
Major Highways & Driving Tips in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia
1. Ruta 4 (Santa Cruz - Coroico Highway)
The main highway connecting Santa Cruz to the Amazon region and Yungas, with stunning views of the Andes and jungle.
- Scenic Route: Offers breathtaking panoramic views of mountains and rainforests.
- Long Journey: Requires careful driving due to its length and winding roads.
- Altitude Changes: Experiences significant altitude changes from Santa Cruz to the Yungas.
2. Ruta 9 (Santa Cruz - La Paz Highway)
The highway connecting Santa Cruz with La Paz, capital city of Bolivia. It is an essential route for travellers going to or from the west.
- Mountainous Road: Features challenging mountain passes and sharp curves.
- Altitude Changes: Experiences significant altitude changes from Santa Cruz to La Paz, with potential for altitude sickness.
- Long-distance Travel: Requires planning and precautions for long-distance travel due to the remoteness of some areas.
3. Ruta 10 (Santa Cruz - Villamontes Highway)
This highway connects Santa Cruz with the northeastern region of Bolivia and Argentina. It is essential for travellers going to or from the east.
- Border Crossing: Includes border crossings with Argentina.
- Desert Landscape: Travels through the Chaco region, a vast desert landscape.
- Remote Regions: Passes through remote and sparsely populated areas.
4. Ruta 31 (Santa Cruz - Puerto Suárez Highway)
Connects Santa Cruz with the Brazilian border and the city of Puerto Suárez. It is crucial for travellers going to or from the south.
- Border Crossing: Includes a crossing into Brazil.
- Tropical Climate: Travels through the humid, tropical climate of the Gran Chaco.
- Remote Regions: Passes through remote and sparsely populated areas.
5. Ruta 3 (Santa Cruz - Yapacaní Highway)
An essential highway connecting Santa Cruz with the Amazon region. It offers a glimpse into indigenous cultures.
- Indigenous Cultures: Passes through various communities of indigenous people.
- Remote Regions: Travels through remote and sparsely populated areas.
- Unpaved Roads: Some sections of the road may be unpaved, requiring careful driving.
6. Ruta 32 (Santa Cruz - Warnes Highway)
Connects Santa Cruz with the southern city of Warnes, and essential for travellers going to or from the south.
- Tropical Climate: Travels through the humid, tropical climate of the Gran Chaco.
- Remote Regions: Passes through remote and sparsely populated areas.
- Unpaved Roads: Some sections of the road may be unpaved, requiring careful driving.
7. Ruta 34 (Santa Cruz - San Javier Highway)
Connects Santa Cruz with the city of San Javier and the Parque Nacional Amboró. Essential for nature enthusiasts.
- National Park: Leads to the Amboró National Park, a biodiversity hotspot.
- Remote Regions: Travels through remote and sparsely populated areas.
- Unpaved Roads: Some sections of the road may be unpaved, requiring careful driving.
8. Ruta 35 (Santa Cruz - San Ramón Highway)
Connects Santa Cruz with the city of San Ramón and essential for travellers going to or from the east.
- Remote Regions: Passes through remote and sparsely populated areas.
- Unpaved Roads: Some sections of the road may be unpaved, requiring careful driving.
- Indigenous Cultures: Passes through various communities of indigenous people.
9. Ruta 36 (Santa Cruz - Concepción Highway)
Connects Santa Cruz with the city of Concepción and essential for travellers going to or from the east.
- Remote Regions: Passes through remote and sparsely populated areas.
- Unpaved Roads: Some sections of the road may be unpaved, requiring careful driving.
- Indigenous Cultures: Passes through various communities of indigenous people.
10. Ruta 37 (Santa Cruz - San Ignacio Highway)
Connects Santa Cruz with the city of San Ignacio and essential for travellers going to or from the east.
- Remote Regions: Passes through remote and sparsely populated areas.
- Unpaved Roads: Some sections of the road may be unpaved, requiring careful driving.
- Indigenous Cultures: Passes through various communities of indigenous people.
11. Ruta 47 (Santa Cruz - Yucumã Highway)
Connects Santa Cruz with the city of Yucumã and essential for travellers going to or from the south.
- Remote Regions: Passes through remote and sparsely populated areas.
- Unpaved Roads: Some sections of the road may be unpaved, requiring careful driving.
- Tropical Climate: Travels through the humid, tropical climate of the Gran Chaco.
12. Ruta 48 (Santa Cruz - Villa Montes Highway)
Connects Santa Cruz with the city of Villa Montes and essential for travellers going to or from the south.
- Remote Regions: Passes through remote and sparsely populated areas.
- Unpaved Roads: Some sections of the road may be unpaved, requiring careful driving.
- Tropical Climate: Travels through the humid, tropical climate of the Gran Chaco.
13. Ruta 49 (Santa Cruz - Porongo Highway)
Connects Santa Cruz with the city of Porongo and essential for travellers going to or from the east.
- Remote Regions: Passes through remote and sparsely populated areas.
- Unpaved Roads: Some sections of the road may be unpaved, requiring careful driving.
- Indigenous Cultures: Passes through various communities of indigenous people.
14. Ruta 50 (Santa Cruz - Samaipata Highway)
Connects Santa Cruz with the city of Samaipata and essential for travellers going to or from the south.
- Mountainous Road: Features challenging mountain passes and sharp curves.
- Remote Regions: Passes through remote and sparsely populated areas.
- Historical Site: Leads to the archaeological site of El Fuerte de Samaipata.