How do you want to travel?

MOTORCYCLE TOURS
OFFROAD TOURS
SAFARI
Three motorcyclists ride a paved highway across the altiplano toward a snow capped volcano

MOTORCYCLE-TRIPS · BOLIVIA 

Bolivia Motorcycle Trip: The Jesuit Mission

The “Bolivia Motorcycle Journey: The Jesuit Mission by Motorcycle” is a compact motorcycle tour through the breathtaking lowlands of Bolivia (Chiquitania), combining driving fun with cultural and natural experiences.

How long? 10 Days
When? Spring, Autumn
Price € 2,900 / Person

The Journey

The Jesuit Mission Motorcycle Tour

This tour is perfect for motorcyclists seeking an adventure trip through Bolivia, especially those who appreciate photography and cultural highlights. The difficulty level is "Easy", ideal for participants with little to no experience on gravel roads who still want to venture on an exciting off-road Bolivia tour. The "Mission" tour leads to the impressive, 300-year-old Jesuit missions, the only ones still preserved in South America. These seven fascinating mission churches, which have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1991, are a highlight for any culture enthusiast. Highest riding summit: 1,650m (Samaipata). In addition to the cultural aspects, the Chiquitania region offers a variety of natural attractions that can be perfectly integrated into a motorcycle trip through Bolivia. For adventurers aged 30 to 60, this is an ideal opportunity to experience a motorcycle holiday in Bolivia while discovering the scenic and historical highlights of the country. A motorcycle expedition in South America is always a special experience. With our experienced tour guide, this journey will also be safe and well-organized despite the challenges on-site - such as fuel shortages or unforeseen changes. Such expeditions combine the appeal of an adventure holiday for adults with the opportunity to experience Bolivia's breathtaking landscapes and rich culture. Flexibility is key to make the most of this South America motorcycle adventure.

A motorcyclist rides through a rainstorm on a muddy jungle trail, a pickup truck following behind Three motorcyclists ride a paved highway across the altiplano toward a snow capped volcano Motorcyclists cross a wooden suspension bridge over a dry riverbed toward stone towers Stone columned arcades border a cobblestone plaza with colonial buildings Twin white bell towers with red tiled domes rise against a stormy sky Bolivia Motorcycle Trip: The Jesuit Mission
Key Highlights of the Trip

Key Highlights of the Trip

01 Discover the UNESCO El Fuerte
01
Discover the UNESCO El Fuerte
Dive into the history of the ancient Inca city of El Fuerte, a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site.
02 San Javier: Experience Jesuit Mission
02
San Javier: Experience Jesuit Mission
Visit the first Jesuit mission church in San Javier and feel the historic charm of the region.
03 San José de Chiquitos Highlights
03
San José de Chiquitos Highlights
Experience charming villages, the principles of the Jesuits, and impressive churches in the rural idyll.
04 Holy Springs of Aguas Calientes
04
Holy Springs of Aguas Calientes
Enjoy a relaxing time at the hot river Aguas Calientes, where small fish offer a soothing massage.
05 Adventurous view in Chochis
05
Adventurous view in Chochis
The spectacular view from the Cumbre de Santiago over the Amazon and the mysterious rock formations is unforgettable. This impressive backdrop combines breathtaking nature with the feeling of freedom during the motorcycle ride. Let yourself be inspired by the landscape and capture scenic moments with your camera as you discover new horizons.
Motorcycle Tours
Days 1-10
A motorcyclist rides through a rainstorm on a muddy jungle trail, a pickup truck following behind
Pickup at the airport in Viru viru, Santa Cruz

Pickup at the airport in Viru viru, Santa Cruz

Your motorcycle trip through Bolivia to the Jesuit missions begins today. We will pick you up at the airport in Santa Cruz/Bolivia and then drive to the small town of Samaipata (120 km, 2.5 hours). There we will check into a comfortable hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing and exploring. If your flight arrives late, you will need to spend the night in Santa Cruz. In this case, the following day will be counted as Day 1.

Motorcyclists cross a wooden suspension bridge over a dry riverbed toward stone towers
Samaipata

Samaipata

We begin with an introduction in which we learn more about safe driving, our route, local traffic regulations, and each other. To get accustomed to our motorcycles, we ride to the archaeological site "El Fuerte". This ancient Inca city, which has developed around the much older largest stone sculpture in the Americas, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Some believe it to be an ancient alien landing field!

Stone columned arcades border a cobblestone plaza with colonial buildings
To San Javier (elevation 540 m)

To San Javier (elevation 540 m)

Early in the morning, we start our tour on a winding asphalt road towards Santa Cruz. After leaving the traffic behind, we cross the Rio Grande over a huge modern bridge that runs parallel to the old railway/road bridge from 1959 in Puerto Paila. After two hours of relaxed driving, we stop to admire the impressive mission church of San Javier.

Twin white bell towers with red tiled domes rise against a stormy sky
To San Ignacio de Velasco (altitude 410 m)

To San Ignacio de Velasco (altitude 410 m)

In San Javier we visit the first Jesuit mission church with a museum from 1752, then Concepcion, the capital of the missions, where we visit the majestic church. After lunch, we drive through farming communities and take a special gravel road that leads to a mysterious black rock in the jungle. The next stop is the fully restored mission church in San Ignacio. For the rest of the afternoon, we can swim in a nearby lake or observe local life in the main plaza.

