![Parque El Arenal (Arenal Park), Santa Cruz de la Sierra](/img/gd_attr/54166.jpg)
Parque El Arenal (Arenal Park), Santa Cruz de la Sierra (must see)
The Arenal Park is a historic and scenic recreational area located just a few blocks from the main square in Santa Cruz. This park is known for its distinctive lagoon, featuring a small island and surrounded by lush gardens, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Recently, the Municipal Government undertook a project to restore and enhance the park, which had been encroached upon by the expanding commercial area of the nearby Los Pozos market.
Historically, the Arenal lagoon served as a natural pond and a rainwater collector at the edge of the city during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was a communal space where children swam and fished, women washed clothes, and livestock from nearby provinces were watered. This blend of practical and recreational use made the lagoon a vital part of daily life in Santa Cruz. Over time, as the city expanded, the lagoon was transformed into a more structured park, offering stunning views and leisure activities like pedal-boat rides.
A notable feature of Arenal Park is the impressive bas-relief mural created by the renowned Bolivian artist Lorgio Vaca. This mural intricately depicts various historical and contemporary scenes from Santa Cruz, providing a visual narrative of the city's rich cultural heritage. The park also houses the Folklore Museum, which is set to reopen after renovations. This museum offers insights into the traditional arts, crafts, and customs of the region, further enriching the cultural experience for visitors.
Historically, the Arenal lagoon served as a natural pond and a rainwater collector at the edge of the city during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was a communal space where children swam and fished, women washed clothes, and livestock from nearby provinces were watered. This blend of practical and recreational use made the lagoon a vital part of daily life in Santa Cruz. Over time, as the city expanded, the lagoon was transformed into a more structured park, offering stunning views and leisure activities like pedal-boat rides.
A notable feature of Arenal Park is the impressive bas-relief mural created by the renowned Bolivian artist Lorgio Vaca. This mural intricately depicts various historical and contemporary scenes from Santa Cruz, providing a visual narrative of the city's rich cultural heritage. The park also houses the Folklore Museum, which is set to reopen after renovations. This museum offers insights into the traditional arts, crafts, and customs of the region, further enriching the cultural experience for visitors.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Parque El Arenal (Arenal Park) on Map
Sight Name: Parque El Arenal (Arenal Park)
Sight Location: Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia (See walking tours in Santa Cruz de la Sierra)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia (See walking tours in Santa Cruz de la Sierra)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia
Create Your Own Walk in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Creating your own self-guided walk in Santa Cruz de la Sierra is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Santa Cruz Introduction Walking Tour
Santa Cruz de la Sierra ('Holy Cross of the Mountain Range'), commonly known as Santa Cruz, is the largest city in Bolivia. Rooted in the country's eastern lowlands, Santa Cruz emerges as a compelling blend of historical depth and vibrant contemporary culture.
The city was originally founded in 1561 by the Spanish explorer Ñuflo de Chavez, some 200 km (124 miles) east of its... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
The city was originally founded in 1561 by the Spanish explorer Ñuflo de Chavez, some 200 km (124 miles) east of its... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles