant species have been recorded in the park; Bolivia’s National System of Protected Areas estimates their number at 3,500. In addition, 1,236 animal species have been recorded there, including the endangered spectacled bear, also known as jucumari, and several endemic bird species. These figures refer to the park as a whole, not just the portion within Florida Province.

Santa Cruz should also be considered as the broader travel destination for regional context. The Valles Cruceños cover around 13,000 km² and lie at elevations between 1,200 and 2,000 meters. This region includes the provinces of Florida, Vallegrande and Caballero in the Department of Santa Cruz. Birdlife is another focus there: the Área Protegida de los Valles Cruceños is reported to be home to 374 bird species, including the endemic red-fronted macaw and the Andean condor. This regional perspective complements the focus on individual places in the province with a broader view of the landscapes and biodiversity of the Valles Cruceños.

Discover more destinations: Samaipata, Guarayos, Vallegrande, Andrés Ibáñez, José Miguel De Velasco, Ángel Sandoval, Cordillera, Ignacio Warnes.

For the broader travel overview: Santa Cruz.