Santa Cruz del la Siera (Holy Cross of the hills) as one of the fastest growing cities in the world offers a huge range of cultures, foods, drinks, museums and exhibitions from Masaco (smashed plantain with charque) to Somó (white corn-based drink, served cold), Cathedral Museum of Sacred Art and the impressive façade of Casa de la Cultura Raul Otero Reiche. It is said in Santa Cruz that in days gone by the Aña (spirits of the darkness) took pleasure in the torture and killing of humans. A beautiful woman married to the God Colibri (hummingbird) was pregnant and set to give birth to a son who would grow to punish them for their sins and so the Aña set forth to kill her. With a flying seat given to her by her husband (got to love these stories!), she fled, but was followed and harassed everywhere she went until she took to hiding in the trunk of a toborochi tree where she finally gave birth to her boy who fulfilled the prophecy and avenged his mother who had to live her remaining days trapped inside the tree. Her soul still trapped takes form of the beautiful flower that grows from the toborochi attracting hummingbirds and so forever keeps contact with her devoted husband –who being a God should have done something more to protect her other than a flying chair!. Close to Santa Cruz can be found the Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos where you can experience visits to museums, local workshops, various concerts, native dances, high masses, processions, crafts festivals, and local cuisine. Tourism is a key stone in supporting the region and maintaining a way of life not witnessed anywhere beyond. Natural attractions like rivers, lagoons, hot springs, caves and waterfalls can also be explored in this quaint, picturesque area. 120km Southwest of Santa Cruz sits the small town Sampaipata, one of the most prominent wine regions in Bolivia. A very popular retreat for people looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the tranquility offered here and the close proximity of Bolivia’s largest pre-Inca site El Fuerte de Samaipata, a declaired world heritage site by UNESO. With great connecting bus routes and a short trip from Amboro National Park makes the region of Santa Cruz a region not to be missed on your adventure through Bolivia.