Guirapembi Airport

Wild frontier landscapes and indigenous culture in Bolivia's deep south.

Cordillera is a vast province in the Santa Cruz Department of eastern Bolivia, stretching across rugged terrain that transitions from the foothills of the Andes into the lowland Chaco. It is one of the largest and most sparsely populated provinces in the country, characterized by dramatic canyons, dry forests, and rivers that carve through ancient landscapes.

The region is home to the Guaraní people, who have inhabited these lands for centuries and maintain vibrant cultural traditions. The town of Camiri serves as the provincial capital and economic hub, historically significant as the center of Bolivia's early oil industry. Nearby, the remote village of La Higuera draws visitors as the site where Ernesto 'Che' Guevara was captured and killed in 1967.

• •La Higuera — historically significant village where Che Guevara was captured in 1967.
• •Camiri — the provincial capital with oil heritage museums and local markets.
• •Serranía del Iñao National Park — protected dry forest with rare wildlife and hiking trails.
• •Río Parapetí — scenic river corridor important to Guaraní communities and local ecology.
• •Charagua — largest municipality in Bolivia and a center of Guaraní autonomy and culture.
• •Boyuibe — small frontier town serving as a gateway to the Gran Chaco wilderness.

Getting around: Public buses and shared minivans (trufis) connect Camiri and other towns to Santa Cruz city, with journeys taking several hours on mostly paved roads. Within the province, rural destinations are reached by infrequent local buses, hired 4WD vehicles, or motorcycle taxis. Roads into remote areas like La Higuera are unpaved and require high-clearance vehicles, especially after rain.

Best time: The dry season from May through October offers the most reliable road conditions and comfortable temperatures for exploring the province.

Local food: Try Guaraní-influenced dishes such as locro (a hearty meat and corn stew), grilled river fish, and chicha, a traditional fermented corn drink served at community gatherings.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.