Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos

Six mission towns were built in the 17th and 18th century by a small group of Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos. While Jesuit Missions in Paraguay and Argentina have subsequently fallen into ruin, their Bolivian equivalents remain a dynamic cultural force, set against a frontier-town scenery right out of Robert de Niro's 1986 film "The Mission."

These towns can be visited as part of a longer trip, or accomodation is offered in each. Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos is the largest and most well-known of these mission towns, although they all offer a stunning example of historic Spanish frontier architecture.

• Location: Santa Cruz department in eastern Bolivia
• Timing: 9am-noon & 3-6pm Tue-Sun
• Famous for: churches (templos) built in a distinctive and distinct style combining local and European architectural features
• Entry Fee: US$ 30
• Best Time To Visit: From May through October, when the weather is dryer, is the best time to visit. From November to March, severe downpours are possible.