San Ignacio de Velasco is a small city in the eastern lowlands of Bolivia, situated on the banks of the San Ignacio River. It is the capital of the Velasco Province and is known for its vibrant culture and scenic beauty. The city is a popular destination for travelers, offering a unique blend of colonial and indigenous culture, stunning scenery, and plenty of activities. Here are the top 20 places to see when visiting San Ignacio de Velasco.
1. San Ignacio Cathedral: This stunning 18th-century cathedral is the largest in the city and is the seat of the Diocese of San Ignacio de Velasco. The cathedral features a baroque-style façade, high bell tower, and a large interior with ornate decorations.
2. Plaza de Armas: This beautiful square is located in the center of the city and is surrounded by elegant buildings from the colonial era. The plaza is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops.
3. Iglesia de San Francisco: This 18th-century church is located near the Plaza de Armas and is known for its ornate interior and impressive altar. The church is a popular spot for religious ceremonies and is a popular tourist attraction.
4. Museo de Arte Religioso: This museum is located in the former convent of San Francisco and houses a large collection of religious art, including sculptures, paintings, and artifacts from the colonial era.
5. Iglesia de San Ignacio: This small church is located in the center of the city and is known for its unique architecture and colorful decorations. The church is a popular tourist attraction and is a popular spot for religious ceremonies.
6. San Ignacio Zoo: This small zoo is located on the outskirts of the city and is home to a variety of animals, including monkeys, tigers, and birds. The zoo is a popular spot for families and offers a variety of activities, including a petting zoo.
7. Mercado Municipal: This large market is located in the center of the city and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The market sells a variety of goods, including fruits, vegetables, and crafts.
8. Iglesia de San Miguel: This small church is located in the center of the city and is known for its colorful exterior and unique architecture. The church is a popular tourist attraction and is a popular spot for religious ceremonies.
9. El Mirador: This viewpoint is located on the outskirts of the city and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The viewpoint is a popular spot for visitors and locals alike and is a great spot for taking photos.
10. Iglesia de San Antonio: This 18th-century church is located near the Plaza de Armas and is known for its ornate interior and impressive altar. The church is a popular spot for religious ceremonies and is a popular tourist attraction.
11. Parque Nacional Noel Kempff Mercado: This national park is located in the eastern lowlands of Bolivia and is home to a variety of wildlife, including jaguars, monkeys, and birds. The park is a popular spot for visitors and offers a variety of activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and kayaking.
12. Cerro San Ignacio: This mountain is located on the outskirts of the city and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The mountain is a popular spot for visitors and locals alike and is a great spot for taking photos.
13. Iglesia de San Lorenzo: This small church is located in the center of the city and is known for its colorful exterior and unique architecture. The church is a popular tourist attraction and is a popular spot for religious ceremonies.
14. Parque Nacional Amboro: This national park is located in the eastern lowlands of Bolivia and is home to a variety of wildlife, including jaguars, monkeys, and birds. The park is a popular spot for visitors and offers a variety of activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and kayaking.
15. Iglesia de San Pedro: This 18th-century church is located near the Plaza de Armas and is known for its ornate interior and impressive altar. The church is a popular spot for religious ceremonies and is a popular tourist attraction.
16. Iglesia de San Juan: This small church is located in the center of the city and is known for its colorful exterior and unique architecture. The church is a popular tourist attraction and is a popular spot for religious ceremonies.
17. Iglesia de Santa Ana: This 18th-century church is located near the Plaza de Armas and is known for its ornate interior and impressive altar. The church is a popular spot for religious ceremonies and is a popular tourist attraction.
18. Parque Nacional Carrasco: This national park is located in the eastern lowlands of Bolivia and is home to a variety of wildlife, including jaguars, monkeys, and birds. The park is a popular spot for visitors and offers a variety of activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and kayaking.
19. Iglesia de San Francisco de Asis: This 18th-century church is located near the Plaza de Armas and is known for its ornate interior and impressive altar. The church is a popular spot for religious ceremonies and is a popular tourist attraction.
20. Plaza de los Heroes: This large plaza is located in the center of the city and is surrounded by elegant buildings from the colonial era. The plaza is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops.