Jesuit Missions 2-Day Tour

Delve into the rich heritage of two significant evangelical settlements situated in the Chiquitano Valley with our immersive 2-day journey through the Jesuit Missions. Your adventure begins in San Javier and Concepción!

Jesuit Missions 2-Day Journey

Day 1: Santa Cruz - San Javier - Concepción

Our tour commences at 7:30 am with a pickup from your Santa Cruz de la Sierra accommodation, followed by a drive of approximately 136 miles (220 kilometers) towards San Javier. As we traverse the scenic countryside of the Chiquitos region, we'll pass charming villages like Cotoca, Pailas, Pailón, and Troncos. Upon reaching San Javier, you will have the opportunity to explore its renowned mission church, notable for being the first Jesuit foundation in the area.

We will delve into the fascinating background of the Jesuit Missions, which earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the 1990s. What motivated the Jesuits to establish the initial Catholic reductions in this region? What construction methods did they employ? What obstacles did they face? Join us as we explore these questions!

Following our exploration, we’ll pause for a traditional lunch featuring a starter and a main dish. After dining, we will continue our pilgrimage to Concepción. Before dinner, you’ll have some leisure time to wander the town or attend a local mass.

Day 2: Concepción - Calama - Santa Cruz

Rise and shine! Breakfast will be served at 8:30 am, after which we will set off on a 20-minute hike to the Calama Stone. Once we reach our vantage point, you will be rewarded with stunning vistas of the Chiquitano Valley. We will trek back to Concepción, where we will tour its beautiful church and the 18th-century missionary museum, which showcases intricate carvings created by the Chiquitanos for church adornment.

After enjoying a lunch break, we will begin our return trip to Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Along the way, we will stop to view the Paquio stones and the local buffaloes. A brief pause at San Javier will allow us to stretch before we conclude our tour. You will be returned to your hotel in Santa Cruz by 7 pm.

Accommodation

This journey includes 1 night's lodging in a double or triple room at a cozy guesthouse in Concepción.