Three motorcyclists ride a paved highway across the altiplano toward a snow capped volcano
To San José de Chiquitos

To San José de Chiquitos

After breakfast, the gravel road part of the tour begins, and with a bit of luck, we might see some capybaras (large rodents) on our way to the small village of San Miguel, where time passes more leisurely. We visit a wood art workshop and of course the mission church. The next destination on our route is the impressive mission church of San Rafael, whose contents have been preserved for 300 years. After a photo stop, we continue our journey to the hidden Santa Anna mission (optional excursion, depending on group agreement). For lunch, we stop at a Mennonite religious center's inn. In the late afternoon, we reach our destination: San José de Chiquitos. A photo of the mission church is a must.

Tour expert

Questions about the tour itinerary?

Our tour guide is happy to answer any questions about the day-by-day route, stops, and details.

A motorcyclist rides through a rainstorm on a muddy jungle trail, a pickup truck following behind
Santiago de Chiquitos (Altitude 620 m)

Santiago de Chiquitos (Altitude 620 m)

In the morning we drive on the highway towards Brazil on a well-developed asphalt road to the small village of Chochis. No excursion would be complete without a view of the huge 180 m high rock that stands alone and dominates the landscape. After a short visit to the sanctuary, we reach our hotel in Santiago de Chiquitos, the last mission church of the tour. This last church is architecturally different from the others, but just as spectacular to photograph. In the afternoon we drive to the "Aguas Calientes," a hot river with magical powers. Here we are nibbled by hundreds of little fish, which many visitors perceive as a massage.

Motorcyclists cross a wooden suspension bridge over a dry riverbed toward stone towers
To San José de Chiquitos

To San José de Chiquitos

In the morning we drive to the viewpoint Cumbre de Santiago. Here we are presented with the sharp transition into the Amazon basin, surrounded by mysterious phallic rock formations - a panorama that should not be missed. After lunch, we return to San José de Chiquitos.

Stone columned arcades border a cobblestone plaza with colonial buildings
Samaipata

Samaipata

We are driving back on the highway towards Brazil, crossing the Rio Grande and heading towards the metropolis of Santa Cruz. One last special ride awaits us: a very narrow suspension bridge. Caution, it sways! On a winding mountain road, accompanied by wonderful memories and experiences, we head back to Samaipata. The hotel pool is already waiting for us …

Twin white bell towers with red tiled domes rise against a stormy sky
After Santa Cruz

After Santa Cruz

Late in the morning, we make our way to Santa Cruz, where we can spend the day relaxing in the plaza and buying souvenirs. In the evening, we enjoy our farewell dinner.

Three motorcyclists ride a paved highway across the altiplano toward a snow capped volcano
To the airport

To the airport

It is always sad to say goodbye. But who knows? You wouldn't be the first to come back.

Want a detailed description of all tour days?

Our expert will walk you through the full itinerary and answer all your questions.

Verified Reviews

What riders say about Motorcycle-trips in Bolivia

5.0

2 reviews

Dirk B.

The motorcycle tour through the Jesuit mission in Bolivia offers a moderate challenge with a clear structure. The difficulty level is classified as "easy," whic...

Translated from German · Show original

Die Motorradtour durch die Jesuitenmission in Bolivien bietet eine moderate Herausforderung mit einer klaren Struktur. Der Schwierigkeitsgrad ist als „leicht“ eingestuft, was die Fahrt durch die beeindruckende Chiquitania zugänglich macht. Besonders bemerkenswert ist die Routenführung, die kunstvoll zu den Jesuitenmissionen in San Javier und San José de Chiquitos führt und dennoch genügend Zeit für Fotografie und Erkundungen an Highlights wie den heiligen Quellen von Aguas Calientes lässt. Die Kombination aus eindrucksvoller Landschaft und kulturellem Erbe fördert ein umfassendes Verständnis der Region.

Dirk B.

Sebastian S.

The motorcycle trip through Bolivia's Chiquitania was clearly structured and well organized. Before the daily stages, such as the visit to the Jesuit mission in...

Translated from German · Show original

Die Motorradreise durch Boliviens Chiquitania war klar strukturiert und gut organisiert. Vor den täglichen Etappen, wie dem Besuch der Jesuitenmission in San Javier, gab es präzise Briefings, die uns auf die Routenführung und die Unterkunft vorbereiteten.

Sebastian S.
See all reviews for this tour
Offroad adventure

PRICE

from

€ 2,900 / person

Price Options

per motorcyclist in double room € 2,900
per accompanying person in a double room € 1,820

Additional Options

Surcharge for single room / Person € 280

Trip includes

  • Rental motorcycle: Suzuki DR650SE including SOAT insurance and fuel
  • 3 meals per day
  • All accommodation in double rooms
  • Airport transfers
  • Multilingual guide on the motorcycle (The guide speaks five languages)
  • Support vehicle (also for luggage transport starting from 3 participants)
  • Admission fees
  • Medically trained guide according to IERCC
  • Travel security certificate (bankruptcy protection according to BGB §651r) is mandatory for all OVERCROSS trips.

FAQS

  • What motorcycles are used?
    Specially prepared new Suzuki DR650SE Dual Sport motorcycles (models 2018/2024) are used.
  • How long does the tour last?
    It lasts a total of 10 days.
OVERCROSS note on itinerary
The above travel description is a non-binding online proposal and does not represent a binding travel itinerary. We expressly reserve the right to make changes to the route, schedule, and accommodations (§ 651d BGB in conjunction with Art. 250 EGBGB). The terms and conditions of OVERCROSS apply.
Terms and Conditions of OVERCROSS

Similar Adventures

motorcycle-trips
6 tours
from € 2,900

How did you
hear about us?

Adventure truck Road path Palm tree
Ask a Route Expert