Porongo

Founded in 1714, Porongo is one of the oldest towns in the Santa Cruz department. Its Church of the Holy Spouses and central plaza preserve colonial architecture, offering a peaceful and picturesque atmosphere.

Main attractions and activities

• Porongo Main Plaza

  The heart of the colonial town: ideal for strolling, visiting the Church of San Juan Bautista (18th century, declared National Heritage), and enjoying the local vibe. On Sundays, there is a craft fair and street food (empanadas, cuñapé, masaco).

• Church of San Juan Bautista

  Colonial façade and bell towers, restored interiors, and a peaceful setting to admire religious architecture.

• Espejillos Waterfalls and Pools (Guendá River)

  A few kilometers away, offering waterfalls, natural pools, and areas for camping and hiking.

• Porongo Viewpoint

  Located on a nearby hill, providing excellent panoramic views and memorable sunsets.

• Porongo Artisan Center

  Market with ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and workshops where you can buy native crafts and watch artisan demonstrations.

Recommended restaurants and gastronomy

• La Orilla de Porongo

  Country-style restaurant with cabins, natural pool, and French-Bolivian inspired cuisine. Ideal for lunches, camping, and family events.

• Mi Fortuna Ecopark & Farm

  Offers Brazilian, Argentine, and South American dishes in an ecological setting.

• Restaurant La Sierra

  Grilled meats and typical dishes in a relaxed, nature-surrounded atmosphere.

• Le Mayen (Tapekua Le Mayen)

  Swiss-French cuisine, with gourmet dishes like escargots and crème brûlée in an exclusive countryside setting.

• La Rinconada Ecopark & Resort

  Famous for the Bolivian Victoria (giant water lily), offers vegetarian/international cuisine in a natural environment.

• Ranas Porongo & Chifa Tang Fusion

  Mixed and international options—great for casual meals.

• Food Stalls at the Plaza

  Perfect for tasting empanadas, cuñapé, masaco (cassava with cheese), and somó, a traditional corn drink.

How to get there?

35 km west of Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Accessible by private vehicle via the Urubó highway or by shared taxis (trufis) from the city.

Distance from Santa Cruz: approximately 35 km; about 40 minutes by car.

Additional information

Tropical climate with average temperatures of 24°C. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to October, when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities.

If you want to experience a lively atmosphere, visit on Sundays or holidays. From Monday to Saturday, the main plaza tends to be quieter.