Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
342-9939; adult/child B$10/5; 9am-6:30pm)
Santa Cruz' zoo has a collection of
native birds, mammals and reptiles kept in pleasingly humane conditions, although the lla-
mas are a bit overdressed for the climate. If you're not into going to the jungle, this is a
good place to see spectacular species such as tapirs, pumas, jaguars and spectacled bears.
Keep your eyes open for free-ranging sloths and squirrel monkeys in the trees.
Take
micro
(minibus)
55
from Calle Vallegrande, 76 from Calle Santa Bárbara or any-
thing marked 'Zoológico'. Taxis for up to four people cost around B$15 from the center.
MUSEUM
Museo Guaraní
(admission B$5; 8am-4pm Mon-Fri)
A small but fascinating and professionally
presented exhibition of Guaraní culture. Look for the animal masks and
tinajas
(huge clay
pots) used for making
chicha
. You'll need to knock on the gate for entry.
Take
micro
55 from Calle Vallegrande or 76 from Calle Santa Bárbara.
Aqualand
(half day B$35-50, full day B$50-70; 10am-6pm Thu-Sun May-Sep)
For a real splash,
dive into this water park near Viru-Viru airport, north of the city center. It can provide a
welcome relief from the stifling muggy heat in the city. The best way to get here is by taxi
(around B$30).
SWIMMING
BIOCENTRO GÜEMBE
A great place for a day out of Santa Cruz,
Biocentro Güembe
(
370-0700;
www.biocentroguembe.com
; Km 5,
Camino Porongo, Zona Urubó; adult/child B$90/50)
has a butterfly farm, orchid exhibitions, 15 natural pools,
sports facilities and you can go fishing and trekking in the surrounding forest. There's a restaurant with international
cuisine, so you won't go hungry, and cabins or camping if you wish to stay the night. Its a rough road out there, so
the best way to get here is by taxi from Santa Cruz; expect to pay around B$40. If it's a hot day get there early, the
place fills up fast!
