UNESCO named towns of Chiquitos Intangible Heritage of Humanity, unlike other Jesuit towns are in ruins only Chiquitos still keeps its beautiful churches, musical scores, customs, costumes, parties, ceremonies , manufacture of instruments and musical tradition. These towns are San Xavier, Concepción, Santa Ana, San Rafael, San Miguel and San José de Chiquitos, plus San Ignacio de Velasco, Santiago de Chiquitos and Santo Corazón, which have not been included in the UNESCO declaration but are equally comparable attractiveness and rich heritage.

  

In America´s colonization, evangelism was undertaken by priests of religious orders, including the mostprominent who were the Jesuits and Franciscans, the first one, the religious Company of Jesus. Jesuit Missions undertaken the task of founding "reductions" and evangelize in America since 1540. Their work was frustated in 1767, the year in which the King of Spain ordered the Jesuit missionaries were expelled from their territories in America. In Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil, the work of the Jesuits significantly disappeared. However, Bolivia continued its work and has developed over generations until today. 

The architectural features and spatial distribution mission followed a pattern that was repeated with variations in the balance, the San Javier Mission was the basis of this style of organization, a modular structure and a large square of environment in which focused the church, cemetery, schools, shops and homes. 

Evangelization in these missions had great success using the Renaissance and Baroque music, evident proof of this is the successful International Festival of American Renaissance and Baroque Music "Misiones de Chiquitos", which takes place on a biennial basis in the international version.

Santa Cruz de la Sierra and its surroundings tourist attractions:

Metropolitan Cathedral. Built during Andrés de Santa Cruz presidency, replacing the old church that occupied the place, built in colonial times, the church today has an eclectic style and was designed by French architect Philippe Bestres. Inside is the Cathedral Museum, which contains pieces of historical and artistic wealth.

24 de Septiembre Square. Observed around colonial style buildings and major public buildings such as the prefecture, the municipality and Casa de la Cultura.

Noel Kempff Mercado Zoo. Where you can see several species of tropical fauna, is the largest Bolivia´s zoo.

Lomas de Arena. White sand dunes around lagoons where water sports are practiced.

Güembé Biocentre. Theme park with swimming pools, and a butterfly orchid, it´s also possible to rent cabins and halls for business presentations.

Cotoca. It is a small town 16 km from Santa Cruz de la Sierra, is home to the Shrine of Our Lady of Cotoca "Patron of Eastern Bolivia," is also important for its handicrafts and typical restaurants.

 

The department of Santa Cruz has major natural attractions such as the Bolivian Pantanal, Park Noel Kempff Mercado National Park Amboró, near the archaeological site of Samaipata.