Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos

The Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos comprise six churches constructed from local wood, featuring European baroque architecture combined with native Bolivian craftsmanship.

Spanish Jesuit priests established these settlements between 1691 and 1767 to convert indigenous tribes, creating self-sufficient communities in eastern Bolivia's unexplored territories.

The missions maintain a tradition of baroque music performance, hosting international festivals that showcase compositions from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Visitors can explore all six missions through a four-day circuit starting from San José, with local guides providing detailed information at each location.

These missions remain intact with active communities, unlike other South American Jesuit settlements that fell into ruins after the order's expulsion.

Location: Santa Cruz Department

GPS coordinates: -16.27480,-62.50720

Latest update: May 27, 2025 11:35