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Complete description:

This is our most required option to visit the Jesuit Missions of Chiquitanía (), which rich us today like the architectural and cultural legacy of the Jesuit purpose. Contrary to the abandoned ruins in bordering countries, the activity continues in these original churches, actually restored, being expressed in the mass, annual festivities, masks, typical costumes and rich traditions of native-Baroque origin. Scenario of the most Important American Renaissance Baroque Music Festival of the continent, the mission’s architecture, paintings and carvings introduce us to this epic converting process, and ancient splendor based on the plastic arts, the music and dances that are still enjoyable.

Day 1: We leave from Sta. Cruz or Samaipata in the morning, arriving at the town of San Javier (1691) for lunchtime in Restaurant Luiggi. Afternoons guided visit to the Mission ’s Church and School characterized by the ornamentation of their roofs and painted columns, almost all original, as well as the furniture. We will visit the Mission’s Museum of San Javier, with an interesting exhibition of furniture and music instruments characteristic of the Baroque made by native artisans. Also the colonial plaza and the Rock of the Apostles. We continue by crossing beautiful landscapes to Concepción, where we will spend the night in the Apart Hotel Las Misiones. Dinner in the Restaurant El Buen Gusto.

Day 2: After a tasty breakfast we continue trip until the mission’s triangle of Santa Ana (1755), San Rafael (1696) and San Miguel (1721), crossing the Dry Chiquitano Forest , unique in the world and endemic of . Firstly Santa Ana Town where the temple was erected by native hands after the expulsion of the Jesuit. Although being the modest of the circuit, it presents ceramic floors and mica covered walls, both originals, as well as the harp and a beautiful organ there. We will also visit the neighboring Museum of the Casa Española that exhibits anthropological, missional and colonial pieces. Simple lunch in a ¨Pensión¨ in front of the square. After lunch we will visit San Rafael , of rich ornamentation in cooked mica and with large post Jesuit canvas paintings in their sacristy. Subsequently San Miguel, with spectacular altar and engravings covered with golden leaves, without forgetting to visit the workshops of the artisans of San Miguel and San Pablo . We will arrive to San Ignacio (1748) to the evening, where who wants it can visit the illuminated temple. After some free time for Emailing or phoning, we will have dinner in the Hotel Las Misiones. Overnight in Apart Hotel San Ignacio.

Day 3: After breakfast we return, stopping in Concepción (1699). We will visit the Jesuit Church , with still the original roof tiles, walls and carvings. Also the Mission’s Museum of Concepción , rich in original pieces and with a room dedicated to restorer Architect Hans Roth. There is time to choose between the Anthropological Museum in Casa Española and the Orchids Nursery in Hotel Chiquitos, where we will have lunch. Other 5 hours to Sta. Cruz de la Sierra, stopping occasionally in beautiful places like Stones of the Paquió.

End of the trip. Unless you combined going with us for another week to visit Pantanal and southern Chiquitania from Noel Kempff National Park or continuing for two weeks after Santa Cruz on our tours through Samaipata, Sucre, Potosi and Uyuni Salt flat finishing in La Paz or returning by way of Cochabamba back to Santa Cruz.

(CH 03) Jesuit Missions of North Chiquitanía, Cultural Patrimony of Humanity (UNESCO).