Chiquitania, Transitional plains between Gran Chaco and Amazon in Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Chiquitania is a transitional landscape between the Gran Chaco and the Amazon in Bolivia's lowlands, stretching across hundreds of kilometers. The region displays a mosaic of seasonal tropical forests, open grasslands, and wet savannas that flow into one another.
Spanish Jesuits established a network of mission towns in the 16th century to convert indigenous populations to Christianity. These settlements left lasting religious and urban structures that shaped the region's character for centuries.
The name comes from Spanish conquistadors who misunderstood small doorways in local houses as evidence of short stature among the inhabitants. This confusion became the lasting name for the entire region.
Most visitors arrive through Santa Cruz airport, from which roads connect to communities throughout the region. The dry season provides easier travel and better chances to observe wildlife in their natural surroundings.
Jaguars and tapirs roam across the different forest types and grasslands of this region, demonstrating its ecological richness. Spotting these animals remains rare, but their presence underscores the importance of these habitats for endangered species.
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