population: 2.67 million

extension: 1,344.36 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Santa Cruz de la Sierra and interested in visiting museums, a great place to start is the Museum of Ethnography and Folklore (Museo Etnográfico y Folklore). This museum features exhibits on the cultural history of Bolivia's indigenous people. Other museums in the area include the Sacred Art Museum (Museo de Arte Sacro), which showcases religious art and artifacts, and the Noel Kempff Mercado Natural History Museum (Museo de Historia Natural Noel Kempff Mercado), which has exhibits on the flora and fauna of the region.

If you're interested in similar types of museums in the area, you might also enjoy the Bolivian Museum of Contemporary Art (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Boliviano) or the Museum of History of Santa Cruz (Museo Histórico de Santa Cruz).

Food

Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia according to local people include:

1. Majadito: A dish made with rice, beef jerky, onion, tomato, and spices.

2. Locro: A stew made with corn, potatoes, meat, and other vegetables.

3. Picana: A hearty soup made with beef, corn, and potatoes.

4. Chicharrón: Fried pork served with yucca or potatoes.

5. Silpancho: A dish made with flattened and fried beef, served with rice, potatoes, and salad.

6. Cuñapé: A savory bread made from cassava starch and cheese.

7. Empanadas: Pastries filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.

8. Sopaipillas: Fried dough usually served as a snack or breakfast food.

9. Api con pastel: A drink made from purple corn, cinnamon, and sugar, served with a pastry.

10. Tostones: Fried plantains usually served as a side dish.

Keep in mind that there are many other delicious and traditional dishes in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, so be sure to explore and try different foods during your visit!

Activities

Sure, here are some fun activities that locals enjoy in Santa Cruz de la Sierra:

1. Visit the Biocentro Güembé: It's a beautiful nature reserve with pools, waterfalls, and zip lines. You can spend the day swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

2. Explore the historic center: Take a stroll through the streets of the city center and admire the architecture of the colonial buildings, like the Catedral de Santa Cruz and the Casa de la Cultura.

3. Go shopping at the street markets: Visit local markets like the Mercado Los Pozos or the Feria Barrio Lindo to buy souvenirs, food, and handicrafts made by local artisans.

4. Have a traditional meal: Taste some of the delicious Bolivian dishes like salteñas, cuñapés, or chicharrón, which are popular among the locals.

5. Enjoy the nightlife: Santa Cruz has a vibrant nightlife scene with many bars, clubs, and restaurants where you can dance, drink, and socialize with the friendly locals.