Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Jesuit Missions Of The Chiquitos (1990). Six Surviving Mission Towns Founded By Jesuits From 1691, With Wooden Churches Blending Baroque And Local Chiquitano Art And Music, Still In Use; The Chiquitos Baroque Music Festival Is Held Every Two Years. · San Jose de Chiquitos, Santa Cruz

The Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos are a circuit of wooden mission churches in the hot Chiquitania lowlands of Santa Cruz department, roughly 4 to 6 hours by road from Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Jesuit priests founded the missions between 1691 and 1760 and taught the Chiquitano people music, carving and building. The Jesuits were expelled in 1767, but the churches stayed and are still used. San Javier was the first, Concepcion is the largest and best restored, Santa Ana is the most authentic, San Rafael has vivid paint, and San Jose de Chiquitos is the only one in stone. The towns are far apart and quiet, with few tourists and basic lodging, and wooden buildings need constant upkeep. Roads can be impassable in the rains. Go for the painted interiors, the living Baroque music and the slow pace, and plan with time and patience. Churches may be closed when you arrive, so ask the caretaker, and expect heat, dust and long drives between very small, friendly towns that rarely see a tour bus or a crowd at all.

Circuit of six wooden mission churches in the Chiquitania lowlands east of Santa Cruz, including San Javier, Concepcion, San Rafael, Santa Ana, San Miguel and San Jose de Chiquitos, San Jose de Chiquitos, Santa Cruz, Bolivia

Churches are usually open in the mornings and late afternoons, and many CLOSE at midday; some stay shut on certain days, so confirm locally. Entry is often FREE or a small donation. Services are held on Sundays and feast days, and visitors are welcome if quiet and respectful.

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