Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ATMs: try the Banco Mercantil, Av Moreno and Figueroa, or the Banco de Santa Cruz, just
west of the plaza on Junín.
Bookshops
Lewy Libros, Junín 229, has a limited stock of English-language books.
Cultural centres
Centro Cultural Franco Aléman, Plaza 24 de Septiembre ( 03 3350142,
ccfrancoaleman.org
)
: French-German complex with a multilingual library, café, and cul-
tural centre with an extensive programme of events. Manzana 1, behind the cathedral on
Calle Independencia ( 03 3395792,
manzanauno.org.bo
): regular exhibitions from do-
mestic and international artists.
Hospital
Clinica Lourdes, Moreno and Pari ( 03 3325518), is a good place to go if you
need a doctor. For emergencies, head to Hospital San Juan de Dios Cuéllar with España
( 03 3332222), or Hospital Japonés, 3rd Anillo, close to junction with Conavi ( 03
3462031).
Internet
Numerous cyber cafés (all around Bs4/hr) can be found on the first floor of Bolívar
Shopping, the arcade on the east side of the plaza.
Laundry
Lavandería La Paz, La Paz 42, offers a same-day service (Bs15/kg).
Outdoor equipment
Caza y Pesca El Aventurero, at Arenales 150, has quality imported
equipment.
Pharmacy
Farmacia Gutierrez, just off Plaza 24 de Septiembre 21 de Mayo 76 (and Junín).
Daily 9am-9pm.
Post office
Correo Central, just northwest of Plaza 24 de Septiembre on Junín.
Spanish lessons
Jodanga Backpackers' Hostel offers good value language classes (Bs50/hr
guests, Bs70 non-guests), as does Residencial Bolívar.
Telephone office
The main ENTEL office is on Warnes and Av Moreno.
Buena Vista
Some 100km northwest of Santa Cruz lies the peaceful little town of
BUENA VISTA
, the
northern gateway to
Parque Nacional Amboró
. Raised slightly above the plains, the town
is aptly named, enjoying good views of the densely-forested mountain slopes of Amboró.
Buena Vista is a popular summer retreat for weekenders from Santa Cruz, though during the
week it remains a sleepy place. The town was originally founded in 1694 as a
Jesuit mission
.
Sadly, the eighteenth-century Jesuit church was demolished in the 1960s and replaced by the
unattractive modern brick structure that stands today.
