Jesuit Missions 4 Day Tour

Embark on a journey through seven Guaraní villages, uncovering the historical significance of Jesuit missions in the New World with our 4-Day Jesuit Missions Tour from Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

4-Day Jesuit Missions Tour

Day 1: Santa Cruz - San Javier Mission - Concepción

We will commence our adventure at 9 am with a pickup from your hotel in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, traveling towards the enchanting region of Chiquitania. This area is renowned for its Jesuit missionaries, who constructed remarkable churches in the 17th and 18th centuries, later designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Our first stop will be the San Javier mission, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the church established in 1691.

Afterward, enjoy some free time for lunch in San Javier before we proceed to the Paquio forest, where we can marvel at the unique rock formations enveloped in rich greenery. We will then make our way to the village of Concepción, where dinner will be at your discretion. Our first night will be spent in the charming setting of Concepción.

Day 2: Concepción - San Ignacio

The second day begins with a buffet breakfast, featuring fresh fruits, eggs, bacon, bread, coffee, and juice. Following breakfast, we will explore the village of Concepción and its stunning church, known for its charming wooden bell tower, a testament to Jesuit architecture.

Next, we will travel to the Jesuit Mission of San Ignacio, founded in 1748 and still home to residents today. A visit to the town of San Ignacio will allow for a leisurely stroll among its Jesuit cathedrals and churches before settling down for the night.

Day 3: San Ignacio - San Miguel - San Rafael - Santa Ana - San José

On the morning of our third day, we will rise early to explore the final Jesuit Missions. Our first destination is San Miguel, which features remnants of its 18th-century church that survived despite the destruction during conflicts between the Guarani Indigenous people and Spanish forces.

Our next visits will include San Rafael and Santa Ana, the last mission established by the Jesuits before their expulsion in 1767 by King Charles III. In these locations, the ruins, now overtaken by lush plant life, reflect a rich artistic and religious legacy.

We will also stop by local craft workshops, where artisans blend Jesuit and indigenous cultures in their traditional crafts. After some free time for lunch, we will continue to San José de Chiquitos, where we will spend the night.

Day 4: San José - Santa Cruz

Our final day begins with breakfast and a visit to the Jesuit complex of San José, which comprises a church, chapel, and bell tower. The Church of San José de Chiquitos, crafted from stone and limestone, continues to serve the community today. The impressive colonial-style decorations throughout the complex will captivate your imagination.

Following lunch, we will make our way back to Santa Cruz de la Sierra, with an estimated arrival time of around 5 pm.

Accommodation

This tour offers 3 nights' accommodation with breakfast at the following establishments:

Concepción: Hotel Concepción (3 stars) or similar.San Ignacio: Apartahotel San Ignacio (3 stars) or similar.San José de Chiquitos: Hotel Misiones de Chiquitos (3 stars) or similar.